Bills create cap space by restructuring A.J. Epenesa, DaQuan Jones contracts Nick Wojton On the brink of the 2024 NFL regular season, Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane gave himself a little wiggle room on the salary cap incase a move comes during the upcoming year. According to ESPN’s Field Yates, the team has restructured the contracts of pass rusher AJ Epenesa and defensive tackle DaQuan Jones. Reportedly the moves have opened $2,78 million in salary cap space: The Bills restructured the contracts of DE A.J. Epenesa and DT DaQuan Jones, creating $2.78M in cap space. The 49ers restructured the contract of DT Maliek Collins, creating $5.432M in cap space. Buffalo was tight to the cap, while San Francisco sticks with its trend of moving… — Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 3, 2024 Prior to restructuring, Over The Cap had the Bills over the current salary cap. Now updated, Buffalo as $2.7M in cap space moving forward. Both Epenesa and Jones re-signed in Buffalo this offseason. Epenesa inked a two-year , $12M deal this spring which was followed by Jones’ two-year, $16M extension. Beane likely does not have a pending move in mind, but he has not been scared to make in-season moves which require salary cap space. In 2023, Buffalo traded for cornerback Rasul Douglas at the trade deadline. Bills Wire will provide all roster and salary cap updates throughout the 2024 season. Read all the best Bills coverage at the Democrat and Chronicle and Bills Wire.
Bills create cap space by restructuring A.J. Epenesa, DaQuan Jones contracts
Phinsider Question Of The Day: Your Jaguars Vs Dolphins Predictions
Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images Our Miami Dolphins will finally kick off their regular season this Sunday afternoon at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars, their interstate opponent. Fan Duel has Miami entering this week’s game as the favorite by a field goal margin over the Jags. While I expected that the line would be a bit larger, the sports book basically has the Dolphins at even odds, considering that this is a home game for the Phins. Perhaps the oddsmakers are a bit more conservative at the beginning of the season when we don’t know what most teams will be this season until we have seen them each play a few times. So this evening’s Phinsider Question Of The Day is: What is your prediction for who will win this week’s game between your Miami Dolphins and the Jacksonville Jaguars? What is your prediction for this week’s final score? Please give us your answers and thoughts on the question of the day in the comments section below-
Jack Driscoll rejoins Eagles after preseason stint with Miami Dolphins
Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Driscoll was projected to boost the offensive line but the Miami Dolphins went in a different direction. The Miami Dolphins faced a pressing need on the offensive line after losing center Connor Williams and left guard Robert Hunt to free agency. Miami hoped Jack Driscoll would provide a boost entering his fifth season, but the team ultimately went in a different direction. The Dolphins opted for guards Lester Cotton and Robert Jones, releasing Driscoll to make room on the 53-man roster for wide receiver Grant DuBose. About a week later, Driscoll, 27, rejoined the Philadelphia Eagles Tuesday, the team that originally drafted him in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Miami listed Jones and Liam Eichenberg as the starting guards, while Cotton is slotted as the second-string option. Isaiah Wynn begins the season on the physically unable to perform list. The Dolphins also have guard Chasen Hines stashed on the practice squad for the second consecutive season. In other roster moves, running back Chris Brooks signed with the Green Bay Packers practice squad. The 2023 undrafted free agent from BYU was waived by the Dolphins with an injury settlement in late August after suffering a preseason concussion.
