| More from Mike Florio on the “collusion” case: It’s been six days since Pablo Torre’s podcast episode regarding the collusion ruling landed. And very few people in and around the NFL are saying anything about it. The NFL and the NFL Players Association haven’t said a word. While there’s still a chance either or both will hand-pick a reporter who is otherwise ignoring the case to spoon feed something that will clumsily push back against the bad look that the situation has given to both sides, don’t expect either the league or the union to have anything to say about the substance of the issue. Those connected to the situation have nothing to say, either. Agent Mark Rodgers, who represents Russell Wilson, and agent Erik Burkhardt, who represents Kyler Murray, declined comment — even though their clients were two of the three quarterbacks on whom the case focused. Other agents have declined to speak, with multiple agents explaining off the record that there’s no reason to make an enemy of the NFL or the NFLPA when their main business activities require having a working relationship with both sides. “I’ve got mouths to feed,” one agent said under a grant of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the topic. “These fuckers don’t forget things.” Players aren’t talking either, other than former player and Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year winner Chris Long. We’ve heard that there are Executive Committee members and/or player representatives who aren’t under the thumb of current NFLPA management. None of them has said a peep about the current situation, however. It’s unclear whether the players’ silence results from fear of reprisal, or from basic apathy. Only one person, so far, would go on the record. Long-time agent Peter Schaffer provided a statement to PFT. “It’s clear the arbitrator confirmed teams colluded against guaranteed money — something we, as agents, have known they have done since the advent of free agency,” Schaffer said. “The real question has always been how do we create and force change?” Schaffer wants to spin the situation forward by focusing on the biggest impediment to fully-guaranteed deals: The outdated funding rule that requires a large portion of future guarantees to be put in escrow. “For over two decades, the agent community has urged the NFLPA in CBA negotiations to eliminate the NFL’s unilaterally imposed guarantee funding rule on guaranteed player contracts — the biggest obstacle to securing more fully-guaranteed contracts,” Schaffer said. “Now, with this ruling, we have leverage. It’s time to act. Let’s go. End the funding rule.” The funding rule was adopted to protect the players against potential insolvency. Now that every team is swimming in cash, there’s no need for it. But the league won’t give it up. Because it’s a bargaining chip in negotiations. That makes any effort to end it a potential win for the league. It’s also a win for the league that few are saying anything about the NFL being caught colluding. And it’s a win, too, for the union that no one is calling for a mass ouster of leadership over the inexplicable failure to use the collusion ruling as a weapon against management. We’ll see if the silence continues. Maybe the fact that Schaffer has issued a comment will cause others to throw a little caution to the wind and say what they believe, even if they might face repercussions from the big, bad wolves who are officially being very sheepish right now. To the DB, collusion would be something where there would be more than a raised eyebrow at what the other owners thought were excessive guarantees, some sort of punishment or disfavor. But to our knowledge, the one team that did issue excessive guarantees, Cleveland, (with disastrous results) continues to operate unimpeded. The dictionary says: a secret agreement or cooperation between two parties for an illegal or dishonest purpose We would say – Was it secret? No, everyone knows that in general owners try to limit guarantees, they would say for good reason in that in some players guaranteed money lowers motivation to perform. Was it an agreement? Not really, maybe “cooperation” Was the purpose illegal? No, it was just part of collective bargaining. Was it dishonest? Not really. Maybe they’re not talking about the ruling because it is really no big deal. Good players still get substantial amounts of their contracts, hundreds of millions of dollars, guaranteed. Is it collusion if agents chat among themselves on ways to extract money from owners? We’re not sure why it would be collusion for the league to have a means, the Management Council, that provides financial information and best practices for the other side of the negotiation. |
| NFC NORTH |
| CHICAGOWhen he played there was talk that CB CHARLES “PEANUT” TILLMAN was going to become an FBI agent after his career ended. Lots of postseason goals like that go unfulfilled. But not Tillman’s – this from TalkSport: The cornerback decided to retire without a Vince Lombardi Trophy but with $50 million in career earnings and a Walter Payton Man of the Year award from 2013 thanks to his work in the community. That sense of civic pride — and his dad Donald’s service as a sergeant in the US Army — inspired his next move. After signing a one-day contract to retire as a Bear, he enrolled in the FBI’s 20-week training academy in Quantico, Virginia. He had until he turned 37 on February 23, 2018, to earn his badge and made the cut. The nature of his work obviously means few details are available about Tillman’s work but Chicago rapper Lil Reese was stunned to find the former defensive star involved in a raid on his home in 2018. “I was tapping my homie, ‘Ain’t this the football player?’ Lil Reese told VladTV. “And then I said, ‘What’s up, aren’t you Charles Tillman?’ And he was like, ‘What’s up?'” Lil Reese later revealed that the charges against him were dropped. Tillman’s desire to work in law enforcement reportedly goes back some way. The two-time All-Pro graduated from Louisiana-Lafayette with a criminal justice degree And ESPN claims that he would occasionally observe law enforcement officials during his offseason breaks. As the 44-year-old enjoys his new role off the field, his impact is still being felt on it. The Peanut Punch is a perfect tool in an era where defenses obsess over takeaways. “Essentially, I was just thinking outside the box, trying to do something a little bit different,” Tillman said in an exclusive interview with talkSPORT at a Bears community event in London in 2024. |
| NFC WEST |
