All articles tagged with #defensive tackle
In Chicago's Week 1 preseason win over the Browns, undrafted rookie Theo Benedet posted the Bears' sixth-best offensive grade with a clean pass-pro line at right tackle, while sixth-round DT Jordan van den Berg showed elite athleticism with three pressures and a QB hit, signaling potential depth on the line even as he needs more discipline; other notable moments included Salvon Ahmed's TD and Beanie Bishop Jr.'s two interceptions.
The Steelers agreed to a four-year, $72 million extension with defensive tackle Keeanu Benton, averaging $18 million per season and making him the highest-paid defensive lineman in Steelers history; Benton, 25, has appeared in all 51 games with 40 starts in his rookie deal and posted 123 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 28 QB hits and one interception.
The Dallas Cowboys signed defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to a five-year, $153.15 million contract that front-loads guarantees and effectively guarantees three years upfront: $63.35 million at signing, with guarantees rising to $93.15 million by March 2027 and $101 million in injury guarantees vesting by March 2028, while the final two years are team options. The deal includes a $31.85 million signing bonus and an average value of about $30.63 million per year across the full five years.
Five Green Bay Packers players have boosted their stock in training camp, flipping depth charts ahead of the preseason: defensive tackles Anthony Campbell, Warren Brinson, and Jacob Monk are pushing for meaningful interior roles, while cornerbacks Jaylin Simpson and Brandon Cisse have moved from the roster bubble into prominent competition, with Simpson versatile across multiple spots and Cisse closing in on a Week 1 starter role. The early camp performances hint at a reshaping of Green Bay's roster as the team prepares for exhibition games.
LSU’s second fall camp workout highlighted a youth movement on the interior defensive line, with freshmen Deuce Geralds, Malik Blocton, and Stephiylan Green competing for time alongside Richard Anderson; veterans Princewill Umanmielen and Jordan Ross man the edges while corner depth remains a concern. Sam Leavitt showed efficiency in an on-air throwing period (13 of 15) with multiple targets, and Ed Orgeron was observing the defensive line work as the Tigers prepare to add full pads in the coming weeks.
The Eagles announced a four-year, $152 million extension for Jalen Carter (potentially up to $160 million with $106 million guaranteed), keeping the disruptive DT in Philly through 2031 and signaling a premier, long-term building block for a defense expected to stay elite. Analysts praise the move as smart and aggressive, while the team plots more long-term deals and evaluates key training-camp battles to sustain their championship trajectory.
Jalen Carter signed a four-year, $152 million extension ($106 million guaranteed) with the Eagles, giving him an average of about $38 million per year and making him the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history through 2031. The piece compares his deal to other top DTs and to the top-paid defensive players at each position, noting the potential value if he continues to ascend as Howie Roseman locked him up long-term.
Vita Vea has requested a trade from the Buccaneers and reportedly prefers a move to California or the Raiders. With one year left on his four-year, $71 million contract, his value is likely mid-to-late third-round territory unless a team overpays. The 49ers are viewed as a plausible win-now fit, but Tampa Bay’s asking price and a possible mix of younger players plus a draft pick would shape any deal. Other potential destinations include the Rams, Chargers, and Raiders, all with varying levels of urgency to upgrade the interior; no trade is official yet and the situation remains fluid.
As training camp opens, the New York Giants project a dynamic pass rush led by Burns, Thibodeaux and Abdul Carter with rookie Arvell Reese adding a new dimension, but the interior defensive line is a concern after trading Dexter Lawrence and Roy Robertson-Harris’s ACL injury; new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson is expected to accelerate the rush this season, while a tougher, longer camp under coach John Harbaugh tests durability and Malik Nabers’ health (Nabers not on PUP), which will be crucial for Week 1.
Defensive tackle Jalen Carter and the Philadelphia Eagles agreed to a four-year extension reportedly worth $152 million (up to $160 million, with $106 million guaranteed), making him the highest-paid DT in NFL history and keeping him under contract through 2031. The 2023 No. 9 pick has 13.5 sacks, 25 tackles for loss, and 37 QB hits in 43 games over three seasons, is a two-time Pro Bowler, and helped Philly win Super Bowl LIX in 2024.
Vita Vea has requested a trade from the Buccaneers as contract talks stall, with NFL insiders listing eight plausible destinations for the 31-year-old nose tackle—Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers—considering his $18 million final-year salary and impact on run defense.
Green Bay opens 2026 training camp with a new-look defensive line under coordinator Jonathan Gannon, anchored by Javon Hargrave and Devonte Wyatt, plus rookie Chris McClellan and a depth group that includes Karl Brooks, Warren Brinson and Nazir Stackhouse. After trading Colby Wooden for Hargrave, the Packers will use camp to sort out roles in a 3-4 front, including the nose tackle spot and how much McClellan contributes as a versatile lineman. Key questions: can Hargrave still impact games, will Wyatt stay healthy, and who emerges as the third starter behind the duo?
The Titans signed defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to a five-year contract featuring $60.2 million guaranteed at signing and a practical $90 million guaranteed, with no per-game roster bonuses. The deal, whose new-money average is about $35.3 million, spans 2026–2030 with base salaries of $13M, $21.45M, $27.05M, $22.251M and $30.75M, effectively making Simmons the first DT with $100 million in total guarantees at signing and reshaping the interior-lineman market.
The Tennessee Titans signed defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to a three-year, $105.8 million extension (about $35.2 million per year), extending his deal through 2030 and making him the highest-paid interior defensive lineman by new-money average. The extension, which also stretches the overall contract to five years and $149.97 million, solidifies Simmons as the cornerstone of Tennessee’s defense after a four-time Pro Bowl and 2025 All-Pro resume.
Former Lions nose tackle DJ Reader has agreed to a two-year, $12.5 million deal with the New York Giants, leaving Detroit after two seasons in which he played 32 of 34 games and posted 51 tackles, 3.0 sacks and 12 QB hits. Detroit lost Roy Lopez in free agency and is counting on internal options like Alim McNeill and first-round pick Tyleik Williams to fill the void ahead of training camp.