| Is an 18-game season going to happen before we even get to the end of the CBA? That’s what Mark Maske of the Washington Post is hearing: There is a growing conviction among the NFL’s team owners that an 18-game regular season will be implemented through an agreement between the league and the NFL Players Association before the expiration of their current labor deal. And there are hopes among some owners that it could occur within the next three years. “That’s something that I think has a chance of happening, no question,” one person familiar with the owners’ views said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the deliberations. “It just depends. Maybe in the next two to three years.” Another person with knowledge of the views of the league and the owners said at the December owners’ meeting that the deliberations over an 18-game season had been occurring behind closed doors and that a resolution was not imminent. A high-ranking official from one NFL team said at that meeting: “I do think it will happen. But there’s a lot of negotiating to be done on it.” Lloyd Howell, the NFLPA’s executive director, told The Washington Post in July that the union had engaged in high-level discussions with the NFL about an 18-game season. The talks had not progressed at that point to formal negotiations, Howell said then. The collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and the NFLPA expires after the 2030 season and specifically prohibits the league and owners from unilaterally extending the regular season to 18 games. So there must be an agreement with the union. In July, Howell left open the possibility of reaching such an agreement before the expiration of the labor deal if players are in favor of it and if the union is able to secure what it wants in return. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in December that the league was analyzing a prospective 18-game regular season ahead of formal negotiations with the NFLPA. “The most important thing is to get an agreement with the players association. … We are doing analysis, I would say,” Goodell said then. “But we are not formalizing any plans at this point.” Goodell told Bloomberg Television last month that the addition of an 18th game is the “logical” next step for the NFL. It presumably would be accompanied by a reduction of the preseason from three games per team to two, keeping the annual total at 20 per team. The NFLPA also has expressed interest in reconfiguring the sport’s offseason schedule to eliminate teams’ voluntary on-field workouts in the spring in favor of a longer ramp-up period for players leading into training camps in the summer. That could be enacted even before an 18-game season would go into effect. Teams could get a second bye week during the regular season. The Super Bowl could be played annually on Presidents’ Day weekend, with a holiday on the Monday after the game. This year, Presidents’ Day is eight days after Super Bowl LIX is played next Sunday in New Orleans. It’s unclear what trade-offs the NFLPA would seek or receive. The players received an increased share of revenue under the salary cap system and other concessions in exchange for a 17th regular season game in the current CBA, which was narrowly ratified by the players in March 2020. |
| NFC NORTH |
| CHICAGOThe Bears are hiring Eric Bienemy as running backs coach. Kevin Fishbain, Ben Standig and Alex Andrejev of The Athletic: Eric Bieniemy, a longtime NFL assistant coach who most recently served as UCLA’s offensive coordinator, appears set to return to the pro level. The Chicago Bears are expected to hire Bieniemy as their running backs coach, a league source confirmed. UCLA fired Bieniemy in December after he spent one season in the role. Before his time with the Bruins, the 55-year-old spent most of the last decade as an NFL assistant, including coaching for the Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Commanders. He won two Super Bowls with the Chiefs as OC from 2018 to 2020, and was the team’s running backs coach before then. The Commanders hired Bieniemy after the 2022 season to be their offensive coordinator and assistant head coach, working with Ron Rivera, but the staff wasn’t retained after Washington finished with a 4-13 record that season. Why Bears are making this moveThis hire makes a ton of sense for Ben Johnson’s staff. He has a young coordinator in Declan Doyle and another young QB coach in JT Barrett. In Bieniemy, Johnson adds someone with 16 years of experience as an NFL assistant. Bienemy overlapped with Bears GM Ryan Poles while with the Chiefs and with Chicago president/CEO Kevin Warren during his time coaching in Minnesota, so there’s some familiarity in the front office. Johnson’s offense in Detroit operated at such a high level in part because of a dynamic backfield. The Bears need to get back to a strong rushing attack — they fell off last season, despite the high-priced addition of D’Andre Swift. Now that room will have an experienced position coach, and Johnson will have someone to lean on who has seen a lot of football. — |
| NFC EAST |
| PHILADELPHIAA note from Scott Kacsmar: @ScottKacsmarLeading rusher (regular season)PHI Saquon Barkley – 2,005 yardsKC Kareem Hunt – 728 yards Difference – 1,277 yards First Super Bowl ever where a team has more than a 1,000-yard edge in leading rusher yards. But teams with any edge are only 2-6 in the last 8 SBs. |