| SAN FRANCISCOThe 49ers are trying to do for QB MAC JONES what they did for QB SAM DARNOLD. Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com: In another fateful twist, when he was a young player at Alabama, Jones once played host for a recruiting visit by a young quarterback named Purdy. The pair spent that night in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, hanging out and playing video games, and though Purdy ultimately opted for Iowa State, Jones has enjoyed watching Purdy grow into the quarterback who recently signed a five-year, $265 million contract extension with the 49ers. For Jones, Purdy offers a daily reminder of how developing in the right place with the right coaching staff can pay big dividends. Before signing with the Niners, Jones also noted the ascent of Sam Darnold, another former high draft pick who struggled elsewhere, went to San Francisco and has since enjoyed success with the Minnesota Vikings and signed a sizable free agent deal with the Seattle Seahawks. Despite Jones’ struggles elsewhere, the 49ers still see similar potential in him. “He’s got a lot of traits that we like for a starting quarterback,” Kubiak said. “His career has kind of gone up and down a little bit the past couple years, but we saw the same things in Jacksonville that we loved about him as a college prospect, and that really excites us… I think Mac’s capable of being a starter in this league.” For that to happen, Jones is going to have to rebuild from the ground up, starting with his confidence. Jones says it’s important for him to acknowledge what he could have done better in previous stops, and he intends to use those “scars” as motivation to improve. In San Francisco, he’s the clear backup behind the unquestioned starter in Purdy. Whether he plays or not remains to be seen, though Purdy did miss a pair of games due to injury in 2024. And if Jones needs to step in, Shanahan doesn’t want him to lament the interceptions thrown in practice or OTAs but remember those mistakes so he doesn’t make them again when it really counts. “[If] you go through all these practices and you never throw a pick, you’re probably not getting better,” Shanahan said. “It’s hard when you get in that stadium and things like that. Not only are you getting hit for the first time, but now all that stuff counts and if you don’t let it rip and go through all that in practice, you’re not going to get any better in the games and then it’s usually a matter of time before someone passes you up.”– – -CB DEOMMODORE LENOIR was arrested in Los Angeles last Thursday: San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir was arrested in Los Angeles on Thursday night on a charge of obstruction of justice, police said. Lenoir, a 25-year-old Los Angeles native, was released from jail early Friday morning and is scheduled to appear in court next month, according to jail records. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers had approached a group that included Lenoir and observed a gun inside a parked vehicle. When police asked for the keys, another man tossed them to Lenoir. Lenoir then threw the keys to a third man who tried to hide them, according to multiple reports. “We are aware of the matter involving Deommodore Lenoir and are in the process of gathering further information,” the team said in a statement. Lenoir signed a five-year, $92 million extension with the 49ers in November. The 2021 fifth-round pick has recorded six interceptions, 26 passes defended and 265 tackles in his first four seasons with San Francisco. |
| AFC NORTH |
| PITTSBURGHAn interesting trade of veteran defensive backs on Monday. Myles Simmons of ProFootballTalk.com: Who says you can’t go home? Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is headed back to the team that drafted him. The Dolphins have acquired Fitzpatrick in exchange for Jalen Ramsey, PFT has confirmed. Ramsey’s trade to the Steelers was reported earlier on Monday. Fitzpatrick, 28, was a Dolphins first-round pick in 2018 but was traded to the Steelers early in the 2019 season in a deal that included Pittsburgh’s 2020 first-round pick. Fitzpatrick has since become a three-time All-Pro and a five-time Pro Bowler. Fitzpatrick started all 17 games last season, recording 96 total tackles, four passes defensed, an interception, and a forced fumble. He led the league with six interceptions in 2022. Now he’ll return to South Florida and a team that is trying to change its culture in 2025. And, as ESPN further reports TE JONNU SMITH is back with OC Arthur Smith: The Dolphins are also trading tight end Jonnu Smith to the Steelers for a late-round pick swap, sources told Schefter. Ramsey will get a $1.5 million raise this season, bringing his 2025 compensation up to $26.6 million, sources told Schefter. Smith will receive a one-year contract extension worth $12 million, agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey told Schefter. Ramsey confirmed he was headed to Pittsburgh, posting to X, “Break my own news! #HereWeGo @steelers.” Meanwhile, Fitzpatrick heads back to Miami, where he began his career after the Dolphins selected him 11th overall in the 2018 draft. Ramsey joins a loaded cornerback group with the Steelers, who signed Darius Slay Jr. in free agency earlier this offseason and also have incumbent starter Joey Porter Jr. Ramsey becomes the fourth Dolphins captain from last season to exit the squad, joining Terron Armstead (retired), Calais Campbell (Arizona Cardinals) and David Long Jr. (released, now with Tennessee Titans). |
| AFC SOUTH |
| JACKSONVILLEIn Frank Schwab’s preseason countdown at YahooSports.com, the Jaguars are the second-best team in the AFC South – but still down at #22 (Titans are #32, Colts are #22): The trade value chart said the Jacksonville Jaguars were crazy. Jacksonville traded the fifth pick of the NFL Draft, a second- and fourth-round pick in 2025 and a 2026 first-round pick to the Cleveland Browns for the second overall pick, a fourth- and sixth-round pick. It was a severe overpay by any chart you can find. However, the Jaguars saw Travis Hunter as a unique, game-changing prospect. So they got him, no matter the cost. Maybe that’s a good thing. The Jaguars might benefit from not following the same charts as everyone else. Jacksonville has zero Super Bowl appearances, only two playoff berths since the 2007 season and many years of being practically anonymous in the NFL. It hasn’t gotten very far by following the book. The Jaguars shocked the NFL with the trade. New GM James Gladstone, just 34 years old and from the aggressive Los Angeles Rams front office, boldly told Jaguars fans about the move: “Don’t be scared. This is something I’m uniquely positioned to navigate.” The move might turn out to be less about Hunter himself and more about a changing mentality in a sad-sack franchise. “It’s a statement for how we plan to move, who we are,” Gladstone said, via the team’s site. It has been a hard few years for the Jaguars. In 2020, they had a 1-15 season and fired Doug Marrone. It didn’t seem like it could get any worse than that, but then the Jaguars made the laughable decision to hire Urban Meyer, who is now on a short list of the worst coaches in NFL history. Doug Pederson was brought in, and while the Jaguars weren’t a complete laughingstock like they were with Meyer, Pederson looked like a tired retread by the end. Then the Jaguars had another embarrassing episode this offseason, keeping around general manager Trent Baalke when everyone said he needed to go, then firing him a few weeks later in the middle of a coaching search. Jaguars owner Shad Khan has been terrible at running the team, but he made two hires that seem inspired. Gladstone is young but he had nine seasons with the Rams before