he league typically doesn’t value linebacker the way it does most other positions, which means there are plenty of helpful players available in free agency. In this tier alone, there is Bolton, who has been an excellent blitzer and tackler for the Chiefs over the past four years, albeit with a few more missed tackles in 2024 than in previous seasons. David is the quintessential “Hall of Very Good” linebacker. Wagner is an actual future Hall of Famer who played a huge role in rebuilding Washington’s culture last season while posting a solid 89.3 passer rating allowed in coverage.

Could the Chiefs trade Trey Smith after tagging him?

The Chiefs didn’t wait until the March 4 deadline to place the non-exclusive franchise tag on guard Trey Smith, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be in Kansas City next season. After all, the Chiefs pulled the same move with L’Jarius Sneed last offseason before trading him to the Titans a few weeks later. Because the Chiefs opted for the non-exclusive tag, Smith will be able to negotiate with other teams during free agency. If another team does decide to sign him, it would have to send two first-round picks to the Chiefs to complete the deal. As good as Smith has been, no team is going to pay that price. Given Kansas City’s past use of the non-exclusive tag, teams may not have to cough up two first-rounders to land the All-Pro guard if they trade for him instead of negotiating a deal on the open market—as Tennessee did when it sent a third-round pick to the Chiefs for Sneed last March. Dealing for Smith may be expensive in its own right, but it’s hard to set a potential asking price because we don’t typically see teams trade away top-tier guards in their prime. The closest comparisons from the past few years are Shaq Mason, whom New England sent to Tampa Bay for a fifth-rounder in 2022, and Gabe Jackson, who went from the Raiders to the Seahawks for the same compensation in 2021. Mason and Jackson were still good players at the time of those trades, but they weren’t as talented as Smith, and both were a few years older. A second-round pick could be the floor for trade negotiations.

Round 1 – Pick 31

Toledo • Sr • 6’4” / 310 lbs

Darius Alexander had great tape for Toledo last fall, then balled out at the Senior Bowl against some of the best players in the country and followed that up with a solid week at the combine. He’s a high-motor player who has both juice and power, consistently uses his hands well and is not only disruptive as a pass rusher but is hard to move against the run. He’s improved his draft stock after the season, after the college all-star games and now after the combine. Don’t expect that trend to change in the lead up to the draft.

Around the NFL

Higgins announced the news Monday by posting on X, “tag.”

The Bengals later announced the move, stating they did so “with the intent of continuing to work toward a long-term deal in Cincinnati” with Higgins.

Higgins’ franchise tender would pay him $26.2 million for the 2025 season if he’s unable to agree to a long-term contract with the Bengals by the July 15 deadline for such deals.

Teams have until Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET to place the franchise tag on pending free agents.

“Jimmy Johnson was there when FOX NFL SUNDAY came on-air for the first time 31 years ago, and since then has been a cherished member of our FOX Sports family, which makes today’s retirement news bittersweet,” FOX Sports CEO Eric Shanks said in a statement.

“Jimmy served as an inspiration to generations of football fans with his legendary swagger, one-of-a-kind insight and signature humor. From his motivating pep talks to his unmatched energy over the years, he was our coach who always pushed us to be better. We’re incredibly grateful for his contributions in making FOX NFL SUNDAY the top pregame show on TV, where we shared countless memorable moments, highlighted by surprising him live on-air with the news he was being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame — an occasion we will never forget.

The Philadelphia Eagles are releasing Slay after five seasons, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Monday, per a source informed of the decision.

Designating Slay a post-June 1 cut would save Philly $4.3 million on the salary cap in 2025 — the Eagles must carry his $13.8 million cap figure until June.

A six-time Pro Bowler, Slay played a key role in the Eagles getting to two Super Bowls, winning one. In five years in Philadelphia, the veteran compiled nine interceptions, 56 passes defended and 272 tackles. With rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean shining, Slay became expendable.

In case you missed it on Arrowhead Pride

Chiefs Draft: 4 defensive prospects who stood out at Scouting Combine

Linebacker Jihaad Campbell, Alabama

Linebacker Jihaad Campbell entered the draft process as one of the most intriguing players at his position. At the Scouting Combine, Campbell measured 6 feet 3 inches tall and 235 pounds. His arm length was measured at 32 1⁄2 inches, and his hand size was 10 1⁄2 inches.

Proving he has the build of a modern linebacker, Campbell added impressive athletic testing: he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.52 seconds, tied for the third-fastest time of any linebacker. His 10-yard split (1.53 seconds) was also the third-fastest mark in his position group.

Campbell committed to Alabama as a five-star edge rusher in the 2022 class, then transitioned to play off-ball linebacker by his sophomore year. In two years as a starter inside, Campbell produced 184 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two interceptions and five passes defended.

He is quick to the ball, aggressive against blocks, and athletic in space. If the Chiefs do not re-sign linebacker Nick Bolton, Campbell could be an elite option to play in the first round.