Eagles practice squad news: Jack Driscoll’s return is 1 of 4 moves
Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images More changes to Philadelphia’s scout team. The Philadelphia Eagles officially announced four transactions on Tuesday evening. Here’s an overview: OL Jack Driscoll and WR Kyle Philips were signed to the practice squad. S Caden Sterns and TE Kevin Foelsch were released from the practice squad. Let’s sort through this news on a player-by-player basis. JACK DRISCOLL Driscoll left Philly in free agency earlier this offseason to sign with the Miami Dolphins. He made their initial 53-man roster but then got cut to make room for a waiver claim. The Eagles getting Driscoll back is nice considering he brings experience (17 starts over 54 career games played) and versatility (snaps at both guard and tackle) to the table. Driscoll had a rough go filling in at right tackle for Lane Johnson against the New York Jets last season … but he looked more capable in a win over the Buffalo Bills. There are certainly worse offensive line depth options to have around. KYLE PHILIPS Philips, 25, is a new addition to the Eagles. The UCLA alumnus was a fifth-round pick (No. 163 overall) by the Tennessee Titans in the 2022 NFL Draft. In 196 career offensive snaps played, Philips has logged 35 targets for 23 receptions, 259 yards (11.3 average), and zero touchdowns. He also has nine punt returns for 85 yards (9.4 average). Seems like a potential replacement option if Britain Covey gets injured. CADEN STERNS A little curious to see Sterns get cut after the Eagles originally added him to their 90-man roster knowing he was hurt and wouldn’t be able to practice. Maybe he’ll be back at some point? Or maybe the injury concerns are a bigger issue than originally expected? KEVIN FOELSCH Foelsch was recently re-signed to be a third tight end on the Eagles’ practice squad. And now he’s gone again. EAGLES PRACTICE SQUAD OL Jack Driscoll WR Kyle Philips WR Griffin Hebert DB JT Woods WR Parris Campbell RB Tyrion Davis-Price OL Nick Gates QB Will Grier DT Gabe Hall TE E.J. Jenkins C Dylan McMahon WR Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint S Andre’ Sam LB Brandon Smith TE Jack Stoll T/G Brett Toth OT Laekin Vakalahi (international exemption)
Giants’ RB Devin Singletary ready for challenge of replacing Saquon Barkley
Devin Singletary | Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports Singletary says he feels “no pressure” because of who wore No. 26 before him New York Giants running back Devin Singletary isn’t fazed by the task of stepping into big shoes by replacing former Giants star Saquon Barkley, who is now with the Philadelphia Eagles. “For me, it’s playing ball. I’ve been doing this my whole life,” Singletary said Tuesday. “So, just be myself and go out there and have fun, but no pressure.” As Singletary steps into the role previously held by Barkley, all eyes will be on him to see how he handles the pressure. Singletary is eager to showcase his talents to the Giants’ fan base. “Very excited,” he said. “I’m trying not to be too anxious. I’m very excited.” When asked what sets him apart from others, Singletary pointed to his mental toughness. “Mentally, I guess. I don’t know him [Barkley] personally, but I feel like my mental has always set me apart from a lot of people,” he said. Having played for the Buffalo Bills when head coach Brian Daboll was offensive coordinator there, Singletary expressed confidence in his role within the offense. “I’m very comfortable. I’d say just ready to get to it, ready to do whatever they need me to do so we can get some wins,” he said. With two crucial games right at the beginning of the season, Singletary acknowledged the added pressure. “Definitely want to get off to a fast start, starting this week,” he said. “We got a good opponent, good defense, a lot of pressure going to be coming our way, but definitely want to get off to a good start.” Singletary and the Giants are preparing to face a Minnesota Vikings team known for their aggressive defense. “I feel like they’re going to pressure us either way if we are running it or not,” Singletary said. “That’s just what they do. That’s what they’ve been known to do. But if we can get the run game going, that’ll definitely be helpful.”
