It's about to get crazy in the NFL. Roughly a week before the 2023 free agency period is about to begin, rumors and reports are swirling around the league that has really grabbed our attention over the past twenty-four hours. While all is quiet on the Pittsburgh Steelers front since the conclusion of the NFL Combine, some moves around the league (and potentially even in their own division) are sure to spice things up.
While the Steelers are preparing themselves for a very busy March, we've already seen some intriguing developing stories. Here's the latest NFL news you need to know.
NFL news
According to reporters Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport, the New York Giants have finalized a four-year contract extension with quarterback Daniel Jones that will pay him a whopping $160 million.
BREAKING: Giants signing QB Daniel Jones to four-year extension worth $160M. (via @MikeGarafolo, @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/Zct3ssIkj5
— NFL (@NFL) March 7, 2023
This means that Jones will be earning an outrageous $40 million per season in new annual earnings. While the Giants needed to retain their quarterback who helped them to a 9-6-1 record last season, this seems like an awful lot of money for a signal-caller who managed 3,205 passing yards and 15 passing touchdowns in 16 games last season, per ESPN stats.
Jones does offer the threat to run the ball to help his team on the ground, but he has been slapped with the dreaded 'game-manager' label since entering the league. This didn't stop him from breaking the bank. His contract sets the stage for other QBs who will soon earn their pay.
More NFL news
In other NFL news, the Baltimore Ravens have officially placed the franchise tag on QB Lamar Jackson that will pay him $32.41 million for the upcoming season. By doing so, however, Lamar is allowed to negotiate with other teams, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Ravens sent notice to the NFLPA that they placed the $32.41 million non-exclusive franchise tag on QB Lamar Jackson. He now is allowed to negotiate with other teams, but Ravens have right to match any offer sheet he signs or take two first-round picks in return for him. pic.twitter.com/HNdg6231tC
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2023
However, it's certainly worth noting that if a team does sign Jackson, it will cost them two first-round picks in return and Baltimore will have a chance to match the offer. The draft compensation seems like a relatively small price to pay considering what Russell Wilson was dealt for last offseason. It seems like there's a real possibility that Lamar Jackson ends up with a new club soon.
Steelers news
The Steelers news right now is slightly less interesting than what a few other NFL teams like the Giants and Ravens have going on, but sometimes no news doesn't mean bad news. The Steelers had dozens of formal meetings at the NFL Combine, but it's worth noting that they met with more cornerbacks than any other positional group in Indianapolis.
Recent mock drafts from Pro Football Focus, ESPN's Todd McShay, and CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson on Tuesday each have Pittsburgh taking a cornerback with the 17th overall pick. This seems to be a common theme anymore. However, following the results of the NFL Combine, it's looking less likely that fan-favorite, Joey Porter Jr., could be available to them in the first round.