| NFC EAST |
| DALLASTodd Archer of ESPN.com with the thoughts of new DC Christian Parker: Christian Parker, the Dallas Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator, is walking into a unit that finished last in the NFL in points per game allowed (30.1) and 30th in the league in yards per game allowed (377). The Cowboys have needs at every level of their defense that will require additions through free agency and the draft. The rebuild looks daunting for a team that has missed the playoffs the past two seasons. “Yeah, I don’t think we want to put any expectations on it in that regard,” Parker said at his introductory news conference Wednesday. “I think we just want to kind of take it day by day and do it the right way. So we’re kind of just taking that approach. We’ll get our head out of the sand at some point, but right now we got tunnel vision on doing things the right way.” At 34, Parker is the youngest coordinator in team history. He has been an NFL position coach since 2021 and served the past two years as the Philadelphia Eagles’ passing game coordinator. “I’m ready,” he said. Parker spent time with one of the NFL’s top defensive minds, Vic Fangio, with the Eagles and Denver Broncos. He broke into the NFL with the Green Bay Packers under Mike Pettine as a quality control coach in 2019. “I think confidence comes from preparation and I think that I’ve been able to learn from the right people,” Parker said. “So I think when you’ve been involved with different people along my journey that I’ve learned under as head coaches and defensive coordinators, No. 1, and then the diversity in scheme that I’ve been involved with, you kind of become accustomed to what you’re comfortable with and your own ideas. You like certain things, you don’t like certain things. What will work, what won’t work. “I think as you kind of get involved with different people you kind of form your own identity, so when you have that opportunity, you know what you’re going to do, and I’ve gone through that process internally for a great deal of my career. So I’ve prepared as much as I possibly can for this moment.” The search for Parker led the Cowboys to conduct nine interviews for the coordinator spot and more than 40 for the entire defensive staff. After meeting with Parker virtually and then having an in-person interview, head coach Brian Schottenheimer was convinced Parker was the right hire. “The way he carries himself, he’s wise beyond his years,” Schottenheimer said. “I mean this, he’s convicted and I did tell him I was a coordinator at 32 years old. He’s 34, so he’s been slacking — a little disappointing I had to beat him by two years. I say that in jest because, like, he’s been preparing for this for the last four or five years. … A ton of respect for Vic Fangio. He’s cut his teeth under Vic, but he’s not Vic. He’s got his own convictions and beliefs, and that’s what I learned about the guy.” Schottenheimer added, “I think we hit a home run with this guy.” Parker said the core principle of the Cowboys’ defense will be a 3-4, which the franchise has not run since 2012, but Parker said the structure of the defense will be multiple with its looks. Parker referenced the Cowboys’ defensive line as a strength. That room includes defensive tackles Quinnen Williams, a Pro Bowl pick acquired in a trade from the New York Jets; Kenny Clark, acquired from the Packers in the Micah Parsons trade; and Osa Odighizuwa, who signed an $80 million contract last year. The Cowboys’ leader in sacks last year, Jadeveon Clowney, is set to become a free agent next month. He also mentioned cornerback DaRon Bland’s playmaking skills as well as the potential of cornerback Shavon Revel, last year’s third-round pick who sat out the first nine games last season because of a torn ACL. The Cowboys have two first-round picks in the upcoming draft, at Nos. 12 and 20. The last time they had two top-20 picks in the same draft, they took DeMarcus Ware and Marcus Spears in 2005 and helped transform their move to a 3-4 under Bill Parcells. Parker said owner and general manager Jerry Jones did not promise he would use the first two picks on defensive players this year, but Parker would campaign for the Cowboys to do so. One criticism of last season’s defense was it did not fit what some of the players did best. Parker said his scheme would be built around the players. “Of course, you want to have your core principles and foundational beliefs, but as you kind of move forward in the process, what do your guys do well? How can you put players in highlighted positions, create one-on-ones for certain guys? How can you protect certain guys?” Parker said. “If we can win on blitzing a running back, then we’re going to blitz a lot. If we got good man-to-man corners, we’re going to play man. If we’re better than zone vision, we’ll play more zone. You want to build a package that has diversity in scheme, and you want to tailor it to the players you have. “Of course, you have schematic fits, but I think the really good players are the ones you can’t peg them into a certain scheme, and that’s the only way they can play football. You want to have guys that whatever scheme they are in, they can be significant contributors.” |