he was hired as Jaguars GM. New Jaguars head coach Liam Coen might not be good at a “Duval” chant, but he had an excellent season as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator and perhaps can get Trevor Lawrence to the level everyone was hoping he’d be at already. “I really like it,” Lawrence said of the Jaguars’ offense, via Jaguars Wire. “It has a lot of answers. It’s great. It puts a lot on the players, you have to know your stuff, but it gives you all the answers.” The Jaguars have talent. Brian Thomas Jr. is coming off an excellent rookie season and was an egregious Pro Bowl snub. Not many teams have a better pass-rush duo than Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. Devin Lloyd and Foyesade Oluokun are two of the best linebackers in the NFL. Tyson Campbell is a pretty good cornerback and former Cowboys corner Jourdan Lewis was a strong addition to the secondary. Lawrence was one of the best quarterback draft prospects ever, and he has shown a few flashes. And Hunter could end up being a special, historic player. Maybe Gladstone’s approach will work, or perhaps he’ll flame out fast. But after years of failure, at least the Jaguars are trying something different. Offseason gradeThe Travis Hunter trade will be debated for a long time. Hunter has a Hall of Fame ceiling in the NFL and he might have to hit that to justify what the Jaguars gave up to get him. But the Jaguars had conviction. While that move was daring, the rest of the offseason wasn’t too crazy. Offensive linemen Patrick Mekari and Robert Hainsey, cornerback Jourdan Lewis, safety Eric Murray and receiver Dyami Brown were the main free agent additions, and none of them cost more than $12.5 million per season. The big loss was tight end Evan Engram, but the team should feel that Brenton Strange can replace most of his production. The rest of the Jaguars draft was solid, and keep an eye on running back Bhayshul Tuten, a fourth-round pick who could be a big factor by season’s end. Overall, the Jaguars seemed to get better. Grade: B+ Quarterback reportIf Trevor Lawrence wasn’t viewed as a chosen one before the draft, and was picked later in the first round or beyond the first round, would he have a five-year, $275 million contract? Would he even be an unquestioned starter in the NFL? Lawrence has a career rating of 85, which isn’t far ahead of Daniel Jones’ mark of 84.3. Over his last two seasons, Lawrence has 32 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. The Jaguars are 20 games under .500 in Lawrence’s starts, and while a team’s record isn’t a quarterback stat, Lawrence hasn’t lifted the Jaguars. The Jaguars are still chasing what they thought Lawrence would be coming out of Clemson. The reasons for optimism are Lawrence’s draft pedigree, a very good stretch in the second half of the 2022 season, the thought that the Jaguars’ utter dysfunction has held Lawrence back and Lawrence being just 25 years old. This season, Lawrence will have Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter to throw to, and a new offensive-minded head coach in Liam Coen. If he doesn’t have a big season, it’s probably never going to happen. Yahoo’s fantasy takeFrom Yahoo’s Scott Pianowski: “Fantasy managers love shiny new things, and they don’t come much shinier than Travis Hunter. He obviously was a two-way star at Colorado and he’s going to keep some of those defensive snaps with the Jaguars. That could be a slight negative to his fantasy value, perhaps adding a little extra injury risk and perhaps taking away from his development as a pro receiver. Additionally, the Jaguars already have a young alpha receiver who spread his wings last year, Brian Thomas Jr. Given how the market tends to aggressively chase after buzzy rookies, I can’t draft Hunter proactively this summer.” BetMGM odds breakdownFrom Yahoo’s Ben Fawkes: “It’s a big year for Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars under new head coach Liam Coen. Jacksonville pulled off a stunning draft-day trade, moving up to No. 2 to take Colorado WR/CB Travis Hunter. Hunter will bring excitement to a team with a win total of 7.5 at BetMGM, and one that has gone under its total in six of the past seven seasons. The Jaguars are favorites in only six games this season, but I think this team is a bit undervalued. I’d look to play the over 7.5 wins.” Stat to rememberThe Jaguars didn’t have much luck in close games last season. They were 3-10 in games decided by seven points or less and 1-4 when they were decided by three points or less. Taking on 10 losses in close games isn’t normal. It wasn’t all bad luck. Coaching matters in close games and the Jaguars weren’t getting much of that. Quarterback play is a big factor too, and Trevor Lawrence missed seven games due to a shoulder injury and a concussion. Lawrence didn’t play that well when he was healthy either. The 2024 Jaguars weren’t very good, but their season would have looked a lot better with a neutral record in close games instead of having the NFL’s most losses in one-score games. It’s a reason to believe the Jaguars could rebound in 2025. Burning question What will Travis Hunter’s career look like?Not many players have played both ways in the NFL over the last 60 years. It’s also fair to note the modern college game hasn’t experienced anyone like Hunter, who won a Heisman Trophy by playing nearly full time at receiver and cornerback at Colorado. Maybe he’s just different than everyone else, truly the Shohei Ohtani of football. What impact will Hunter have in the NFL? It’s hard to say because there’s practically nobody to compare him to. “There are players who have the capacity to alter a game. There are players who have the capacity to alter the trajectory of a team. There are very few players who have the capacity to alter the trajectory of the sport itself,” Jaguars general manager James Gladstone said. “Travis, while he has a lot to still earn in our eyes, has the potential to do just that.” The Jaguars are starting Hunter off primarily as a receiver, but they have plans to use him on defense too. Given what they paid to move up to draft Hunter, he better be playing both ways. It didn’t take long for the Jaguars to see Hunter’s exceptional ball skills on offense and defense. The urge to push his limits will be there all season. “‘Milo [secondary coach Ron Milus] came up to me after practice and said, ‘Can we have him more?”’ Liam Coen said after an OTA practice, via the team’s site. “That’s a good thing.” Hunter will probably play more snaps than any other player this season and if it goes well, he’ll lead the league in that category for many years to come. Best-case scenarioHalf of the last eight NFL Coach of the Year winners were first-year coaches who took their teams to unexpected playoff berths (Sean McVay, Matt Nagy, Kevin Stefanski, Brian Daboll). Why can’t that be Liam Coen this year? Coen did a fantastic job with the Buccaneers’ offense last season. The previous regime for the Jaguars was going through the motions. There will be a new energy this season, and Travis Hunter has a lot to do with that as well. Baker Mayfield had 41 touchdown passes in Coen’s offense last season and while that’s a lofty goal, Trevor Lawrence can cruise past his career best of 25 touchdowns with improved coaching and strong weapons around him. Coen isn’t in Jacksonville solely to fix the passing game; he can do wonders for a rushing offense that was often disjointed last season. The Jaguars can absolutely take a huge leap, like the 2024 Commanders, 2023 Texans or any other out-of-nowhere team to make the playoffs. It’s not like the AFC South is that daunting. The Jaguars being one of the NFL’s most exciting teams, Trevor Lawrence breaking out, Travis Hunter winning an Offensive Rookie of the Year award and Jacksonville winning the division while Coen is the latest rookie to win Coach of the Year — all of that is on the table. Nightmare scenarioIf Trevor Lawrence isn’t a top-10 quarterback this season, where does that leave the Jaguars? Given that $200 million of Lawrence’s contract was guaranteed and he has a no-trade clause, the Jaguars are probably married to Lawrence through at least the 2028 season, for better or worse. Through four seasons, Lawrence has rarely looked like one of the league’s best quarterbacks. If a new coach and two exciting receivers can’t unlock anything new, it will be hard to buy that it’ll happen later on. Maybe the Jaguars will continue to perpetually be a bottom-end franchise. Liam Coen had just one season running a top-end NFL offense and we also don’t know if he can handle being a head coach. The Jaguars’ 4-13 record last season wasn’t just bad luck; there are holes on the roster. It’s possible Jacksonville will be stuck in its rut for a lot longer. The crystal ball saysThe ranking might not reflect it — the Jaguars come into this season with a lot to prove — but this is a team that has a lot of breakout potential. Often, NFL teams that improve suddenly are led by first-time head coaches taking over from a previous staff that wasn’t getting much out of its players. Liam Coen might be a massive upgrade for the Jaguars, though he’ll have to show he can be an NFL head coach. There’s enough talent to have a very productive passing game. The defense has a long way to go, but there are talented players on that side. The AFC South isn’t that tough, unless the Texans rebound to what they were in 2023. I’m quite optimistic for this Jaguars team and think they can be a surprise division winner. They might move far up the power rankings very early this season. |
| AFC EAST |
| NEW ENGLANDChad Graff of The Athletic looks at DT CHRISTIAN BARMORE. If he is back from a blood clots issue that cost him most of 2024, it’s another reason for optimism around the Patriots: A week into training camp last year, Patriots trainers noticed that Christian Barmore’s right calf was larger than his left, prompting a series of tests that revealed a blood clot diagnosis. Barmore dealt with shortness of breath. The diagnosis taxed him mentally, he said. He didn’t know if or when he’d play football again. He’d just signed a massive four-year, $83 million contract that was supposed to yield stability, and now so much was unclear. A few months later, he returned to the football field for four games before being shut down amid further complications from the blood clots. “It was really confusing,” Barmore said this offseason. “Anger and just really mind-blowing because I was putting in a lot of work here at that time. It’s like all that work I put in for nothing.” Since Barmore was last on the field, a lot has changed for the Patriots. New coach. New structure. New pass-rushing defensive tackle with a giant contract. But the addition of Milton Williams, which once seemed like it might cast questions about Barmore’s availability, now has the Patriots poised to boast one of the NFL’s best interior pass rushes. That is, if Barmore returns to his high level of play. HistoryIt’s easy to forget just how good Barmore was in 2023 amid all the Patriots drama of the last two years. He had 4.5 sacks in the final five games of that season and 7.5 sacks in the final 11 games. It took some development, but he had finally become the dominant pass rusher that enticed Bill Belichick to use a second-round pick on him. Plus, Barmore quietly improved his run-stopping that season, the area that had always held him back from being able to play in any situation. Barmore is never going to be confused for a true run stuffer up the middle, but he did well enough there in 2023 while dominant as a rusher. In the second half of 2023, his pressure rate ranked 11th among all defensive tackles and ninth in quarterback hurries. Then, the massive contract extension followed. Barmore was still just 24 then, and it was easy to envision an even more dominant 2024. Offseason recapEvery update on Barmore’s health this offseason leading up to practices was a positive one. Mike Vrabel in March said Barmore was feeling better and added that they’d developed a “great plan” for the defensive tackle. Then, Barmore was cleared to participate in the team’s voluntary practices in May. In June, Barmore was one of the most dominant players at practice. In many ways, he looked like his 2023 version, continually pushing the pocket against a reshuffled interior O-line. Still, it was impressive and essential for the Pats that Barmore wasn’t just present at practice, but dominating. It was enough to earn praise from his new coach. “What I’ve seen is a player that is excited, that is coachable — extremely coachable,” Vrabel said. “He has versatility, he’s rushed inside, he’s lined up outside. He’s worked extremely hard. You’ve seen him chase and play with great effort down the field … I’ve seen a lot of improvement and a lot of engagement from him since the time that we’ve been here.” X-factorThe addition of Williams has a chance to really help Barmore break out. There are plenty of fair questions as to how the Patriots are going to generate a pass rush on the outside. But with Barmore and Williams lined up together, teams aren’t going to be able to double-team both. Williams probably gets more attention from offensive coordinators to start the season. There’s no flying under the radar for him anymore after his dominant Super Bowl performance. If that’s the case, Barmore should get plenty of one-on-one rushes against a guard. Teams pay a premium for top-end edge rushers, part of why it’s so hard to land those kinds of players. So since they weren’t able to acquire that kind of player this offseason, the Pats are shifting their focus to get pressure from the interior. That could make for a big season for Barmore and Williams. Reasons for optimismThe Patriots don’t have to look far for an NFL player who had success after a blood clots diagnosis. David Andrews missed the entirety of the 2019 season due to blood clots, and returned to play five more seasons. So, if the diagnosis becomes a thing of the past for Barmore, there’s no reason to think he can’t build on that 2023 breakout. And if that’s the case, the Patriots’ plan up the middle could become the strength of their defense. Plus, Barmore is still just 25 years old (he turns 26 next month). He should just be entering his prime while now playing next