| Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com collects the rules change proposals to be considered next week: The Detroit Lions have proposed a significant change to NFL playoff seeding that would largely use regular-season records as the guiding principle, rather than division championships, according to a list of potential rule changes the league released Wednesday.Under the proposal, the division winner with the conference’s best record would still receive the No. 1 overall seed. But after that, teams would be stacked by records, regardless of whether they won their divisions or received wild-card berths.That approach could have a significant effect on the Lions and the highly competitive NFC North, which fielded three playoff teams last season — the Lions (15-2), Minnesota Vikings (14-3) and Green Bay Packers (11-6). The Lions received the NFC’s No. 1 seed, but the Vikings were seeded No. 5, and the Packers were No. 7. Based purely on records, the Vikings would have been the No. 3 seed, and the Packers would have been No. 5.The Los Angeles Chargers made a similar proposal in 2023, but it did not receive much support. Any NFL team can make a rule change proposal for consideration by owners. The proposals require at least 24 votes to be approved, but owners are generally more likely to approve proposals that are endorsed by the competition committee rather than individual teams.Owners are scheduled to meet March 30-April 2 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Other club proposals for changes to rules, bylaws and resolutions include:A previously reported attempt to ban the tush push short-yardage play the Philadelphia Eagles have used in recent years, submitted by the Green Bay Packers. The rule would prevent players from pushing a teammate that is “lined up directly behind the snapper and receives the snap, immediately at the snap.”A proposal that would eliminate the automatic first down that comes with an illegal contact or defensive holding penalty, submitted by the Lions, who led the league last season with 11 flags for defensive holding.A submission from the Eagles to give both teams a guaranteed possession in overtime during the regular season, aligning with current rules for playoff games.A resolution from the Pittsburgh Steelers to allows some direct contact between pending free agents and teams that are pursuing them during the three-day negotiating window that precedes the opening of the league year.A change submitted by multiple teams that would allow preparing K-balls that are used for kicking before game day as teams are allowed to do with the balls that are used on other plays. The DB thinks a Division Champion should always be seeded ahead of a Wild Card with the same record no matter what other tiebreakers might say. i.e. just because the 10-7 Wild Card Cowboys won a game over the 10-7 Division Champ Falcons they should not be seeded ahead of a division champ. |
| NFC NORTH |
| MINNESOTAKevin Seifert of ESPN.com on the word that QB J.J. McCARTHY will not have to deal with QB AARON RODGERS in camp. The Minnesota Vikings are moving past their discussions with free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers, leaving second-year player J.J. McCarthy atop the quarterback depth chart as offseason practices approach, sources told ESPN.The Vikings spent the better part of a week considering their options after Rodgers made clear he preferred to sign with the team, sources said. The internal deliberations intensified after 2024 starter Sam Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks and free agent Daniel Jones, whom the Vikings envisioned as a veteran wingman for McCarthy, rejected their contract offer and signed instead with the Indianapolis Colts.McCarthy has recovered from surgery in August to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, an injury that made him the first quarterback in the modern draft era to be selected in the first round and miss his entire rookie season because of injury. Signing Rodgers would have added a future Hall of Fame quarterback to a team that won 14 games last season and likely would have pushed McCarthy’s timetable to the 2026 season.Instead, the Vikings plan to give McCarthy their first-team snaps during OTA practices and minicamp, sources said. Should McCarthy get reinjured or demonstrate a need for more development time, the Vikings could revisit their discussions with Rodgers before the start of training camp if he has not signed elsewhere.Sources