| NEW YORK GIANTSGiants co-owner Steve Tisch has media types like Mike Florio calling for his head after revelations that he received recommendations on women from the disgraced Jeffrey Epstein (although as near as the DB can tell, Tisch’s women were of sufficient age and not otherwise trafficked). The NFL claims to hold owners to a higher standard than players. Whether it actually does is a different issue. Regarding Giants co-owner Steve Tisch and his not-so-“brief association” with Jeffrey Epstein, the league seems to be willing to kick the can until the controversy blows over. It shouldn’t. And the league shouldn’t look the other way while the nation’s attention inevitably shifts to something else. Beyond the fact that the questions raised by the Epstein files aren’t going away, it’s wrong to rely on the passage of time to take the air out of a troublesome balloon. The emails shared by Tisch and Epstein are skeevy. They objectify women. They show, at a more troubling level, an effort by Epstein to connect young women with men who can help them — at a price. A recent report from The Athletic gives the NFL all it needs to aggressively investigate whether Tisch engaged in quid pro quo sexual harassment by conditioning “help” on something else. Per The Athletic, a woman recently interviewed by Radio France One told a story about a 2013 interaction with an “American producer,” who may have been Tisch. The producer, whoever he was, seemed to be trying to secure sexual favors in exchange for professional assistance. He may have committed battery by placing his hands on the woman’s thighs, which would open the door to civil and criminal liability. The NFL should mobilize to determine whether it was Tisch, and whether he did what the woman claims he did. That said, the league’s power is limited. It has no subpoena power, no way to force the woman to cooperate, if she chooses not to. But the NFL also has the power to interrogate Tisch, and to determine whether it believes he’s telling the truth if/when he denies everything. The league has done that to multiple players. The league absolutely should do it to Tisch. Will it? Probably not, absent more reporting that creates enough external pressure that forces the league to act. Either way, it won’t be the league mining the facts for new evidence. It will be for the media to uncover facts that will give the league no choice but to do something that, by all appearances, it has no inclination to do. As to the other owners, there’s a clear element of self-preservation. The creation of pathways to oust owners opens the door to other owners being ousted. For that reason alone, the NFL’s likely strategy will be to do nothing unless and until it has to. Even if it already should. |
| PHILADELPHIAIf the Eagles are weary of WR A.J. BROWN, Tim McManus of ESPN.com collects four “trade offers” from his colleagues to be considered: NFL teams can’t officially make trades until the new league year begins on March 11, but they can start negotiating and agreeing to terms before then. And one star player at the center of trade speculation is Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown. Philadelphia general manager Howie Roseman downplayed any trade talks in January, but what if Brown really is available? We asked NFL analysts Jeremy Fowler, Dan Graziano, Ben Solak and Seth Walder to play general manager of four different teams and craft realistic trade offers for Brown. Then we had Eagles reporter Tim McManus make a decision based on what Roseman and the team could do this offseason. Here’s how our market simulation played out, starting with some background on Brown’s situation and ending with a verdict on a potential new landing spot. The latest on a potential A.J. Brown tradeBrown has arguably been the best receiver in Eagles history, posting two 1,400-yard seasons while helping the team to a pair of Super Bowl appearances in four years. And he had 78 catches for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns last season. But his frustrations over the passing game’s shortcomings rose to new levels in 2025 and appeared to affect his play. Video surfaced of Brown calling his situation a “s— show” in November, and he made his dissatisfaction known on several occasions before acquiescing to CEO Jeffrey Lurie’s request to tone down his public airings of grievances. The front office knows how vital Brown has been to the Eagles’ success, but they must determine whether he’ll commit to the operation and be aligned with quarterback Jalen Hurts moving forward. If they are convinced that won’t happen, a trade might be in order. The Eagles would absorb a dead-cap hit of over $40 million if they deal him prior to June 1, compared to less than $20 million in dead cap if a trade is consummated after that date. His current cap hit for 2026 is $23.4 million. Any