| WASHINGTONWe get it that going back to the old name could be hard, even with the times a changing back. But is Commanders “meaningful”? John Keim of ESPN.com as Josh Harris seems to put the reversion back to Redskins to rest: The Washington Commanders’ name isn’t going anywhere. Owner Josh Harris settled that topic, which has remained a big one in Washington since the organization rebranded three years ago, during his postseason news conference Monday. “I think it’s now embraced by our team, by our culture, by our coaching staff. So we’re going with that,” Harris said. Washington’s organization underwent a rebrand after announcing in July of 2020 that it was retiring the name “Redskins” that had been in use since 1933 — four years before the team moved to D.C. The organization went by the Washington Football Team in 2020 and ’21 before announcing, under previous owner Dan Snyder on Feb. 2, 2022, that it would be called the Commanders. The name had been widely panned by the fan base, many of whom wanted a return to the team’s former name — a notion Harris struck down multiple times including in August when he said, “For obvious reasons, the old name can’t come back.” In April, the Washington Post ran a poll in which 58% of local Commanders fans did not like the name. However, since then, the Commanders drafted quarterback Jayden Daniels who helped lead the team to their best season in more than three decades. Washington finished 12-5 and advanced to the NFC Championship Game for the first time since the 1991 season. At their season-ending news conference last week, coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters referred to the “Commanders’ standard” that was established this year. Players would refer to that as well. “The name Commanders means something,” Harris said. “It’s about players who love football, are great at football, hit hard, mentally tough, great teammates. It’s really meaningful that that name is growing in meaning.” Harris also said the team will dip into its past and honor it in various — but unspecific — ways. He said they want to “honor our past and bring it together with our future.” Feathers in the alternate logo? |
| NFC WEST |
| LOS ANGELES RAMSThe Rams told WR COOPER KUPP that they are looking to trade him – and Kupp told the world. Ryan Young of YahooSports.com: Cooper Kupp’s time with the Los Angeles Rams has apparently come to an end. Kupp shared on social media on Monday night that the Rams were looking to trade him “immediately,” and that they were “working with me and my family to find the right place to continue competing for championships.” Further specifics on what that deal would look like, or when it will come down, are not yet known. “I don’t agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA,” Kupp wrote, in part. “Still, if there’s one thing that I have learned over the years: there are so many things that are out of your control, but it is how you respond to these things that you will look back on and remember.” The announcement appeared to catch at least one of his teammates off guard. Puka Nacua@AsapPukaSo I thought it was just the NBA trade season Kupp has spent his entire career with the Rams, who selected him in the third round of the 2017 draft out of Eastern Washington. He had 710 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 67 catches this past season, his eighth in the league. The Rams went 10-7 this past season and won the NFC West. They rolled over the Minnesota Vikings in their first playoff game, but fell to the Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round. Kupp did not score in the playoffs, but he had six catches for 90 yards combined in their two games. Kupp’s best season in the league came in 2021, when he helped lead the team to its second ever Super Bowl win. He racked-up 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns on 145 catches that campaign, all of which led the league. He also averaged an NFL-best 114.5 yards per game. The Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals in the Super Bowl at their home stadium that season, and Kupp was named the game’s MVP. The 31-year-old has two years left on his three-year, $80 million deal. He is owed $20 million next season and just shy of $20 million in 2026. Though he hasn’t been anywhere near as good as he was during the Rams’ Super Bowl campaign, Kupp is still undoubtedly capable of making an impact somewhere in the league for years to come. As for who wants to take his contract on at this point in his career, though, remains to be seen. Mike Florio with more Cupp math: Kupp is due to make $20 million in 2025, in the form of a $12.5 million salary and a $7.5 million roster bonus. Last year, $5 million of the bonus became fully guaranteed. His days of making $20 million per year seem to be over. If a new team expects him to take less as part of a trade, all he has to do is refuse — and the end result is that the Rams will have to pay him the full $20 million or cut him and owe $5 million. That could require the Rams to commit to paying more of the $20 million, in order to work out a trade. They’d basically be trading Kupp and cash/cap space for whatever they can get from a new team by way of one or more draft picks. They also could pay Kupp the $7.5 million roster bonus and squat on his non-guaranteed salary pending a potential trade. That would make it harder for Kupp to find a landing spot, if he’s cut too late in the offseason to get a contract approaching his current market value. In the end, the entire exercise could be aimed at getting Kupp to take less. If/when he realizes that no one else is willing to pay him more than what the Rams are willing to pay on a reduced deal, he might decide to take the $7.5 million plus whatever else the Rams offer for 2025. With a contract that currently runs through 2026, the revised agreement could rip up the final year, making him a free agent next March. Kupp’s decision to go public with the Rams’ effort to trade him could make him less inclined to take less in order to stay, even if he’ll make less than that with a new team. One key fact as it relates to