Panthers Add Adam Thielen, Lions Bolster Secondary, OBJ Thoughts, and Other NFL Bullets

Mar 20, 2023

While many of us watched the United States crush Cuba in the World Baseball Classic semifinals, there were some NFL free-agency signings. One of those moves was former Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen signing with the Carolina Panthers.

The Panthers — who traded DJ Moore to the Bears last Friday — have a new No. 1 wide receiver in Carolina. Thielen and the Panthers agreed to a new three-year deal worth $25 million with $14 million guaranteed, per Spotrac.

Thielen was a cap casualty in Minnesota before the start of free agency, a move that saved the Vikings $6 million against the salary cap. Andy Dalton is the Panthers’ starting quarterback for now. However, Carolina will certainly draft his eventual replacement next month. Thielen provides a reliable veteran presence on third downs and in the red zone for whoever that ends up being.

The Panthers also brought in DJ Chark for a visit last week, but nothing has materialized.

#Panthers agree to terms with Adam Thielenhttps://t.co/EfSwv6zbU0
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) March 19, 2023

The Detroit Lions continued to add to their secondary last night, adding former Eagles DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson. The deal is for one year and worth $8 million. The Lions have now added Gardner-Johnson, Cam Sutton, and Emmanuel Moseley to their secondary this offseason.

Gardner-Johnson transitioned from nickel to safety under Jonathan Gannon last season in Philadelphia. However, he played nickel for current Lions DC Aaron Glenn when the two were together in New Orleans in 2020. That’s likely the plan for him in Detroit this season. That gives the Lions a pretty versatile secondary. Tracy Walker and Kerby Joseph are the starting safeties, with Gardner Johnson and Will Harris on the inside and Jeff Okudah and Cam Sutton on the outside. Jerry Jacobs and Emmanuel Moseley provide plenty of depth.

Detroit also opened up some cap space by restructuring Romeo Okwara’s contract. According to ESPN’s Field Yates, the restructure reduces Okwara’s cap hit from $14.5 million to $5.647 million.

Lions edge rusher Romeo Okwara agreed to a renegotiated contract that reduces his cap hit for 2023 down from $14.5M to $5.647M.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 20, 2023

Both Thielen and Gardner-Johnson were on our list of the 40-best unsigned free agents over the weekend.

NFL Free Agency: Who’s Still Available? The 30 Best Unsigned Players

The Miami Dolphins made the decision to exercise the fifth-year option on Tua Tagovailoa’s contract official this morning. The option comes with a $23.17 million salary that is fully guaranteed for next season. Tagovailoa threw for 3,548 yards, 25 touchdowns, and eight interceptions while completing 64.8 percent of his passes in 2022.

So, I mentioned on Sunday that Dallas trading for Brandin Cooks likely signals that the Cowboys are out on Odell Beckham Jr. You can also take the Giants off the list, as they added cheaper options to their receiving core with the additions of Paris Campbell and Darren Waller last week.

OBJ’s Saturday night tweet mocking the idea that he wants $20 million per year but laughing off the idea that he’s worth $4 million shows how far apart he and teams are regarding what the soon-to-be 31-year-old receiver is worth. Which begs the question, what is he looking for?

Beckham is the latest example of a player looking to be paid for what he’s done rather than for what he has left in the tank. On the one hand, he looked like the OBJ everyone knows and covets in Super Bowl LVI. On the other hand, he will be 31 and hasn’t played since that second torn ACL in Super Bowl LVI. While $4 million is a ridiculously insulting lowball offer, $20 million isn’t going to happen. Would Beckham settle for a one-year deal somewhere in between that range–but much closer to the $20 million side of things?

A one-year deal could serve as a way for OBJ to re-establish himself as a top-20 receiver in the NFL like he believes he is. If he can do that, then no one would scoff at his demand to be paid like one in what will likely be his final go at free agency. We just saw Adam Thielen sign a three-year deal worth $25 million, ending in Thielen’s age-35 season. So, if OBJ can re-establish himself in 2023, he should have no issue getting a three-year deal in the price range he’s comfortable with next spring.