described the possibility of Rodgers joining the team as “non-zero,” but all along sources have maintained that there was only a small chance that coach Kevin O’Connell would upend the organizational plan for McCarthy, whom O’Connell has called “our franchise quarterback.”Most of the Vikings’ moves this offseason have implied an intent to move forward with McCarthy, including the decision not to use the franchise tag on Darnold and let him move on. The Vikings have committed more than $300 million to players during the free agent period, an NFL high, in anticipation of building around McCarthy’s rookie contract.The Vikings will need to continue working to find a veteran backup for McCarthy, as multiple candidates have signed elsewhere while the Vikings discussed Rodgers. Veteran Brett Rypien is the only other quarterback on the roster. Possibilities include veterans Joe Flacco and Carson Wentz. Former Vikings starter Kirk Cousins, now a backup with the Atlanta Falcons, could also become available later this offseason. |
| NFC EAST |
| NEW YORK GIANTSThe Giants are taking a look at JAMEIS WINSTON. Shanna McCairston ofCBSSports.com: Multiple teams needing to fill the position are still awaiting future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers’ decision, and as they play the waiting game, they are looking into other options to fill the quarterback room.The New York Giants are one team still searching for their next quarterback, and as they wait to see what Rodgers does, they have brought in other veterans, including Super Bowl champions Russell Wilson and Joe Flacco. They’re adding a former No. 1 overall pick to their visitor list, according to NFL Media, as Jameis Winston is set to meet with the Giants Tuesday.Winston most recently played for the Cleveland Browns, starting seven games and active in 12 for them in 2024. Like the rest of his career, his season was very up and down, as he continued to struggle with turning the ball over.He got benched after throwing three interceptions in Week 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs, which marked his third straight multi-interception game. He finished the season with 2,121 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and five fumbles.Winston has also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. He was a Pro Bowler in 2015, his first year in the league. In his career, he has 24,225 passing yards, 154 touchdowns and 111 interceptions.New York has the No. 3 overall pick and could select a quarterback in the draft. Multiple CBS Sports mock drafts have the Giants trading up to the No. 1 pick to select quarterback Cam Ward out of Miami. |
| PHILADELPHIACongratulations to BRANDON GRAHAM on a great career. Tim McManus ofESPN.com: Defensive end Brandon Graham, the author of the most impactful play in Eagles franchise history, announced his retirement Tuesday after 15 seasons in the NFL.Graham, a first-round pick out of Michigan in 2010, spent his entire career in Philadelphia. He holds the team record for most regular-season games played (206) and is third all time in sacks (76.5). The two Lombardi Trophies he helped deliver were placed at either side of him as he emotionally read his farewell speech in the team’s auditorium, where family, friends, coaches and teammates gathered to honor him.Advertising“You all know I gave everything I had in this,” said Graham, his voice breaking as he began to well up. “I don’t have no regrets.“Fifteen years ago, I walked into this city as a young man with dreams — big dreams — a little bit of nervousness, and a whole lot of fire in my heart. I had no idea back then what this journey would bring. I didn’t know how many times I’d be tested, I didn’t know how much I would grow, and I sure didn’t know how deeply I would fall in love with these fans and the team and this city.”His strip sack of Tom Brady in the closing moments of Super Bowl LII helped secure a narrow win over the New England Patriots and delivered the first Lombardi Trophy to the city of Philadelphia.That elevated Graham to icon status in Philly and marked the pinnacle of his turnaround after he was labeled a bust early in his career following a slow start largely due to injuries.Graham flashed a big smile when the play was brought up.“That’s always going to be a good one. A Michigan guy against another Michigan guy,” he said. “It was a big moment in my career, and that’s where I felt like things started to get even better from that point on.”Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie praised Graham for the “many memorable moments” he provided the franchise and its fans.“Brandon Graham is the embodiment of everything you want in a Philadelphia Eagle,” Lurie said in a statement. “…It was the way he played the game and the way he carried himself that earned him the love and respect of his coaches, teammates and fans.”Graham made his lone Pro Bowl in 2020 and recorded his first double-digit sack campaign in 2022, posting 11 takedowns. This past season was initially thought of as a retirement tour of sorts, but he took on an expanded role under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and was the team’s most productive edge rusher early in the season.Graham tore his triceps in late November against the Los Angeles Rams and announced in the locker room afterward that he would miss the remainder of the season.He quietly rehabbed behind the scenes, however, and was able to return for the team’s decisive Super Bowl LIX win over the Kansas City Chiefs, providing the storybook ending to one of the most consequential careers in Eagles history.“If I didn’t make it back to the Super Bowl, I probably wouldn’t be up here right now,” he said. “I promise you, I’d be begging to come back for one more. But I was happy to be able to make it back to play with my guys, to put that uniform on one last time in a big moment, on the big stage.“Me being able to be a part of that, that was all I needed to know. I feel like my prayers were answered, being able to come back and be with them boys one last time.” |
| WASHINGTONSome Houston fans were willing to bid adieu to T LAREMY TUNSIL after a wave of yellow handkerchiefs followed him around throughout 2024. Mike Florio ofProFootballTalk.com: In Houston, Laremy Tunsil became part of the problem. In Washington, he vows to be part of the solution.And he hopes to solve his personal problem of having too many penalties. In 2024, he led the league with nineteen fouls.“It’s really just me versus me at the end of the day,” Tunsil told reporters during his first media session as a member of the Commanders, via Bryan Manning of USA Today. “There’s a lot of things I want to work on. Those 19 penalties I had last season are unacceptable. That’s something I want to address for sure, getting that number down or even having none. I want to keep growing as a player, as a pass blocker, a run blocker; it doesn’t matter. I’m always trying to improve in each of those fields.”For the year, Tunsil had 12 false starts, three illegal formation fouls, two holding calls, an ineligible man downfield violation, and an unnecessary roughness penalty.Of the 19 penalties, 12 happened in the first four weeks of the 2024 season — with six in a Week 3 loss to the Vikings. |
| NFC SOUTH |
| CAROLINAWR DAVID MOORE is back with Dave Canales and the Panthers. Myles Simmons ofProFootballTalk.com: The Panthers are bringing back one of their offensive free agents.Carolina has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with receiver David Moore, the team announced on Tuesday.Moore, 30, spent last season with the Panthers and appeared in all 17 games with five starts. He caught 32 passes for 351 yards with three touchdowns last season.Moore had previously been with Carolina head coach Dave Canales with Seattle and Tampa Bay when Canales was serving as an assistant.A seventh-round pick in 2017, Moore has 78 career receptions for 1,163 yards with 17 TDs for the Seahawks, Broncos, Packers, Buccaneers and Panthers. |
| NFC WEST |
| SAN FRANCISCOFB KYLE JUSZCZYK is back with the 49ers. Michael David Smith ofProFootballTalk.com: 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk was a free agent for only a few days before agreeing to a new contract to remain in San Francisco. But he says that brief time helped clarify what he wanted, which was to remain where he’s been since 2017.Juszczyk said on SiriusXM NFL Radio that the 49ers told him that “The financial restrictions we’re under are a real thing,” which is why they released him rather than pay him the $4.1 million base salary he was due for the 2025 season on his old contract. Juszczyk then talked to some teams to find out what was available to him before deciding to stay in place.“They put it in my court, whether I wanted to be released or continue to negotiate a pay cut,” Juszczyk said. “I think it’s good to see what your market is, so they gave me the opportunity to do that. Me and my agent, we went to work and we had some interested teams, we explored those possibilities.”Ultimately, Juszczyk says, San Francisco is where he wanted to be.“It was too much to leave home,” he said. “I wanted to be a Niner and we were able to get to a number I was comfortable with and we made a deal and I couldn’t be happier.” |