his contract is whether the $5 million guarantee has offset language. (Usually it does, but the Rams have been known to include language that removes the offset obligation.) However it plays out, he’ll make $7.5 million simply by being on the team before the roster bonus is due. He might be willing to balk at an eventual request, from the Rams or a new team, to take less than $20 million and roll the dice on being cut. In the end, the Rams might have to kick in more than $7.5 million to get a team to take on the balance of his $20 million compensation package. Bryan DeArdo of CBSSports.com offers five possible landing spots for Kupp: Here’s a look at five teams who might be interested in Kupp’s services. SteelersPittsburgh’s desire to acquire a proven, veteran wideout last year was well-documented. In Kupp, the Steelers would be getting just that while giving their next starting quarterback (Justin Fields?) a reliable target. Kupp would also be a positive influence for George Pickens, who despite all of his talent has failed to live up to his potential. Cowboys Dallas needs some reinforcements around CeeDee Lamb, especially with Brandin Cooks slated to hit free agency. Kupp’s addition would free things up for Lamb while also giving Dak Prescott another established weapon to throw to. Ravens Baltimore isn’t afraid to go after big names in free agency; just a year ago, it signed Derrick Henry to a two-year deal, and we all see how that’s worked out for them. Kupp would join a loaded Ravens offense that also includes league MVP Lamar Jackson, fellow wideouts Zay Jones and Rashod Bateman and tight ends Isaiah Likley and Mark Andrews. Broncos Bo Nix thrived last year despite not having the most proven of receiving crops outside of Courtland Sutton. In Denver, Kupp would play with a up-and-coming quarterback and inside Sean Payton’s pass-happy offense. Kupp’s ability to make plays over the middle would certainly aid Nix, who routinely makes plays outside the pocket. BillsBuffalo will do whatever it takes to supplant Buffalo as the AFC’s best team, and adding Kupp could help them do that. Kupp could be a safety valve for Josh Allen, especially on possession downs. Kupp’s presence would surely benefit Buffalo’s young receiving corps that includes rookie Keon Coleman and 2022 third-round pick Khalil Shakir. The Bills would seem to be a fine landing spot for Cupp. |
| AFC WEST |
| KANSAS CITYAndy Reid will not be riding off into the sunset if he hoists Lombardi for a third consecutive time if owner Clark Hunt is to be believed. Myles Simmons of ProFootballTalk.com: In recent years, there’s been some speculation that Chiefs head coach Andy Reid could retire at the end of a season. While there hasn’t been as much of it before Super Bowl LIX, Chiefs owner Clark Hunt but the issue to bed while speaking to the media during Opening Night. “I know for a fact he’ll be back next season,” Hunt said, via Nate Taylor of TheAthletic.com. Reid, 66, has been a head coach for 26 consecutive seasons — 14 with the Eagles and 12 with the Chiefs. He’s accumulated a 274-146-1 regular-season record with both clubs along with a 28-16 postseason record with three Super Bowl victories. While Reid will turn 67 in March, he’s illustrated that he’s still at the top of his game. Kansas City has won at least two postseason games every year since 2019. The club hasn’t finished any worse than overtime of the AFC Championship Game since Patrick Mahomes took over as starting quarterback in 2018. If Reid continues to coach for several years, he will be in a position to catch Bill Belichick in the record books for both postseason and regular-season wins sooner than later. Hunt also laughs at those who think the Chiefs long, long run of favorable decisions from the officials has anything to do with the fact they are looking at a possible third straight championship. Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com: Chiefs owner Clark Hunt says other teams need to stop making excuses for losing to his team. Hunt was asked on NFL Network about the belief among many that the Chiefs’ run to the verge of the first-ever Super Bowl three-peat has benefited from favorable calls from the officials. Hunt made clear that he thinks it’s nonsense that there’s a conspiracy among referees and the league office to favor the Chiefs. “You almost have to laugh at it,” Hunt said. “There’s definitely no conspiracy, right? It’s the nature of the game. And when you start having a lot of success, people like to start making excuses for why you’re having the success.” It’s also possible, however, that there’s no conspiracy to favor the Chiefs — but also that the Chiefs really have benefited from calls going their way. It’s easy to laugh at conspiracists who think games are being fixed in the Chiefs’ favor, but harder to improve the officiating to the point where fans are confident that the game will be decided by the players and not by the officials. |
| AFC NORTH |
