| NFC NORTH |
| CHICAGODan Pompei of The Athletic, from the funeral, on the gentle greatness of Virginia McCaskey: They came in droves to say goodbye to the daughter of George Halas, the matriarch of the Chicago Bears, Mrs. McCaskey to all who were not kin. The wake for Virginia Halas McCaskey was open to the public on Tuesday, and there were so many mourners that they had to park a block away at Mystic Waters Family Aquatic Center. The funeral home couldn’t fit everyone, so they were directed to a holding area in a tent where the line snaked around like airport security on a Monday morning. The wait was two hours as soon as the doors opened, and it kept getting longer, maybe twice as long. What a fascinating mix it was. There were men wearing necklaces with crosses around clerical collars, bent-over nuns with canes, billionaires in bright, custom-made blazers and designer sneakers, working people with calloused hands and dirt under their fingernails, die-hards wearing Bears jerseys and Starter jackets and some of their heroes, including Cole Kmet, DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. Her father’s game can do to relationships what butchers do to chickens. But front-office workers, coaches and players who left the Bears with bitterness returned with hugs and memories. Lovie Smith and Ben Johnson were in the congregation at St. Emily’s Church for the private funeral mass the next day. It was Smith who convinced Mrs. McCaskey to share her experiences for the first time in the early 2000s and she began a tradition of addressing the players annually with stories about the team’s history, of which she witnessed 100 years. It is Johnson who is willed to carry her hopes of a return to glory. Some of the players who heard her speeches were there, as were others she told stories about. Mourners included Ted Albrecht, Mike Brown, Richard Dent, Gary Fencik, Matt Forte, Leslie Frazier, Robbie Gould, Dan Hampton, Roland Harper, Tommie Harris, Tom Thayer, Bob Thomas, Charles Tillman, Brian Urlacher, Tom Waddle, Bob Wetoska, Otis Wilson and Chris Zorich. Connie Payton and Joy Piccolo O’Connell, too. It was fitting given she touched every generation of the team, from Red Grange to Caleb Williams. Roger Goodell came. So did Tom Ricketts, Toni Preckwinkle and Pat Ryan. Duke Tobin, the Bengals architect who drafted Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, was there. He was a ball boy for the Bears when his late father, Bill, was in charge of personnel in the 1980s. Among the NFL owners who paid respects were Michael Bidwill, Mike Brown, Robert and Jonathan Kraft, John Mara, Mark Murphy and John York. There must have been 31 floral arrangements from NFL teams, many displaying their colors. And there were many more wreaths and bouquets, so many that even the vestibule smelled like springtime. Then there was the family — eight sons and daughters, 20 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren and even four great great grandchildren. Hardly anyone could tell them apart without nametags, which is why they wore them. Each started with the word “Favorite” and then said who they were, as in “Favorite granddaughter Michelle.” She made every one of them feel that way. Take it from her grandson James, who spoke at the funeral of Grandma attending his high school homecoming football game. They wore custom-made pins in the shape of hearts. “VHM” was the inscription, and it was replicated from her handwriting which she used in many personal notes. A cross was below the initials. The pins were light blue, representing her devotion to Mother Mary. For someone who actively avoided attention, this was quite an event. As her son Pat said at the funeral, she never sought praise; she only sought grace. Whenever she made a charitable donation — and she made hundreds, many of which were exceedingly generous — she insisted it be anonymous. For most of her life, she never spoke publicly. And before granting a rare interview, she almost had to have her arm twisted. Thankfully, her son George was good at that. So how did she impact so many? She will not be known for sporting innovations or conquests as her father was. What she will be remembered for is humanity. The game she was associated with can be vile. It takes knees, brains and even souls. As the NFL drifted further and further from compassion, she was an opposing force. Mostly by example but with words when necessary, she showed how to maintain priorities and perspective, and how to keep a light on. As much as anyone, she demonstrated the power of a gentle spirit. Mrs. McCaskey came from an era when players carpooled to practices and games, and the team held luncheons for players’ wives on off days so the men could stay home with the children. She was a reminder that some values should be perpetual. And now, some personal reflections. I helped Mrs. McCaskey write the forward to a book. After interviewing her, I presented her with a draft. She reviewed it and had a request. She was bothered by the prevalence of the word “I.” It shouldn’t be about her, she said, even though it was. I tried to convince her that “I’s” were necessary but eventually conceded to remove 11 “I’s.” She had her father’s persuasiveness. She gave a speech about faith and family one evening in the basement chapel of a church. I went seeking personal enlightenment. After receiving it, I thanked her. Gracious but determined that her wisdom would be shared only intimately, she said, “Now, Dan, you know I’m not here as a public figure.” Seven years ago, I lost a loved one. Unbeknownst to me, Mrs. McCaskey, 94 at the time and using a walker, stood in line for more than an hour at the wake. In front of her was a pack of high school kids, friends of one of my children. Behind her was a group of patients who had bused there from a rehab center for drug and alcohol addiction. “Hey, you’re the owner of the Bears,” they said. She was much more — a queen among commoners, gracefully at ease, uplifting us all. So death brought us together again this week. As I looked at her lying there, it struck me that she lived the way many of us would like to, and transitioned that way as well. No fall broke her hip and spirit, no disease ravaged her organs, no fog stole her reasoning. Her family knew the time was near and had the opportunity to say what was in their hearts. Mrs. McCaskey lived for 102 years and one month — not long enough for those who knelt before her but almost certainly long enough for her. She left peacefully, asleep in her own bed, surely aware that because of her, the world she was departing was decidedly better than the one she came into. |