Prospects …

The 2023 BN Top Ten Chicago Cubs Prospects

Don’t forget to grab your tickets or the Bleacher Nation event on April 6 at HVAC Pub in Wrigleyville! Looking forward to grabbing a beer and meeting the regulars in the BN community.

We’re Hosting a Live Event in Wrigleyville! Come Join Us!

written by

Patrick K. Flowers

Patrick grew up in Chicago's Bridgeport and Garfield Ridge neighborhoods before moving to the Western Suburbs of Chicago before eventually relocating to the Las Vegas area with his family in 2023. He started with Bleacher Nation in 2021 and has spent time as a Staff Writer and on the Chicago Blackhawks beat. He is currently a writer and editor at Bleacher Nation covering the Chicago Bears and the NFL at large and the author of the Bleacher Nation Newsletter. Patrick is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA).

more nfl news

NFL

Cincinnati Bengals Draft Picks: Full List of NFL Draft Selections

The Bengals missed the playoffs in 2023 and QB Joe Burrow played just 10 games. The team is now moving forward and focusing on the 2024 NFL Draft. Check out the Bengals list of draft picks for 2024. Cincinnati Bengals...

Sam Russell

Apr 28, 2024

NFL

Los Angeles Rams Draft Picks: Full List of NFL Draft Selections

The Los Angeles Rams got hot to end the 2023 season to reach the playoffs before being knocked out in the Wild Card Round. Now, they focus on the 2024 NFL Draft. Check out the team's selections for this year's...

Sam Russell

Apr 30, 2024

NFL

Houston Texans Draft Picks: Full List of NFL Draft Selections

The Houston Texans were one of the huge surprises of the 2023 season as they reached the playoffs and now they look to build on their success in the 2024 NFL Draft. Check out the Texans' full list of draft...

Sam Russell

Apr 28, 2024

NFL

Los Angeles Chargers Draft Picks: Full List of NFL Draft Selections

The Chargers had a season to forget in 2023 and they are moving on to the 2024 NFL Draft in hopes of building for this fall. Check out their complete list of draft picks for 2024. More: 4for4 is your...

Sam Russell

Apr 29, 2024

NFL

Las Vegas Raiders Draft Picks: Full List of NFL Draft Selections

Raiders fans are ready for the 2024 NFL Draft after missing the playoffs in 2023. Check out the Raiders full list of draft selections for 2024. More: Get on 4for4 for all of your fantasy football needs and for great betting...

Sam Russell

Apr 28, 2024

NFL

Buffalo Bills Draft Picks: Full List of NFL Draft Selections

The Buffalo Bills are still looking to take the next step with Josh Allen and will be hoping to add more talent around him in the 2024 NFL Draft. Check out the Bills selections in the draft. More: Get access...

Sam Russell

Apr 29, 2024

NFL

Green Bay Packers Draft Picks: Full List of NFL Draft Selections

The Green Packers made some noise in the playoffs last season and hope to build on that success in the 2024 NFL Draft. Take a look at the Packers draft picks for 2024. Green Bay Packers 2024 NFL Draft Picks...

Sam Russell

Apr 28, 2024

NFL

Washington Commanders Draft Picks: Full List of NFL Draft Selections

The Washington Commanders have the number 2 overall picks in the 2024 NFL Draft and will likely select a quarterback. What other picks does Washington have? Check out the complete list of Commanders draft picks for 2024. More: Get awesome...

Sam Russell

Apr 28, 2024

NFL

Miami Dolphins Draft Picks: Full List of NFL Draft Selections

The 2024 NFL Draft is so close! Teams are ready to make their selections including the Dolphins who are hoping to add depth so their team can take the next step in the playoffs. Check out the Dolphins' full list...

Sam Russell

Apr 28, 2024

NFL

Tennessee Titans Draft Picks: Full List of NFL Draft Selections

The 2024 NFL Draft will bring plenty of drama as teams like the Tennessee Titans hope to score a future star in the first round. Check out the Titans list of draft picks for 2024. Tennessee Titans 2024 NFL Draft...