| BALTIMOREOC Todd Monken has a contract extension. Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com: After flirting with head-coaching jobs this offseason, Todd Monken will instead return to Baltimore for the foreseeable future. The Ravens offensive coordinator officially signed an extension with the team, Baltimore announced on Monday. Monken’s extension had previously been reported by other outlets. Monken’s return to Baltimore is a boon for Lamar Jackson and a Ravens offense that has paced the league since the OC replaced Greg Roman following the 2022 season. After finishing fourth in points and sixth in total yards in 2023, Baltimore added Derrick Henry and improved to third and first in those respective categories in 2024 under Monken’s leadership. This season, the Ravens became the first team in NFL history to throw for at least 4,000 yards and rush for at least 3,000. Baltimore was also the first team to score at least 40 passing touchdowns and at least 20 rushing touchdowns. Jackson, the reigning NFL Most Valuable Player, led the league in passing yards per attempt (8.8), passer rating (119.6) and rushing yards per attempt (6.6). It’s no surprise he is an MVP finalist and favorite again, a credit to his OC. The 58-year-old Monken was rewarded with head-coach interviews with the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders. All three teams went with other options — two offensive-minded, first-timers (Ben Johnson to Chicago, Liam Coen to Jacksonville) and one veteran head coach (Pete Carroll to Las Vegas). The New Orleans Saints remain without a head coach but appear to be leaning toward Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, leaving Monken without a possible landing spot. Instead, he’ll return to Baltimore where coach John Harbaugh and Co. will be happy to welcome him back. “It would be very meaningful if and when we get him back, and we continue [moving] forward,” Harbaugh said of Monken on Jan. 22 at the team’s season-ending press conference. “I really am excited about 3.0, that iteration of this offense going forward. “Todd Monken will be a great head coach; I’ll just say that. He’s a really good football coach. He’s an old-school football coach with kind of a new-school and creative mind. [He’s] always creating. Todd is one of those guys that can apply his experience, along with the fact that he’s always thinking ahead. He’s always trying to come up with the next idea, and then he’s also very much a collaborator.” |
| CLEVELANDAfter eight years as a relatively loyal Brown, EDGE MYLES GARRETT is seeking greener pastures. Erik Edholm at NFL.com: Amid speculation over his future in Cleveland, Myles Garrett has officially requested a trade from the Browns. Garrett said Monday in a statement obtained by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport that he’d like to move elsewhere prior to the 2025 NFL season. “As a kid dreaming of the NFL, all I focused on was the ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl — and that goal fuels me today more than ever,” Garrett wrote. “My love for the community of Northeast Ohio and the incredible fanbase of the Cleveland Browns has made this one of the toughest decisions of my life. These past eight years have shaped me into the man that I am today. “While I’ve loved calling this city my home, my desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won’t allow me to be complacent. The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl. “With that in mind, I have requested to be traded from the Cleveland Browns.” Garrett, 29, is coming off his seventh straight double-digit sack season, including four straight with 14 or more. He has earned five straight Pro Bowl bids, has four career first-team All-Pro honors and is the reigning AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Browns general manager Andrew Berry said last week “you can put that on the record” that he wasn’t interested in trading Garrett, even for two first-round picks. Berry even indicated the franchise wanted to sign Garrett to an extension. Rapoport reported on Monday that the Browns’ stance on Garrett has not changed following his request. Garrett signed a five-year, $125 million extension in 2020, leaving two years left on the deal. His contract carries salary-cap hits of $19.7 million and $20.4 million in 2025 and 2026, respectively. Garrett is due a roster bonus worth $5 million on the fifth day of the league year on March 16. The Browns have been fairly competitive for most of Garrett’s run in Cleveland, although they have made the postseason only twice in his time with the team. Things bottomed out last season as Cleveland dropped to a 3-14 record, even with Garrett leading the NFL with 22 tackles for loss and just one year after an 11-win campaign with the league’s top-ranked defense. Now his time in Cleveland might be nearing an end. Tyler Sullivan of CBSSports.com assesses where Garrett might go: As for where Garrett could end up, let’s highlight a few potential landing spots. Detroit LionsEven with Aidan Hutchinson set to return in 2025 following a season-ending leg injury this past season, the Detroit Lions need some added game-breaking ability at pass rusher, ranking bottom third in the NFL in sacks in 2024. From a financial standpoint, Garrett’s current contract is paying him a base salary of just $1.25 million and $1.3 million over the next two seasons and carries a cap hit of $19.7 million and $20.3 million, which should be relatively easy to absorb for clubs, including Detroit. The Lions have about $46.5 million in available space this offseason. The club is also firmly within a Super Bowl window after earning the No. 1 seed in the NFC this season, which would give Garrett a strong opportunity to compete for a title and play in meaningful games late in the year. Washington CommandersThe Commanders have found their franchise quarterback in Jayden Daniels, who just led the club to an NFC Championship appearance. While Daniels is playing out his rookie contract, it’d be wise for Washington to capitalize on that QB discount by adding elite talent to other areas of the roster, which includes the defensive line. The Commanders have the third-most amount of cap space this offseason ($78.1 million), so they could easily afford to bring Garrett aboard and ink him to a new deal. He’d also seem to blend well with Dan Quinn’s defense. This season, Washington ranked 14th in the league in pressure rate, so adding Garrett would vault that defense up inside the top 10 thus making the Commanders even more dangerous in Year 