| AFC NORTH |
| CLEVELANDThe Haslam family have committed $2 billion for their stadium near Cleveland’s Hopkins Airport. Yardbarker: The Cleveland Browns took a major step toward playing in a new retractable-roof stadium by 2028 after owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam committed $2 billion to make the venue happen, ESPN reported Tuesday.The team posted a video with an artist’s rendering of the new stadium and surrounding property, which will be built in nearby Brook Park, Ohio, near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.The team’s lease at their current stadium, near downtown Cleveland and on the edge of Lake Erie, is set to run through 2028. The team moved into the venue in 1999.“The Cleveland Browns and our community need and deserve a new home — and from the outset we have been unequivocal that it must positively benefit our community and Northeast Ohio,” the Haslams said in a statement. “The proposed Huntington Bank Field in Brook Park meets this vital objective and will reflect positively on our world-class region and its promising future. It also reflects our 100 percent commitment to keeping the Browns in their home market for generations to come.” The Ohio House is wrestling with more funding: The Ohio House Finance Committee will likely include $600 million in bonds for the proposed Brook Park stadium in their budget bill. Ohio politicians have attempted different funding solutions for the Browns’ stadium. Governor Mike DeWine proposed the state should double the state’s tax on sports betting to help finance future professional stadiums. The Ohio legislature has balked at the request to increase taxes.Ohio House Republicans have proposed offering $600 million in state-backed bonds to cover the stadium costs. Critics of using bonds to fund the stadium point out the bonds will cost taxpayers nearly $1 billion after interest. They’re also worried more professional sports teams will request bonds to build or renovate future stadiums. |
| PITTSBURGHAs QB AARON RODGERS dithers, he isn’t making any friends with his possible future teammates on the Steelers. Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com: – Cameron Heyward isn’t joining Aaron Rodgers on a darkness retreat anytime soon.The longtime Pittsburgh Steelers defensive captain said on his “Not Just Football” podcast Tuesday that he’s not going to great lengths to recruit the four-time MVP to sign with the Steelers.“I ain’t doing that darkness retreat,” Heyward said, responding to a question from co-host Hayden Walsh on whether he’d go into the dark with Rodgers to land the quarterback’s services. “I don’t need any of that crap. Either you want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler or you don’t. It’s that simple. That’s the pitch. If you want me to recruit, that’s the recruiting pitch. Pittsburgh Steelers. If you want to be part of it, so be it. If you don’t, no skin off my back.”The tone matched that of new Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, who said last week it wasn’t his role to recruit quarterbacks to Pittsburgh.“This is a historic organization,” Metcalf said. “They’ve done the recruiting before I even got here, so whoever wants to come here and try to win as many games as we can, they can join us. But if not, good luck on the other side.”Heyward’s attitude, though, is a departure from last year’s free agency when he was part of a teamwide push to land Russell Wilson. That time around, Heyward was one of several team and organizational leaders who got on the phone with Wilson. The two FaceTimed for an hour, Wilson said at his introductory news conference in March 2024.“I told him [Pittsburgh] isn’t the place for glitz and glamour,” Heyward said, describing his pitch to Wilson on “The Up and Adams Show” in July. “It’s not L.A., it’s not Atlanta. This is the place where gladiators come, and we’re going to compete every day. He was receptive to that. He wanted to compete.”While he was involved in the last search for a signal-caller, Heyward, 35, expressed exasperation with this year’s drawn-out process.