to a really good pass rusher, who could take some pressure off him. Reasons for concernBarmore missed 13 games last season. That’s a lot of time away from the game, which could obviously impact his development. Furthermore, his play against the run will always be worth following. Yes, he upped his performance there in 2023. But that was while playing next to Lawrence Guy and Davon Godchaux, two big run stuffers. It’s easier to look good in that area when the guy next to you is such a help. But that area of the game is also Williams’ weakness, and it comes at a time when offenses are more willing to run the ball given the spread of defenses playing with two deep safeties to take away big plays in the passing game. So the fear is that the duo of Williams and Barmore gets bullied in the running game badly enough that they can’t be on the field together unless it’s an obvious passing situation. What to watch in campThe first is the obvious one, which is just Barmore’s health. It would be good to see him out there for the full camp. But second is the fascinating dynamics that come with the Patriots’ front four. Vrabel has shown a willingness to move Barmore around. He’s going to try him on the outside in passing situations, and line him up in a variety of spots during camp to see what works. That will be interesting to follow through August as Barmore looks to build on that promising 2023 season. |
| THIS AND THAT |
| ONE FINAL MOVE FOR EACH TEAMAaron Schatz of ESPN.com with one final move, usually contractual, for each of the 32 member clubs: AFC East Buffalo Bills – Extend left guard David EdwardsThe Bills have two veterans on their offensive line entering free agency in 2026, and it would be a good idea to get at least one of them nailed down for an extra couple of years. I’m going with Edwards over center Connor McGovern, but the Bills should get by with either deal or both. Edwards was 16th among qualifying guards in pass block win rate (93.5%) last season and was also above average in run block win rate (73.1%). He’ll be 28 during the 2025 season, so he still has plenty of prime left in his career. Miami Dolphins – Sign wide receiver Keenan AllenTyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle give the Dolphins two excellent outside receivers, but there are questions about the slot. Right now, Miami’s top slot options are the Washington “not-brothers,” two low-round draft picks from a year ago. In 2024, Malik Washington had just 26 catches for 223 yards with no touchdowns, while Tahj Washington missed his entire rookie season with an undisclosed injury. That makes Miami the perfect landing spot for a seasoned veteran slot receiver like Allen. Allen is 33 but still had 70 catches for 744 yards and seven touchdowns in Chicago a season ago. He did poorly in ESPN’s receiver tracking metrics last season but still got open, as indicated by his 57 open score. Hill and Waddle would give Allen a ton of room to work with underneath, giving quarterback Tua Tagovailoa a nice security blanket. New England Patriots – Extend cornerback Marcus JonesIt’s not easy to find one move to suggest for the Patriots. They need to spend the season sifting through players to keep for their future core, and there aren’t a lot of important players on rookie contracts who will be free agents in 2026. The only one who really matters is Jones, the nickelback and return man. The Patriots can get him under contract with an extension to solidify their special teams and the nickelback position. Jones had 10 passes defensed last season and ranked eighth in success rate in coverage, although the completions he did give up went for a lot of yardage. New York Jets – Extend cornerback Sauce Gardner and wide receiver Garrett WilsonThe problem with having both the 2022 Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year on your team is that you have to extend both guys a couple of seasons later. Thanks to the fifth-year option, the Jets know they have both Gardner and Wilson through 2026. But let’s be honest, they want to have them both a lot longer than that. It would be nice to get deals done before the season starts. Gardner’s contract might be easier to sign because we know that Derek Stingley Jr., selected one pick ahead of Gardner in the 2022 draft, got a three-year, $90 million deal. Gardner should just get the same contract. AFC North Baltimore Ravens – Extend quarterback Lamar JacksonMy original suggestion for the Ravens was that they sign cornerback Jaire Alexander. But they went ahead and did that on a one-year deal, so let’s strike up a deal with Jackson, Alexander’s old Louisville teammate. Extension talks with Jackson are in an “introductory stage,” according to general manager Eric DeCosta. Jackson is signed through 2027, but the two-time MVP is now 10th among quarterbacks in average annual salary. An extension would make him happy and open up a ton of salary cap space for the Ravens to use in 2026 and 2027. (Jackson is set to have a cap number of over $74 million next season.) Cincinnati Bengals – Solve the Shemar Stewart problemThe Bengals’ contract impasse with first-round pick Stewart is complicated. The dispute is related to specific contract language regarding the potential voiding of guarantees in case of default by the player. This is language that a lot of players have put into their contracts. The problem is that it is not language that past Cincinnati first-round picks have in their contracts, and Stewart does not want to be the first. The Bengals must decide how much they want to hold their ground on this issue versus how important it is to get their first-round pick practicing with the team, especially considering that Stewart was considered a raw talent. If they want Stewart to accept this language, they probably need to make a concession in some other area. Otherwise, they should just use the same language they used with last year’s first-round pick, Amarius Mims, getting Stewart into the building as soon as possible. Cleveland Browns – Make some decisions on the offensive lineFour of the five starters on Cleveland’s offensive line will see their contracts void after the 2025 season: left guard Joel Bitonio, center Ethan Pocic, right guard Wyatt Teller and right tackle Jack Conklin. But wait, there’s more! The Browns signed Teven Jenkins as their top offensive line backup, but that was a one-year contract, so he’s also a free agent in 2026. The Browns need to decide which players they want to try to keep past 2025 and extend one or two linemen. Jenkins is the only one of those players under 30, making him the most likely to stick around long term. Pittsburgh Steelers – Extend edge rusher T.J. WattIt’s not necessary for me to list stats to explain Watt’s talent. And this would be the right time for the Steelers to consider dealing Watt, 32, for draft picks as part of a rebuilding effort. But let’s be honest, a team that just signed 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers is not rebuilding. Watt skipped mandatory minicamp because of contract negotiations. If the Steelers want to have a competitive defense in 2025, they need to get him back in the