2 of the Daniels era. Las Vegas RaidersThe pairing of Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby would be the most lethal pass-rushing duo in the NFL. The Las Vegas Raiders are entering a new era after hiring Pete Carroll as head coach and have the second-highest amount of cap space ($92.5 million) in the league to reboot in a hurry. While playing alongside Crosby would be tantalizing, the main concern for Garrett would likely be Las Vegas’ current quarterback situation, which is to say they don’t have a clear answer at the position at the moment. If they can land a respectable signal-caller, that would certainly make them an even more desirable destination. Cincinnati BengalsWould the Browns really trade Garrett inside the division? I have my doubts, but if you’re the Bengals you absolutely make the phone call. They have the ninth-most cap space in the NFL, so they could afford to bring Garrett aboard. More importantly, Cincinnati needs a talent like Garrett to help get the franchise back on track. Despite explosive seasons from Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase offensively, the Bengals defense left little to be desired outside of Trey Hendrickson. They ranked 25th in total yards allowed per game (348.3) and points per game (25.5). Adding Garrett to combat quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen would do wonders in the Bengals possibly getting over the hump. Meanwhile, this would arguably be one of the top destinations for Garrett when factoring in his desire to win a Super Bowl. New England PatriotsSome interesting connections between the Patriots and Browns could make New England a dark horse here. Of course, new Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel just spent the 2024 season with the Browns as a coaching and personnel consultant, so Garrett and the front office should have some familiarity with him. Meanwhile, New England’s executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf was the Browns assistant GM back in 2018 when Berry was the vice president of player personnel, further establishing a relationship between the two franchises. The Patriots have by far the most amount of cap space in the NFL ($120 million) which would satisfy a potential Garrett extension, while also keeping the organization flexible enough to continue to add. Depending on how Garrett feels about rising second-year quarterback Drake Maye and the Patriots’ ability to increase the talent across the depth chart, New England could be primed to bounce back rather quickly under this new coach-quarterback regime, giving him a shot to play more meaningful games late in the year. Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com on the math and timing of such a trade: During Monday’s PFT Live, I tried to do a seat-of-the-pants estimate of the potential cap consequences to the Browns of a Myles Garrett trade. I should have found a belt. I thought the cap hit would be crippling. It’s not. On closer examination of the breakdown posted by Spotrac.com, it looks like the cap charge for a trade before the fifth day of the new league year (March 16) would give the Browns a $32.95 million dead-money charge for 2025. Garrett’s existing cap number for 2025 is $19.722. The Browns are currently projected to be $27.5 million over the cap, with dead money of $39.73 million. They’ll realize significant savings if/when they restructure Deshaun Watson’s deal (again). He currently has a cap charge in excess of $72 million. Most of Garrett’s 2025 compensation comes in the form of an $18.54 million option bonus due on March 16. If he refuses to play, the Browns would be able to recover the money. (Based on the terms of payment — if, for example, it’s paid out in equal installments during the 18-week regular season — they could simply withhold it and not have to try to recover it.) Regardless of how the Browns would work their salary-cap magic wand, trading Garrett would create a significant but not insurmountable cap complication. But the Browns already have a significant complication, in the form of a cornerstone player who has decided that the team won’t become a contender during the balance of his career. |
| AFC SOUTH |
| HOUSTONThe Texans are hiring Nick Caley, off the Rams staff, to replace Bobby Slowik at OC. Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com. The Texans have landed their new offensive coordinator. NFL Media reports that they will be adding Nick Caley to DeMeco Ryans’s staff for the 2025 season. Bobby Slowik had the job for the last two seasons and won compliments for his work in 2023, but he was let go after a less impressive showing in 2024. Caley drew interest from multiple teams over the last month and he becomes the latest offensive assistant to Sean McVay to move up the coaching ladder. Caley was the tight ends coach and pass game coordinator for the Rams and he spent seven years on Bill Belichick’s staff before moving to Los Angeles in 2023. If he can push quarterback C.J. Stroud and the rest of the Houston offense to new heights, Caley may be in contention to move up another rung in the near future. This from Joshua Jordan of Houston SportsMap on why the Texans moved on from Slowik, once a hot prospect for promotion, not dismissal. When the Texans decided to part ways with OC Bobby Slowik last week, some were surprised DeMeco Ryans would pull the cord so quickly. But others have been calling for Slowik’s removal for most of the season with CJ Stroud and the offense showing significant regression, and Stroud getting repeatedly beat up behind an offensive line constantly baffled by stunts and twists. To Stroud’s credit, he took his fair share of blame for the struggles on offense this season, never throwing the coaches or scheme under the