| NFC EAST |
| PHILADELPHIAEagles DL MILTON WILLIAMS is looking for a raise from someone. Josh Alper ofProFootballTalk.com: Eagles edge rusher Josh Sweat stressed the need to find the right situation for himself as he heads toward free agency and another one of the team’s defensive stars from Super Bowl LIX has a similar view. Defensive lineman Milton Williams had two sacks and a forced fumble in the 40-22 win over the Chiefs, so he’s moving into the offseason with the same head of steam that Sweat is riding after 2.5 sacks against Kansas City. Williams said that he’d like to remain with the Eagles, but that won’t be the only thing that factors into his ultimate decision about where to sign this offseason. “Just being in the right situation,” Williams said, via Olivia Reiner of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “Valuing what I bring to the table. Obviously, a raise. But I want to win. I like this feeling of winning and being on top of the world. So definitely want to try to get in a situation as close to this as possible.” Williams joined Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis to make up a disruptive defensive front, but the appetite for Williams on the open market and all the mouths to feed in Philly might make it difficult for the team to keep the band together for another year. |
| AFC NORTH |
| CLEVELANDBill Barnwell thinks the Browns should be able to get a King’s Ransom for EDGE MYLES GARRETT, and he has a list of potential suitors: First, he goes through a list of past big trades before asking – What could the Browns get for Garrett?Treating future first-rounders as picks landing in the middle of each round and not applying any time discount, these Hall of Famers generated an average of 1,597 points of trade value on the Jimmy Johnson chart. I’d argue the Hopkins (509 points) and Dickerson (4,260 points) deals are outliers on either end of the spectrum; removing those reduces the trade value to 1,204 points. That would be equivalent to the 12th pick in a typical draft. The 31st selection is worth 600 points by the Johnson chart, so the average trade has technically produced two first-rounders, although just barely. I would suggest we can take this more as a general arbiter of where these Hall of Famers are valued when they’re traded as opposed to a specific amount of draft capital the Browns should expect or need to receive to justify the deal. I can see an argument for the Browns wanting more. Garrett plays the second-most important position in the game after quarterback. He has four first-team All-Pro nods, placing him one ahead of these other players who were dealt before 30. He has won Defensive Player of the Year. And while he has been aided by a 17th game, he has racked up 12 sacks in each of the past five seasons. He’s the first player in NFL history to produce six 12-plus sack seasons before turning 30. At the same time, Garrett is going to turn 30 next December, and the league has grown much warier of players as they age out of their prime seasons. Any team trading for him is going to be handing him a contract with significant amounts of guaranteed money into his early 30s. Garrett is unlikely to suddenly turn into a pumpkin just because he hits 30, but he has already played eight years in the league. We’ve seen players in this age range get traded for much less than their talents would suggest, with Jalen Ramsey in 2023 a recent example. The Browns shouldn’t have much trouble finding teams that are interested in adding Garrett, but general manager Andrew Berry will have to do well to land a deal that makes fans feel like they aren’t heartbroken to see their franchise defender leave Cleveland. The best way to get there, unless you run the Dallas Mavericks, is via a bidding war. It seems like a first-round pick would be the bare minimum for Garrett. Two first-rounders might be a big ask for a player approaching 30, even one as talented as Garrett, but it all depends on who is sending those picks and where they land. If a team’s offering a top-10 pick in the 2025 draft, it might not need to offer much else. If it’s the Eagles sending the No. 32 pick, there would need to be something more substantial as a second asset going Cleveland’s way, especially given that their future picks in 2026 and 2027 are also likely to fall toward the bottom of rounds. Which teams should or will be involved in those bids? He then goes throught all the teams – and we will skip his explanations until the end: Teams that won’t be trading for Garrett (11) AFC North opponentsBaltimore RavensCincinnati BengalsPittsburgh Steelers Teams with no need for edge rushersDenver BroncosHouston TexansLos Angeles Rams Teams that currently aren’t competitiveCarolina PanthersLas Vegas RaidersNew England PatriotsNew Orleans SaintsTennessee Titans Teams that could be involved in a Garrett trade — as a third party (4)Jacksonville JaguarsMinnesota VikingsNew York GiantsNew York Jets Unlikely but plausible: Teams that should have a Garrett conversation (9)Time to get a closer look at potential trade partners. Arizona Cardinals Atlanta Falcons This would be a move a decade in the making, as the Falcons have spent years trying to find an impactful edge rusher. Dallas Cowboys Realistically, I don’t see the Cowboys in the mix. But when there’s a Hall of Fame-caliber player available and Jerry Jones is involved, anything’s possible. Green Bay Packers. It would be out of character for general manager Brian Gutekunst to go after any sort of veteran player at this point of their careers. And yet, if anybody should know about the benefits of adding a Hall of Fame-caliber player in the prime of their careers, wouldn’t it be the Packers? This is the same organization that signed Reggie White as a 31-year-old and saw the Hall of Fame edge rusher rack up 68.5 sacks over six seasons Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs probably don’t have the financial flexibility to make this work after signing Chris Jones to a massive contract last offseason. Miami Dolphins. By virtue of being in Miami and having aggressive ownership, the Dolphins are in on every star player who comes available via trade. San Francisco 49ers. Could the 49ers have done this while Brock Purdy was on a rookie deal? Yes. Seattle Seahawks. With three straight winning seasons and zero playoff victories after trading away Russell Wilson, the Seahawks might believe they need to take a bigger swing at a key position. ‘. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs are a competitive team that could justify seeing Garrett as the guy who can take them to the next level, however, and playing in an income tax-free state could make Garrett millions of dollars over this next contract. Maybe: The teams that Garrett puts over the top (4) Buffalo Bills. The Bills have been here before. In 2022, after they blew a lead with 13 seconds left in the fourth quarter against the Chiefs in the playoffs, despite their offense scoring 36 points, general manager Brandon Beane pushed all-in. He signed Von Miller in free agency, handing the edge rusher a six-year, $120 million deal with $45 million guaranteed at signing. Between a torn ACL and a suspension for off-field conduct, that deal turned out to be a disaster for Buffalo. The move was out of character for Beane and the Bills, but the logic made sense. They believed they needed an unblockable player to take down Patrick Mahomes. Three seasons later, the Bills still need that defender, and after the Super Bowl, they have even more evidence of how a great pass rush can be the great equalizer against Mahomes. With Miller likely to be released soon, they will have added cap room and space in their pass rush rotation. Greg Rousseau is entering the fifth-year option of his rookie deal, but is he enough to slow down Mahomes? Detroit Lions. The Lions fell apart in the postseason when most of their defense went down injured, but they were looking for a second pass rusher to play alongside Aidan Hutchinson even before their injuries. They signed former Saints edge rusher Marcus Davenport to a one-year deal in free agency last year, but he played just two games before suffering a torn triceps. A few weeks later, Hutchinson fractured his left leg. Davenport is a free agent, and while Hutchinson still has one year left on his rookie deal before a potential fifth-year option, the Lions might be a little worried he won’t immediately return to his prior level of play, which had him as a strong candidate for Defensive Player of the Year. They don’t have a quarterback on a rookie deal, but as one of the league’s youngest teams, they have key contributors on both sides of the ball on team-friendly contracts. With $56.7 million in projected cap space, there’s enough space over the next couple of years to trade for Garrett and sign him to a new deal. It would be a huge bet, but if Detroit thinks it’s one player away, is there a better alternative than Garrett? Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers turned over their receiving corps a year ago by releasing Mike Williams and trading Keenan Allen. They might have made moves with their edge rushers, too, but Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack took pay cuts to stay. Unfortunately, they combined for 11 sacks, with Bosa inactive or limited to a part-time role for half of the season by injuries. Mack is an unrestricted free agent, and with Bosa due more than $25 million in unguaranteed money for the final year of his deal next season, the Chargers could move on from him. Tuli Tuipulotu will start on one side of the line, and Bud Dupree was solid in a rotational role in 2024, but Garrett would be a building block for coordinator Jesse Minter. The Chargers likely will build through the draft as they continue to evolve their roster in the Jim Harbaugh era, but they might also see their pass rush as the only way to topple Mahomes in the AFC West. Could the Chargers get some of their young players involved? The Browns have a major need at offensive tackle with Jedrick Wills Jr. benched and hitting free agency and Jack Conklin a likely cap casualty. Dawand Jones will probably get first crack at the right tackle job, but would they ask the Chargers about Rashawn Slater? It’s tough to see Harbaugh breaking up his tackle duo, but Joe Alt could move to the left side, and Garrett is the sort of generational pass-rusher every team covets. Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles don’t need anything to get over the top. After blowing out the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, they are atop the football universe. They’re the ultimate proof of concept for any team trying to stop Mahomes. While a great defensive line isn’t a guarantee a team will beat the Chiefs — as the Eagles and 49ers showed in recent Super Bowl losses — it might be a prerequisite for beating them. Some of that defensive line might not be coming back to Philly in 2025. Josh Sweat, who would have been my pick as the MVP of this Super Bowl, is a free agent. So is Milton Williams, who has improved from being a situational defensive tackle to a guy capable of playing and dominating on all downs. Brandon Graham is expected to retire, and Bryce Huff was one of the few additions last offseason from general manager Howie Roseman that didn’t pay off in spades. Huff has $16.75 million in guaranteed money due next season, which would seem to suggest Philadelphia will give him a second chance to make an impact, but Roseman could get creative this offseason to try to get Huff off the books. If he can, and if the Eagles don’t bring back Sweat, would it really be that wild to imagine the Eagles trading for Garrett? They’re spending a ton of money on offense, but this is one of the youngest defenses in the league, and they’ve got basically all of their defensive line and the guys who will be their top two cornerbacks on rookie deals for the next couple of seasons. Taking a big swing on Garrett as opposed to bringing back Sweat and Zack Baun would be risky, but Roseman is empowered to take those sorts of shots, and players such as Garrett simply don’t come available often. And from Garrett’s perspective, what better team to join if he wants to play in a Super Bowl than the team that just won one? Yes: The sweet spot (3)These