building. AFC South Houston Texans – Sign cornerback Rasul DouglasThe Texans lost some of their depth at the cornerback position when Ronald Darby retired in early June, so let’s give them another veteran to play behind Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter. Douglas, 29, didn’t have a great season for Buffalo in 2024, but two seasons ago he ranked third in the NFL in my coverage DVOA metric. He can play both inside and outside, which gives coach DeMeco Ryans some more flexibility. Indianapolis Colts – Sign safety Justin SimmonsThe Colts added Camryn Bynum from Minnesota as their new free safety, and they still have Nick Cross, who had 146 tackles last season. But Indianapolis could use some depth at the position since Daniel Scott has never seen the field in the regular season through two seasons and Hunter Wohler is a seventh-round rookie. Enter Simmons, who started for Atlanta last season and was second-team All-Pro in 2023. Simmons would also give Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo the ability to play three-safety packages. Jacksonville Jaguars – Sign edge rusher Jadeveon ClowneyThe Jaguars have a strong pair of starting edge rushers with Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. But there are questions about the depth behind them. Emmanuel Ogbah is 32 years old and had just five sacks as a full-time starter in Miami last season. Myles Cole had no sacks on 11.3% of defensive snaps as a seventh-round rookie. The Jaguars could use a third strong edge rusher who can rotate with Hines-Allen and Walker, and there are a number still on the market. I’m picking Clowney over Matthew Judon, Preston Smith or Za’Darius Smith because his strength setting the edge on run plays makes him a good sub for Walker specifically. Tennessee Titans – Sign linebacker Kyzir WhiteThe Titans don’t really have a lot of inside linebackers on the roster that they can trust. Tennessee signed Cody Barton away from Denver, but nobody else at the position played more than 10.5% of defensive snaps last season. A strong veteran to play up the middle would be a big help, and White is still out there. He’s a steady player who had 35 more tackles last season for Arizona than any other Cardinals defender other than Budda Baker. AFC West Denver Broncos – Extend defensive lineman Zach AllenAllen had a phenomenal 2024 season. He had a run stop rate of 89% — second at his position — and he had 59 pressures, which tied with Chiefs’ Chris Jones for the highest total among interior linemen. However, Allen’s contract voids after the 2025 season. He’ll be 29 in 2026, still in his prime, so the Broncos should extend him to solidify the middle of their defense for the next three or four seasons. Kansas City Chiefs – Extend right guard Trey SmithThe Chiefs already decided between Joe Thuney and Smith. They could pay only one of them, so Thuney was sent to Chicago and they kept the younger Smith. Right now, Smith is set to play on the franchise tag for 2025 and then become a free agent again in 2026. We know that’s not going to happen. The Chiefs need to get the extension worked out and lock one of the league’s top interior linemen down for the next few seasons. Las Vegas Raiders – Extend left tackle Kolton MillerMiller is easily the best Raiders offensive lineman. He ranked only 37th in pass block win rate (88.1%) in 2024 but was 25th (89.4%) the season before, and the Raiders were also much better running to the left than running to the right in 2024. There’s a lot of youth on the Raiders’ line, and it would be good to nail down a couple of more years with Miller as the veteran leader of the group. Miller skipped voluntary workouts in April in pursuit of a new contract but told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that he wants to “be a Raider for life.” Los Angeles Chargers – Extend left tackle Rashawn SlaterWe’re going 4-for-4 on extensions in the AFC West, where some really important offensive linemen are facing free agency after the 2025 season. For the Chargers, that means left tackle Slater, whose rookie contract is about to end. Last season, Slater ranked 22nd among qualifying tackles in pass block win rate (90.7%) and 10th in run block win rate (78.6%). Los Angeles has a few linemen who will be free agents after 2025, including Zion Johnson and Trey Pipkins III, but there’s no question that Slater is the one it needs long term. NFC East Dallas Cowboys – Extend edge rusher Micah ParsonsThere are no stats needed here, right? It’s Parsons. He’s one of the best defensive players in the NFL. At 26, he’s right in his prime. Why on earth haven’t the Cowboys extended his contract yet? New York Giants – Trade edge rusher Kayvon ThibodeauxThe Giants now have three starting edge rushers for two spots after drafting Abdul Carter to go along with Thibodeaux and Brian Burns. Thibodeaux has two years left on his rookie contract, and he’ll need an extension after the 2025 season. The team won’t want to pay him at the going price for starting edge rushers if he’s not going to be starting. Yes, New York can use an edge rusher rotation and get plenty of value out of him. It can create a NASCAR-style package where one of its edge rushers moves inside on third down. But the Giants can also trade Thibodeaux to a contender that needs help on the edge, such as the Packers or the Lions, and probably get a Day 2 pick in return. More draft capital would be a huge help for 2026 when they’ll be trying to find as many strong offensive players as possible to build around quarterback Jaxson Dart and wide receiver Malik Nabers. Philadelphia Eagles – Sign wide receiver Tyler BoydWhat do you suggest for the team that has basically everything? I can’t even really suggest a contract extension here; Philadelphia’s top young player approaching free agency is Nakobe Dean, but the team already prepared for his departure by using a first-round pick on Jihaad Campbell in the most recent draft. One thing the Eagles could use is more depth at the wide receiver position, particularly a slot receiver who can open underneath and convert third downs. Keenan Allen would fit, but we have him going to the Dolphins, so how about Boyd? Boyd had just 39 catches for 390 yards with Tennessee last season, but he was an important part of the Bengals’ offense from 2016 to 2023. Jahan Dotson feels like he’s in a better position to be productive in his second season in the Eagles’ offense, but Boyd would provide a strong backup in case Dotson is not. Washington Commanders – Extend wide receiver Terry McLaurinMcLaurin has been one of the league’s best receivers for years, but he never reached his highest potential because of poor quarterback play prior to 2024. That’s not a problem now with Jayden Daniels in town, and McLaurin ranked fifth in DYAR (defense-adjusted yards above replacement) last season. However, McLaurin’s current contract voids after the 2025 season, and the Commanders need to fix that. He skipped a recent mandatory minicamp in hopes that it would prod the Commanders into coming closer to the number he wants on the next contract. NFC North Chicago Bears – Sign linebacker Jalen Reeves-MaybinLinebacker