bus. Which led many people to believe Stroud wanted Slowik to return. CJ even spoke about the challenges of learning a new system and how he didn’t know how quarterbacks were able to pick up a new system every couple of years, hoping he wouldn’t have to do that. However, ESPN Houston’s Lance Zierlein on Monday spoke about Stroud’s relationship with Slowik and if it was really as tight as it appeared to be in press conferences. Which makes sense on many levels. Stroud had to be losing faith in the offense based on results, and Coach Ryans did not give Slowik much of an endorsement when meeting with the press last week. There have also been rumors that ownership was frustrated with the state of the offense, after giving Slowik and members of his staff a raise after a terrific 2023 season. Who could blame them? The offense was the main reason Houston kept getting blown off the field in almost all of their primetime games. The cherry on top had to be the offense getting shutout on Christmas against the Ravens with all the world watching on Netflix. While we believe Stroud had to give his blessing to move on from Slowik, at the end of the day the decision was DeMeco’s. As a defensive coach, watching his offense fail to correct the same mistakes all season long had to drive him n |
| JACKSONVILLEJaguars legend Tony Boselli has landed a big role with the team. Amos Morale II and Jeff Howe of The Athletic: The Jacksonville Jaguars have hired Tony Boselli as their executive vice president of football operations, the team announced Monday. Boselli, a former All-Pro who holds the distinction of being the first-ever Jaguars draft pick in 1995, has been associated with the franchise in many ways since his retirement in 2001, but now steps into his first front office role. “Few people have better relationships throughout the NFL, know the game, and understand the value of strong team identity and culture as well as Tony Boselli,” Jaguars owner Shad Khan said in a statement announcing the move. “Tony has a wealth of football acumen that we respect and need, and his counsel will be tremendously valuable to me and our football leadership team during this current rebirth and for many seasons to come.” Boselli, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022, has served as a radio analyst and frequent contributor to Jaguars.com reporting, in addition to representing the team as an NFL Legends ambassador. “I am so excited and deeply humbled to work with and alongside Shad Khan, the Khan Family, Liam Coen, our new general manager and the entire Jaguars front office,” Boselli said in a statement. “We will come together to build a lasting foundation and winning tradition that Jaguars fans will be proud of.” Boselli’s hiring comes amid several changes in the Jacksonville leadership structure. The team recently fired general manager Trent Baalke and hired former Buccaneers offensive coordinator Coen as its new head coach. Jacksonville is searching for its next general manager following a 4-13 this season. The Jaguars hold the No. 5 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. What this hire means for JaguarsBoselli’s presence pushes the Jaguars even further into a new era. The celebrated hiring of Coen reinvigorated a fan base that was turned off by the team’s regression over the past two seasons, and the promotion of a fan favorite — Boselli was the franchise’s first draft pick — capitalizes on that momentum. Every first-time head coach needs to lean on experience around him. While retired, Boselli has spent much of his time in the business world, but he adds credibility as a Pro Football Hall of Famer and will be one piece of a large puzzle for Coen to put together. Boselli can also lend advice about the area and fan base, expressing where the priorities lie within the market. And as Khan builds up the riverfront area around the stadium, Boselli should be an important figurehead with fan relations, especially as the season gets going and Coen has to focus on the team. — Jeff Howe, national NFL insider |
| THIS AND THAT |
| GOODELL MEETS THE MEDIAThe Commish says it is “ridiculous” to think that all of the calls that have gone the Chiefs way are anything other than normal NFL officiating. Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post: Roger Goodell has a word for the popular conspiracy theory that the Chiefs are getting favorable calls from NFL officials in order to make sure their Patrick Mahomes-, Travis Kelce-, Taylor Swift-fueled dynasty keeps winning. “That’s a ridiculous theory,” the NFL commissioner said Monday at his annual pre-Super Bowl news conference, “for anyone who might take it seriously.” The two-time defending champion Chiefs have been called for three defensive holding, one roughing the passer and one unnecessary roughness penalties over the last four years of playoff games, according to Sharp Football Analysis. Their opponents in those games have been flagged for 22 of those same big-yardage penalties. Moreover, the Chiefs have been called for 41 cumulative penalties to the opponents’ 71. Across 11 games, the Chiefs have accumulated more penalties than the opponent once but never more penalty yardage. “This sort of reminds me a little bit of the script, right? That I write the script and have the script for the entire season,” Goodell quipped, mocking a past conspiracy theory. “A lot of those theories are things that happen on social media and they get a new life. Nobody wants it to be their theory. I understand it. It reflects a lot of the fans’ passion. It also is a reminder for us how important officiating is.” Kalyn Kahler of ESPN.com on other things that Goodell expounded on: Other topics discussed by Goodell on Monday: • On the sexual misconduct allegations against Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker published by the Baltimore Banner: “I was surprised, but also, you know, there’s a process for that, as you say, both civil and potentially criminal. We obviously have NFL investigations for that too. We don’t want to impede on the criminal side of that, but so we will look into those issues. They’re obviously serious issues.” • On the potential of an 18-game season: “We haven’t had any formal negotiating sessions about an extension. I’m certain it’ll come up in the context of that in some fashion. It is something that [NFLPA director] Lloyd [Howell] and I have had informal conversations about. But there’s a lot of work to be done.” Goodell said “18 and 2,” or 18 regular-season games and two preseason games, might be a possibility depending on how discussions with the players go. “We know that fans love football, they want more football, but we have to be incredibly sensitive and smart about the balance and how we deal with that,” he said. • On international expansion and the possibility of playing a Super Bowl outside the United States: “I do think there’s potential that someday we will have an international franchise. If we do, it would not surprise me at all if a Super Bowl follows and is played there.” He added, “This is a great example being here in New Orleans … It’s a great thing for the New Orleans Saints to be the host of the Super Bowl and have the world’s attention. And I think the same thing will be true if we had an international franchise to be able to play a Super Bowl there to support that franchise.” • On whether rules surrounding Tom Brady’s role as an analyst for Fox and a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders need to be altered in any way: “I think he’s serious that he separates these two and he doesn’t put the league or anyone in a position of conflict.” More on Brady from Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says Tom Brady has done everything asked of him by the league in balancing his responsibilities as Fox’s No. 1 game commentator and a minority owner of the Raiders. “Tom has been incredibly cooperative. He calls frequently about it and says, ‘Am I doing OK?’” Goodell said. “I think he’s serious that he separates the two and doesn’t put the league or anyone in a position of conflict.” But the mere fact that Brady has to frequently call the league and ask if he’s doing OK shows that his situation is far outside the norm. Other team owners and game commentators don’t have to ask that question because they haven’t had special rules implemented for them the way Brady has. Goodell reiterated that Brady, like every owner, is subject to the league’s tampering policy. “Everybody in the National Football League, owners and personnel, is still subject to tampering rules,” Goodell said. “Everyone is responsible for his conduct and they’re held accountable.” Goodell left room for the possibility that the policies on what Brady may and may not do could be changed this offseason. He did not say what changes are being considered. Will they let him in production meetings? That would seem to be the big one. |
| 2025 DRAFTA Mock Draft from Lance Zierlein of NFL.com: In my first 2025 NFL mock draft, I’m using team needs and relying a bit more heavily than usual on my prospect grades/evaluations to determine who lands where in Round 1. But as we get closer to the start of this draft — which will take place on April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin — my mocks will have less to do with how I see these players and more to do with what I think the teams want to do with each pick. 1 Tennessee TitansCam Ward Miami · QB · SeniorI don’t see a “generational talent” in this draft and I doubt the Titans do. I think they will try to trade out of this spot, but if they stay put, Ward is the most talented QB in the class. 2 Cleveland BrownsAbdul CarterPenn State · Edge · JuniorClearly, the Browns need help on offense, but they don’t pass up a chance to bolster the defense with a Pro Bowl-caliber talent off the edge — especially if the team ends up honoring Myles Garrett’s trade request. 3 New York GiantsTravis HunterColorado · CB/WR · JuniorTwo-way talent in the Big Apple! I like it! The Giants had the second-fewest interceptions in the league in 2024 (five). The ballhawking Hunter can help New York do a better job of taking the ball away — and score some touchdowns as a part-time receiver. 4 New England PatriotsWill CampbellLSU · OT · JuniorI’m not sure Campbell would be my pick here, but New England is in desperate need of help at offensive tackle. Campbell has plenty of nasty in his on-field demeanor, something Mike Vrabel will love. 5 Jacksonville JaguarsWill JohnsonMichigan · CB · JuniorThe Jaguars could address the defensive line here, but they have a major need at cornerback opposite Tyson Campbell. The Jags must get better on the back end if they are going to beat C.J. Stroud and the division-rival Texans. 6 Las Vegas RaidersShedeur SandersColorado · QB · SeniorSanders’ accuracy and confidence feel like a tempting combination for Tom Brady’s new squad. 7 New York JetsAshton JeantyBoise State · RB · JuniorThe analytics community won’t like this pick, but so be it. The Jets have a stagnant attack, and Breece Hall has not reached 1,000 yards rushing in any of his three seasons. Jeanty provides instant adrenaline to the offense and creates buzz in Aaron Glenn’s first season as head coach. 8 Carolina PanthersTyler WarrenPenn State · TE · SeniorBryce Young’s turnaround has given life to the Panthers, but he still needs more help. Warren can become the perfect safety blanket for the third-year quarterback. 9 New Orleans SaintsMykel WilliamsGeorgia · Edge · JuniorEight-time Pro Bowler Cam Jordan has enjoyed a terrific run in New Orleans, but he’ll turn 36 years old this offseason and his sack production has plummeted in the last two years. Williams has tremendous traits/upside and fills a big need. 10 Chicago BearsKelvin Banks Jr.Texas · OT · JuniorBanks’ 2024 tape was a little up-and-down, but he is battle-tested against NFL-caliber talent. He can play left tackle or move inside to guard. The Bears need all things O-line. 11 San Francisco 49ersMason GrahamMichigan · DT · JuniorThe 49ers pride themselves on maintaining a high-caliber defensive front, and cracks along the interior can be spackled with the addition of Michigan’s high-energy DT. 12 Dallas CowboysWalter NolenMississippi · DT · JuniorMason Graham gets most of the buzz as the consensus top defensive tackle in this year’s draft, but I like Nolen’s disruptive ability on all three downs more. 13 Miami DolphinsJalon WalkerGeorgia · LB · JuniorWalker can play off-ball linebacker on run downs and then blitz or come off the edge as a rusher in passing situations. His toughness and versatility would fill big needs in Miami. 14 Indianapolis ColtsArmand MembouMissouri · IOL · JuniorMembou is on the short side for a tackle, but he has long arms and good tape. He’s a good technician and has a chance to start immediately at right guard for the Colts. 15 Atlanta FalconsMike GreenMarshall · Edge · Junior (RS)Green beat the brakes off his competition en route to a monster 2024, and the Falcons need pass-rush help. He’s an explosive rusher with the talent to start on Day 1. 16 Arizona CardinalsTyler BookerAlabama · IOL · JuniorWhile fans might not get too excited about taking a guard in Round 1, Booker is big, tough and highly regarded in the Alabama program for his top-flight leadership and accountability. 17 Cincinnati BengalsTetairoa McMillanArizona · WR · JuniorThis pairing might be the most perfect scheme/roster fit in the entire mock. McMillan plays similarly to Drake London and Tee Higgins. 18 Seattle SeahawksLuther Burden IIIMissouri · WR · JuniorThe Seahawks need interior offensive line help, but they could trade back to get it. If they stay here, Burden can take over for Tyler Lockett if the team parts ways with him this offseason. 19 Tampa Bay BuccaneersNic ScourtonTexas A&M · Edge · JuniorScourton doesn’t seem to be getting much buzz these days, but he’s a three-down edge defender who rushes the passer with a good plan and has the skill to get home. 20 Denver BroncosColston LovelandMichigan · TE · JuniorBuilding around Bo Nix should be the priority in Denver. Adding an athletic pass catcher with good size like Loveland could be high on the Broncos’ list of priorities. 21 Pittsburgh SteelersMatthew GoldenTexas · WR · JuniorGolden can line up inside or outside. He took a big step forward as a playmaker in 2024 and would give the Steelers a drama-free option at wideout. 22 Los Angeles ChargersKenneth GrantMichigan · DT · JuniorThe Chargers could go in a variety of directions here, but the trenches will likely get Jim Harbaugh’s attention. Grant is a big, athletic player who was recruited to Michigan by Harbaugh. 23 Green Bay PackersShemar StewartTexas A&M · Edge · JuniorStewart is a wild card in this draft because his size and athleticism are truly elite, but the production is disappointing (4.5 sacks in three seasons). Still, the ceiling is very high and he would be hard to pass up for the Packers. 24 Minnesota VikingsJahdae BarronTexas · CB · SeniorWith the Vikings currently holding just three picks in the 2025 draft — a first-rounder and two fifth-rounders — they need to hit in Round 1. With terrific instincts and ball production, Barron could step in quickly if necessary. 25 Houston TexansEmeka EgbukaOhio State · WR · SeniorEgbuka is well-sized, fluid and competitive. If Tank Dell’s still recovering from a serious knee injury, this Ohio State product can start in the slot. And reuniting him with his former Buckeye quarterback, C.J. Stroud, makes this pairing even more logical. 26 Los Angeles RamsJosh Conerly Jr.Oregon · OT · JuniorA young OT with good upside who still needs development, Conerly would have the chance to come in and learn behind the Rams’ veteran tackles before taking over a starting spot in 2026. 27 Baltimore RavensNick EmmanworiSouth Carolina · S · JuniorThis ascending prospect is built like a Greek god and offers a rare blend of size, speed and ball skills. Like Ravens star Kyle Hamilton, Emmanwori can man either safety spot and has the instincts to make impact plays on the back end. 28 Detroit LionsAzareye’h ThomasFlorida State · CB · JuniorWith plenty of cap space available, the Lions will attack some of their needs in free agency. That said, Thomas could give Detroit a big press corner to bookend the field with last year’s first-round pick, Terrion Arnold. 29 Washington CommandersJosh SimmonsOhio State · OT · Junior (RS)This is a talented, fluid athlete who is currently rehabbing from a season-ending knee injury but apparently plans to be cleared for training camp. Building the protection around Jayden Daniels is essential, and Simmons would significantly bolster that pursuit. 30 Buffalo BillsTre HarrisMississippi · WR · SeniorHarris has excellent build-up speed to give Josh Allen a vertical threat, but he is also an extremely physical runner after the catch. The Bills could use a big-play threat outside, and Harris is a talented option. 31 Philadelphia EaglesJames Pearce Jr.Tennessee · Edge · JuniorThis could be a “race the card up” pick if Josh Sweat ends up departing via free agency, but would the Eagles prefer Pearce or Boston College edge Donovan Ezeiruaku? 32 Kansas City ChiefsTyleik WilliamsOhio State · DT · SeniorWilliams is a violent point-of-attack DT who is more than just a run-plugger — he’s a tackle-maker inside. |