Cooper Kupp reveals new role as kicker for the Rams kickoff team
Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images The veteran receiver confirmed his new position Monday on his podcast The NFL will be implementing a new kickoff set up this season. Due to rule changes that may force the kicker to be potentially more involved in stopping a returner, there have been rumblings that some teams have considered letting more physically experienced players take over kickoffs. The Kansas City Chiefs were the first to consider the change as they are expected to have safety Justin Reid handle their kickoff duties, and now it looks as though the Los Angeles Rams may be following their lead. Speaking on his podcast Daily Grind co-hosted by his wife, WR Cooper Kupp has revealed that he will be kicking for the Rams kickoff unit in Detroit on Sunday Night Football. Around the 7:20 mark, the veteran wideout says: “We are six days away from kickoff and I will be doing the opening kickoff. Dropping that right here now. I’m literally out there kicking the ball to start things off. Pretty cool, pretty cool.” To be clear, this move has not yet been confirmed by head coach Sean McVay. While it may sound like a joke on some level, there have been many innovations this season to help make special teams and the kickoff a bigger part of the game, teams more willing to accept and adapt to those changes are the ones that will find a competitive edge first. Surprisingly, Kupp actually does have some minor kicking experience. In high school he handled punts, averaging 33 yards per kick his senior year at Davis high in Washington. Also in his favor is the fact that he will only need the ball to get in the landing zone (20-yard line to the goal line) as kicking it all the way for a touchback will now result in the ball being placed at the 30-yard line, rather than the 25 like previous years. Kupp has no formal kicking experience in the NFL but has returned kicks in the past. It remains to be seen if Kupp will actually be handling the kickoff or rookie kicker Josh Karty will stay in the role, but one thing is for sure – the dynamic kickoff is already starting to change the NFL. Special teams importance and kicker value could become drastically different moving forward.
Ravens-Chiefs injury report: Baltimore is relatively healthy ahead of trip to Kansas City
Ravens-Chiefs injury report: Baltimore is relatively healthy ahead of trip to Kansas City glenn erby The Baltimore Ravens released their second injury report of the regular season, and there was no change after the final practice of the week before the team departs for Kansas City on Wednesday. Adisa Isaac missed another practice with a hamstring injury, while rookie running back Rasheen Ali is dealing with a neck injury. For Kansas City, wide receiver Hollywood Brown (shoulder) is not expected to play. In contrast, Nazeeh Johnson (hamstring), Chris Jones (shoulder), Joshua Williams (hamstring), Nick Bolton (elbow), Wanya Morris (knee), Derrick Nnadi (triceps); Joe Thuney (pectoral), and James Winchester (shoulder) all got in full practices, and are on schedule to play.
Joey Chestnut will be part of Bengals vs. Patriots halftime entertainment
Luis Torres/Special to the Times / USA TODAY NETWORK Who’s hungry for some Bratwurst? The Cincinnati Bengals announced their planned halftime entertainment for their Week 1 home game against the New England Patriots, and it’s a five-versus-one Bratwurst-eating contest. If you’re a fan of the exciting sport of competitive eating, you’re in luck. If the only thing you know about competitive eating is the name Joey Chestnut, you’re also in luck. That’s right, football and tube-shaped meat fans, Joey Chestnut, the G.O.A.T. of the competitive eating world, will be taking on five brave souls in an eating contest to see who can gobble down the most Bratwursts. Welcome to The Jungle, @joeyjaws (BTW congrats on beating your own World Record) pic.twitter.com/hvXuWjikNt — Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) September 3, 2024 Bratwurst, of course, is a German sausage very popular in the Greater Cincinnati Area because of the region’s heritage. It is also likely to celebrate and promote Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, which will be later in September, and is the second-largest Oktoberfest celebration in the world, and the largest in the United States. So, who are you going to put money down on (I’m assuming you’ll be able to make a bet on this)? Joey Chestnut, who has won 16 Nathan’s Hotdog Eating Contests, or five dudes who must really like Bratwurst? Be sure to go follow our Twitter page and ‘like’ our Facebook page for more Cincinnati Bengals news, views and other fun stuff. Who Dey!