depth is a bit of a problem for the Bears right now. They don’t need a starter because they have T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds, but former Lions linebacker Reeves-Maybin would be a good depth addition. He also is a big help on special teams, having made the Pro Bowl for special teams just two seasons ago. The Bears’ special teams were strong in 2024, but another good gunner never hurts. Detroit Lions – Bring back edge rusher Za’Darius SmithYes, Aidan Hutchinson will be back from his tibia/fibula injury, but there still are questions about the edge rusher depth in Detroit. It was a surprise when the Lions didn’t draft an edge rusher until Boise State’s Ahmed Hassanein in the sixth round. So why not bring back a veteran who wants to be there? Smith recently told USA Today, “Hopefully I can get back to Detroit because the coaching staff and everybody in the front office are great.” He had four sacks in eight games for Detroit last season. Green Bay Packers – Extend right tackle Zach TomThe Packers have both their starting tackles coming to free agency after the 2025 season, Tom and left tackle Rasheed Walker. However, Tom has been the better player, and the Packers drafted a potential replacement for Walker in Anthony Belton this past April. Tom ranked 18th in pass block win rate (95.1%) last season among tackles, was above average in run block win rate (75.4%), and has the versatility to play other positions along the line. Minnesota Vikings – Sign edge rusher Matthew JudonThe Vikings are set with their starting edge rushers, Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel. They have 2024 first-round pick Dallas Turner waiting in the wings. And then after that, well … who is Bo Richter? Answer: He’s a second-year undrafted free agent who played 29 defensive snaps last season and is probably currently the No. 4 Edge on the Minnesota depth chart. The Vikings could really use a veteran to provide depth and rotate in every so often. Judon had a disappointing 2024 season with just 5.5 sacks for the Falcons, and he seems to be on the decline (he turns 33 in August). Still, he can get after the passer, and some reps as a backup might really rejuvenate his career. NFC South Atlanta Falcons – Trade tight end Kyle PittsPitts has never matched the heights of his 1,026-yard rookie season, nor has he matched expectations as the No. 4 overall pick. It’s very unlikely that the Falcons extend or re-sign him after the 2025 season, so perhaps the best thing is to get some value for him now and let him see what he can do with a change of scenery. The Jets might be an interesting landing spot for Pitts, as he could play next to rookie Mason Taylor in two-TE sets. The Giants could also use an upgrade at the position. Even the Eagles might be an interesting trade target, as Dallas Goedert is now 30 years old. Carolina Panthers – Sign cornerback Kendall FullerThe Panthers have their starting cornerbacks set, but they need to think about backup plans. I think Fuller would be a good fit here. He had reasonable charting metrics in Miami last season and really good metrics in Washington in 2023. He’s also versatile, with the ability to play both outside and in the slot. New Orleans Saints – Sign cornerback Stephon GilmoreThe Saints actually have salary cap room, which is a remarkable statement. They’ve moved enough money around and restructured enough contracts to be in the middle of the pack in the current effective cap space for 2025, no matter how mangled their cap space is for 2026 and beyond. That gives them the ability to bring in a veteran to help fill a hole, and they could use one at outside cornerback. Right now, their starters at the position are 2024 second-round pick Kool-Aid McKinstry and veteran Isaac Yiadom, who returns to New Orleans after playing in San Francisco last season. Gilmore maintained his high level in 2024 with Minnesota, ranking 30th in my coverage DVOA metric while being assigned to some of the league’s toughest receivers. He could challenge Yiadom for a starting job, while serving as an important mentor for McKinstry and fourth-round rookie Quincy Riley. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Extend right tackle Luke GoedekeTristan Wirfs is the anchor of the Tampa Bay offensive line, but Goedeke has been playing very well recently. Last season, he ranked 27th among qualifying tackles in pass block win rate (89.5%) and was above average in run block win rate (75.3%). Goedeke has one year left on his rookie contract, so it would be good for the Bucs to lock him in long term. NFC West Arizona Cardinals – Sign wide receiver Amari CooperThe Cardinals have a strong set of young wide receivers with Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson, but the depth past that is questionable. Greg Dortch is a useful slot receiver, yet he’s not an outside starter if Harrison or Wilson go down. Zay Jones has wrestled with injuries for two seasons and caught only eight passes for 84 yards in 2024. Simi Fehoko has 10 career catches at the age of 28. The Cardinals could use a veteran who can come in for Harrison and Wilson when both need to rest or if either of them is injured. The best outside receiver still on the market is Cooper, who spent last season with Cleveland and Buffalo. He did not have a good showing in 2024; he was poor in ESPN’s receiver tracking metrics and finished 80th in receiving DVOA. But at this point in his career, it wouldn’t cost much to take a chance that Cooper could rebound and provide some value. Los Angeles Rams – Extend safety Quentin LakeLake, a sixth-round pick in 2022, has become an important part of the Rams’ defense as both a safety and a nickel slot defender. He’s a big reason the Rams led the NFL in DVOA against receivers lined up in the slot last season. Lake’s rookie contract ends after 2025, and he’ll still be only 27 in 2026. It’s time for the Rams to make sure he’s around for a while. San Francisco 49ers – Extend offensive tackle Colton McKivitzThe problem here is less right tackle McKivitz and more the fact that left tackle Trent Williams turns 37 in July. He could decide to retire at any time. McKivitz’s contract ends after the 2025 season, and the 49ers don’t want to be stuck having to replace both tackles at the same time. So the wise thing to do is to give McKivitz a small extension, maybe a couple of more seasons. He’s not a great tackle — he ranked 52nd out of 66 qualifying tackles with an 85.9% pass block win rate in 2024 — but he has improved in recent seasons. An extension would also give the 49ers some offensive line stability. Seattle Seahawks – Sign guard Brandon ScherffThe interior offensive line was a major problem for the Seahawks in 2024, and while first-round rookie Grey Zabel should stabilize the left guard position, the other positions are still in flux. Olu Oluwatini is penciled in at center, where he was below average in both pass block win rate (92.4% versus NFL center average of 93.8%) and especially in run block win rate (64.5% versus 72.8%) last season. The current leader at right guard is 2024 third-round pick Christian Haynes. Why not bring in a former Pro Bowler who can provide some stability and veteran leadership? Scherff is still available and could take the right guard position, kicking Haynes over to battle Oluwatini for the center position at training camp. |