are other teams that should be interested in a Garrett deal and have one key advantage over the organizations I mentioned above: a cheap quarterback. It’s easier for teams with quarterbacks on rookie deals that are hoping to compete to go after him, given that they’re paying their starting signal-callers about $40 million to $50 million less than the going rate for veteran passers. That’s a lot of salary to spread elsewhere around the roster. It’s possible to make a trade for a potential defensive star with an expensive quarterback, as we saw in the deals for Jalen Ramsey and Jamal Adams, but those players were also on rookie deals when their trade occurred. It’s tougher to combine an expensive quarterback with a top-of-the-market superstar defender, especially if a team is spending to add significant players around that quarterback at receiver and along the offensive line. These teams might not be as close to winning a title as others we’ve already hit, but they can more easily absorb a Garrett deal while propelling themselves a tier or two forward in terms of championship potential in the process. They should be having serious conversations about a potential Garrett trade. Chicago Bears. The Bears don’t feel like championship contenders after a 5-12 season, but there are reasons to think they’re closer to being competitive than you might think. They were excellent on defense in the second half of 2023 and early on in 2024 before falling apart after the loss to the Commanders and the firing of Matt Eberflus. Their offense (famous last words) should take a major step forward after the hiring of Ben Johnson, who will be working with Caleb Williams on a rookie contract for three more seasons. General manager Ryan Poles already made a move to upgrade his pass rush at the 2023 trade deadline by sending a second-round pick to the Commanders for Montez Sweat, who then signed a four-year, $98 million deal. The logic underpinning that deal hasn’t held up. Sweat is a good player, but his 12.5-sack season in 2023 is an outlier. He had 5.5 sacks as Chicago’s lead rusher in 2024. That’s not the sort of production that is acceptable from a player making nearly $25 million per season, which is elite edge rusher money. The pick the Bears sent to the Commanders was eventually sent to the Eagles, who found a useful player they’ll have at a bargain rate for four years: Cooper DeJean, last seen taking a Mahomes pick-six to the house in the Super Bowl. Indianapolis Colts. Yes, the Colts, who perennially seem to be at or around .500, even as they cycle through quarterbacks. General manager Chris Ballard generally has been patient with holding onto picks and drafting and developing talent, but he has made an exception for pass-rushing talent. Indy sent a first-round pick to the 49ers for DeForest Buckner, who has been a stalwart for the Colts since 2020. In his postseason news conference, Ballard acknowledged the Colts need to be more aggressive in free agency to add talent. Garrett won’t be a free agent, but he would be a much more compelling addition than just about anybody who will be on the market. Ballard has invested first-round picks on the edge in Kwity Paye and Laiatu Latu, but Paye could be a meaningful part of the return that goes back to the Browns in a Garrett deal. If the Colts are going to make a big swing, it might make sense to go for an offensive player to help Anthony Richardson. Garrett is a better player than anyone they’ll be in position to add on the offensive side of the ball, though, and they are mostly locked in on the offensive line and have investments at running back and wide receiver in Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman Jr. I’d like to see Ballard add an impact receiver at tight end this offseason, but if they could get there in the draft, adding a superstar edge rusher could take some of the pressure off Richardson and the offense. Washington Commanders. I’ve saved the best candidate for last. The Commanders are the most obvious and consequential landing spot for Garrett. They have the championship potential, the financial flexibility, and the clear and obvious need for pass-rushing help. All of this starts with Jayden Daniels. The rookie sensation is still on a bargain deal for three more years before the Commanders would even to have consider a fifth-year option. They will likely give Daniels a new deal in 2027 if he continues on this path, but that would still give them a huge runway where his cash and cap hit are team-friendly figures. They have $80 million in cap space in 2025, so while they’ll look to add help at receiver and potentially on the left side of the offensive line, general manager Adam Peters & Co. will have plenty of resources to devote to the defense. Dan Quinn was able to coax better-than-expected play out of his defense in his first season as Commanders coach, but some of those moves were short-term additions. Dante Fowler Jr., who led the team in sacks with 10.5, was on a one-year deal for $3.3 million. The 30-year-old hasn’t made that sort of impact regularly during his career, and it would be risky to project him to be that sort of player well into his 30s. Dorance Armstrong, who also followed Quinn to Washington, is more of a rotational player than a lead pass rusher. The Commanders probably feel good about the middle of their line with Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne and promising 2024 second-rounder Jer’Zhan Newton, but they’re going to be in the market for edge-rushing help this offseason. Garrett would be the transformative player Quinn’s defenses have usually needed to thrive. When Quinn has built top-10 defenses, they’ve required superstars to make things work, such as Bobby Wagner, Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman in Seattle and Micah Parsons in Dallas. Garrett would give Quinn a chess piece who makes everybody else on the defense a little scarier, which could be hugely valuable for a team that’s going to need to draft a lot of defensive help over the next few years. The Commanders have the No. 29 pick in April’s draft, and that would likely be in play as part of a Garrett deal. Would they be willing to throw Allen into the mix? The 30-year-old defensive tackle is in the final year of his deal, and Newton seems ready to move into a starting role next to Payne. The Browns have Dalvin Tomlinson on the interior, but Allen would give them a second impact tackle and soften the blow of losing Garrett. Washington could also get a third team involved as a potential landing spot for Allen. Either way, if the Browns are actually willing to deal Garrett, the Commanders should be the first team they call. |
