| Thru Monday – the remaining available quarterbacks would be RUSSELL WILSON, AARON RODGERS, rookies CAM WARD and SHADEUR SANDERS and maybe KIRK COUSINS. The teams that seem not to have dealt with the QB issue are the Titans, Giants and Steelers – and maybe the Browns who did trade for QB KENNY PICKETT. Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com hears that Rodgers is close to signing with the Steelers (while hoping the Giants swoop in?). With Justin Fields agreeing to terms with the Jets and Sam Darnold poised to sign with the Seahawks, the Steelers don’t have many viable veteran quarterback options. The Steelers began talking to quarterback Aaron Rodgers several days ago. With mounting indications that Fields would be leaving, the process accelerated. Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the Steelers and Rodgers could have an agreement in place as soon as Tuesday. He won’t be able to sign until Wednesday, when the Jets release him. There’s still a chance the Giants could pilfer Rodgers. If they make him a much richer offer, he might jump on the chance to stay in New York. One big factor comes from Rodgers’s desire to play two more years. If he picks the Giants, and if the Giants fail to make it to the playoffs in 2025, co-owner John Mara could clean house in 2026. A new G.M. and a new head coach could result in the same decision the other New York team made this year — a decision to move on from Rodgers. In Pittsburgh, Rodgers is far more likely to get a second season. And he’s far more likely to return to the postseason for the first time since 2022. |
| NFC NORTH |
| CHICAGOJeffri Chadiha of NFL.com with praise for the moves so far by GM Ryan Poles: 3) Ryan Poles: The Chicago Bears general manager has spent the last three years trying to build this team into a contender. This is the offseason when he faces the most pressure to make that happen. The Bears flopped in their first season with 2024 No. 1 overall draft pick Caleb Williams operating as the starting quarterback, partly because they surrendered a league-high 68 sacks. Poles responded to that by aggressively rebuilding the interior of his offensive line. He secured trades for Chiefs guard Joe Thuney and Rams guard Jonah Jackson while also signing center Drew Dalman to a deal on Monday that will make Dalman the second-highest paid player at his position. The Bears still have other needs to address — especially when it comes to finding a pass rusher — but Poles couldn’t have begun this offseason any stronger. The Bears watched the NFC North turn into the toughest division in football last year. The going won’t be any easier for them in 2025 unless this rebuilt offensive line lives up to the hype. |
| MINNESOTAThe Vikings were successful in keeping CB BYRON MURPHY. Bobby Kownack ofESPN.com: Minnesota’s defense will be returning its top corner. The Vikings have agreed to terms with CB Byron Murphy on a three-year, $66 million contract, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Monday. Murphy’s $22 million average salary catapults him into third among all cornerbacks, below only the Dolphins’ Jalen Ramsey and the Broncos’ Patrick Surtain II. The 27-year-old earned his pricy new contract as a key cog covering the skies for Brian Flores’ sixth-ranked scoring defense, which was also sixth against the pass, while posting a 73.5 PFF coverage grade. A 2019 second-round pick of the Cardinals, Murphy has broken out since joining the Vikings two seasons ago. He followed up a three-interception campaign in 2023 with his first Pro Bowl selection last season, setting career highs in interceptions (six), passes defensed (14) and tackles (81). Now officially back in purple, Murphy and the Vikes defense could have their work cut out as the other side of the ball goes through a transition to either second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy or another veteran after the departure of Sam Darnold. The Vikings also kept RB AARON JONES. Adam LaRose of Pro Football Rumors: Aaron Jones will continue his Vikings stay. The veteran running back has agreed to a two-year, $20MM deal, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The move is now official, per a team announcement. The pact includes $13MM in guarantees, nearly double what Jones took last offseason on his one-year Minnesota pact. Of that total, $11.5MM is fully guaranteed, according to OverTheCap. The longtime Packers starter was a cap casualty in advance of the team’s decision to make a long-term commitment to Josh Jacobs. That resulted in Jones making the intra-divisional move, one which proved to be fruitful. The 30-year-old handled a career-high 255 carries during his debut Vikings season; Jones also set a new personal mark with 1,138 rushing yards. Topping 1,500 scrimmage yards for the third time in his career, the veteran demonstrated he can still be effective in leading a backfield. He will be counted on to do so again with this new agreement in place. |
| NFC EAST |
| NEW YORK GIANTSThe Giants re-invest in WR DARIUS SLAYTON. Matt Verderame of SI.com: Giants re-sign Darius SlaytonThe New York Giants spent most of Monday being quiet while hundreds of millions were being spent elsewhere. But in the evening, the Giants and receiver Darius Slayton agreed to a three-year, $36 million deal to keep him in town. Slayton, 28, has played six seasons in the NFL, all with New York. His best year came in 2020 when he caught 50 passes for 751 yards and three touchdowns. As a rookie, he totaled eight scores, a figure he’s never eclipsed half of since. For the Giants, this is a wise move. Slayton is still in his prime and a good player. He’s also a perfect compliment to Malik Nabers, who despite only entering his second year is already a superstar. Grade: B+ |
| WASHINGTONThe Texans allow Washington to re-enforce its offensive line. John Keim of ESPN.com: The Washington Commanders solidified their offensive line with yet another aggressive trade, acquiring five-time Pro Bowl tackle Laremy Tunsil from the Houston Texans, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. According to sources, Washington will send four picks to Houston for Tunsil: third- and seventh-rounders in 2025 and second- and fourth-rounders in 2026. The Commanders also will receive a fourth-round pick this spring from Houston. It’s the second major trade Washington has made this offseason: The Commanders landed receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. from the San Francisco 49ers for a fifth-round pick March 1. But Washington entered the offseason wanting to find a prominent left tackle — it was monitoring Ronnie Stanley before he agreed to terms this weekend to re-sign with the Baltimore Ravens. Brandon Coleman, a third-round pick last spring, started 15 games at left tackle for Washington, including all three in the postseason. However, by landing Tunsil, they can shift Coleman to right tackle or guard. Tunsil, who has made the past three Pro Bowls, becomes Washington’s most accomplished offensive lineman. Bolstering the line had been a priority for the Commanders, allowing them to protect quarterback Jayden Daniels better — and to help improve their overall run blocking. Tunsil signed a three-year extension worth up to $75 million two years ago. He still has two years remaining and will count $21.35 million against the salary cap each season. It’s the second time Tunsil has been traded. Miami, which drafted him 13th overall in 2016, sent Tunsil to Houston in a larger package that included three draft picks going back to the Dolphins — two firsts and a second. Tunsil was 10th among offensive tackles in pass block win rate last season, according to TruMedia. Frank Schwab of YahooSports.com likes the deal for the Commanders: That’s a big price to pay for a team that’s still in the building phase, but Tunsil is one of the best tackles in the NFL. Tunsil has made the Pro Bowl five times in the last six seasons and just turned 30 years old. The Commanders’ line was much better than expected last season, probably due in part to Daniels’ elusiveness in the pocket, but Tunsil will be a big upgrade for that unit. It’s the second time Tunsil has been traded. He started his career with the Miami Dolphins, who traded him to the Texans. Tunsil was fantastic with the Texans, and also perennially one of the highest paid offensive linemen in the NFL. He is in the final year of a three-year, $75 million deal. Presumably the Commanders, who have plenty of cap space with Daniels on his rookie deal, have plans to give him a big extension. The Commanders had a shocking run to the NFC championship game last season, far ahead of schedule in their rebuild. They’ve made some moves this offseason, trading for receiver Deebo Samuel, agreeing with defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw on a big contract and now making another trade for a regular Pro Bowl offensive tackle in Tunsil. Washington fans had to be thrilled with their team’s sudden turnaround, and happy with the front office for continuing to be aggressive. And TE ZACH ERTZ is back for another year. But, Charean Wiliams of ProFootballTalk.com likes the deal for the Texans: @NFLChareanIt’s a great trade for Houston. Did you watch him play? He was a penalty-machine and a sack-giver-upper. |
| NFC SOUTH |
| ATLANTAQB KIRK COUSINS took his case for a departure from the Falcons to owner Arthur Blank per Albert Breer of SI.com: @AlbertBreerSources: QB Kirk Cousins asked for, and got, a meeting with Falcons owner Arthur Blank on his future. Blank and Cousins had that meeting Wednesday night—the QB wants to go to a place where he can start in 2025. The Falcons brass has said it’d do what’s best for the team at QB. |
| TAMPA BAYThe Buccaneers keep the band together with the re-signings of WR CHRIS GODWIN, G BEN BREDESEN and LB LAVONTE DAVID – and they add an interesting piece on defense. Rob Maaddi of the AP: Chris Godwin is staying in Tampa Bay and two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Haason Reddick is joining the Buccaneers, two people with knowledge of the terms told The Associated Press. “Chris has been crucial to our success, and we are excited to ensure he remains a part of our offensive core into the future,” Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said in a statement. “He has an unparalleled work ethic, is a tremendous leader, and is a pro in every sense of the word. His versatility, combined with his playmaking ability and consistency, makes him a perfect fit for our offense.” Godwin, who is returning from a gruesome ankle injury, is getting a three-year $66 million deal, including $44 million guaranteed, according to one person. Reddick is getting $14 million for one year, including $12 million guaranteed. Before a holdout ruined his 2024 season with the New York Jets, Reddick had 27 sacks in two seasons in Philadelphia. The Buccaneers also are keeping left guard Ben Bredeson. The five-year veteran started every game last season in his first year with the team. “Ben arrived here last season to compete for a starting role, and he capitalized on that opportunity by establishing himself as an important part of our offensive line,” Licht said. “He really came into his own playing alongside Tristan Wirfs and his veteran presence played a role in Graham Barton’s rapid development. Ben’s emergence led to the overall improved play of our offensive line, and we are excited to keep that starting unit together.” This on the weekend from Rick Stroud in the Tampa Bay Times: The announcement, like the player, was understated and direct. He used an economy of words to describe the continuation of a lengthy and impactful career. Lavonte David, with 36 words on Instagram, announced Friday night that he will return for a 14th season with the Bucs. “I love the game too much to give it up just yet,” David wrote. ”Good Lord blessing me with another opportunity so I figured I should take advantage of it! Tampa, I’m not done yet! See you soon!” David, 35, agreed to terms on a one-year contract worth up to $10 million, with $9 million guaranteed. Mike Jones of The Athletic likes the re-signing of Godwin: WR Chris Godwin returning to BucsTop 150 ranking: No. 2Reported deal: Three years, $66 millionGrade: A The 29-year-old Godwin got off to a strong start to the 2024 season before dislocating his ankle and having to have surgery. His speed, versatility and production after the catch (his 389 YAC yards led the NFL at the time of his injury) make him a dangerous weapon. He recorded 1,000-yard campaigns in four of the last six seasons and the Buccaneers are happy to welcome him back into the mix. And Godwin could have had more elsewhere per Ian Rapoport: @PatMcAfeeShow“From my understanding Chris Godwin left about $20M on the table.. I know New England was in on him pretty heavy.. He clearly liked where he was in Tampa Bay” |
| NFC WEST |
| LOS ANGELES RAMSThe Rams recruitment of WR DAVANTE ADAMS required some serious time adjustments. Cameron DeSilva of USA Today: Sean McVay isn’t just a great X’s and O’s coach. He’s also a great leader of men – and as it turns out, a fantastic recruiter, too. When McVay sees a player he wants on the Los Angeles Rams, he goes after them hard. Davante Adams was his target this offseason, making a strong push to land the star wide receiver in the team’s biggest move so far. The Rams and Adams agreed to a two-year deal worth $46 million and it was McVay who led the charge in recruiting. It wasn’t easy, either. As Peter Schrager notes, Adams is currently in Japan, so McVay had to work around the 17-hour time difference to convince the wideout to sign with the Rams. McVay has made the Rams a destination team for free agents as a coach players want to play for. It’s what helped keep Matthew Stafford in L.A. and it also lured Adams to the Rams – in addition to getting the chance to play back home on the West Coast. It’s just another example of the remarkable impact McVay has had on this organization. And with Adams in the fold, look for the Rams to release WR COOPER KUPP on Wednesday if no trade materializes – per ESPN.com. |
| SAN FRANCISCOCharles Robinson of YahooSports.com on the long list of departures from the 49ers: In hindsight, there are always signs. Certainly, looking back, the San Francisco 49ers gave us plenty. The continued turnover of key coaching staff spots, including the firings of defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen and special teams coordinator Brian Schneider in January. The surprise February departure of quarterbacks coach Brian Griese, who was a key figure in San Francisco’s selection of Brock Purdy in the 2022 draft and considered a rising head coaching candidate. There was the trading of wideout Deebo Samuel less than two weeks ago, and the pervasive buzz across the league that some inside the 49ers franchise regret the massive contract extension of receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Even more than the last few offseasons for the 49ers, this one was getting messy fast. And then on the first day of free agency — bloody Monday in San Francisco — it went through a wall. Gone via free agency or release are three defenders in their prime (linebacker Dre Greenlaw, safety Talanoa Hufanga, and cornerback Charvarius Ward), a solid offensive guard in Aaron Banks, a franchise Pro Bowl and All-Pro cornerstone (fullback Kyle Juszczyk) and a handful of others. In totality? Eleven players out the door who either were starters or provided depth. The other side of the ledger was hardly as beefy: the addition of solid tight end Luke Farrell and the retention of two rotational players in running back Patrick Taylor and defensive lineman Kevin Givens. On one hand, it looks like a mixed-rationale purge driven by money or age or injuries. On another, it’s the continuation of a franchise trajectory that feels like it’s in the midst of some kind of operational reset — recalibrating how the team spends money while standing in the doorway of a Brock Purdy extension that is shaping up to be a difficult negotiation. Things change. Sometimes in ways that you don’t always anticipate. It’s a reality that takes me back to a conversation I once had with 49ers general manager John Lynch about the difficulties of scaling a Super Bowl mountain but failing to plant a victory flag. I asked, “That really becomes the 18th opponent of the season, right? Just holding it all together when you’re right there and had all that success and it’s only a matter of time before people come to chip away. You hope that it happens after you win a Super Bowl.” “Exactly,” Lynch replied. “Exactly.” Lynch knows this problem, where the surrounding league is always stalking the most talented franchises, waiting for a chance to strip its bones at the first opportunity. He saw it as a player with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Denver Broncos. And he’s learned the lesson more than once now while stewarding the 49ers from the GM’s desk. The only difference? Lynch’s latter position as an executive forces him to be a participant in the salary cap culling, rather than the victim of it as a player. So maybe we should have seen this bloody Monday coming. Especially after the 49ers finished 6-11 and Lynch’s season-capping press conference had some warning signs sewn into it, after he was asked about San Francisco enduring turbulent offseasons. “We have a lot of good players,” Lynch said. “One of the things that comes with a lot of good players is it’s hard to feed everyone. You’ve got to make tough decisions. We’re certainly at a point where we’ve had a five-year run with four NFC Championships, two Super Bowls. You have to go back to the fundamentals of really building the thing. The lifeblood of your organization needs to be strong drafts. Because it gives you young players that you have under contract for a [period]. We had multiple, I think seven players, that were starters off that [2024] draft class, whether we expect them to be, they did. They gained really valuable experience.” When I hear the words now, it translates as: We’ve drafted young, cheap and contractually landlocked talent before. We can do it again. And now they certainly will have to. Because while you can argue that San Francisco was simply moving on from less than perfect situations with some players, you can’t argue that it simply won’t hurt. Losing Greenlaw will hurt across the board. Hufanga, despite the injury concerns, has the talent to be one of the best safeties in the NFL. Ward, when playing at the top of his game, was a problem that opposing offenses had to solve during their practice preparation. Banks is a sturdy 27-year old player on the offensive line and teams are crawling over each other to get at those. Even Juszczyk, who is getting old and arguably more obsolete with each passing season, was the definition of a culture guy who was also still playing at an All-Pro level. There’s a reason why all of these players are coveted by other teams: because they’re the kind of building blocks you want to pay. The 49ers didn’t — and arguably couldn’t — keep that talent around as they move into an era of cost-effectiveness that aims to avoid another season like 2024, when ownership forked over $334 million in real cash only to watch the season crash and burn. That kind of thing can’t happen again. And Lynch said as much at the conclusion of the season, when he tasked himself and head coach Kyle Shanahan as being the tandem that would fix it. “We still put ourselves in good position and we couldn’t get it done,” Lynch said. “We have to own that as a team. That’s why we’re 6-11. We have a high standard. We had high expectations. We fell short of that. It’s our job to fix that. I know that Kyle and I are committed as we’ve ever been to doing just that. We don’t plan on being in this place — don’t like it.” More on FB KYLE JUSZCZYK leaving. Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com: – As Kyle Juszczyk walked to the bus to leave State Farm Stadium after the San Francisco 49ers’ 2024 season ended, he was uncertain about what was next. Juszczyk’s suspicion that he might have played his final game as a Niner was correct. The 49ers informed Juszczyk on Monday night that he is being released, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Juszczyk, 33, told ESPN after that season-ending loss to the Arizona Cardinals that he plans to play in 2025 no matter the team, a sentiment also shared by Schefter’s source. “I know I’m not done,” Juszczyk said Jan. 5. “I’m definitely not done playing. I’ve seen zero regression. I think especially, I mean, you can turn on the last two games and please show me where I’ve regressed, so I have no plans of stopping.” Juszczyk and the 49ers nearly parted ways last offseason before Juszczyk agreed to a pay cut to stay with the team. It seemed a similar agreement would be needed this offseason for Juszczyk to play a ninth season in San Francisco, though that did not materialize. Juszczyk was due to count $6,496,750 on the 2025 salary cap and has void years on the deal through 2028 that would cost an additional $1,674,00 against the cap in 2026 after his contract was set to expire. Juszczyk’s release means the Niners will save $2,926,000 against this year’s cap with an immediate dead money charge of $3,570,750. Juszczyk was one of the first free agents 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch signed after taking over in 2017. Juszczyk was named to the Pro Bowl after each of his eight seasons in San Francisco and was first-team All-Pro in 2023 and second-team All-Pro in 2024. He ran for 212 yards and 5 touchdowns on 60 carries and added 184 catches for 1,895 receiving yards and 13 scores in his time with the team. At the NFL scouting combine in February, Lynch hinted that Juszczyk might be moving on and that seemed more realistic when the team agreed to a three-year deal worth up to $20.3 million with tight end Luke Farrell on Monday. Farrell could handle some of Juszczyk’s former blocking duties. “We’re trying to make everything work and [with] some tighter constraints than we’ve had in the past,” Lynch said then. Juszczyk will also come up just short of landing a spot on the Niners’ 10-year club, which honors players who have played at least 10 consecutive seasons in San Francisco. The team hasn’t added any new members since Joe Staley in 2017. Perhaps more bothersome for Juszczyk is that he came close to winning the Super Bowl on multiple occasions with the 49ers — including two losses in the big game. “I want to win a ring,” Juszczyk said in January. “I want to win a ring here. But again, if I’m forced to do it somewhere else, I’ve still got so much football left in me. I still love the game so much. I’m still playing at a high level and I know there’s teams out there that can use me.” The 49ers have put a $5+ million tender offer on RB JORDAN MASON. Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com: Signing restricted free agent running back Jordan Mason away from the 49ers will cost a second-round draft pick. The 49ers gave Mason a second-round tender offer, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. That means that if a team wants to sign Mason, the 49ers can either match that offer and keep Mason, or the 49ers can let Mason leave and the team that signs him has to give them a second-round pick. Players with second-round tenders rarely get signed, so Mason will likely end up signing the 49ers’ tender offer and playing in San Francisco for a salary of $5.346 million in 2025. Mason was originally signed by the 49ers as an undrafted rookie in 2022 and has played out his three-year rookie contract, which is why he’s now a restricted free agent. It’s highly unlikely that a team will give up a second-round pick for Mason, so he’s likely to stay in San Francisco. With Christian McCaffrey injured for most of last season, Mason stepped up and led the 49ers with 153 carries for 789 yards. If McCaffrey is healthy this year, Mason will move into a backup role, but the 49ers like knowing that they’ll have Mason around as a backup running back who can make plays when called upon. Impending fatherhood for RB CHRISTIAN McCAFFREY. Also Wagoner: Christian McCaffrey and his wife Olivia Culpo are expecting a baby, the couple announced on Monday. Culpo shared her pregnancy in two Instagram posts, one of which includes McCaffrey. The wives of Brock Purdy and George Kittle were among several 49ers partners who congratulated McCaffrey and Culpo. San Francisco fullback Kyle Juszczyk commented: “Uncle Juice can’t [wait] to meet his god child! Congrats guys!” Juszczyk’s wife, Kristin, wrote: “The best mom and dad there ever will be we love you guys so much!!” McCaffrey and Culpo met on a blind date in 2019 and became engaged in April 2023. The San Francisco 49ers running back and Culpo tied the knot in June at a historic resort venue, Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island. |
| SEATTLEAlthough they could not contact QB SAM DARNOLD when they did it, one presumes the Seahawks somehow knew Darnold was in the fold when they shipped QB GENO SMITH to Las Vegas. Now, the deal with Darnold is public. This from The Athletic: Days after trading Geno Smith, the Seattle Seahawks have a new starting quarterback, agreeing with Sam Darnold on a three-year, $100.5 million deal with $55 million guaranteed, a league source said Monday. The top quarterback in The Athletic’s most recent top 150 free agents and the No. 4 free agent overall, Darnold will be reunited with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who was the passing game coordinator for the 49ers when Darnold played for San Francisco in 2023. Darnold, who turns 28 in June, signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings last March and had a career-best season, earning Pro Bowl honors and guiding the franchise to its best regular-season win total (14) since 1998. He completed 66.2 percent of his pass attempts for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 17 starts before absorbing nine sacks in a 27-9 wild-card round loss to the Los Angeles Rams in his first career playoff game. Before 2024, Darnold hadn’t thrown for 3,000 yards or 10 touchdowns since 2019, his second season with the New York Jets, the team that drafted him No. 3 behind Baker Mayfield and Saquon Barkley in 2018. How Darnold fits in SeattleThe Seahawks needed a quarterback after trading Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders for the 92nd pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. They added more draft capital on Sunday by sending receiver DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 52nd pick in the draft. But with only three other top-100 picks — Nos. 18, 50 and 82 — the Seahawks don’t appear to be in position to draft one of the top quarterback prospects without trading away several of those selections, which they need to upgrade the roster. This is why general manager John Schneider coveted a starting-caliber veteran. Now they have Darnold, who completed 22 of 35 passes for 246 yards and three touchdowns in a win over Mike Macdonald’s Seahawks in Week 15. Darnold was the best possible option on the market to replace Smith, who was voted to a couple of Pro Bowls in Seattle and led the team to the playoffs in 2022. Seattle believes it can accomplish its 2025 goals at a price cheaper than what it would have cost to extend Smith. The Seahawks will be Darnold’s fifth team in six years, but this investment suggests they believe he can be their QB1 for the foreseeable future. |
| AFC WEST |
| KANSAS CITYA shaky Chiefs line has not been improved notes Jeffri Chadiha of NFL.com who says that makes a “loser” out of QB PATRICK MAHOMES: Patrick Mahomes: The Eagles’ obliteration of Kansas City in Super Bowl LIX made it clear that the Chiefs’ offensive line needed some major improvements. So far, the process has taken a little time to sort out, especially after the team’s reported hopes of courting Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley ended with Stanley re-signing in Baltimore. The Chiefs slapped the franchise tag on right guard Trey Smith to keep him in house while trading left guard Joe Thuney to Chicago. Kansas City is also signing former 49ers offensive tackle Jaylon Moore, who currently seems the most likely candidate to take over the left tackle job that became such a headache for the Chiefs last season. But here’s the problem for Mahomes: the left side remains a huge uncertainty. Moore has been a backup behind Trent Williams for the last four years in San Francisco, which means there’s no guarantee he can be an effective option. Thuney was the insurance policy the Chiefs turned to late last season, when he assumed left tackle duties with four games left in the regular season, but he’s gone. There’s also likely to be a competition at left guard, where failed tackle Kingsley Suamataia most recently toiled. There’s still plenty of time to figure all this out, but Mahomes might not have any clarity on this until preseason action starts. |
| LOS ANGELES CHARGERSThe Chargers two big moves are keeping hold of EDGE KHALIL MACK and taking CB DONTE JACKSON away from the Steelers. Kris Rhim of ESPN.com: The Chargers’ first big move came in the form of a new one-year deal for former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Khalil Mack. Here’s a breakdown of every 2025 NFL free agent signing by the Los Angeles Chargers and how each will impact the upcoming season: Donte Jackson, CBJackson agreed to a two-year deal with the Chargers on March 10.What it means: When general manager Joe Hortiz took the job, he preached about the importance of having cornerbacks, telling reporters that “it’s a position that you never stop chasing.” Jackson adds depth and experience to the Chargers’ cornerback room, which was led by two rookies, Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart, in 2024. Jackson’s five interceptions last season were more than any corner on the Chargers roster has had in a season, giving the Chargers a player with quality ball instincts. Last offseason, cornerbacks Kristian Fulton and Asante Samuel Jr. were projected to be the team’s starters, but both remain free agents. What’s the risk: Jackson will turn 30 in November next season and dealt with injuries last season. He missed two of the Steelers final three games with a lingering back issue and played just 30% of the defensive snaps in a Week 15 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Still, Jackson’s deal (two years, $13 million) isn’t a significant financial commitment for the Chargers. Khalil Mack, LBMack and Chargers reached an agreement on a one-year, fully guaranteed $18 million deal.What it means: Mack had been the Chargers’ top priority this offseason and helped them keep one of the league’s best pass rushers for another year. Mack has a team-high 23 sacks over the last two seasons, and he led all Chargers players with a 13% pass rush win rate en route to his ninth Pro Bowl last season. The deal allows the Chargers to focus on the rest of the roster, where the team’s needs are aplenty, including interior offensive line, defensive line, and wide receiver. The Chargers have already lost defensive tackle Poona Ford (Rams) and wide receiver Joshua Palmer (Bills). What’s the risk: There isn’t much risk on this deal. It is a one-year, fully guaranteed $18 million contract, which is close to average for the booming edge rusher market. Mack, 34, didn’t show much sign of decline in 2024 and is one of the team’s most respected players. And this too – RB NAJEE HARRIS with a one-year deal. Ryan Young of YahooSports.com: Najee Harris is headed west. Harris reached a one-year, $9.5 million deal with the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency on Monday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Harris has been consistent for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who selected him with the No. 24 overall pick in 2021 out of Alabama. He’s racked up at least 1,000 rushing yards in all four of his seasons with the Steelers while scoring 34 total touchdowns in his career. Harris ran for 1,043 yards and six touchdowns last season while helping Pittsburgh reach the playoffs for a second straight year. Harris has been incredibly reliable, too, and has not missed a game throughout his time in the NFL. Though he clearly was successful in Pittsburgh, Harris was reportedly saying his goodbyes to teammates in recent days ahead of free agency and knew he was likely on his way out the door. The 27-year-old running back will now join the Chargers, who largely relied on starter J.K. Dobbins to carry the ground game last season. Dobbins became a free agent and is now testing the market after a season in which he put up a career-high 905 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. The Chargers also released running back Gus Edwards on Monday. Harris will also get to finally play for coach Jim Harbaugh, who nearly landed him as a recruit out of high school when he was coaching at Michigan. Harris opted to play for Nick Saban at Alabama instead. The Chargers went 11-6 last season in Harbaugh’s first year in charge of the team, and they were knocked out of the playoffs in the wild-card round. |
| AFC NORTH |
| CLEVELANDThe Browns make a move for QB KENNY PICKETT – but any time you trade with the Eagles Howie Roseman we wonder whose foolin’ who. The Browns are trading for Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett, sending Philadelphia a 2025 fifth-round pick and quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, league sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday. The Browns entered free agency likely to add at least one veteran passer with Deshaun Watson expected to sit out a significant portion of the 2025 season after tearing his right Achilles tendon for the second time. But with limited salary cap space — the Browns entered Monday with about $13 million, according to Roster Management System — Cleveland was likely to pursue options available for less expensive contracts, despite general manager Andrew Berry telling reporters the team’s cash and cap situation would not prohibit it from making moves if the right opportunity presented itself. With Thompson-Robinson, a 2023 fifth-round pick and the only other quarterback under contract for the 2025 season, sent to Philadelphia in the deal, another addition is likely. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler previously reported that Daniel Jones, Carson Wentz and Kirk Cousins, if the latter is released, are expected to be on the Browns’ radar. Pickett, who turns 27 in June, is a former first-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers who was selected No. 20 in the 2022 NFL draft. In two years with the Steelers, Pickett went 14-10 as a starter and completed 62.6% of his attempts for 4,474 yards. He also threw 13 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions. Last March, the Steelers traded Pickett and a 2024 fourth-round pick to the Eagles for a 2024 third-round pick and two 2025 seventh-round picks. In his lone season with the Super Bowl-winning Eagles, Pickett served as Jalen Hurts’ backup and made one start. He completed 25 of 42 passes for 291 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. |
| AFC SOUTH |
| INDIANAPOLISCB CHARVARIUS WARD is a Colt. Matt Verderame of SI.com: Colts agree to terms with Charvarius WardAfter three successful seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, including making All-Pro in 2023, Charvarius Ward is moving on. On Monday, Ward and the Indianapolis Colts agreed to terms on a three-year deal worth up to $60 million, including $35 million guaranteed. Ward, 28, gives the Colts another boost in the secondary, this coming mere hours after they agreed to sign safety Cam Bynum for four years and $60 million. Ward entered the league as an undrafted free agent and was traded before ever playing a game from the Dallas Cowboys to the Kansas City Chiefs. There, he won a Super Bowl in 2019 as a starter, before jumping to San Francisco after the ’21 campaign. All told, he’s started 89 games and totaled 10 interceptions. Grade: B |
| JACKSONVILLEAnd who is the “journeyman” in this headline? Jaguars Sign Journeyman Quarterback to Back Up Trevor Lawrence on Two-Year Deal The answer is QB NICK MULLENS. He gets two years and $6.5 million per Mike Garofolo of NFL.com. |
| AFC EAST |
| MIAMIAfter a year in Sean Payton’s polishing school, QB ZACH WILSON gets an interesting deal in Miami. Free agent quarterback Zach Wilson reached agreement on a one-year, $6 million, fully guaranteed deal that could grow to $10 million with the Miami Dolphins, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday. The move brings Wilson, drafted No. 2 by the New York Jets in 2021, back to the AFC East and gives the Dolphins a veteran backup behind starter Tua Tagovailoa. Wilson spent last season with the Denver Broncos, who traded a sixth-round pick to the Jets for Wilson and a seventh-rounder last April. The Broncos believed he could bounce back from his struggles in New York. Wilson, 25, was in a three-way competition for the starting job with rookie Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham throughout Denver’s offseason program and early in training camp. Coach Sean Payton then pared it down to a two-man competition between Nix and Stidham a week into camp. In Denver’s preseason finale, Wilson threw for 251 yards and two touchdowns, and rushed for a score, a performance that showed the Broncos that he’d be unlikely to clear waivers if they wanted to add him to their practice squad. So, Wilson remained on the roster as the third quarterback for the season. Wilson’s pregame workouts with quarterback coach Davis Webb, when he consistently flashed the arm strength that made him the No. 2 pick in the 2021 NFL draft, became a must watch. Advance scouts from other teams could be seen keeping an eye on Wilson’s work before games late in the season. Wilson did not play a snap in 2024, but Payton consistently lauded his work with the hope “you put a guy in position to make a lot of money.” Wilson was also credited, by both Payton and Webb, as being a key component to Nix’s development as a rookie. Nix called Wilson a reliable voice and sounding board given his 33 starts in the league, including 13 as a rookie with the Jets. |
| NEW ENGLANDFrank Schwab of YahooSports.com on the Patriots new defense: New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel clearly wanted an upgrade of talent on defense. Patriots owner Robert Kraft got out his credit card. The Patriots were the big player in the first few hours of Monday’s so-called legal tampering period to kick off NFL free agency. The biggest move was spending a reported $26 million a season on defensive tackle Milton Williams on a four-year deal. Williams was a key player in the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX win. The Patriots got Williams after it had been reported the Carolina Panthers were finalizing a deal with him, reportedly upping the ante against the Panthers. The Patriots were not going to be denied in their pursuit to upgrade the defense, not on Williams or a few others. The Patriots also spent big to agree to terms with cornerback Carlton Davis III and linebacker Robert Spillane in the first few hours of the legal tampering period. They had already signed pass rusher Harold Landry, who could officially sign before free agency because he was cut by the Tennessee Titans. The Patriots’ spending spree wasn’t all on defense either; they agreed to a deal with former Jets offensive tackle Morgan Moses. The Patriots had perhaps the least talented roster in the NFL the past two seasons. Vrabel was hired this offseason to turn things around, and the front office made sure he had much more talent to work with. Patriots have a shopping spreeThe Patriots had the most salary cap space in the NFL, the only team with more than $100 million available, and they blew through a lot of that quickly. The Patriots made five outside additions, four on defense, and also re-signed tight end Austin Hooper. The total of those six new contracts, all signed within 24 hours, was $269.5 million, according to Spotrac: Williams: $104 million over four yearsDavis: $60 million over three yearsLandry: $43.5 million over three yearsSpillane: $33 million over three yearsMoses: $24 million over three yearsHooper: $5 million over one year The Patriots went 4-13 in each of the past two seasons. For as great as Bill Belichick was for the franchise, in his final years with the team he made huge mistakes in free agency and the draft, leaving the roster with very few above-average players. The Patriots hit on quarterback Drake Maye with the third overall pick of last year’s draft, but needed to work quickly to build around him. Most of the additions were to the defense, but one way to help a young quarterback is making sure he doesn’t have to outscore every opponent he faces. The Patriots’ signings covered many different defensive needs. Williams is an intriguing defensive tackle who showed up in the Super Bowl, collecting two sacks. He is talented but was overshadowed on a deep Eagles defensive line. Spillane was mostly a backup for his first five seasons between the Titans and Steelers, but came into his own as a starter for the Raiders the past two seasons. He had 148 tackles in 2023 and 158 tackles last season. Davis got the largest contract among cornerbacks in the early part of free agency, showing how the Patriots coveted him to go alongside Christian Gonzalez, one of the few promising young stars on the roster the past two seasons. Landry has familiarity with Vrabel from their time together in Tennessee and he can add an edge to the pass rush. Landry had 19.5 sacks the past two seasons. All of those additions show how much help the Patriots needed. They spent more than a quarter of a billion dollars on talent, and there are still holes to fill. They have the chance to add another impact player with the fourth pick of the NFL Draft. For now, the Patriots have to be pleased to have upgraded the roster. Even if it was extremely costly to do so. The Patriots did try to sign WR CHRIS GODWIN, but he took more money to stay with Tampa Bay. They then turned to WR MACK HOLLINS who now only needs the Jets for the NFC East Divisional Slam. Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com: The Patriots are spending, baby. New England continues to snatch free agents. The latest comes from a division rival. Via Mike Garafolo of NFL Media, receiver Mack Hollins has agreed to terms on a two-year, $8.4 million deal with New England. The contract has a $2 million total upside. Hollins had his most productive season with the Raiders in 2022, with 94 targets, 57 catches, and 690 yards. His coach that year was new (old) Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Hollins entered the NFL in 2017, winning a Super Bowl with the Eagles. He has also played for the Dolphins and the Falcons. Beyond his on-field contributions, he has a unique style for entering stadiums before games. Always barefoot. Usually creative. |
| NEW YORK JETSCody Benjamin of CBSSports.com is enamored with the signing of QB JUSTIN FIELDS: Jets signing Justin FieldsWhat better way to pivot from the Aaron Rodgers era than by going all in on youthful upside? Fields is still just 26, and his deal — two years for $40 million — is borderline backup money in this era. In other words, New York isn’t necessarily boxing itself in by prying the former first-round pick from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Grade: A- |
| THIS AND THAT |
| 2025 DRAFTField Yates of ESPN.com takes a quick look at the top 10 picks of the draft after Day One of free agency (plus some bonus coverage): Money has flown around the NFL over the past few days, as free agency deals, re-signings and big-name trades have impacted rosters around the league. And in turn, those moves — and in some cases, non-moves — have impacted how the 2025 NFL draft might unfold. The Geno Smith trade, for instance, changes the Raiders’ plan for their No. 6 pick. And the Bears’ active free agency period might make them pivot their approach for Day 1 at the draft. So let’s sort through the shifting team needs, prospect targets and potential strategies of franchises slated to pick in the top 10 of April’s first round, basing our predictions off all the action we’ve seen. Keep in mind that plenty of free agent signings still lie ahead and the draft landscape could continue to change, further influencing pick projections. Look at this as snap reactions to the free agency frenzy as we start to get a clearer picture of what might happen in just over a month in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Here’s a crack at how signings, trades, cuts and departures might have an impact on each team picking in Nos. 1 through 10 — and the prospect who makes the most sense to fill roster holes. I also answer a few big questions for teams picking outside the top 10 that have seen their draft needs shift over the past few days. And yes, that includes the Steelers, who are still looking for their quarterback. 1. Tennessee TitansCam Ward, QB, MiamiIt seems clear Tennessee will listen to offers for this pick, but there has been no concrete movement on that yet, so I don’t necessarily feel that a trade down is imminent. Plus, the Titans have not made any movement on the veteran free agency market at quarterback, with names like Sam Darnold and Justin Fields already off the board. They do have Will Levis under contract, but the dynamic Ward would fill their biggest need. He is a crafty innovator with a great arm. 2. Cleveland BrownsTravis Hunter, WR/CB, ColoradoThe Browns bypass the quarterback class here. They already traded for Kenny Pickett and should still be exploring veteran options — I don’t believe Pickett is the expected answer at quarterback. Instead, they can take the highest-rated player on my board. Hunter has a credible path to becoming a Pro Bowl player at either receiver or cornerback. Cleveland GM Andrew Berry has already stated that the team views him more as a receiving prospect, and he would give the Browns a dynamic playmaker for whoever is at quarterback. This team needs building blocks, and Hunter fits that bill. 3. New York GiantsShedeur Sanders, QB, ColoradoThe Giants will stay focused on landing a quarterback this week, but that won’t preclude them from examining the draft class at that position, too. This approach would allow the Giants to institute short- and long-term plans at quarterback, adding a veteran over the next few days and then also developing Sanders for the future. Sanders’ ball placement and ability to throw with touch are outstanding traits. 4. New England PatriotsAbdul Carter, Edge, Penn StateNo team should be rooting harder for two quarterbacks to go in the first three picks than the Patriots. They could then just let the board fall to them and take either Carter or Hunter — whichever of them is still available. Carter is the best pass rusher in the class and would instantly become one of the Patriots’ two best defensive cornerstones along with corner Christian Gonzalez. With his incredible first-step quickness, he’d fit nicely alongside new addition Milton Williams. Yes, the Patriots still must address the left tackle position, and they’ve made a flurry of defensive moves. But the opportunity to add Carter is too good to pass up, no matter what happens over the rest of free agency. 5. Jacksonville JaguarsMason Graham, DT, MichiganJacksonville has serious work to do on all levels of the defensive side of the ball, and drafting Graham would be an ideal start. While his pass-rushing upside is a significant part of why he is the No. 3 prospect on my board, he is also a terrific run defender who could immediately help shore up the Jaguars’ run defense. They allowed 132.6 rushing yards per game last season (eighth worst in the NFL). LSU tackle Will Campbell was another consideration here … but then the Jaguars signed Robert Hainsey and Patrick Mekari in free agency, shoring up that unit. 6. Las Vegas RaidersAshton Jeanty, RB, Boise StateWith Geno Smith aboard as the starting quarterback, the Raiders can add the final member of my four-man top tier of prospects, which includes Hunter, Carter, Graham and Jeanty. A Pete Carroll-coached team is always going to make the running game a substantial priority. Jeanty shows elusiveness, power and vision as a runner, and he can chip in with the pass game. But there are also still some running back dominoes that need to fall in free agency, which could pivot this pick. 7. New York JetsArmand Membou, OT, MissouriMembou’s draft stock has taken off like a rocket ship since the start of last season, as he has catapulted into the conversation for the first offensive lineman taken in April. He plays with great footwork and physicality. And while he slightly trails Will Campbell in my overall rankings (No. 8 vs. No. 5), the Jets could slide him immediately into right tackle to fix their glaring need. They just saw veteran Morgan Moses depart to the Patriots in free agency, creating this hole. New York has to improve the protection for new quarterback Justin Fields. 8. Carolina PanthersTetairoa McMillan, WR, ArizonaImpact pass rushers should not be overlooked here — even though Carolina has added both Pat Jones II and Bobby Brown III — but the Panthers must also continue to invest in offensive players around quarterback Bryce Young. They haven’t added to the receiver room, and there are big question marks there. McMillan is my top-rated wideout and has the 6-foot-4 size and smooth route-running ability to emerge as Young’s top target in relatively short order. 9. New Orleans SaintsWill Campbell, OT/G, LSUWhile I am a firm believer that Campbell has the goods to be a starting left tackle in the NFL, I also believe he can really thrive at guard if the team that picks him believes he’s better suited there. He has 32⅝-inch arms, which isn’t ideal length for a true tackle. Regardless of position, Campbell has the best footwork of any offensive lineman in the class. Here, he would stay home in the state where he played his high school and college ball, and he’d immediately become a cornerstone player for a Saints team in need of them. 10. Chicago BearsTyler Warren, TE, Penn StateIs tight end a primary need for Chicago? No. Is it easy to imagine new coach Ben Johnson dialing up some incredible concepts and play designs revolving around Warren? Oh, yes. Offensive line would have been the clear priority for the Bears, but they totally revamped their interior by trading for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson and then also signing center Drew Dalman. The trenches already look much better on paper. So, let’s get Warren, who is tremendous after the catch and could help quarterback Caleb Williams in a big way, into the top 10. Which Round 1 pick outside of the top 10 is most interesting right now?The Seahawks’ pick at No. 18 fascinates me, especially after they signed quarterback Sam Darnold to a three-year deal. They entered the offseason with an obvious and major need to upgrade the interior of the offensive line. Following the trade of DK Metcalf, will wide receiver become an even higher priority than adding up front? Names to watch here include North Dakota lineman Grey Zabel (explosive and versatile), Texas receiver Matthew Golden (incredible speed and body control) and Missouri receiver Luther Burden III (run-after-catch specialist). Given what we’ve seen in free agency, which first-round pick beyond the top 10 are you most certain on?While certain can be a tricky word to associate with anything in the draft, the Texans created a huge void in trading offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Commanders in a package that sent multiple picks back to Houston. Be it Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr., Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr. or another offensive tackle, it sure feels like the No. 25 pick will be someone who helps protect quarterback C.J. Stroud. Stroud took 52 sacks last season, second most in the NFL. One more that I feel confident about right now: The Falcons look primed to add a pass rusher at No. 15. OK, which first-round pick beyond the top 10 do you have no clear idea on at the moment?I won’t go far outside the top 10 — the answer is the 49ers at No. 11. They probably have to go with an offensive lineman, as the team has seen both Jaylon Moore and Aaron Banks depart for notable money elsewhere. Prospects to consider would be Kelvin Banks Jr., Grey Zabel and Ohio State’s Josh Simmons. If the Niners don’t deem those players or another lineman worthy at No. 11 — which is possible! — I’m not sure where they’d pivot. Consider that San Francisco has lost Moore, Banks, Charvarius Ward, Talanoa Hufanga, Dre Greenlaw, Deebo Samuel Sr., Elijah Mitchell and Joshua Dobbs over the past week. That’s a lot of spots to fill. How has the picture changed for the draft’s running back class over the past few days?Not at all in my view! It has been a slow-moving running back market, without any really notable deals yet. Dallas agreed to a deal with Javonte Williams, while Aaron Jones re-upped with Minnesota. Najee Harris landed a one-year deal with the Chargers. It just reinforces how pedestrian this year’s RB free agent class is and how strong the RB draft class looks. I fully expect Jeanty to have a brief wait in Round 1, and at least one other back could join him on Day 1. North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton is my RB2 at No. 26 overall. Teams that are logical running back fits early in the draft — let’s call it the first three rounds — include the Raiders, Broncos, Bears, Chiefs, Cowboys and Browns. The Cowboys have been quiet yet again. What does that mean for their first-round plans?While Jerry Jones can rile up the masses when he speaks publicly, he is often quite honest and transparent. When he downplayed the possibility of an aggressive free agency, I took him at his word and accordingly am not very surprised by the team’s inactivity. The Cowboys must address the offensive line in this draft, and they would also be a prime candidate to pick Jeanty if he slides to No. 12 — even after agreeing to a deal with Javonte Williams. |
