With the draft set to commence later this month, NFL general managers around the league are still working on the first round of free agency as well as getting their draft boards set.
While most of the top-tier free agents have already been signed, there is still plenty of activity in both free agency and in other transactions. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest NFL stories of the week.
Arians Out, Bowles In
In a shocking development, Bruce Arians has decided to step out of coaching and into a front-office position with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His replacement is a familiar name in Tampa Bay as it is defensive coordinator Todd Bowles taking over the helm.
Arians commented that he wanted to see Bowles set up to succeed in taking over the reins, which is far more likely to happen now that quarterback Tom Brady has come out of retirement.
It is impossible to know if that is completely accurate given the reports that Brady and Arians did not see eye to eye, but this still sets up well for both Bowles and offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich.
Bowles and Leftwich were two of the hottest coaching candidates this offseason, but neither were originally able to land a head coaching spot. Now, Bowles takes over in Tampa Bay while Leftwich gets more autonomy and control in the offense with Arians out.
As head coach, Bowles’ defensive coordinator contract is being replaced by a new five-year deal, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Looking ahead to next season, the Buccaneers currently have the second-best odds of winning the Super Bowl at +700.
Could Another Key Piece Return To Tampa Bay
Shortly after the news broke of Bowles taking over as head coach, defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh tweeted congratulations to Bowles and indicated that the team might still be one talented player short.
Obviously, the suggested one player is Suh, and the 35-year-old certainly has been effective with Tampa Bay and would be a returnee for a defense that ranked seventh in points allowed per game (20.7).
Last season, Suh played in all 17 games and amassed 27 tackles (seven for loss), six sacks, one fumble recovery, and 13 quarterback hits.
Rams Bring In Wagner
On Thursday, future Hall-of-Fame Bobby Wagner made his decision on a new team, and the 31-year-old is signing with the defending Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the deal is worth $50 million over five years, although there are bonuses that could pay him an additional $15 million.
Wagner has spent all 10 of his years to this point with the division rival Seattle Seahawks, but he now moves to Los Angeles, where he is originally from.
Last season, with Seattle, Wagner played in 16 games and had 170 tackles, one sack, one interception, and a forced fumble.
In their championship season, the Rams ranked ninth in scoring defense, allowing just 21.3 points per game. With Wagner in the fold, they may even be stronger now.
The Rams currently have the fourth-best odds of winning the Super Bowl this upcoming season at +1100.
Njoku Looking For Extension
According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, it appears that the Cleveland Browns and tight end David Njoku are discussing a contract extension. This would likely come as a reprieve for the 25-year-old Njoku, as the team had previously used the franchise tag on him.
Last season, Njoku played in 16 games and had 36 receptions for 475 yards and four touchdowns.
With Deshaun Watson now in the mix under center, Njoku could potentially play an even larger role for an offense that last year ranked 20th in points per game at 20.5.
The Browns have the fifth-best odds of winning the AFC this year at +1000 and are +1800 to win the Super Bowl.
Keep up with your latest NFL news coverage and betting pick previews at NJSportsbookReview.com.