| AFC SOUTH |
| HOUSTONCoach DeMeco Ryans on his new offensive coordinator, Nick Caley and the one he fired, Bobby Slowik. Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com: The Texans introduced Nick Caley as their new offensive coordinator on Thursday, and coach DeMeco Ryans declared that Caley can help the team get “over the hump.” Ryans has led the Texans to back-to-back division titles and back-to-back wild-card wins at home, but that’s as far as Houston has gotten in his two seasons. The Texans have struggled offensively in the divisional round in losses to the Ravens and Chiefs the past two postseasons, with Houston outscored 57-24. “We’ve had a lot of good success these first two years,” Ryans said, via DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN. “The reason we’re doing this is I think there’s another level that we can go to. And as I said earlier, my job is to take this organization to new heights, and I think hiring Nick will help us to get there.” Caley said Thursday that quarterback C.J. Stroud had the it factor. Stroud took a step back in his second season after winning offensive rookie of the year honors in 2023. It cost Bobby Slowik his job as offensive coordinator. Bradshaw’s jab at Jimmy Johnson creates a stirKayvon Thibodeaux: I have something to prove regardless of fifth-year optionOnline Shopping Tools|Ryans brought Slowik to Houston with him from San Francisco. “It was very hard to let Bobby go,” Ryans said. “Bobby’s a really close friend, as you all know. Bobby’s a great friend of mine. When I got into coaching, Bobby was the guy who helped me figure it all out and we were [quality control coaches] together, there, in San Fran. So, really long relationship there with him. Nothing but love and admiration for Bobby and what he’s done.” Slowik has landed with another ex-49ers coach, Mike McDaniel, as the pass game coordinator of the Dolphins. |
| JACKSONVILLEThe Steelers seem to think that the Jaguars could part with QB TREVOR LAWRENCE, but, at least for public consumption. This was the original report from a not-the-usual rumor monger, one Ryan Burr of Big Ten Network: @RyanBurrSteelers have made inquiries to the @Jaguars about a trade for QB Trevor Lawerence. This directly from the horses mouth in the Jags organization. WOW! Jacksonville says “no way” anonymously. Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com tries to sort it out: The coming quarterback carousel received an unexpected boost of nitrous on Thursday, with the random emergence of a report that the Steelers have called the Jaguars regarding the potential availability of quarterback Trevor Lawrence in trade. The Jaguars have chimed in, not with a full-throated, on-the-record denial but with an anonymously sourced report that dismisses the possibility of a Trevor trade. Via Michael DiRocco, who covers the Jaguars for ESPN.com, comes this: “Regarding recent report that Steelers have inquired about a trade for Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence, a Jaguars source said there’s ‘no chance’ they’ll trade Lawrence and called the idea ‘ridiculous.’” That’s fine. It’s fair. It’s not surprising. It’s also not binding on the Jaguars. While it’s stronger than the oft-used “no intention to trade” a given player (which often is followed by a trade), it’s also something from which the Jaguars could deviate, if they get an offer they won’t refuse. There are certain players in the NFL who are untouchable when it comes to a trade. Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, etc. Lawrence doesn’t fit in that no-way-in-hell category. While there’s no reason to undermine Lawrence by acknowledging the possibility, there’s no harm in listening. Remember this. Per the original report, someone from the Jaguars, not the Steelers, leaked the report. Someone wanted it to be out there. And it’s possible that someone wants to see what will happen if/when the various quarterback-needy teams begin to consider the possibility of doing a deal for Lawrence. A couple of years ago, Lawrence seemed to be closing in on top-five status. He has faded, relative to the other top quarterbacks, since then. With a new head coach hired and a new General Manager coming, it’s impossible to know what the new regime will want to do. Is Liam Coen a Trevor Lawrence fan? Or would he like to explore a fresh start? If it’s the latter, it makes no sense to say so. To get the best haul of picks and/or players in return, and to not piss Lawrence off if there’s no deal to be struck, it’s important to be coy. It’s critical to be elusive. It’s necessary to put the word out that there’s “no chance” it will happen until seeing how much another team might offer. That doesn’t mean he’ll be traded. The ESPN.com report also doesn’t mean he won’t be. It’s a predictable semi-public step in a dance that will continue, if at all, behind the scenes until the time comes (if at all) to make the move. The Jaguars don’t have a GM per se at the moment. Just spitballing, if Lawrence was cleared out – are there any potential replacements who have won a Super Bowl who might be available that Coen has a past association with? Why yes, there is. |
| AFC EAST |
| BUFFALOBills fans are nervous as RB JAMES COOK seems to want the team to show him a lot of money. Brian Letscher of SI.com:’ Drafted in the 2nd round in 2022, Cook entered the third year of his rookie deal chomping at the bit, ready to be a three-down back in Joe Brady’s “everybody eats” offense. By all metrics, Cook exceeded expectations, racking up 1,267 yards from scrimmage and a conference-leading 18 touchdowns — earning him a second straight Pro Bowl selection in 2024. Furthermore, Cook seems to be a player who gains steam as the season progressed, totaling 134 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns in the AFC championship loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. After a few seasons in which running back value seemed to be on the decline, 2024 definitely turned that perception around with the high-profile success of Saquon Barkley and other game-changing backs such as Baltimore’s Derek Henry and the Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs. While Cooks’ rookie deal has him making $5,265,000 in 2025, the Bills know that number needs to go up in the form of a contract extension. And Cook certainly didn’t blink when he pinned his own comment in an Instagram post discussing his possible extension — calling for “15 mill [per] year”. According to Sportrac, this would make Cook the second highest paid running back in the NFL in 2025, behind only the Niners’ Christian McCaffrey. Barkley, the reigning NFL rushing leader and Super Bowl champion, would be third at $13.5 million. While Cook is highly valued by his head coach, Sean Mcdermott, that doesn’t necessarily mean the Bills can or will pay Cook his desired salary. Spotrac currently estimates Cooks’ market value to be $10.2 million per year. That’s a healthy six million dollars below the $15 million Cook threw out on Instagram. |
| NEW YORK JETSThe Jets have made it official with a release filled with complimentary statements that they are moving on from QB AARON RODGERS. More from Rich Cimini of ESPN.com: The Jets are likely to release Rodgers with a post-June 1 designation. To do that, they must carry him on the roster until March 12, the start of the league year. At that point, they can release him, which will allow them to split the remaining cap charges ($49 million) over two years — $14 million in 2025, $35 million in 2026. In this scenario, his current cap number ($23.5 million) will be on their books until June 2 and then it drops to $14 million — a net savings of $9.5 million. In the meantime, he will be free to sign elsewhere on March 13. He doesn’t have to wait until then to speak with teams; he can do so immediately. The other option would’ve been to release him immediately, but that would’ve meant absorbing the $49 million this year. The same accounting applies to a trade, which seems unlikely. It’s unclear if Rodgers will continue his legendary career. He said at the end of the season that he needed some time to decide on whether to play a 21st season. Bill Barnwell tweets this: @billbarnwellTwo second-round picks$75 millionThe contracts for Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, and Tim BoyleAnother third-round pick and $11.6 million for Davante AdamsA year-plus with Nathaniel Hackett as OC Five wins. |
| THIS AND THAT |
| 2025 DRAFTToday’s Mock Draft is from Rob Rang of FoxSports.com: Fortunately, while this year’s class might lack the sizzle of recent years when it comes to the so-called “skill positions,” it is full of bruisers along both the offensive and defensive lines. It is a “meat and potatoes” kind of draft that could be exactly what some “hungry” fan bases need to put their favorite NFL teams over the top. How appropriate given that the draft this year is taking place among the Cheeseheads in Green Bay. While free agency will surely shake things up, this is my current projection of how things will unfold April 24-26 in the 2025 NFL Draft. 1. Tennessee Titans: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn StateIt was notably Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker — and not head coach Brian Callahan or new general manager Mike Borgonzi — who recently shared the opinion that the Titans would not pass up a “generational talent” to force a quarterback at No. 1. Carter is one of a handful of true blue-chip prospects in this class, offering an exceptional upside at a premium position. Carter has 10-plus sack potential as a rookie. 2. Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, ColoradoWith Myles Garrett requesting a trade, this is an ideal time to commit to a rebuild. The Browns could go quarterback with Deshaun Watson expected to miss the 2025 season after rupturing his Achilles again, but a better course of action is the Best Player Available route. Cleveland surrendered 26 touchdown passes in 2024 with a league-worst four interceptions. Hunter’s combination of instincts and ball skills rivals some of the greatest I’ve seen at the position, earning comparisons to Charles Woodson and, of course, his college coach, Deion Sanders. 3. New York Giants: Cam Ward, QB, MiamiLike the two previous teams, the Giants have an obvious need at quarterback. Having already released Daniel Jones, however, the Giants are in a strong position to take their pick of this class. Ward isn’t as polished as his Heisman highlights suggest, but his quick release and flair for the dramatic could be big hits on Broadway. Of the quarterbacks available in this class, I like his fit best in Brian Daboll’s offense. 4. New England Patriots: Mason Graham, DT, MichiganNew head coach Mike Vrabel is going to prioritize physicality and nastiness. That is Graham’s game. Inserting the pro-ready Graham alongside blossoming star Keion White and the Patriots could have the makings of a dominant defensive line. 5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Johnson, CB, MichiganWhile new head coach Liam Coen’s specialty is on offense, the best prospects in this draft play on the other side of the ball and Jacksonville has plenty of concerns there, given that the defense registered an eye-popping 29-6 touchdown to interception ratio in 2024. Johnson struggled with injuries this season, but when healthy, he’s a proven star with plus size, physicality and ball skills, earning comparisons from scouts on the road to Broncos’ star Patrick Surtain Jr. for his pro-readiness. 6. Las Vegas Raiders: Shedeur Sanders, QB, ColoradoThe Raiders didn’t bring in Pete Carroll just to get conservative on draft day. Scouts are split on Sanders and Cam Ward as the top quarterback in this class, but the former seems especially well-suited to the glitz and expectations that would come from playing in Las Vegas and against all of the other top quarterbacks in the AFC West division. 7. New York Jets: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn StateAfter opting to move on from Aaron Rodgers, the Jets’ top priority is clearly quarterback. After all, the only passers currently on the roster are journeyman Tyrod Taylor and Jordan Travis, a fifth-round pick last spring who spent his entire rookie season on injured reserve while recovering from a gruesome leg injury. But with the top signal-callers off the board and bold moves like the trade for Rodgers and early first-round selections of Sam Darnold (2018) and Zach Wilson (2021) failing in spectacular fashion, the Jets might want to opt for a safer route with Aaron Glenn’s first draft pick as head coach. Whoever is taking the snaps would appreciate the sure-handed Warren, the elite pass-catching talent of this class. 8. Carolina Panthers: Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&MWhile quarterback Bryce Young took significant strides in 2024, the Panthers’ pass rush took a step back. Veterans A’Shawn Washington and Jadeveon Clowney were their top sackmasters with 5.5 and 4.5 takedowns, respectively. Scourton isn’t talked about enough as a first-round cinch. Stout, powerful and technically refined, he’s a pro-ready bruiser who could help a healthy Derrick Brown turn around this defense quickly next season. 9. New Orleans Saints: Mykel Williams, Edge, GeorgiaGiven the dominant effort from Philadelphia’s defensive front in helping him become a Super Bowl champion as the Eagles’ offensive coordinator, incoming head coach Kellen Moore isn’t likely to need much convincing that his new team should prioritize pass rushers. Williams needs to add some variety to his rush, but his burst and bend suggest that his best football lies ahead of him. 10. Chicago Bears: Will Campbell, OT, LSUThe Bears have invested heavily in offensive linemen in recent years, but with durability concerns across the front, new head coach Ben Johnson might look back at the success he enjoyed in Detroit and push for reinforcements. An immediate standout who earned Second Team All-SEC honors from league coaches as a true freshman, Campbell ascended to First Team honors in 2023, showing off the size, agility and strength to warrant a selection in the top half of the first round. Campbell has the bulk, strength and balance to play tackle or guard and is the top-rated blocker in this class for many. 11. San Francisco 49ers: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio StateThis will be a fascinating selection for a team that still views itself as a Super Bowl contender that fell off in 2024 because of injury more so than talent. Star left tackle Trent Williams missed seven games this past season and turns 37 this summer Simmons tore his ACL in October, so his draft stock will remain in flux until NFL teams are satisfied with his recovery. When healthy, however, he had the look of a future All-Pro. With Williams in place, the 49ers wouldn’t have to rush Simmons back. 12. Dallas Cowboys: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise StateThe Cowboys finished dead last in the NFL in rushing touchdowns (six) this past season. No one knows that better than former offensive coordinator turned head coach Brian Schottenheimer, a longtime proponent of the running game. Jeanty is a bona fide bell-cow whose vision, agility, balance through contact and breakaway speed could make him an Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate and be a strong reason why the Cowboys could enjoy a major bounce back in 2025. 13. Miami Dolphins: Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&MSure, the loss of Tua Tagovailoa sidetracked Miami’s season, but some would argue it was destined for disappointment once the Dolphins lost star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins in free agency. Stewart needs polishing, but he had scouts at the Senior Bowl gushing about his potential. 14. Indianapolis Colts: Malaki Starks, S, GeorgiaThe Colts have a big decision looming with pending free-agent Julian Blackmon, who could command big dollars on the open market given that he’s a five-year NFL starter who remains just 26-years old. The Colts could bring him back and use Starks to fortify a secondary lacking playmakers or see the latter as the perfect replacement. 15. Atlanta Falcons: Jalon Walker, LB, GeorgiaIn three of the past five seasons (2024, 2022, 2021), the Falcons have finished either last or 31st in the NFL in sacks. With defensive-minded head coach Raheem Morris now pushing buttons, expect a renewed focus up front. Walker is a do-it-all defender capable of exploding off the edge or dropping back into coverage. That kind of versatility will appeal to Morris while also exciting the local fan base. 16. Arizona Cardinals: Kelvin Banks, OL, TexasIn tackles Paris Johnson and Jonah Williams, the Cardinals already boast two former first-round selections at offensive tackle, demonstrating their commitment to protecting Kyler Murray. While Banks starred at left tackle at Texas, he projects better inside to guard, where the Cardinals could use an upgrade over journeyman Evan Brown on the left side. 17. Cincinnati Bengals: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, ArizonaSure, the Bengals would love to bring back Tee Higgins but a team can only dedicate so much of its salary cap to the passing game. With Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase clearly the top priorities, Cincinnati might have little choice but to look for cheaper alternatives. Boasting rare size and hand strength to reel in jump balls, the 6-foot-5, 212-pound McMillan is a big-play magnet who could offer similar production as Higgins, a pending free agent, but at a fraction of the cost. 18. Seattle Seahawks: Armand Membou, OT, MissouriLike their NFC West rival Cardinals two picks earlier, the Seahawks have invested significant resources at tackle but have struggled with their interior. Membou starred at right tackle for Missouri and is agile and long-armed enough to remain there despite a relatively stubby 6-foot-4, 330-pound frame. His frame and brawling style could be an even better fit inside. At just 21 years old, Membou is essentially a ball of clay that Seattle’s new offensive line coach — John Benton — could mold as he sees fit. 19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jahdae Barron, CB, TexasWith all due respect to Derek Carr, Bryce Young and Michael Penix Jr., the Saints’ divisional opponents are not exactly the most fearsome trio of opposing quarterbacks. And yet, Tampa struggled mightily in defending the pass a year ago, surrendering 27 touchdowns and intercepting just seven passes. Barron is a technically-sound corner with instincts, speed and physicality. 20. Denver Broncos: Jihaad Campbell, ILB, AlabamaThe Broncos finished second in rushing yards allowed per attempt (3.9) and third in touchdowns surrendered on the ground (10) in 2024, so run defense would hardly seem to be a need. However, with three veteran linebackers (Cody Barton, Justin Strnad and Zach Cunningham) heading toward free agency, the club may see the raw but uber-talented Campbell as an ideal replacement. 21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Luther Burden III, WR, MissouriAs tempting as it might be to plug a new quarterback here (Jaxson Dart?), Pittsburgh currently lacks the consistent playmakers at receiver to allow anyone to have much success in the passing game. At a power-packed 5-11, 210 pounds, Burden is at his best after the catch, offering Deebo Samuel-like versatility to an offense that needs someone to take some pressure off of George Pickens and the running game. 22. Los Angeles Chargers: Colston Loveland, TE, MichiganJim Harbaugh has long prioritized the tight end position, even going back to his playing days. The Chargers had high hopes for veterans Will Dissly and Hayden Hurst (among others) but only saw two touchdowns from the position in 2024. Averaging a career-low 10.6 yards per reception in 2024, Loveland likely won’t generate first-round buzz from the analytics crowd, but Harbaugh will know him well and the 6-foot-5, 245-pounder possesses the soft hands and balance through contact to be a monster in the middle in the NFL. 23. Green Bay Packers: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole MissPhiladelphia’s demolition of the Kansas City blocking scheme could have huge reverberations throughout the NFL. Green Bay has always prioritized defensive linemen, and if a stout playmaker like Nolen is still on the board here, that could still be the case. 24 Minnesota Vikings: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio StateThe Vikings’ decision to either retain veteran Sam Darnold or go all-in on last year’s top pick JJ McCarthy will obviously help determine which direction they go with this pick. While a running back isn’t necessarily the biggest position of concern, adding juice to the backfield would make a lot of sense if Minnesota opts to keep Darnold and load up for a title “run.” And, if building around McCarthy is the plan, providing him with a young, versatile back like Judkins could also ease the young quarterback’s transition to NFL starter. 25. Houston Texans: Tyler Booker, OG, AlabamaIf you thought it was painful to watch C.J. Stroud get sacked eight times in a playoff loss to Kansas City, imagine what he and the Texans will be thinking about all offseason. Booker is one of the few plug-and-play guards in this class, offering an ideal blend of power and agility. 26. Los Angeles Rams: Josh Conerly, OT, OregonIt will be fascinating to see which direction the Rams will go this offseason, as the team will need to determine if it wants to pursue a “win-now” mentality and build around Matthew Stafford or start to build toward the future. Conerly could be the perfect hedge bet between the two. He is a high school running back who kept growing and developed into one of the better offensive tackles in the country over the past two seasons at Oregon. 27. Baltimore Ravens: JT Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio StateDraft classes like this one seem tailor-made for the Ravens, who have always prioritized size and physicality up front. Tuimoloau personifies the class. He might lack eye-popping workout results of some of his peers, but he is a powerful bull rusher with underrated athleticism and a knack for making the game-changing play in big moments. 28. Detroit Lions: Jack Sawyer, DE, Ohio StateLike his former Ohio State teammate one pick earlier, Sawyer isn’t the flashiest athlete — which is why some scouts see him as more of a Day 2 candidate — but he’s battle-tested and dependable. His steady production and playing style seem like a perfect match for GM Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell, as Sawyer plays with the hustle, desire and instincts they crave. 29. Washington Commanders: Mike Green, Edge, MarshallWith veterans Dante Fowler and Dorance Armstrong each pending free agents, the Commanders were likely already looking to boost their pass rush this offseason, but Philadelphia’s big win will have NFC East divisional opponents especially eager to follow suit. Head coach Dan Quinn cut his coaching teeth working on the defensive line, and he could become enamored with the burst, bend and production from Green, who eased concerns about his level of competition with a stellar showing in Mobile. 30. Buffalo Bills: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio StateWith three veteran defensive tackles (Quinton Jefferson, Jordan Phillips and Austin Johnson) set to hit free agency, the Bills will almost certainly be taking advantage of this year’s stellar rookie crop at the position. The depth is good enough to wait, but the battle-tested Williams has the bulk, motor and national championship chops that Buffalo could see as the perfect first-round fit. 31. Kansas City Chiefs: James Pearce, Jr., Edge, TennesseeIt really is a testament to defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuola’s exotic and aggressive blitzing that the Chiefs’ defense seems to play its best in big games, as the club finished just 20th in the NFL in sacks in 2024 with only two other teams reaching the playoffs (the Rams and Lions) recording fewer. Pearce is one of the most gifted rushers in this class, but at a relatively spindly 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, he is a bit of a specialist. 32. Philadelphia Eagles: Mason Taylor, TE, LSUGiven the Eagles’ massive offensive line and talented runners in Saquon Barkley and Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts, general manager Howie Roseman might look to take advantage of an unusually talented tight end crop to keep opponents off balance. I expect Taylor to rise throughout the draft process. He’s agile and a natural pass-catcher with impressive NFL bloodlines. His father (Jason Taylor) and uncle (Zach Thomas) were both legends on the field in Miami and are now in the Hall of Fame. |
