The Pittsburgh Steelers have increased their salary cap space ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft by converting a portion of edge rusher Alex Highsmith’s base salary into a signing bonus. This move creates more than $7 million in cap room, allowing the team greater flexibility during the offseason.
The Detroit Lions have locked in their star wide receiver, Amon-Ra St. Brown, with a whopping four-year, $120 million contract that will keep him with the team through the 2028 season. The deal boasts $77 million guaranteed, the highest total among NFL wideouts, and an average annual value of $30 million. St. Brown’s incredible performance in 2023, amassing 119 catches, 1,515 yards, and 10 touchdowns, and his two Pro Bowl selections have catapulted him into the elite tier of NFL wide receivers.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, one of the NFL’s top wide receivers, has signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension with the Detroit Lions. The deal, which includes $77 million guaranteed, makes St. Brown the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history, surpassing the previous mark set by Cooper Kupp. The 24-year-old Lions star set career highs in catches, yards, and touchdowns last season and has been named to the Pro Bowl the last two years.
Lucas Vazquez is set to sign a new contract with Real Madrid, according to reports in Spain. The 32-year-old’s current deal expires at the end of June, and there has been speculation surrounding his future in the Spanish capital. Vazquez is not first choice at Bernabeu, but he has proven himself to be a valuable squad member once again this term, contributing two goals and six assists in 32 appearances in all competitions. The Spaniard starred against Barcelona in El Clasico last weekend, scoring once and providing two assists in an excellent performance from right-back, with Real Madrid winning 3-2 to move 11 points clear at the top of the La Liga table.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is entering his third NFL season and has two years remaining on his rookie deal. While some are speculating about a potential contract extension, Purdy is focused on winning and improving as a player. Purdy understands the business side of things, but his top priority is competing and representing the 49ers in the right way.
Ian Cunningham, the highly respected assistant general manager of the Chicago Bears, has been given a multi-year contract extension. Cunningham is considered a close friend and trusted deputy of GM Ryan Poles. He previously interviewed for various GM positions, showcasing his capabilities within NFL circles. Despite the extension, Cunningham remains eligible to pursue GM roles in the future, but his commitment to working alongside Poles remains strong. Cunningham has a background as an offensive lineman in college and has worked for several NFL teams, including the Ravens and Eagles, before joining the Bears in 2022.
The Denver Broncos have exercised the fifth-year option on Pro Bowl cornerback Pat Surtain II’s rookie contract, extending his contract through the 2025 season. Surtain is considered one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL and is expected to command a hefty salary when he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2026.
The San Francisco 49ers have no plans to trade Deebo Samuel during or after the 2024 NFL Draft, despite the looming contract extension negotiations with Brandon Aiyuk. Samuel, who signed a three-year, $71.55 million extension before the 2022 season, has received assurances from the team that he will remain with the organization. This decision comes amidst speculation that Aiyuk could be traded to accommodate a potential monster extension for himself. However, general manager John Lynch has expressed his desire to keep Aiyuk long-term and is optimistic about reaching an agreement. Aiyuk is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and is expected to become one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL.
The Kansas City Chiefs have re-signed linebacker Jack Cochrane to a contract extension. Cochrane has been a key contributor on special teams for the Chiefs over the last two seasons, while also seeing some playing time on defense. He has appeared in 32 regular season games and all seven playoff games for the Chiefs since joining the team in 2022.
Geelong has successfully retained its young gun Max Holmes, extending his contract by four years until the end of 2028. The 21-year-old had reportedly received lucrative offers from rival clubs, but he opted to remain with the Cats. Holmes’ versatility and impressive performance have made him an integral part of the Geelong team, and his new contract is a testament to the club’s commitment to his development.