“I just want to play football,” Heyward said. “I’m tired of talking about the quarterback situation. I’d rather have it done. I don’t know what ends up happening. I’m ready to move on into free agency. There’s too much going on.”Though the Steelers are still waiting on Rodgers as he weighs his options, they did add a quarterback to the roster — and it’s one who earned Heyward’s stamp of approval. The Steelers brought back 2018 third-round pick Mason Rudolph after his yearlong stint with the Tennessee Titans.Rudolph started 13 games during his four-year tenure in Pittsburgh, and he was vital in helping the Steelers rally to secure a 2023 playoff berth with wins in each of his three regular-season starts.“When he stepped in for us, he was ready,” Heyward said. “If we don’t sign a QB, and we go in there with Mason, we feel good about it. Excited to have him back. He’s a guy for the locker room. A lot of guys vibe with him.” |
| AFC EAST |
| NEW ENGLANDThe Patriots did not chase either WR DK METCALF or WR DAVANTE ADAMS. Tom Curran of NBC Boston explains as he discusses the continuing holes at tackle and WR: We’ll start with an overview of the offensive moves made and next steps.Offensive lineIN: RT Morgan Moses, OG Wes Schweitzer, OT Demontrey Jacobs,OUT: C David AndrewsTHE SKINNY: The No. 1 offseason priority was left tackle. Not just a guy to stand there at the spot. Someone to play it capably. The Patriots still don’t have one. Not that the free agent rivers were teeming with left tackles ready to be hauled aboard. Ronnie Stanley signed back with the Ravens. Dan Moore went from Pittsburgh to Tennessee for $20M a year and that’s viewed as a massive dice roll. Former Jaguar and Viking Cam Robinson is still on the market but the entire league is cool to him, even though he was billed as the No. 1 tackle available when free agency opened. It’s either price, not that good, pain in the posterior or a three-way combo. Second-year tackle Caedan Wallace and warm body Vederian Lowe are all that’s on the roster for that spot right now.The durable 34-year-old Moses should be plug-and-play at right tackle next to right guard Mike Onwenu. Schweitzer can either be depth or compete for left guard with Layden Robinson and Cole Strange. Jacobs is a depth guy.The Patriots released blood-and-guts center David Andrews in an eye-widening move. He played four games last year and will be 33 this season. Clearly, they’re choosing to get younger and had concerns about durability at the spot so they made the hard call. My guess: they felt it was better to move on from Andrews now than lead him on by bringing him through the offseason. All they have on the roster now is Ben Brown.GOING FORWARD: The default position is they use No. 4 on a left tackle – LSU’s Will Campbell or Missouri’s Armand Membou. They can trade down a smidge if they find a willing partner and still get one of them. With 29-year-old center Garrett Bradbury released by the Minnesota Vikings, the Patriots may be poised to jump at him.The Patriots have whistled past the graveyard with left tackle for years, trying to get by on hope and crossed fingers. Hope that 2018 Trent Brown would resurface; fingers crossed that Chuks Okarafor or someone else could do the job. It never works. Have they yet learned their lesson?Phil Perry’s latest mock draft: Patriots draft Will Campbell at No. 4Wide receiverIN: Mack HollinsOUT: Nobody.THE SKINNY: Hollins is a 6-foot-4, 221-pounder who – with those dimensions – stands apart from the rest of the wide receiver room (Javon Baker, Ja’Lynn Polk and Kendrick Bourne are all 6-foot-1 and about 205; Kayshon Boutte is a touch smaller, DeMario Douglas is pocket-sized). Nobody’s confusing him for DeAndre Hopkins or the boundary receiver the team really needs to take advantage of Drake Maye’s downfield ability, but he did have 57 catches playing in Josh McDaniels’ offense back in 2022 with the Raiders.He’s quirky but smart and can hopefully have a positive impact on a young room that is – collectively – on thin ice after 2024’s miserable performance.The Patriots were exceedingly wary of the negative impact a demanding veteran wideout could have on Maye. As a result, they weren’t in the game on talented guys like DK Metcalf and Davante Adams. The guy they loved – Chris Godwin – signed back with the Buccaneers. So this spot is very much like left tackle. Need one desperately. Have screwed up staffing the position for YEARS. Have a chance at the top of the draft with No. 4 if Travis Hunter is there.My two cents would be to fix the line first and take the tackle. I understand why others may feel differently.Patriots’ WR Mack Hollins says he’s ready to link up with Bill NyePatriots signed WR Mack Hollins in free agency. He gave a shout-out to Bill Nye ‘the science guy’ during his first press conference in New England. |