move would come with an initial sting but free up money over the long term, which they could use to help sign some of their rising stars in line for second contracts, including Jalen Carter, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. The team acquiring Brown would be responsible for his $29 million salary in 2026 and around $4 million in guaranteed money in 2027, per Roster Management System. — Tim McManus, Eagles reporter Four hypothetical trade offers for Brown Cleveland BrownsJeremy Fowler’s offer: Eagles get: 2026 first-round pick (No. 24 overall)Browns get: Brown Why this deal makes sense: The Browns have two first-round picks (Nos. 6 and 24) after the Travis Hunter trade last April. They could use No. 6 on an offensive lineman and send No. 24 to the Eagles in exchange for Brown. This would immediately upgrade new head coach Todd Monken’s offense, giving the passing game a fighting chance alongside an already stout defense. Cleveland’s WR room totaled just 1,467 receiving yards in 2025, worst in the NFL. Browns general manager Andrew Berry is an ex-Eagles exec who has rapport with Roseman. Cleveland has a penchant for the splash receiver trade, acquiring Odell Beckham Jr., Amari Cooper and Jerry Jeudy during Berry’s tenure. All three players posted 1,000-yard seasons in Year 1 with the Browns. Buffalo BillsDan Graziano’s offer: Eagles get: 2026 first-round pick (No. 26 overall)Bills get: Brown Why this deal makes sense: Whether general manager Brandon Beane thinks so or not, quarterback Josh Allen could really benefit from a true No. 1 wide receiver to stress defenses. And Brown’s 2026 contract is not an overpay financially for a top WR. It’s tough to imagine Buffalo getting a surefire, instant-impact playmaker at its current draft slot in the first round. So why not use it to get a veteran one? Is there a more win-now situation than Buffalo’s? As for the Eagles, a first-round pick for a 28-year-old wide receiver with only one year of guaranteed money left on his contract doesn’t sound like a bad return. Baltimore RavensBen Solak’s offer: Eagles get: 2027 second-round pick, 2027 fourth-round pick (conditional third-rounder), WR Rashod BatemanRavens get: Brown Why this deal makes sense: One of the clear lessons of the Ravens’ 2025 season was that their current group of pass catchers is insufficient. While they might not need to make a move this drastic, they would benefit from having a receiver with size and contested-catch ability — something quarterback Lamar Jackson has never enjoyed in his seven seasons. By replacing Bateman with Brown, the Ravens can give Brown a true WR1’s volume and use Zay Flowers as a big-play WR2 — something that fits his skill set more. In Philadelphia, DeVonta Smith is clearly destined to be WR1; Bateman represents a classic buy-low move from Roseman on a player with high draft capital but modest career production. Figuring out a trade return for Brown is tough, as he doesn’t have many prime years left and will be expensive for the Eagles to trade pre-June 1. So I’m offering a deal centered on 2027 draft capital, including a conditional selection based on reaching 1,000 yards and making the playoffs in 2026. New England PatriotsSeth Walder’s offer: Eagles get: 2026 first-round pick (No. 31 overall), 2026 third-round pick (No. 95 overall) and 2026 sixth-round pickPatriots get: Brown, 2026 second-round pick (No. 54 overall) Why this deal makes sense: The Patriots made it to the Super Bowl with a lacking receiver group that had only one player post over 600 yards (Stefon Diggs). But it won’t be as easy in 2026, as their regular-season schedule will be harder and it’s unlikely the sea of AFC teams with elite quarterbacks will part again for New England. Brown, who had a successful history with coach Mike Vrabel in Tennessee, is a logical fit to provide an instant upgrade. Even though Brown’s production was down last season, the underlying metrics suggest he was still elite. He finished sixth in ESPN’s overall receiver score and was in the top 10 in open score. Brown is hardly free, but he would add value on his current contract and level of play. The Patriots are surrendering their first-round pick here, but it’s really a large trade down since they get a second-round pick back. The verdict: No offer gets the job doneWhy would I want to make these teams better and mine worse? That has essentially been Roseman’s public stance on the situation. Brown is the type of player you try to acquire, not get rid of — and it makes total sense. So if I’m the Eagles here, I’m going to do everything in my power to make the situation work — and so long as the hope outweighs the doubt, I’m rejecting all four proposals. Let’s assume for this exercise that a trade is the only way forward. Then, I would accept Fowler’s offer from the Browns simply because it involves a higher first-round pick (No. 24) than Graziano’s offer from the Bills (No. 26). Walder’s proposal has a first-rounder but requires giving up a second-round pick, which would move me away from that Patriots option. And Solak’s proposal with the Ravens was interesting, but I wouldn’t walk away with a first-rounder. Would there be pushback from Brown’s camp to try to get him to a more ready-made contender than Cleveland? I’d imagine so. But this is a lesson for both parties that the grass isn’t always greener. Sometimes, it’s more brown. — McManus |