Sam Russell

Apr 28, 2024

Picks

Top Player Prop Bets for Pacers vs. Knicks Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 4 on May 12, 2024

Player props are listed for Pascal Siakam and Jalen Brunson, among others, when the Indiana Pacers host the New York Knicks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday at 3:30 PM ET.How to Watch Pacers vs. KnicksDate: Sunday, May 12, 2024Time: 3:30...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

Picks

Braves vs. Mets Probable Starting Pitchers – May 12

After winning their past four games, the Atlanta Braves (24-12) visit the New York Mets (18-20) at Citi Field on Sunday at 7:10 PM ET.The Braves will call on Bryce Elder (1-1) against the Mets and Luis Severino (2-2).Braves vs....

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

Picks

Avalanche vs. Stars NHL Playoffs Second Round Game 4 Prediction: Live Odds, Stats, History and Picks – Monday, May 13, 2024

The oddsmakers give the edge to the Colorado Avalanche on home ice (-135) over the Dallas Stars (+114) when they play on Monday, May 13 at 9:30 PM ET.Watch the NHL on Fubo!Avalanche vs. Stars Favorite, Moneyline, TotalFavorite: Avalanche (-135)Underdog:...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

Picks

Hurricanes vs. Rangers NHL Playoffs Second Round Game 5 Prediction: Live Odds, Stats, History and Picks – Monday, May 13, 2024

The Carolina Hurricanes are slight favorites (-118) versus the New York Rangers (-102) on Monday at 7:00 PM ET, at Madison Square Garden.Watch the NHL on Fubo!Hurricanes vs. Rangers Favorite, Moneyline, TotalFavorite: Hurricanes (-118)Underdog: Rangers (-102)Total: 5.5Best Hurricanes vs. Rangers...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

Chicago Blackhawks

World Championships Updates, Great Stars, Canes Survive, Still No Q, and Other Blackhawks Mother’s Day Bullets

Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful moms out there. My sons are incredibly fortunate to have a great mom and two wonderful grandmas still in their lives. We hear Blackhawks players talk about hot much they appreciate their...

Tab Bamford

May 12, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Horrible History, Morel’s Knee, Almonte’s Shoulder, Hoerner, Wesneski, Hendricks, Mervis, and Other Cubs Bullets

Happy Mother's Day to the mothers among you, and to the mothers in my life! I'll be doing some extra family stuff today, so I'm gonna cruise through these Bullets ... Up front, because this was certainly the thing most...

Brett Taylor

May 12, 2024

Picks

Mariners vs. Athletics Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Sunday, May 12, 2024

Two of the league's top power hitters meet Sunday when the Seattle Mariners (21-19) and Oakland Athletics (19-22) take the field at 4:10 PM ET, live on NBCS-CA. Caleb Raleigh has 10 home runs for the Mariners (-240 favorites on...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

Picks

Royals vs. Angels Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Sunday, May 12, 2024

Jo Adell leads the Los Angeles Angels (15-25) into Sunday's matchup with the Kansas City Royals (24-17) on a two-game homer streak. His Angels are underdogs for the contest, however, with bookmakers naming the Royals as -136 moneyline favorites. The...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

Picks

Dodgers vs. Padres Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Sunday, May 12, 2024

The Los Angeles Dodgers (27-14) visit the San Diego Padres (21-21) at 4:10 PM ET Sunday in a meeting between two of the league's best hitters. Shohei Ohtani is batting .352 this year (second in the league) for the favored...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

Picks

Giants vs. Reds Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Sunday, May 12, 2024

The San Francisco Giants (18-23) and the Cincinnati Reds (17-22) meet in the rubber match of a three-game series on Sunday at 4:05 PM ET. The Giants are -131 favorites on the moneyline to win the series over the Reds...

Data Skrive

May 12, 2024

Panthers Add Adam Thielen, Lions Bolster Secondary, OBJ Thoughts, and Other NFL Bullets

Read More

more nfl news

Latest News

more nfl news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular