The Daily Briefing Wednesday, June 18, 2025

AROUND THE NFL

NFC NORTH

GREEN BAYThere is a new team president in Green Bay, and he, Ed Policy, is not ready to make a longer term commitment to GM Brian Gutekunst or Coach Matt LaFleur.  Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com: The Packers will not extend the contracts of head coach Matt LaFleur and General Manager Brian Gutekunst before the season, new incoming team president Ed Policy said. LaFleur and Gutekunst each have two years remaining on their contracts. Policy said he is “generally opposed” to the head coach and General Manager working as lame ducks. “That creates a lot of issues,” Policy said, via Matt Schneidman of TheAthletic.com. That means LaFleur and Gutekunst are expected to either have contract extensions this time next year or the Packers will fire them after the 2025 season. “I think normally, you have a pretty good idea of where that relationship is going when you have two years left — not always, but normally,” Policy said. “But it creates a lot of issues because they also have to hire a staff. . . . Generally speaking, I would avoid lame-duck status. It’s oftentimes difficult on everybody involved, but there are certain situations that probably call for it. So I would not say never.” Policy takes over as Packers president and CEO on July 25 after Mark Murphy reaches his mandatory retirement age of 70. He has been with the team for 13 seasons and was on the hiring panels for both Gutekunst and LaFleur. “You’ve got three exceptional people doing an exceptional job right now and working well together,” Policy said of LaFleur, Gutekunst and executive vice president/director of football operations Russ Ball. “I feel very good about all three of those individuals. I love them. I trust them. I respect them. . . . I have terrific relationships, both working and personal, with them.” Gutekunst has served as G.M. for the past seven seasons and LaFleur for the past six, and the Packers have missed the playoffs only once since LaFleur was hired. Green Bay, though, lost in the wild-card round in 2024 after going 11-6 and finishing third in the division in the regular season. The Packers parted ways with CB JAIRE ALEXANDER and Alexander’s father has some thoughts per Evan Massey of Newsweek.com: The Green Bay Packers and longtime star cornerback Jaire Alexander were involved in the NFL rumor mill all offseason long. At the beginning of the offseason, it looked like the Packers would either trade or release him. As the 2025 NFL Draft came and went, Green Bay looked much more likely to keep him. However, the two sides had to work out a new contract in order for that to happen. Despite the optimism that Alexander might remain with the Packers, the two sides could not come together on a restructured contract. That led to Green Bay releasing him. Following the news of Alexander’s release, it was reported that the longtime star cornerback was not willing to take a pay cut. That report may not have been true. In response to the report, Alexander’s father, Landis Alexander, fired back with a shot at the report and the team. He made it clear that his son was willing to discuss a pay cut, but was not willing to play nearly for free. “This is not true. Nobody ever said that he wouldn’t take a pay cut,” he said. “He wasn’t willing to play for damn near free is a better quote.” Throughout his seven-year stint with the Packers, Alexander was one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. Unfortunately, over the last two years, he has been unable to stay healthy. Each of the last two seasons has seen Alexander only able to play in seven games apiece. During the 2024 season, those seven games were enough to show that when the 28-year-old cornerback is healthy ,he’s still more than capable of playing at a star level. He racked up 16 total tackles to go along with a fumble recovery, two interceptions, a defensive touchdown, and seven defended passes in 2024. Those numbers will help him land a new deal with a new team in the very near future. Green Bay will now need to figure out how to replace him. Alexander has been a key part of the team’s defense for years. Without him on the field, the Packers’ defense has been nowhere close to as good as it was capable of being. During the offseason, the team did sign former Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs. That was a solid addition, but he won’t be able to replace Alexander by himself. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Alexander. Regardless of what happened between him and Green Bay, he’s a free agent now who will have a chance to choose where he wants to play the next chapter of his NFL career.

NFC EAST

PHILADELPHIAPete Prisco of CBSSports.com has published his list of the top 100 players in the NFL (see more below). Of that 100, a total of 10 are Eagles and Jeff Kerr thinks Prisco is signaling his Super Bowl pick: Coming off a Super Bowl championship, it’s no surprise the Philadelphia Eagles have a large amount of players on any top-100 list. The Eagles dominated Pete Prisco’s Top 100 for 2025, having a league-high 10 players make the list.  For those counting at home, that’s 10% of Prisco’s Top 100. Four players made the top 20 and six made the top 40.  Yes, the Eagles are loaded. They only had the NFL’s all-time leading rusher in a single season in Saquon Barkley (including playoffs) with 2,504 yards and had the most rushing yards in a season in NFL history (including playoffs) with 3,866. The Eagles were the first Super Bowl champion with the No. 1 scoring defense and No. 1 total defense since the 2013 Seattle Seahawks (including postseason). The Eagles were the first team to win the Super Bowl with a top-two rushing offense since the 1998 Denver Broncos and the first team to win the Super Bowl with a top-two rushing offense and top-two total defense since the 1985 Chicago Bears. They are 16-1 in their final 17 games — and won 14 straight games that Jalen Hurts started and finished. The Eagles were just the second team since 1970 with the rushing title winner and No. 1 total defense to win the Super Bowl — joining the 1992 Dallas Cowboys. Oh, and the 95 total points the Eagles scored in the conference championship game and Super Bowl are the most by any team in NFL history.  How did the Eagles build this loaded roster, specifically the 10 players that landed in Prisco’s Top 100? General manager Howie Roseman and the front office deserve a pat on the back for this.  Saquon Barkley (No. 3)The Eagles signed Barkley to a three-year, $37.5 million deal last offseason in free agency. All Barkley did was reward the franchise with the greatest individual season in franchise history — and maybe NFL history. Barkley accomplished everything a running back could accomplish in his first year with the Eagles, putting together one of the greatest seasons ever for any player in NFL history. Barkley rushed for 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns in the regular season, the ninth player in league history to rush for 2,000 yards. He had seven touchdown runs of 60-plus yards last season (including playoffs), an NFL record for a season and three more than the next-highest player. Three touchdown runs of 60-plus yards came in the postseason, a feat no other player has accomplished in his entire playoff career.  He finished with the most rushing yards in a season in NFL history with 2,504 (including playoffs), the first player ever to have 2,500 yards rushing in a season. Barkley also finished with 2,857 yards from scrimmage, the most ever in a season in league history (including playoffs). Barkley and Terrell Davis are the only players in NFL history to have 400-plus rushing yards and five-plus rushing touchdowns in a single postseason, and Barkley’s 499 yards rushing in the playoffs were the third-most for a player in league history.  Barkley signed a two-year, $41.2 million extension this offseason, making him the highest-paid running back in the NFL.  Lane Johnson (No. 12)Johnson wasn’t a first-team All-Pro last season, but the 2013 first-round draft pick (No. 4 overall) has been a cornerstone for the last decade-plus with the franchise. He allowed zero sacks in the regular season, along with one quarterback hit, six pressures and a 1.4% pressure rate. Johnson had a career low in pressure rate allowed per dropback and has allowed zero sacks in three of the past four seasons.   Still at the top of his game, Johnson has made an All-Pro team in each of the last four seasons. He’s been selected to six Pro Bowls, two first-team All-Pro selections, and three second-team All-Pro selections to go with two Super Bowl titles. Jordan Mailata (No. 13)The former rugby player was selected by the Eagles in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft, a player the coaching staff patiently developed over several seasons. One of the best left tackles in the NFL, Mailata allowed just one sack and 11 pressures in 383 pass-blocking snaps, a pressure rate allowed per dropback of 2.9% — sixth among tackles in the league and fourth among left tackles.  Per PFF, Mailata is the highest-graded offensive lineman in football (95.8) and the highest-graded run-blocking lineman (94.9). He was a secobd-team All-Pro last season. Jalen Carter (No. 17)The Eagles traded up in the 2023 NFL Draft from No. 10 overall (a pick they acquired from the New Orleans Saints in the A.J. Brown trade) to get Carter. Philadelphia moved up just one spot in the draft, trading the No. 10 pick and a 2024 fourth-round pick to the Chicago Bears for the No. 9 pick — which they used to get Carter.  One of the best defensive tackles in the league, Carter has been a game-changer on the Eagles defensive line. He finished with 65 pressures this past season, with 15 quarterback hits, and seven batted passes. Carter was third among interior defensive linemen in pressures and quarterback hits, while finishing second in batted passes. He also had 4.5 sacks, 42 tackles and two forced fumbles.  In the postseason, Carter showcased the game-changing player he can be. He sacked Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford on third-and-2 from the Eagles’ 13-yard line with 1:14 left in a 28-22 game that essentially thwarted the Rams comeback. Carter hit Stafford on fourth-and-11 — the next play — and sealed the Eagles victory. He finished with two sacks, a forced fumble, a batted pass, and seven pressures in the win. That paved the way for the Eagles to run the table and win the Super Bowl.  A.J. Brown (No. 31)The Eagles wanted to get another wide receiver after selecting DeVonta Smith in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, fully committed to Jalen Hurts as the starting quarterback. They used their first-round capital form the Carson Wentz trade to acquire Brown on draft night in 2022, sending the No. 18 pick (first round) and No. 101 pick (third round) for Brown, who signed a four-year, $100 million contract immediately after.  Brown has three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons with the Eagles, earning an All-Pro selection in each season. He’s been a top-five receiver in the NFL, having 67 catches for 1,079 yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games — while being bothered by a knee injury at the end of the year and a hamstring injury at the beginning of the year.  Brown signed a new contract with the Eagles, a three-year, $96 million extension in the 2024 offseason.  Zack Baun (No. 40)The Eagles signed Baun to a one-year, $4 million deal last offseason, as defensive coordinator Vic Fangio moved the special teams guru from pass rusher to off-ball linebacker. The move transformed the Eagles defense from one of the league’s worst to the best.  Baun rewarded the Eagles, finishing with 151 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, four passes defended, and an interception in 16 games. He upped his game in the postseason, finishing with 33 tackles, three passes defended, a forced fumble, and two interceptions — including one in the Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Baun is the first player since tackles became an official statistic in 1987 to have 150+ tackles and 5+ forced fumbles in a season. The Eagles signed Baun to a three-year, $51 million extension this offseason — with $36 million in guaranteed money.  Jalen Hurts (No. 52)Hurts was a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft, selected just one year after the franchise signed Wentz to a $100 million contract. He was supposed to be the backup quarterback to Wentz and a long-term developmental piece, but became one of the greatest quarterbacks in Eagles history.  The Eagles have made the playoffs every year with Hurts as the starting quarterback and have a 46-20 record with Hurts as the starter. The .697 win percentage is fifth best by a starting quarterback since the 1970 merger.   Hurts has upped his game in the postseason, completing 66.8% of his passes with 10 touchdowns to three interceptions with a 95.4 passer rating. He also has 10 rushing touchdowns in the postseason — an NFL record for a quarterback. Hurts is the only player in NFL history with 10 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing touchdowns in the postseason.  Last season, Hurts completed 68.7% of his passes for 2,903 yards with 18 touchdowns to just five interceptions, finishing with an 103.7 passer rating (career highs in completion rate and passer rating). He also rushed for 630 yards and 14 touchdowns.  In the postseason, Hurts completed 71.4% of his passes for 726 yards with five touchdowns to just one interception for a 108.6 passer rating. Hurts won Super Bowl LIX MVP after completing 77.3% of his passes for 221 yards with two touchdowns and an interception (119.7 rating) while rushing for 72 yards and a score.  Hurts may have some more championships in him. All the Eagles have done is win since he became the starting quarterback.  Quinyon Mitchell (No. 69)The Eagles selected Mitchell in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and hit the jackpot with the selection. Mitchell started the first week of the season and made an instant impact starting opposite Darius Slay. He didn’t allow a passing touchdown until December, as opposing quarterbacks targeting Mitchell as the primary defender completed just 51.9% of their passes for a 66.9 passer rating.  Mitchell was a shutdown corner in the playoffs, having two interceptions. Opposing quarterbacks targeting Mitchell had completed 38.1% of their passes for a 22.6 passer rating. He’ll be the Eagles starting cornerback for a long time, giving Philadelphia one of the best young cornerback duos in the NFL with Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.  Landon Dickerson (No. 72)The Eagles selected Dickerson in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft and he has become one of the best left guards in football. Dickerson has made three consecutive Pro Bowls and has been a stalwart on the Eagles offensive line. One of the best run-blocking linemen in the game, Dickerson also allowed five sacks and 25 pressures last season (5.3% pressure rate). Dickerson signed a four-year, $84 million extension with $50 million in guarantees in the 2024 offseason. Cooper DeJean (No. 85)The next pick in the 2024 NFL Draft after Mitchell was DeJean, who the Eagles traded up in the second round to select. Philadelphia traded the No. 50 and No. 53 pick in the second round and the No. 161 pick (fifth round) to move up and get DeJean.  DeJean was outstanding since he first took the field for the Eagles in Week 6 last year, this after being sidelined throughout training camp and the first month of the season with a hamstring injury. Manning the slot corner, DeJean didn’t allow a passing touchdown as opposing quarterbacks targeting him as the primary defender completed 68.5% of their passes for a 71.7 rating.  DeJean scored more touchdowns (1) than touchdowns allowed last season (0), scoring his touchdown in Super Bowl LIX on an interception return. The Eagles have allowed just 175.0 pass yards a game and 5.9 yards per attempt since DeJean was inserted into the lineup (regular season), best in the NFL in both categories.  DeJean and Mitchell will both be around for several years. So that is the quarterback, a running back, a wide receiver, three offensive linemen on offense.  On defense, a defensive tackle, linebacker and two cornerbacks.

AFC WEST

KANSAS CITYThe State of Missouri has an “aide” package to keep the Chiefs from bolting to Kansas or elsewhere passed, signed and ready to go.  The AP: Gov. Mike Kehoe signed a legislative package on Saturday, approved by Missouri lawmakers earlier in the week, that includes hundreds of millions of dollars of financial aid intended to persuade the Chiefs and Royals to remain in the state. Kehoe, a Republican, had called lawmakers into a special session, and they approved of the package Wednesday. The Chiefs and Royals currently play at the Truman Sports Complex on the east side of Kansas City, where Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium share parking facilities. But their leases with Jackson County, Missouri, expire in January 2031, and the two franchises have been trying to decide the best route forward for the past several years. Last year, Jackson County voters defeated a sales tax extension that would have helped finance an $800 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium — the home of the Chiefs — and a $2 billion ballpark district for the Royals in downtown Kansas City. The slow movement by those on the Missouri side of the state line in supporting the franchises prompted lawmakers in Kansas to authorize bonds for up to 70% of the cost of new stadiums in their state. The Royals have bought a mortgage for property in Kansas, though the team also has continued to pursue other possible sites in Missouri. The offer from Kansas is scheduled to expire June 30, and both teams have indicated they will hope to have a plan formulated by then. Missouri’s legislation authorizes bonds covering up to 50% of the cost of new or renovated stadiums, plus up to $50 million of tax credits for each stadium and unspecified aid from local governments. If they choose to stay in Missouri, the Chiefs have floated plans for a $1.15 billion renovation of Arrowhead Stadium. The Royals have insisted all along that they intend to build a replacement for Kauffman Stadium. The stadium subsidies already were a top concern in Missouri when a deadly tornado struck St. Louis on May 16, causing an estimated $1.6 billion of damage a day after lawmakers had wrapped up work in their annual regular session. Disaster relief tied to stadium funding had widespread support. On Wednesday, Democratic state Rep. Kimberly-Ann Collins described to lawmakers how she had witnessed the tornado rip the roof off her house and damage her St. Louis neighborhood. “Homes are crumbled and leveled,” Collins said, adding: “It hurts me to my core to see the families that have worked so hard, the businesses that have worked so hard, to see them ripped apart.” The Chiefs, in a statement to The Associated Press, described the legislative vote this week as a “significant step forward” that enables the team to continue exploring options to remain in Missouri. The Royals described the legislation as “a very important piece of our decision-making process” but made no site-specific commitment. “Our focus remains the same: to prioritize the best interests of our team, fans, partners and regional community as we pursue the next generational home for the Kansas City Royals,” the team said in a statement to the AP.

THIS AND THAT

QUARTER CENTURY TEAMAaron Schaatz and Seth Walder of ESPN.com put together a team for the first quarter century.  We were surprised to see RB Priest Holmes beat out RB Adrian Peterson and others. Players are still eligible if they began their career in the 1990s, but only production beginning in the 2000 season was considered. These decisions were made mostly on statistical output, focusing on peak seasons while still rewarding longevity. We relied heavily on FTN’s DYAR metric (defense-adjusted yards above replacement), which calculates a player’s value over the course of the season compared to a replacement-level baseline. Other advanced statistics were also taken into account. This team includes 25 offensive players, 23 defensive players and five special teams players. For another wrinkle, we filled out a full “practice squad” with the players who just missed the cut and listed them in their respective position groups. We followed current NFL practice squad rules, which includes 17 players if one was brought in from the International Player Pathway Program. Finally, we also needed an elite coaching staff to get the most out of this quarter-century team, so we picked a head coach and three coordinators. Let’s jump into the All Quarter Century lineup picks, starting with the most important position in sports. Players are listed by position group and in order of how they’d land on the depth chart. Quarterbacks (3) Tom BradyTeams: Patriots (2000-2019), Buccaneers (2020-22)Résumé since 2000: 89,214 passing yards, 649 passing TDs, seven-time Super Bowl champion, three-time MVP, six-time All-Pro The best evidence of Brady’s greatness is his all-time high in Super Bowl rings, of course, but he exemplified both team and individual success throughout his career. His 2007 season is the best in NFL history using both FTN’s DYAR metric and ESPN’s Total QBR. He was almost as good in 2010 despite playing in a completely different offense structured around two rookie tight ends. For a long time, there was a great debate about who was better: Brady or Peyton Manning. But while Manning called it a career after his age-39 season, Brady won two Super Bowls in his 40s. Nobody has ever played so well for so long. — Schatz Peyton ManningTeams: Colts (1998-2011), Broncos (2012-15)Résumé since 2000: 64,066 passing yards, 487 passing TDs, two-time Super Bowl champion, five-time MVP, nine-time All-Pro Manning ranks second behind Brady in DYAR since 2000. He has three of the top five seasons for total passing value — 2013, 2004 and 2006. His 2004 season has the highest passing DVOA (value per play) of any season since 1978. And while QBR doesn’t go back as far, Manning’s 2006 season is the second-highest QBR behind Brady’s 2007 season. Close your eyes, and you can still picture Manning audibling behind the line of scrimmage, moving his players around before the snap to take advantage of his incredible ability to read defenses. — Schatz Patrick MahomesTeams: Chiefs (2017-present)Résumé since 2000: 32,352 passing yards, 245 passing TDs, three-time Super Bowl champion, two-time MVP, three-time All-Pro There are arguments for Aaron Rodgers or Drew Brees here, but we believe Mahomes deserves a spot on this team despite his relative “lack” of MVPs or first-team All-Pro selections (two) through eight seasons. His QBR for his career (postseason included) is 75.0, which trails Manning (75.6) but is ahead of Brady (71.0), Brees (70.9) and Rodgers (66.9). And from the unbelievable throws to the mistake avoidance to the postseason heroics, we’re choosing peak Mahomes over peak Rodgers or Brees. — Walder Practice squad: Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees Running backs (3) Priest HolmesTeams: Ravens (1997-2000), Chiefs (2001-07)Résumé since 2000: 9,256 all-purpose yards, 85 all-purpose TDs, one-time Super Bowl champion, one-time OPOY, three-time All-Pro Yes, Holmes is our RB1 over anyone else. Think back to the turn of the century, when Holmes emerged from the Baltimore bench to drive the powerful offense of the Dick Vermeil Chiefs, using a dynamic combination of rushing and receiving skills. Other running backs might have had longer peaks, but none of them can match the three-year period that Holmes had from 2001 to 2003. In the advanced DYAR metrics for total value, these seasons rank 15th, second and third among all running back seasons since 1978, respectively. — Schatz Christian McCaffreyTeams: Panthers (2017-22), 49ers (2022-present)Résumé since 2000: 10,853 all-purpose yards, 81 all-purpose TDs, one-time OPOY, four-time All-Pro As the best receiving back of the past 25 years, McCaffrey needs to be included on this roster. He averages 47 receiving yards per game, which is more than anyone else with at least 500 carries in the span. But he’s not only a receiving back. What makes McCaffrey special is that he has maintained 4.7 yards per carry over his career, 14th-best among running backs this quarter century. — Walder Derrick HenryTeams: Titans (2016-23), Ravens (2024-present)Résumé since 2000: 13,074 all-purpose yards, 111 all-purpose TDs, one-time OPOY, four-time All-Pro King Henry gives this team a power rusher in the ground game. But style aside, Henry’s production really earns him his spot on this list. His 4.9 yards per carry puts him well ahead of Adrian Peterson (4.6) and LaDanian Tomlinson (4.3), who we also considered in this spot. His 2.4 yards after contact per carry make him No. 1 among all running backs with at least 500 rushes since 2000, and he has a very low 0.6% fumble rate. — Walder Practice squad: LaDainian Tomlinson Fullbacks (1) Kyle JuszczykTeams: Ravens (2013-16), 49ers (2017-present)Résumé since 2000: 2,901 all-purpose yards, 24 all-purpose TDs, two-time All-Pro Juszczyk’s nine Pro Bowl selections are four more than the Ravens’ Patrick Ricard and five more than former Charger Lorenzo Neal. He’s a unique playmaker as a fullback in the passing game, with the ability to move around and run all kinds of different routes. — Schatz Wide receivers (6) Randy MossTeams: Vikings (1998-2004, 2010), Raiders (2005-06), Patriots (2007-10), Titans (2010), 49ers (2012)Résumé since 2000: 12,566 receiving yards, 128 receiving TDs, three-time All-Pro The greatest receiver of the 21st century based on the eye test, Moss also dominated in advanced metrics. He set the all-time NFL record with 23 receiving touchdowns in 2007, a season that ranks third all time in DYAR. Moss ranked No. 1 in receiving DYAR three times: 2000, 2003 and 2007. In each of those seasons, he had at least 1,400 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. He is also the leader in total receiving value by DYAR whether you add together a player’s top five seasons or top 10 seasons since 2000. Plus, he’s a legend of the podium interview. — Schatz Calvin JohnsonTeams: Lions (2007-15)Résumé since 2000: 11,619 receiving yards, 83 receiving TDs, four-time All-Pro Johnson leaped over defenders en route to two 1,600-plus-yard seasons and the all-time single-season receiving yards record (1,964) in 2012. He ranks fourth since 2000 in yards per game behind only three current players with far fewer games played (Justin Jefferson, Puka Nacua and Ja’Marr Chase). What’s most amazing about Johnson is what he did without Matthew Stafford as his QB. During Detroit’s infamous 0-16 season in 2008, Johnson managed 1,331 yards with Dan Orlovsky, Daunte Culpepper and Jon Kitna at quarterback. — Walder Julio JonesTeams: Falcons (2011-20), Titans (2021), Buccaneers (2022), Eagles (2023)Résumé since 2000: 13,703 receiving yards, 66 receiving TDs, five-time All-Pro If we look at every player’s three best seasons by receiving yards this quarter century, no wideout’s top three years matched Jones’ total of 5,141 — four yards ahead of Johnson. If we do the same exercise for each player’s five best seasons, Jones again sits at the top. Best seven? Still Jones. Also, with all due respect to Matt Ryan, Jones did not have a Hall of Fame quarterback throwing to him the way other receivers on this list did. Though he never won a ring, Jones’ miraculous sideline grab in Super Bowl LI helped the Falcons get awfully close to one. — Walder Terrell OwensTeams: 49ers (1996-2003), Eagles (2004-05), Cowboys (2006-08), Bills (2009), Bengals (2010)Résumé since 2000: 12,627 receiving yards, 123 receiving TDs, five-time All-Pro In the 11 seasons Owens played in this quarter century, he recorded three second-place finishes in DYAR and one infamous driveway news conference. He led the league in receiving touchdowns three times, and his 80.3 receiving yards per game ranks sixth among WRs with at least 50 games played since 2000. Owens would play through any injury for this team, as evidenced by his miraculous 122-yard performance in Super Bowl XXXIX after breaking his leg seven weeks earlier. — Walder Marvin HarrisonTeams: Colts (1996-2008)Résumé since 2000: 10,439 receiving yards, 95 receiving TDs, one-time Super Bowl champion, seven-time All-Pro Harrison didn’t miss a first- or second-team All-Pro selection from 1999 to 2006. Although he only led the NFL one time each in receiving yards (2002) and receiving touchdowns (2005), he led the NFL in receiving DYAR three times: 2001, 2002 and 2006. Harrison had 205 targets in 2002, the third-highest total in NFL history, and he caught 70% of those passes. We chose Harrison for this spot over other options because he had a stronger peak. — Schatz  Justin JeffersonTeams: Vikings (2020-present)Résumé since 2000: 7,432 receiving yards, 40 receiving TDs, one-time OPOY, four-time All-Pro Jefferson has played only five NFL seasons, but what amazing seasons they have been. When he won the Offensive Player of the Year award in 2022, he was No. 1 in receptions, yards and DYAR. He ranked in the top three for DYAR in three of his other seasons (2020, 2021 and 2024), with at least 1,400 receiving yards in each of them. The only exception is 2023, when he played only 10 games because of injury but still managed to top 1,000 yards. — Schatz Practice squad: Antonio Brown, Andre Johnson Tight ends (3) Rob GronkowskiTeams: Patriots (2010-18), Buccaneers (2020-21)Résumé since 2000: 9,286 receiving yards, 92 receiving TDs, four-time Super Bowl champion, four-time All-Pro Gronk’s 2011 season is the all-time greatest for a tight end in both standard stats (18 touchdowns) and advanced stats (461 DYAR). He ranked first in DYAR among tight ends three times and second another three times. Oh, and he was also a devastating blocker — he could basically be used as another offensive tackle during run plays. — Schatz Travis KelceTeams: Chiefs (2013-current)Résumé since 2000: 12,151 receiving yards, 77 receiving TDs, three-time Super Bowl champion, seven-time All-Pro Kelce is simply the best pure receiving tight end this quarter century. If we count the postseason, Kelce recorded more receiving yards (14,229) than any other tight end in this span. And on a per-game basis, the only player who comes close to Kelce (71.1) is 2024 rookie Brock Bowers (70.2), who could be on the mid-century team if he keeps it up. Kelce ranked No. 1 among tight ends in DYAR three times (2016, 2020 and 2022). — Walder Tony GonzalezTeams: Chiefs (1997-2008), Falcons (2009-13)Résumé since 2000: 13,289 receiving yards, 96 receiving TDs, nine-time All-Pro Gonzalez was great year after year after year in a career that seemingly went on forever. He led all tight ends in receiving DYAR seven different times and ranked in the top five in 12 out of the 14 seasons we’re considering for this exercise. His career total in receptions (1,325) is still an all-time high for tight ends and ranks third highest of any player all time. — Schatz Practice squad: Antonio Gates Left tackles (2) Joe ThomasTeams: Browns (2007-17)Résumé since 2000: 167 starts, eight-time All-Pro In his 11 pro seasons with the mostly woebegone Browns, Thomas failed to reach the Pro Bowl only one time. That was in 2017, his final year in the league. His six first-team All-Pro selections since 2000 are two more than any tackle in this span (regardless of side), making him a slam-dunk choice for this team. — Walder Trent WilliamsTeams: Washington (2010-19), 49ers (2020-present)Résumé since 2000: 187 starts, four-time All-Pro Williams was chosen for the Pro Bowl in 11 seasons from 2012 to 2023, the most by any offensive tackle since 2000. He was very good in his 20s for Washington before holding out the entire 2019 season over disagreements with the team’s medical staff. He is even better in his 30s for San Francisco, leading all tackles in pass block win rate in 2023. — Schatz Practice squad: Walter Jones, Jordan Mailata (International Player Pathway) Left guards (2) Alan FanecaTeams: Steelers (1998-2007), Jets (2008-09), Cardinals (2010)Résumé since 2000: 175 starts, one-time Super Bowl champion, eight-time All-Pro A stalwart at left guard for the Steelers before late-career spells with the Jets and Cardinals, Faneca missed only one game from 2000 on — and that was due to rest in a meaningless Week 17 contest in 2001. His six first-team All-Pro selections are more than any other left guard this quarter century. — Walder Steve HutchinsonTeams: Seahawks (2001-05), Vikings (2006-11), Titans (2012)Résumé since 2000: 169 starts, seven-time All-Pro Hutchinson made the Pro Bowl every year from 2003 through 2009 and helped lead the 2005 Seahawks to Super Bowl XL, along with Walter Jones. There were a number of relatively equal, strong left guards to choose from, but we went with Hutchinson over Joel Bitonio, Logan Mankins and Quenton Nelson. His impact on the NFL also stretches past the field, as he forced a change in the rules about contracts after the “poison pill” that kept Seattle from matching the contract he signed with Minnesota in 2006. — Schatz Centers (1) Jason KelceTeams: Eagles (2011-23)Résumé since 2000: 193 starts, one-time Super Bowl champion, six-time All-Pro Picking our lone center was a fairly straightforward call. While Maurkice Pouncey made the Pro Bowl nine times (versus Kelce’s seven), Kelce’s six first-team All-Pro selections are by far the most of any center — no other player has had more than two since 2000. Kelce helped lead the Eagles to two Super Bowl appearances and revolutionized third- and fourth-and-1s leaguewide with his critical role in the (still permitted!) tush push play. — Walder Right guards (2) Zack MartinTeams: Cowboys (2014-24)Résumé since 2000: 162 starts, nine-time All-Pro Martin’s number of first-team All-Pro selections (seven) is the highest total for any guard since 2000. Former Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo once said Martin didn’t have a weakness and had everything required of an offensive lineman at an elite level: footwork, base, punch, athleticism, strength and mind. — Schatz Marshal YandaTeams: Ravens (2007-19)Résumé since 2000: 166 starts, one-time Super Bowl champion, seven-time All-Pro Yanda’s distinguished career with the Ravens included two first-team All-Pro selections. While we don’t have advanced blocking metrics for the majority of his career, his numbers were astounding near the tail end. He finished first among guards in run block win rate in both 2018 and 2019 and first in pass block win rate in 2019. — Walder Practice squad: Jahri Evans Right tackles (2) Lane JohnsonTeams: Eagles (2013-current)Résumé since 2000: 158 starts, two-time Super Bowl champion, five-time All-Pro Johnson leads all right tackles in Pro Bowl selections since 2000 with six; no other player who primarily played right tackle in that span has more than four. He has perhaps been at his best over the past couple seasons. In 2023, he led all tackles in run block win rate and was ninth in pass block win rate. Last season, Johnson was fifth among tackles in both run block win rate and pass block win rate. — Schatz Willie AndersonTeams: Bengals (1996-2007), Ravens (2008)Résumé since 2000: 138 starts, four-time All-Pro Even though our time span cuts off the first four seasons of Anderson’s career, what he did in the nine years from 2000 on earns him a spot on this list. He played in 16 regular-season games every year from 2000 to 2006 with the Bengals. Unlike at left tackle where there were quite a few feasible candidates, right tackle was quite clear-cut, with Johnson and Anderson being the two best options. If sixth-year Bucs tackle Tristan Wirfs had more seasons under his belt, he could have been a good candidate. — Walder Edge rushers (4) Demarcus WareTeams: Cowboys (2005-13), Broncos (2014-16)Résumé since 2000: 138.5 sacks, 35 forced fumbles, one-time Super Bowl Champion, seven-time All-Pro There are so many great edge rushers to choose from, but they generally come in two categories: great career totals or great peaks with a high ratio of sacks to games played. Ware had the best balance between the two. He had the third-most sacks out of all players since 2000, while his 0.78 sacks per game rank fourth among edge rushers. — Schatz Jared AllenTeams: Chiefs (2004-07), Vikings (2008-13), Bears (2014-15), Panthers (2015)Résumé since 2000: 136 sacks, 32 forced fumbles, four-time All-Pro Allen’s peak was incredibly strong, hitting 22.0 sacks (just shy of the single-season record) in 2011. But he was not a one-hit wonder: Allen hit double-digit sacks eight times and tallied the fourth-most sacks in our time span. He also ranks fourth among edge players (if we include J.J. Watt) in total plus-EPA since 2001 — a measure where defenders who are on the field for positive defensive plays are credited with the resulting EPA. — Walder Myles GarrettTeams: Browns (2017-present)Résumé since 2000: 102.5 sacks, 20 forced fumbles, one-time DPOY, six-time All-Pro Since Garrett entered the league in 2017, no edge player has accumulated more pass rush wins than his 522 — ahead of T.J. Watt’s 467. And Garrett did that while maintaining the third-highest double-team rate at edge (27%) of all qualifying edge rushers. He has made the most of his eight seasons in the league, with a first-team All-Pro nod in half of those seasons, making him plenty worthy of selection. — Walder Julius PeppersTeams: Panthers (2002-09, 2017-18), Bears (2010-13), Packers (2014-16)Résumé since 2000: 159.5 sacks, 51 forced fumbles, six-time All-Pro No player recorded more sacks this quarter century than Peppers. There’s a fair critique that his numbers are a product of longevity, but he also had almost 20 more sacks than anyone in this span and a higher plus-EPA than any other player since 2001, period. One reason why he led that latter category over star linebackers — who are favored in the stat — is because Peppers’ 51 forced fumbles were the most since 2000. — Walder Practice squad: T.J. Watt, Michael Strahan Defensive tackles (3) Aaron DonaldTeams: Rams (2014-23)Résumé since 2000: 111 sacks, 24 forced fumbles, one-time Super Bowl champion, three-time DPOY, eight-time All-Pro Donald is certainly the greatest defensive tackle of the past 25 years and possibly the greatest in NFL history. His 20.5 sacks in 2018 set a single-season record for a primary defensive tackle, while his career total is second among defensive tackles (since 1982) behind John Randle’s 137.5. Donald is one of only three players in NFL history to win three DPOY awards (along with J.J. Watt and Lawrence Taylor). Only two other defensive linemen can match his number of first-team All-Pro selections (Reggie White and Bruce Smith, eight). Donald even went out on top, leading all defensive tackles in pass rush win rate in his final season. — Schatz Calais CampbellTeams: Cardinals (2008-16, 2025-present), Jaguars (2017-19), Ravens (2020-22), Falcons (2023), Dolphins (2024)Résumé since 2000: 110.5 sacks, 18 forced fumbles, three-time All-Pro Though Campbell has had the benefit of a 17-year (and counting!) career, his numbers are truly quite remarkable. He’s only one sack shy of passing Donald’s career total, while his total plus-EPA ranks fourth among all players and first among interior defenders. Campbell has moved around a lot over his career, but he’d play the 3-technique for this team (that’s the position he has played the most since NFL Next Gen Stats tracking data started in 2017). — Walder Chris JonesTeams: Chiefs (2016-current)Résumé since 2000: 80.5 sacks, 13 forced fumbles, three-time Super Bowl champion, six-time All-Pro There were a number of great interior defensive linemen who we considered for this team, and some of them had more first-team All-Pros than Jones’ three. Kevin Williams had five, Cameron Heyward four and Warren Sapp also three (not including his career before 2000). In the end, we asked ourselves this: Who would we choose if we needed to win one big game? So we went with the player who anchored a defense for three championship teams. If Donald didn’t exist, Jones would have ranked first in pass rush win rate at defensive tackle for five consecutive seasons (2020-24). In two of those seasons, he also ranked first in double-team rate at defensive tackle. — Schatz Practice squad: Kevin Williams, Cameron Heyward Nose tackles (1) Vince WilforkTeams: Patriots (2004-14), Texans (2015-16)Résumé since 2000: 16 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, two-time Super Bowl champion, five-time All-Pro While there were plenty of other defensive tackles who could threaten the quarterback, we wanted to make sure we put at least one nose tackle on the squad. Wilfork hit 105 in approximate value — a statistic by Pro Football Reference that attributes a single number on the seasonal value of a player. That’s the most by any nose tackle in our span and the fourth-most among any defensive tackle regardless of alignment, giving Wilfork an edge over five-time Pro Bowler and longtime Steeler Casey Hampton. — Walder Versatile defensive linemen (1) J.J. WattTeams: Texans (2011-20), Cardinals (2021-22)Résumé since 2000: 114.5 sacks, 27 forced fumbles, three-time DPOY, seven-time All-Pro We wanted to save a spot for Watt because he can play as an edge rusher or interior lineman. He is one of only three players in history to win Defensive Player of the Year three times, and he has the best plus-EPA of any player since 2000 (minimum 50 games). Another way to describe Watt’s greatness is with a look at defeats. That’s a metric that adds together turnovers, tackles for loss and plays that prevent a conversion on third or fourth down. There have been only a dozen seasons of more than 40 defeats since 1991. Watt has three of them, including a record 57 defeats in 2012. — Schatz Linebackers (5) Ray LewisTeams: Ravens (1996-2012)Résumé since 2000: 28.5 sacks, 15 forced fumbles, 24 interceptions, two-time Super Bowl champion, two-time DPOY, seven-time All-Pro The preeminent linebacker of this quarter century, Lewis’ numbers back up his reputation. He led all linebackers in Pro Football Reference’s approximate value metric over these 25 years, even though that time period missed the first four years of his career. Lewis’ plus-EPA per game ranks second among all players since 2001, and that even omits one of his DPOY seasons. And from 2001 to 2012 (the time when Lewis played that we have EPA data to measure), the Ravens ranked as the best defense in the NFL in terms of EPA per play. — Walder Bobby WagnerTeams: Seahawks (2012-21, 2023), Rams (2022), Commanders (2024-present)Résumé since 2000: 35 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, 13 interceptions, one-time Super Bowl champion, 11-time All-Pro Wagner has the same number of first-team All-Pro selections as Lewis (seven), which is more than any other linebacker since 2000. His 10 Pro Bowl selections don’t even include the year he finished second in the Defensive Rookie of the Year balloting (2012) or the year he helped lead the Seahawks to a Super Bowl win (2013). Wagner also led the NFL in tackles three times. Since 2000, only London Fletcher has more tackles than Wagner’s 1,838. — Schatz Brian UrlacherTeams: Bears (2000-12)Résumé since 2000: 41.5 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, 22 interceptions, one-time DPOY, five-time All-Pro The Urlacher-led Bears had the third-best defense in terms of EPA per play from 2001 to 2012. His 22 career interceptions are the second most by any linebacker in the past 25 years, behind only Lewis’ 26. Urlacher ranks fourth among all players in plus-EPA per game at minus-3.59, too. — Walder Lavonte DavidTeams: Buccaneers (2012-current)Résumé since 2000: 39 sacks, 31 forced fumbles, 13 interceptions, one-time Super Bowl champion, three-time All-Pro No linebacker over the past 25 years has dominated with splash plays quite like David. His 415 defeats rank third among all players since 1991 (behind Lewis and Junior Seau), while his 31.9 defeats per season rank first. David also has 330 pass tackle stops (tackles after pass receptions that prevent the offense from having a successful play). Derrick Brooks (275) is the only other player since 1991 with more than 240. It’s ridiculous that David has only two total Pro Bowl (2015) or first-team All-Pro (2013) selections, but we’re not letting that keep him off our team. — Schatz Luke KuechlyTeams: Panthers (2012-19)Résumé since 2000: 12.5 sacks, 18 interceptions, one-time DPOY, seven-time All-Pro Kuechly’s career burned so hot over its short eight-year span. The only one of those seasons in which he did not reach the Pro Bowl and earn first- or second-team All-Pro honors was 2012 … when he won Defensive Rookie of the Year. Kuechly’s 9.2 tackles per game and 0.15 interceptions per game are the second and third most of any linebacker in this century, respectively. — Walder Practice squad: Derrick Brooks Cornerbacks (5) Darrelle RevisTeams: Jets (2007-12, 2015-16), Buccaneers (2013), Patriots (2014), Chiefs (2017)Résumé since 2000: 29 interceptions, one-time super Bowl champion, four-time All-Pro Even the best receivers in the NFL disappeared on Revis Island. In the star cornerback’s best season (2009), the Jets allowed an average of 29 receiving yards per game to opposing WR1s. Revis’ 31 passes defensed that year are still an NFL record, four more than any other cornerback has ever had in a single season. — Schatz Champ BaileyTeams: Washington (1999-2003), Broncos (2004-13)Résumé since 2000: 5 forced fumbles, 47 interceptions, seven-time All-Pro Bailey amassed more approximate value (149), per Pro Football Reference, since 2000 than any other cornerback by a healthy margin (Patrick Peterson was second at 131). His number of interceptions from 2000 rank third most in this span. Bailey qualifies for this team on both peak and longevity; he is tied with Ray Lewis for the most Pro Bowl nods (12) on this roster. — Walder Ronde BarberTeams: Buccaneers (1997-2012)Résumé since 2000: 24 sacks, 13 forced fumbles, 43 interceptions, one-time Super Bowl champion, five-time All-Pro Barber was one of the integral parts of the “Tampa 2” defense that dominated the NFL in the early 2000s. Plenty of cornerbacks in that era played close to the line of scrimmage as part of a Cover 2 shell, but no one matched Barber’s numbers against the run and pass. He leads all defensive backs with 292 defeats since 2000; Charles Woodson is the only other defensive back above 220. Barber’s interceptions rank sixth in that span, and he also made the most tackles on running plays (477). — Schatz Richard ShermanTeams: Seahawks (2011-17), 49ers (2018-20), Buccaneers (2021)Résumé since 2000: 5 forced fumbles, 37 interceptions, one-time Super Bowl champion, five-time All-Pro Sherman headlined the “Legion of Boom” secondary that took over the NFL in the 2010s, making the game-clinching deflection that sent the Seahawks to their second Super Bowl appearance of the 21st century. And in retrospect, it’s a testament to Sherman and Earl Thomas III (more on him later) that the emulations by other teams of Seattle’s Cover 3 defense never had as much success as the original. From 2012 to 2014, Sherman earned three straight first-team All-Pro selections and recorded 20 interceptions. — Walder Patrick PetersonTeams: Cardinals (2011-20), Vikings (2021-22), Steelers (2023)Résumé since 2000: 2 forced fumbles, 36 interceptions, three-time All-Pro Peterson’s career had a long tail, but that shouldn’t overshadow his eight-year peak from 2011 to 2018. He was above average in yards allowed per target in each season during the early part of his career, peaking when he allowed a league-leading 4.4 yards per target in 2015. Peterson also tied for eighth (with Sherman) in interceptions during the past 25 seasons. — Schatz Practice squad: Jalen Ramsey Safeties (4) Ed ReedTeams: Ravens (2002-12), Texans (2013), Jets (2013)Résumé since 2000: 11 forced fumbles, 64 interceptions, one-time Super Bowl champion, one-time DPOY, eight-time All-Pro The ultimate ball hawk, Reed picked off 15 more passes than any other defensive back in this quarter century. His 0.39 picks per game were by far the highest, amounting to almost one interception per 10 quarters! During his Defensive Player of the Year season in 2004, he picked off nine passes (the first of two seasons he hit that number). — Walder Troy PolamaluTeams: Steelers (2003-14)Résumé since 2000: 12 sacks, 14 forced fumbles, 32 interceptions, two-time Super Bowl champion, one-time DPOY, six-time All-Pro Polamalu flying all over the field epitomized what NFL teams began prioritizing with modern safeties. He is fifth among safeties with 103 passes defensed since 2000. He also had 80 run stops (tackles to stop runs short of a successful play), which is third among all defensive backs since 2000. — Schatz Brian DawkinsTeams: Eagles (1996-2008), Broncos (2009-11)Résumé since 2000: 22.5 sacks, 29 forced fumbles, 25 interceptions, five-time All-Pro Dawkins delivered some huge hits during his 12 seasons this quarter century, as evidenced by the fact that he forced the second-most fumbles among DBs in our span and finished with the third-most sacks. When Dawkins was on the Eagles from 2000 to 2008, Philadelphia ranked third in EPA allowed per dropback on defense. — Walder Earl Thomas IIITeams: Seahawks (2010-18), Ravens (2019)Résumé since 2000: 12 forced fumbles, 30 interceptions, one-time Super Bowl champion, five-time All-Pro Thomas doesn’t have many impressive numbers because you don’t accumulate numbers when nobody will throw near you. He shut down the deep part of the field for the Seahawks, earning a Pro Bowl nod in five straight seasons (2011-15). At his peak in 2013, Seattle was the No. 1 defense against both short passes and deep passes on the way to a Super Bowl XLVIII win. — Walder Practice squad: Charles Woodson Kickers (1) Justin TuckerTeams: Ravens (2012-24)Résumé since 2000: 1,775 points scored, 89.1% field goal percentage, one-time Super Bowl champion, eight-time All-Pro The recently released Tucker is clearly the best kicker in these 25 years — and perhaps ever. If we compare him to other top contenders such as Adam Vinatieri, Sebastian Janikowski, Phil Dawson and Robbie Gould, Tucker recorded a higher field goal percentage from 40-44 yards, 45-49 yards and 50-54 yards. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, he also had the most field goals made over expectation (24.5, with no other player reaching 17) and the most win probability added among kickers (plus-78%) since 2017. — Walder Punters (1) Shane LechlerTeams: Raiders (2000-12), Texans (2013-17)Résumé since 2000: 47.6 yards per punt, nine-time All-Pro One of the greatest and longest-tenured punters in NFL history, Lechler was named a first-team All-Pro in his rookie season. Throughout his 18-year career, he racked up more first-team All-Pro selections (six) than any other punter in NFL history (no one has had more than four). Lechler led the league in gross punt average in five seasons, and his career average in yards per punt is an NFL record for punters who have played over 120 games. — Schatz Return specialists (1) Devin HesterTeams: Bears (2006-13), Falcons (2014-15), Ravens (2016), Seahawks (2016)Résumé since 2000: 20 return touchdowns, 11,028 total return yards, four-time All-Pro Though Hester is remembered for scoring on the opening kickoff in Super Bowl XLI, he was actually more prolific as a punt returner. Fourteen of his return touchdowns came off punts; no other player recorded more than four in that same span. In 2024, he became the first return specialist to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. — Walder Practice squad: Cordarrelle Patterson While LB LAVONTE DAVID has been a great player, we’re not sure many Buccaneers fans would take him over Derrick Brooks.

PARK AVENUE STATUS QUOBrian Rolapp, presumably second in the NFL hierarchy, departed last week for the PGA TOUR.  Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com on the new landscape under The Commish. With one of the top executives at 345 Park Avenue vacating his office, his office won’t be filled. Well, someone will probably move in. But Brian Rolapp’s title will remain vacant. Per multiple reports, Commissioner Roger Goodell will not replace Rolapp, who had served since 2014 as chief media and business officer for the NFL. He will become the CEO of the PGA Tour. As explained by Brian Fischer of Sports Business Journal, executive V.P. Hans Schroeder likely will continue in his role as the top remaining media executive, while also possibly taking on more duties. Chief revenue officer Renie Anderson, who has overseen sponsorship/consumer products since 2019 and who reported to Rolapp, “appears likely” to be in line to report directly to Goodell, Fischer reports. Rolapp, we’re told, was indeed regarded as a potential successor to Goodell. With Goodell showing no signs of moving on and Rolapp now 52, it apparently was time for him to do his own thing. Whether he’ll be a candidate when Goodell eventually steps down remains to be seen. Who is this Renie Anderson?  She went to Ole Miss and has been in her current role since 2019 after eight previous years in other Vice President roles. Ben Fisher of Sports Business Journal with more: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will distribute departed Chief Media & Business Officer Brian Rolapp’s portfolio to other senior execs and not replace him with a single person, sources said. Rolapp, who left to become CEO of the PGA Tour after 22 years with the league, oversaw the NFL’s media rights licensing, owned-and-operated media, NFL Films, the 32 Equity investment fund and sponsorship/consumer products. Divisions under Rolapp generated roughly $13B annually. NFL insiders and external observers already considered it highly unlikely that any one person would inherit all Rolapp’s duties, as SBJ reported Friday. Underneath Rolapp, EVP/Media Distribution Hans Schroeder oversaw the league’s critical relationships with media rights holders and therefore is most likely to continue in that role as the top remaining media executive, and possibly take on more duties in a reworked org chart. But sponsorship/consumer products has been run since 2019 by CRO Renie Anderson, who reported to Rolapp. She also oversees media sales on NFL-owned platforms. Her work is well-regarded, and she appears likely to report directly to Goodell in the post-Rolapp area. “They’ve got a lot of talent already doing the work, and I would expect that Roger is going to be more directly involved in managing the people, and maybe even add some direct reports to him,” said Marc Ganis, a consultant with close ties to Goodell and several NFL owners. “They’re very talented people, and we’re going to see how this talent steps up.” Other people to watch are Rolapp’s three other direct reports: David Jurenka, SVP/NFL Media; Dhruv Prasad, SVP/Business Development & Strategic Investments (and head of 32 Equity), and Ross Ketover, NFL Films senior executive. Part of Prasad’s job is business development in media outside of the core live rights deals, which is something that would fit logically under a more-empowered Schroeder. But the 32 Equity investment platform fits less obviously in media. Jurenka is well-regarded – and the league’s highest ranking employee outside of N.Y. — but NFL Media could be divested soon. Meanwhile, Rolapp is expected to phase out the hard to phase out Jay Monahan at the PGA TOUR.  Mark Harris of Outkick.com: It appears that Jay Monahan’s time as PGA Tour commissioner is coming to an end, and his final day in charge could be approaching very soon. As first reported by James Colgan of GOLF, the Tour is expected to “sunset” Monahan as commissioner while making way for Brian Rolapp to take over operations of the PGA Tour. According to Colgan’s sources, Monahan could be out as commissioner by the end of 2025, but no later than the end of 2026. Monahan became the fourth commissioner of the PGA Tour in January 2017 after serving as executive director of The Players Championship. The 55-year-old played a key role in brokering a framework agreement between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF), the sole funder of LIV Golf, in 2023. Monahan also played a part in the PGA Tour finalizing a deal with Strategic Sports Group, a consortium of American billionaires, worth a reported $3 billion in January 2024. He’s helped the Tour navigate through incredibly unique times with the emergence of LIV Golf, although talks between the Tour and the Saudis appear to have gone silent in recent months. So, who is Brian Rolapp? Rolapp is the Chief Media and Business Officer of the NFL and has long been linked to becoming the first ever CEO of the PGA Tour. He is expected to be formally named CEO of the Tour after a board vote at this week’s Travelers Championship. Rolapp has served many roles under the NFL umbrella, having first moved to the NFL Network in 2003 as the Director of Finance and Strategy before making his way near the top of the operations chart with the league and being named as a potential successor to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

PETE PRISCO’S TOP 100Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com has his top 100 players out on the website here.  His 10 Eagles are discussed in PHILADELPHIA, and we have his thoughts about his overall top 10 below: 1  Patrick MahomesKansas City Chiefs QBHis numbers have not been as gaudy the past few seasons, but he is still the best in the league. With an improved offensive line, and better receivers, his numbers will go up this year. (Last season: No. 1) 2  Myles GarrettCleveland Browns DEGarrett had 14 sacks to finish second in the league, but his impact was much more obvious than that number. He is an elite game-wrecker as he turns 30 this year. (Last season: No. 2) 3  Saquon BarkleyPhiladelphia Eagles RBBarkley rushed for 2,005 yards in leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory. He can do so many things for the Eagles offense, which is why he is a real MVP candidate heading into this season. (Last season: NR) 4  Josh AllenBuffalo Bills QBAllen won his first MVP last season for a reason. He carried the Bills to the AFC title game again, growing as a passer and a player. Next step: Win a Super Bowl. (Last season: No. 6) 5  Justin JeffersonMinnesota Vikings WRJefferson continues to make a strong case as the best receiver in the league. He had 103 catches with 10 touchdowns last season, but had 28 catches of 20 yards or more to lead the league. (Last season: No. 7) 6  Lamar JacksonBaltimore Ravens QBJackson continues to put up big numbers and he has improved in all facets of his game. He just has to be able to do more in the playoffs when it is time to do so. He is the best dual-threat quarterback in the game. (Last season: No. 16) 7  Joe BurrowCincinnati Bengals QBBurrow stayed healthy last year and put up MVP-type numbers with 4,918 yards passing and 43 touchdown passes. But a bad defense kept the Bengals out of the playoffs. With the receivers both paid and back, look for another big year from Burrow. (Last season: No. 15) 8  Ja’Marr ChaseCincinnati Bengals WRChase won the triple crown last year by leading the league in catches, yards and touchdowns. It is between him and his former college teammate Justin Jefferson as to who is the top receiver in the league. (Last season: No. 13) 9  Patrick Surtain IIDenver Broncos CBPS2 has emerged as the top cover corner in the league. His ability to lock down receivers impacts the Denver defense in a big way. He was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year for a reason. (Last season: No. 25) 10 Micah ParsonsDallas Cowboys LBIn 13 games last season, Parsons had 12 sacks and now has 52 1/2 in four seasons. He is one of the elite rushers in the game, a player who can move up and down the line to generate the pressures. (Last season: No. 9)