| NFC WEST |
| ARIZONAMatt LaFleur is closed mouth on what the Cardinals might have in-store for QB KYLER MURRAY. Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com: Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur wasn’t ready to talk about the team’s plans for Kyler Murray at his introductory press conference early this month and he didn’t have much more to say about the quarterback at a press conference on Wednesday. The assumption has long been that the Cardinals and Murray will be parting ways before the 2026 season. Murray only played in five games last season before going on injured reserve with a foot injury, which made him unlikely to return even before the change from Jonathan Gannon to LaFleur reset the direction of the franchise. The manner in which a split would happen remains a question mark because Murray’s already been guaranteed $36.8 million for the 2026 season and LaFleur would only say that the team is talking about how to best move forward. “Just like everything else on the roster, open conversations in this building,” LaFleur said, via the team’s website. “No timeframe on that.” A solution ahead of the start of the new league year would be the best case for all involved and there’s a more specific milestone in place even if LaFleur didn’t reference it on Wednesday. Murray will have his 2027 base salary of $19.5 million guaranteed if he’s on Arizona’s roster on March 15 and that’s not something the Cardinals will want to swallow as part of the price of parting ways with the quarterback. That should leave release or trade as the two options as the Cardinals prepare to start over at both quarterback and head coach in 2026. Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com is among those trying to connect the dots to get QB AARON RODGERS to the desert: The early weeks of the offseason are the time for connecting dots. Sometimes, multiple different dots lead to a common connection. Currently, it’s believed that the Steelers will be the only viable option for quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2026. But what about the Cardinals? The most obvious link is offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. The Broncos hired him to be the head coach in 2022, at a time when it was believed the Packers would be ready to trade Rodgers. That didn’t happen until 2023. By then, Hackett was working for the Jets — who traded for Rodgers. Now, Hackett has landed in Arizona. Which will need a quarterback, if/when Kyler Murray is traded or released. There are more connections than Hackett. New coach Mike LaFleur most recently served as offensive coordinator of the Rams, and Rodgers was reportedly the Plan B for the Rams if Matthew Stafford had left in 2025. LaFleur’s brother, Matt, coached Rodgers for four years in Green Bay. And while the relationship was strained at times, Rodgers’s recent praise for Matt during a short stay on the hot seat left him “speechless.” The only problem is that the Cardinals are the least competitive team in the very competitive NFC West. It won’t be easy for the Cardinals, with or without Rodgers, to make it to the playoffs. Whether Rodgers or someone else, the Cardinals likely will be adding a quarterback. It makes sense to at least keep an eye on the possibility that the Cardinals will kick the tires on bringing Rodgers to Arizona. We would think Rodgers would want a team, like the Steelers, at least on the fringes of playoff contention. Minnesota? Atlanta? Would they want him, though? |
| SEATTLEIt’s an odd situation. The Seahawks won the Super Bowl – and now the current ownership is being forced to sell. Gregg Bell of the Tacoma News-Tribune with the story including confirming that this year’s title came with a lot more input from Jody Allen than was previously knon, including her choosing GM John Schneider over longtime coach Pete Carroll when a rift developed between the two men: The Super Bowl champions are officially for sale. The news the Seahawks didn’t want coming out when it did, Super Bowl week, became official Wednesday. The Paul G. Allen Estate of the franchise’s late owner who bought the team 29 years ago and saved it from leaving Seattle for California announced the team is up for sale. “The Estate of Paul G. Allen today announced it has commenced a formal sale process for the Seattle Seahawks NFL franchise, consistent with Allen’s directive to eventually sell his sports holdings and direct all Estate proceeds to philanthropy,” a statement the estate issued Wednesday through the team said. The statement said the Allen & Company investment bank plus the Latham & Watkins law firm will handle the sale. “(The Seahawks’ sale) is estimated to continue through the 2026 offseason,” the statement said. “NFL owners must then ratify a final purchase agreement.” Because of the Allens’ supreme standing among league owners and NFL headquarters, the sale is expected to be approved easily. It could close by the start of or during next season. The Seahawks have been owned since Paul Allen’s death in 2018 by Jody Allen, his sister. She is the team’s chair, with Bert Kolde the vice chair. The sale announcement comes 10 days after Jody Allen accepted the Vince Lombardi Trophy on the field in Santa Clara, California, minutes after the Seahawks finished their 29-13 win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60. It is the second NFL championship in the franchise’s 50-year history. Both have come in the last dozen years, under the Allens’ ownership. Now, a new era in Seahawks football begins. The sale is a sports rarity, in more ways than one. It’s almost unheard of for a franchise to go up for sale within days of winning a major professional sports championship. And the Seahawks are expected to easily exceed the Washington Commanders’ sale for $6.05 billion in 2023 as the highest price in NFL history. Some believe the Seahawks’ final closing price will perhaps push the Los Angeles Lakers’ recent purchase for $10 billion for the highest in North American sports history. What changes with the Seahawks sale?That’s what fans want to know. The sale will not affect Seahawks players this coming offseason and next season. Their contracts are binding. A new owner inherits those and must honor them. Life is undoubtedly about to change for team president Chuck Arnold, a Tacoma-native and graduate of Curtis High School, and his business side of the Seahawks. Owners rich enough to buy an NFL franchise usually have their own business and money people come with them to a new team. What will also change: The regular operations for coach Mike Macdonald and general manager John Schneider, in how the football side of the franchise interacts with and get guidance from ownership. In the week late last month following Seattle’s win in the NFC championship game, Macdonald talked openly how instrumental Jody Allen was in his first season as a head coach at any level, Seattle’s 2024 season. That was in the months after Allen with Kolde chose Schneider’s path forward for the franchise over 15-year coach Pete Carroll’s when she fired Carroll in January 2024. Macdonald said at the Super Bowl Allen guided him with clear vision while he was “in a fog” as a rookie, 36-year-old head coach in 2024. Opposite Allen’s reputation that she’s not involved in daily football matters, Macdonald said he has been meeting weekly with Allen, via Zoom, the day following Seahawks games. “She’s been incredibly supportive. We haven’t hit the mark all the time, and so when she gives feedback it’s very simple,” Macdonald said. “And it’s through, like, a great lens that maybe if I’m kind of in the fog, you don’t see it.” The coach said his owner’s questions are “piercing.” “It gets right to the point. And it’s helpful,” Macdonald said. “She’s been awesome.” Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com on the pitfalls of getting a new owner: As expected, the Seahawks are for sale. Despite recent denials, the inevitable is happening. Owner Paul Allen died in October 2018. He left an express directive that the team will be sold, with the proceeds going to charity. After more than seven years, the league leaned on his sister, Jody, to get it done. The timing is no surprise. We’ve previously reported that the league held a $5 million fine in abeyance with the understanding that the team would promptly be put on the market after Super Bowl LX. The goal will be to sell the team to the highest bidder, in order to maximize the charitable contribution. The price tag, despite valuations in the range of $6 billion to $7 billion, is expected to land in the range of $9 billion to $11 billion. The Seahawks organization, along with the team’s fans, will be stuck with whoever the high bidder may be. It’s currently not known who it will be, or what that person will choose to do once they acquire full control over the franchise. It will be the next owner’s prerogative to make changes, or not. To meddle, or not. To screw up a good thing, or not. And the fans will be stuck. Owners can’t be fired. The fans can only hope the team lands in the hands of someone who will allow G.M. John Schneider to keep doing what he’s been doing. But no one other than the next owner will have any control over the situation. The next owner could be closer to Dan Snyder than any of the various good owners. (If we name one as an example, the ones not named won’t be happy.) The only thing that will matter is the money. As often is the case. Either way, the Seahawks will soon be meeting a new boss. They can only hope it’s roughly the same as the old boss. And who might have a spare $10 billion? AI rounds up the usual suspects: Key Potential Buyers and Candidates:Jeff Bezos: Despite moving to Miami, the Amazon founder remains a top-tier candidate due to his wealth and Seattle roots. However, some reports suggest he may not bid. Larry Ellison (Oracle): Has shown interest in NFL ownership in the past and possesses the required financial resources. Bill Gates (Microsoft): As a close friend of the late Paul Allen, he is often mentioned, though not explicitly confirmed as interested. Tech Investors/Consortiums: Experts suggest an unknown tech billionaire or a group, rather than a single owner, is likely to make the winning bid, mirroring the high-stakes investment trends of recent NFL sales. Local Billionaires: Names like MacKenzie Scott, Melinda French Gates, or a group involving local tech executives are considered plausible options. Would the NFL approve Gates, who has an Epstein problem, much like Giants co-owner Steve Tisch who the wolves are after from his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. |
| AFC WEST |
| KANSAS CITYThe Chiefs arm themselves to acquire reinforcements by re-structuring the contract of QB PATRICK MAHOMES. Kevin Patra of NFL.com: The Kansas City Chiefs have begun the process of digging out of their salary cap quandary. The Chiefs converted $44.05 million of Patrick Mahomes’ 2026 base salary and a $10.4M roster bonus into a fully guaranteed roster bonus, creating $43.56 million in cap room, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported on Wednesday. Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap first reported the cap maneuver. A simple restructure converts payments into a prorated bonus that is spread over the remaining years of the deal, allowing teams to push cap hits into future years. Mahomes, who is rehabbing from a season-ending knee injury, was set to count $78.214 million against the salary cap in 2026. The restructure sinks that number to a much more manageable $34.65 million. The move adds a shade under $11 million to all subsequent seasons. The QB’s 2027 cap hit now stands at $85.25 million. The past few seasons, the Chiefs have moved money up to keep the star signal-caller in line with his high-profile peers. With that gigantic cap figure growing bigger in 2027, we’re inching closer to a complete redo of Mahomes contract. The quarterback inked a massive 10-year, $450 million contract in July 2020. The deal was built to give the Chiefs flexibility throughout the contract. Restructuring the pact to push money into future years was always part of the plan. Chiefs hope to have Travis Kelce back for 2026, plan to talk with TE following Super Bowl LXRestructuring Mahomes’ deal gets the Chiefs closer to compliance before the new league year opens on March 11. K.C. had been more than $50 million over the projected salary cap before the maneuver. They still remain in the red, roughly $11 million over the projected cap. We’re likely to see more contract restructures on the way, starting with star defensive tackle Chris Jones. The Chiefs could also release veterans to save cap space. Candidates include Jawaan Taylor ($19.5 million), Michael Danna ($8.8 million) or Drue Tranquill ($5.8 million). To get to the point where the Chiefs can effectively add players in free agency this offseason, general manager Brett Veach must not just get compliant but create enough room to add significant pieces to a team that just missed the postseason for the first time since 2014. Mahomes’ restructure is notable, but it’s simply step one of a multi-step process in K.C. before the new league year. One guy that they should consider replacing is WR RASHEE RICE. Carter Bahns of CBSSports.com: Following domestic violence allegations she made last month, a former girlfriend of Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice this week filed a lawsuit against Rice, accusing him of physical assault. Dacoda Jones, the mother of Rice’s two children, filed the civil suit in Dallas County (Texas) District Court and seeks $1 million in damages. Jones said in the lawsuit, filed on Monday, that Rice assaulted her over the course of many months from December 2023 through July 2025 and caused severe and permanent injuries. The lawsuit states that Rice strangled Jones at their shared home in Victory Park, Texas, in December 2023 and continued to assault her over the course of their relationship. Many of his alleged acts occurred while Jones was pregnant. In addition to the physical assault, Rice is also accused of abusive behaviors including throwing objects, destroying property and locking Jones out of their home in the middle of the night. Rice responded to the lawsuit via his legal representation. “On October 9th, 2025, well after the parties’ relationship had ended, Ms. Jones stated under penalty of perjury in a sworn Affidavit for Non-Prosecution that ‘Mr. Rice and I had a verbal argument, but he did not punch me.’ We will allow the legal process to run its course and have no further comment at this time,” Rice’s attorney, Sean Lindsey, said in a statement to ESPN. The Chiefs also issued a statement after the lawsuit was filed. “The club is aware and remains in communication with the National Football League,” the team said. Jones did not refer to Rice by name when she brought forth the domestic violence allegations in January. She posted photos to Instagram of herself with a bloody lip and scratches and bruises on her face and body. She accused an unnamed partner of physical abuse, said the couple broke up in late 2025 and mentioned that the former partner locked her outside in freezing weather. “I’m so tired of keeping quiet I’m so tired of protecting his image,” Jones said in the since-deleted social media post. “I’ve been through enough in the span of 8 years and I’ve had ENOUGH! I’ve dealt with abuse for years, me and this man decided to break up a couple months ago and it’s been nothing but hell. “He literally left us in Kansas and I had to beg him to send money so that I could drive to Texas with my kids and all our stuff. We have an agreement because of everything he’s put me through and he still doesn’t follow it. He’s now trying to remove me and my kids from our home for no apparent reason. I’ve known this man for YEARS. He tries to put on this persona like he’s dad of the year. He does the bare minimum and I have to beg for that. I’ve protected his image too long and I’m done doing that. It’s time to protect my peace, protect my children and stand up for myself.” Off-the-field storylines have now followed Rice in each of the last three offseasons. Last summer, the NFL suspended him for the first six games of the 2025 campaign for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. The suspension was a result of a traffic incident that occurred in March 2024. Rice pleaded guilty to two felony charges in a hit-and-run and was sentenced to 30 days of jail time and five years of probation. Rice hauled in 53 catches for 571 yards and five touchdowns across eight games last season after serving his suspension. The former second-round NFL Draft pick is entering the final year of his rookie contract with Kansas City. |
| THIS AND THAT |
| 2026 DRAFTLet’s check in with NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah who has filed this Mock Draft: One of the big questions on the minds of many evaluators is whether we’ll see two quarterbacks drafted in Round 1. I still have only one in my mock, but I think it’s fair to say the prospect with the most to gain leading up to the draft is Alabama QB Ty Simpson. Stay tuned. 1 Las Vegas RaidersFernando MendozaIndiana · QB · Junior (RS)The Raiders have their coach and now they have their quarterback. I like the marriage between Mendoza’s skill set and Klint Kubiak’s scheme. 2 New York JetsDavid BaileyTexas Tech · Edge · SeniorThe Jets have their pick of the draft’s finest edge rushers here. Bailey’s combination of explosiveness and production is the best of the bunch. 3 Arizona CardinalsFrancis MauigoaMiami · OT · JuniorMauigoa plugs in at right tackle and upgrades an offensive line in desperate need of help. 4 Tennessee TitansRueben Bain Jr.Miami · Edge · JuniorBain’s temperament and playing style will perfectly complement Jeffery Simmons. They’re cut from the same cloth in how they play the game. 5 New York GiantsCarnell TateOhio State · WR · JuniorThe Giants add another weapon for Jaxson Dart. Tate gives the offense a vertical receiver to play opposite a hopefully-healthy Malik Nabers. 6 Cleveland BrownsSpencer FanoUtah · OT · JuniorThe Browns should be hoping one of the top offensive tackles is available to them at No. 6. Cleveland snags Fano to start from Day 1. 7 Washington CommandersArvell ReeseOhio State · LB/Edge · JuniorReese provides Washington some explosiveness and versatility. He might be a tougher projection than some of the other pass rushers in this year’s draft, given that he split time between edge rusher and off-ball linebacker for the Buckeyes. Reese has the highest upside of the group, though. 8 New Orleans SaintsMakai LemonUSC · WR · JuniorThe Saints inject a major boost to Tyler Shough’s receiving corps. Kellen Moore will know exactly how to utilize Lemon’s skills. 9 Kansas City ChiefsJeremiyah LoveNotre Dame · RB · JuniorPatrick Mahomes finally gets an elite back. If defenses continue to play a conservative shell defense against the Chiefs, Love can make them pay. 10 Cincinnati BengalsCaleb DownsOhio State · S · JuniorCincinnati stays in-state with this pick. The Bengals’ defense could use consistency and structure. Downs provides both. 11 Miami DolphinsMansoor DelaneLSU · CB · SeniorThis is a defense in need of retooling. With Rasul Douglas, Jack Jones and Kader Kohou heading for free agency, the Dolphins land the best cornerback in the draft. 12 Dallas CowboysJermod McCoyTennessee · CB · JuniorThe Cowboys must fix their pass rush and secondary. I believe there’s a drop-off at cornerback after McCoy, so they address the position here. 13 Los Angeles Rams (via ATL)Emmanuel McNeil-WarrenToledo · S · SeniorThe Rams had a good look at how the Seahawks deployed Nick Emmanwori with great success in his rookie year. McNeil-Warren offers L.A. its own playmaking, rangy safety, boosting a pass defense that has struggled in recent years. He teams with Kamren Kinchens and Quentin Lake to create a nice safety trio. 14 Baltimore RavensJordyn TysonArizona State · WR · Junior (RS)Baltimore is still in search of a complement to Zay Flowers. Tyson gives the new coaching staff more firepower on offense. 