| COACHES ON THE HOT SEATMike Florio has a list of five coaches on the proverbial hot seat: During Thursday’s episode of #PFTPM, someone asked for a list of the coaches on the hot seat. I started to rattle off names before deciding to take the issue under advisement, Wapner-style, until Friday’s episode. And then I nearly forgot to do it. During my extensive prep (i.e., none whatsoever) for Friday’s show, I came up with a list of five and counted them down. Or up. If I simply wanted to push you to the attached video, I’d say, “They’re in the attached video.” But that’s not my style. Especially when I need to type enough words to justify a full post. So here they are, from No. 5 to No. 1. And this is my own assessment of the broader, 32-team situation. I’m not reporting anything. I’m identifying the guys whom I believe are under the biggest cloud of uncertainty as the season approaches. 5. Panthers coach Dave Canales.There’s a glass-half-full vibe around the Panthers, given that they finished relatively strong in 2024 after a disastrous start. If that comes to fruition for the 2025 Panthers, all will be well. If the wheels come off, it could spell doom for Canales, who enters his second season on the job. The key becomes owner David Tepper. Will the hard-charging, results-demanding, drink-throwing (at least once) owner tolerate, say, a 4-13 finish? It won’t be easy for Canales, if that happens. Mainly because of the guy who signs the checks, and who issues the pink slips. [Editor’s note: In a prior version of this story, I said Canales is entering his third season. I had my head up my ass. Sorry. It’s year two. Which doesn’t matter for an owner who fired his last coach, Frank Reich, during year one.] 4. Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer.The key to knowing Schottenheimer’s job security is to know whether and to what extent he has guaranteed money beyond 2025. Usually, head coaches enjoy at least three years of guarantees. But there’s nothing usual about the hiring of Brian Schottenheimer. He was on exactly zero teams’ short lists during the latest hiring cycle. For the Cowboys, who wanted to have offensive continuity for quarterback Dak Prescott, it was either Schottenheimer or Eagles offensive coordinator (new Saints coach) Kellen Moore. Schottenheimer came cheaper. How cheap? So cheap that there would be no buyout if he’s fired after one year? If so, Schottenheimer could need to do enough in 2025 to earn his employment for 2026. 3. Colts coach Shane Steichen.Through two seasons, Steichen is 17-17 with no playoff appearances. His non-interim predecessor, Frank Reich, went 40-33-1 with a pair of playoff berths and was abruptly fired. The swing and miss (so far) on quarterback Anthony Richardson is on Steichen’s record. The failure to develop Richardson is on Steichen’s resume. As the 2024 season ended, there was a haze of confusion as to whether big changes would be made in Indianapolis. Now that an ownership change has happened following the passing of Jim Irsay, it remains to be seen how Carlie Irsay-Gordon will run the team. And, most importantly, whether she’ll want to hire a coach of her own after her first season in charge. How the team performs in 2025 becomes a massive factor in resolving what currently is a major unknown. Which puts pressure on Steichen to win enough games to make the answer an obvious “yes.” 2. Giants coach Brian Daboll.On one day, Giants co-owner John Mara said he’d be sticking with G.M. Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll. Then, Mara said he’s running out of patience. It’s a mixed message to Daboll as to the potential impact of the upcoming season, and it necessarily puts him on the hot seat. It shouldn’t. The Giants are in a difficult division. They need plenty of help from a talent standpoint. Mara should give his current regime more time. And not just a commitment that ultimately feels temporary. That’s precisely how it feels in New York. 1. Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel.Even at a time when everyone is 0-0 and all teams have plausible hope, it feels like the window has closed for a Dolphins team that could end up flying straight into the glass in 2025. There’s dysfunction. There’s turmoil. There’s an unsettled situation with a star player who received a market-level contract in September 2024, and another star player who has said he wants out and who may feel the same way all over again if the 2025 season starts poorly. It all comes back to Tua Tagovailoa. Can he play well? Can he stay healthy enough to play well? Can the Dolphins win enough games to make it to the playoffs? Along the way, can they shed the narrative (as confirmed by linebacker Jordyn Brooks) that they go soft as the weather turns cold? Ultimately, it comes down to whether Stephen Ross will demand a major change if 2025 ends up being another disappointing season. Thirty years ago, the late Jets owner Leon Hess fired Pete Carroll after one season by saying this, “I’m 80 years old. I want results now.” Stephen Ross is five years older than Hess was when he said that. The video mentions a few others who didn’t make the top five. I’ll defer to it for those. Mainly because I got to 800 words without having to do that. Florio’s son came up with a sixth name: I was talking to my son last night about the recent PFT list of the five hottest coaching seats. Said my son, “Is Brian Callahan on it?” Said I, “Shit!” If Panthers coach Dave Canales is there as he enters his second season as a head coach, the Titans head coach should be, too. Although the precise reasons are different, the common thread is an unpredictability tracing to top-down dysfunction. In Tennessee, Chad Brinker became after 2024 the latest winner of the in-house power struggle. He’s running the show, with Mike Borgonzi now the G.M. The latest iteration of mismatched front office/coach could result in Speck/Borgonzi wanting their own head coach after the coming season. Callahan went 3-14 last year. Good (bad) enough to secure the first overall pick, and the rights to quarterback Cam Ward. It would be much better for Ward if Callahan sticks around. The young quarterback doesn’t need a revolving door. He needs consistency and continuity. But dysfunctional teams do dysfunctional things, and the recent run of dysfunction in Tennessee is reason enough to wonder whether Callahan will be feeling the heat, unless he at least doubles his first-year win total in his second NFL campaign. The DB thought there had to be people on hotter seats than Canales or Callahan – but as we went through the teams we couldn’t come up with any real good candidates – Jonathan Gannon in Arizona on the dysfunctional franchise theory? A one-and-done from Aaron Glenn and the dysfunctional Jets or Liam Coen and the dysfunctional Jaguars? Kevin Stefanski taking the blame in Cleveland for the Deshaun Watson mess? They feel like stretches, as well, but you never know. |