Tyreek Hill has a bold prediction about Jaylen Waddle
Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images Could 2024 be a career-high year for Jaylen Waddle? MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill took questions after Monday’s practice and spoke on topics ranging from being named a captain to his injury status and his confidence level going into the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. One answer that caught my eye pertained to a question about the expectations of fellow receiver Jaylen Waddle: “All-Pro. I’d say All-Pro this year. He’s taken his game to another level in the classroom. He’s taking it more seriously. He’s moved to the back of the classroom with me and River. So he’s sitting beside us now. He’s asking more questions which is great. He’s very eager to get better. And for me, I believe that’s where it starts. To be able to take your game to the next level as a not-ideal receiver size; you’re fast, you’re twitchy, you got to be able to do it in the classroom, and he’s done a great job taking advice from our Coach Wes, Coach Krause and all of the older guys in our room. I expect All-Pro, WR1 all of that. Lead our team.” Hill is well-loved by his teammates, and one of the reasons why is that he’s always hyping up his teammates publicly, and he was a huge factor in the development of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s confidence. His answer regarding Waddle’s expectations on the surface sounds the same as his praise of his teammates and coaches, but this one stuck out to me as different. It involves himself, implying that his stats will drop if Waddle leads the team. That’s a stark difference from the tune he’s sung the last few years with his goal of hitting two thousand yards. If Waddle takes a step forward, Hill has to take a step back. I wouldn’t say it’s a regression. It’s more like a natural push and pull of counting stats when opening up room for a counterpart to flourish. It’s selfless on Hill’s part and shows the growth in his maturity since becoming a Dolphin. It’s not about stats anymore. It’s about winning. Is Jaylen Waddle up to the task of becoming the Dolphins WR1? The Apprentice Becomes the Master Three seasons, and three thousand-yard campaigns to Jaylen Waddle’s name. It’s the ideal start to a receiver’s career, but how high is the ceiling for the Miami receiver? When you look at his speed, route running, and ability to rise to the moment, you see a top-ten receiver. When you see his frame, the fact that he’s primarily a body catcher and that he received sixty-seven fewer targets than his counterpart in 2023, it’s hard to imagine that Waddle could outgain Hill or even topple his career-high marks in 2022 with 1,356 yards, 18.1 AVG, and eight touchdowns. Although it may be hard to visualize Waddle hitting 1,500+ yards, especially now that he just got paid and guys usually tend to fall off a bit, there’s hope that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa could give Waddle more opportunities as a point of emphasis similar to doing everything he could to help Hill reach his 2K goal. Hill being on board with taking a step back will generate Waddle more looks, shifting the Dolphins toward a more balanced offense in target shares, and could open Hill up to more one-on-one opportunities for explosive plays. Tagovailoa would force-feed Hill at times in 2023 and leave other players disengaged on the backburners, mostly Waddle. A transfer of targets could keep Waddle and other players in rhythm and involved. Ultimately, Hill has the stats and wants to pass the torch to Waddle. It’s unselfish and a testament to why he is a team captain. Jaylen Waddle career year incoming.
Dolphins fans question direction of team in first SB Nation Reacts confidence poll for 2024
Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images The majority of the fans are behind the team, but not as many as you may have expected. The Miami Dolphins head into the 2024 NFL regular season with expectations looming over them. Will this be the year they end a streak of 24 years without a playoff win? Can a team that signed Pro Bowl quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and head coach Mike McDaniel to contract extensions make a run toward a championship? The team appears to be stacked on paper – but what will happen when the games are played? Over the past few years, we have looked at the confidence of the Dolphins’ fan base weekly. As the 2024 season begins, we asked your feelings about the team’s direction over the weekend. While things seem to be headed in a positive direction for Miami, the fan base does not seem to be as excited as might have been expected. Only 69 percent of the fans said they are confident in the team’s direction after the preseason. For comparison, last year, the preseason poll had 83 percent of the fans confident in the direction of the Dolphins. The fan confidence in the direction of the team did not fall to 69 percent or lower last year until the team’s Week 14 loss to the Tennessee Titans led to just a 40 percent confidence rating. The season ended with a 43 percent rate; maybe 69 percent is actually a positive as fans are starting to come back to the team and their direction in 2024. What do you think? Are you one of the 31 percent who do not support the direction of the team? Why not? Are you in the 69 percent who do think the team is headed in the right direction? What makes you so positive? Feel free to discuss in the comments below.
