Defensive back Khalil Dorsey will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler says that the Lions will not offer Dorsey a deal as an exclusive rights free agent. This would prevent Dorsey from negotiating with other clubs, but he will now be free to look for a new home elsewhere in the league.
Dorsey was on the Lions’ practice squad in 2022 and appeared in 13 games during the 2023 regular season. He returned 12 kickoffs for 244 yards, recorded 11 tackles, and caught a 31-yard catch on a fake punt.
Dorsey also appeared in six games and recorded two tackles with the Ravens in 2020.
Joe Douglas is convinced the Jets can rebuild their offensive line through free agency and the draft.
This summer, the Jets need to fill a few weaknesses, the most critical of which is on the offensive line.
GM Joe Douglas and the organization will scout prospective possibilities at this year’s NFL Combine while also meeting with free agency representation in the hopes of developing a roster that can help the Jets make the playoffs next season.
Douglas agrees that the Jets will need to find at least three offensive linemen this season to match alongside Alijah Vera-Tucker and Joe Tippmann, but he believes they are in a strong position to do so, thanks in large part to the guard known as AVT.
“I think we’re in a good situation particularly because of the flexibility that AVT provides us,” Douglas told reporters on Wednesday. “We don’t have any decision on where he’s going to line up but his ability to play four different spots and play four different spots well gives us a lot of flexibility moving forward not just in our roster building but O-line building.”
While the former first-round pick can play anywhere on the offensive line, Douglas stated that once the best position is determined, he will not be moved this season. The location has yet to be selected, but Douglas tells Vera-Tucker that where she feels most at ease will play a role in their final selection.
Vera-Tucker tore his Achilles after only five games last season. According to ProFootballFocus, the injury was caused by the Jets’ last-ranked offensive line this past season.
And, with a large free-agent pool and a strong draft class of offensive linemen (the Jets have the No. 10 overall choice), there is a chance for New York’s line to be rebuilt.
Douglas praised the discussions he and the Jets’ front team had with scouts, and he feels they can complete the job this offseason.
“Going through the meeting we just went through, and the flexibility of AVT, I feel like there are some guys that can come in and be the right type of fit for us,” he said. “In terms of intelligence, toughness, dependability. There are some good candidates who can help us.”
Why did the Jets cut Laken Tomlinson?
The Jets dismissed guard Laken Tomlinson on Monday, a wise decision that saved Gang Green $8 million on the cap while increasing their salary cap room to $24.7 million.
Douglas was queried about the decision to release Tomlinson, especially given the team’s poor offensive line, and the GM stated that it was strictly business.
“Just felt like it was the right move for us moving forward,” Douglas went on to say. “I have so much respect for Laken as a person, competitor, and player. But, in the end, I felt it was best for our team financially.”
In Kiper’s most recent mock draft, the 49ers select pass rusher Robinson at No. 31.
This offseason, the 49ers have a few pressing needs, one of which is a pass rusher opposite defensive end Nick Bosa.
San Francisco could want to strengthen the offensive and defensive lines, and after mocking an offensive tackle for the 49ers at No. 31 in the 2024 NFL Draft last month, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. changed his mind in his most recent mock draft.
According to Kiper, the 49ers are adding firepower to their defensive line.
31. San Francisco 49ers.
Chop Robinson, OLB at Penn State.
“It must be offensive line or edge rusher for the 49ers, right? They need to identify youthful talent so they can spend their cap room on senior players,” Kiper said. “I selected offensive tackle in my debut mock, but let’s move to defense now.
“San Francisco could use the comp pick on defensive end Chase Young and let him depart in free agency, freeing up a position on the other side of Nick Bosa. That’s where I’d put Robinson, whose sack totals were a little disappointing the previous two seasons (9.5 total, four in 2023), but who has the potential to be a great.
“At 6-3 and 250 pounds, he is incredibly explosive. Give him time with 49ers defensive line coach Kris Kocurek, and he could become a star. Robinson’s iffy production may have pushed him to a late Round 1 choice, but scouts and executives adore his tool set.”
Robinson has 11.5 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, three passes defensed, and three forced fumbles in 30 games between the University of Maryland and Penn State across three seasons.
The 49ers acquired defensive end Chase Young in a midseason trade with the Washington Commanders to pair with Bosa, but it appears increasingly likely that they will be unable to afford the unrestricted free agent this offseason, with San Francisco likely drafting a replacement.
Robinson may be that player.