15 Tampa Bay BuccaneersSonny StylesOhio State · LB · SeniorI have Styles rated much higher than 15th in my prospect rankings, but not all teams value off-ball linebackers the same way. Styles can plug the hole if Lavonte David does not return. 16 New York Jets (via IND)Olaivavega IoanePenn State · IOL · Junior (RS)I know quarterback is a huge need for the Jets, but I don’t see a QB worthy of the 16th overall pick this year. So, they can take the best player available here. I view Ioane as the best offensive lineman in the draft. He can fill the void with the injury-plagued Alijah Vera-Tucker and John Simpson headed for free agency. 17 Detroit LionsT.J. ParkerClemson · Edge · JuniorParker had an underwhelming 2025 season, but he bounced back in a big way at the Senior Bowl. I think he’s climbing draft boards once again. 18 Minnesota VikingsDillon ThienemanOregon · S · JuniorAfter studying Thieneman’s impressive 2025 tape at Oregon, I went back and watched the film from his career at Purdue, where he played in 2023 and ’24. His range and playmaking skills were evident back then, too. He would be an excellent replacement for Harrison Smith. 19 Carolina PanthersKeldric FaulkAuburn · Edge · JuniorFaulk has the versatility to rush from the inside and outside. Pairing him with Nic Scourton gives Carolina some fresh legs up front. 20 Dallas Cowboys (via GB)Akheem MesidorMiami · Edge · SeniorAfter taking a CB at No. 12, the Cowboys nab an edge rusher. Teams might have to get comfortable with Mesidor’s age — he will be a 25-year-old rookie — but he was dominant during Miami’s run in the College Football Playoff. Then again, if the Chiefs would take this pick in a trade for Trent McDuffie (entering the final year of his rookie deal), the Cowboys would solve their secondary issues in the blink of an eye. 21 Pittsburgh SteelersDenzel BostonWashington · WR · Junior (RS)Boston makes too much sense here. The Steelers would have two power forwards on the outside with the rookie playing opposite DK Metcalf. 22 Los Angeles ChargersKenyon SadiqOregon · TE · JuniorSadiq is the perfect weapon for a creative offensive mind like Mike McDaniel. With the tight end joining Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Tre Harris and Oronde Gadsden II, the OC would have a lot to work with in his first year with the Chargers. 23 Philadelphia EaglesBlake MillerClemson · OT · SeniorEven if Lane Johnson decides to put off retirement, I believe the Eagles would not mind having his eventual replacement on the roster. 24 Cleveland Browns (via JAC)Monroe FreelingGeorgia · OT · JuniorThis draft would be a big success for the Browns if they landed two starting offensive linemen, as they do in this scenario with Freeling joining Spencer Fano. If Dawand Jones stays healthy, I think Fano could play inside. 25 Chicago BearsPeter WoodsClemson · DT · JuniorTeams seem to be all over the map on how they rank this year’s defensive tackles. Woods probably is the most explosive of the group and brings some juice on the interior. 26 Buffalo BillsMalachi FieldsNotre Dame · WR · SeniorThe Bills add a player with a wide catch radius to complement Khalil Shakir at receiver. Fields was excellent all week long at the Senior Bowl. 27 San Francisco 49ersLee HunterTexas Tech · DT · SeniorHunter can hold the point against the run and he showed flashes of his upside as a pass rusher at the Senior Bowl. Recent Super Bowl winners have featured waves of defensive linemen they can rotate. Hunter joins 2025 draft picks Alfred Collins and CJ West to form a talented young trio on the interior. 28 Houston TexansCaleb LomuUtah · OT · Sophomore (RS)Lomu pairs with Aireontae Ersery to give the Texans young bookends to build around on the offensive line. 29 Los Angeles RamsColton HoodTennessee · CB · Sophomore (RS)The Rams double down on the secondary in Round 1 with free agency threatening to eat into their DB depth. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and Hood can both take the ball away. 30 Denver BroncosCJ AllenGeorgia · LB · JuniorDenver finds a replacement for Alex Singleton, who is ticketed for free agency. Allen is a steady, reliable player who can handle the nerve center of that talented defense. 31 New England PatriotsZion YoungMissouri · Edge · SeniorYoung feels like an excellent fit for Mike Vrabel’s defense. He’s a big, rugged edge rusher who capped off a strong Senior Bowl week by winning Defensive MVP honors in the game. 32 Seattle SeahawksKC ConcepcionTexas A&M · WR · JuniorSeattle finds insurance for Rashid Shaheed, who could depart in free agency. Concepcion brings speed on offense and is a dynamic returner who took two punts back for touchdowns in 2025. |