| THIS AND THAT |
| RANKING THE AFCJordan Dajani of CBSSports.com still has the Chiefs at number one after he ranks the AFC 16 to 1 in the wake of free agency: How would you rank the AFC if the 2025 season began today? Are the Kansas City Chiefs still the top dog, or did another contender like the Buffalo Bills overtake them? Let’s rank the AFC from 16-1 after the first wave of free agency.16. Cleveland BrownsKey additions: DT Maliek Collins, QB Kenny PickettKey losses: DT Dalvin TomlinsonThe Browns went 3-14 last year and may be without Deshaun Watson for the 2025 season. Watson clearly has struggled since leaving H-Town, but Pickett probably isn’t the long-term answer in Cleveland, either. The Browns finding a way to keep Myles Garrett was the headline of their offseason thus far, but he doesn’t make the Browns a Super Bowl contender by himself. The big question for Cleveland is who will play quarterback this year? Is it Russell Wilson, or Shedeur Sanders? Kirk Cousins?!15. Tennessee TitansKey additions: LT Dan Moore Jr., LB Cody Barton, S Xavier Woods, OG Kevin ZeitlerKey losses: EDGE Harold Landry, WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, LB Kenneth MurrayThe Titans weren’t expected to be active in free agency after their 2024 spending spree landed them the No. 1 overall pick in this upcoming draft. Tennessee made the interesting decision to sign Moore away from Pittsburgh, and push former No. 7 overall pick JC Latham over to right tackle. Even if you hate the Moore contract, landing veteran Zeitler should make Titans fans feel better about the offensive line as a whole. Tennessee also lost Westbrook-Ikhine to the Miami Dolphins, who caught nine touchdowns last season, and released veteran cornerback Chidobe Awuzie. The Titans still have plenty of needs to address, starting with quarterback. Maybe that comes in the form of Cam Ward, which is why I’ll put Tennessee above Cleveland … for now. 14. Jacksonville JaguarsKey additions: OL Patrick Mekari, CB Jourdan Lewis, WR Dyami Brown, S Eric MurrayKey losses: TE Evan Engram, S Andre Cisco, WR Christian KirkThe Jaguars have made some nice moves in free agency, landing Mekari to boost Trevor Lawrence’s protection, while Lewis and Murray will be immediate contributors in the secondary. The Brown contract was pretty surprising to me, but Jacksonville had to do something to help that wide receiving corps. The Jags aren’t expected to be contenders in Year 1 of the James Gladstone era, but what I want to see in 2025 is Liam Coen establish a rapport with Lawrence, and get him back to playing at a high level.13. New York JetsKey additions: QB Justin Fields, CB Brandon Stephens, S Andre CiscoKey losses: CB D.J. Reed, DT Javon Kinlaw, WR Davante Adams, RT Morgan Moses, EDGE Haason ReddickIt probably goes without saying, but the Jets’ 2025 season may hinge on if Justin Fields is a good quarterback or not. He was an intriguing signal-caller on the market given his dual-threat ability and the fact that he would come much cheaper than someone like Darnold. Fields played the most efficient football of his career last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but is he a full-time starter? Maybe with Garrett Wilson he is. Or maybe Jaxson Dart comes in and finds success. Defensively, New York scored an interesting young player in Andre Cisco, who is just 25 years old, but losing D.J. Reed is tough for new head coach Aaron Glenn.12. New England PatriotsKey additions: DT Milton Williams, CB Carlton Davis, EDGE Harold Landry, LB Robert Spillane, RT Morgan MosesKey losses: DT Davon Godchaux, DB Jonathan JonesThe Patriots are already going to be one of the most interesting teams to follow this upcoming season, for three reasons: how much they really improved in free agency, the impact Mike Vrabel will have in Year 1 and what Drake Maye is capable of with a better support system — which is still a work in progress. Moses was a good signing, but the Patriots need more than just him when it comes to the offensive line. New England also needs a legitimate wide receiver, because signing Mack Hollins isn’t enough. Williams signed the biggest contract in free agency thus far, as Vrabel targeted his “Jeffery Simmons” to captain the middle, if you will.11. Indianapolis ColtsKey additions: S Camryn Bynum, CB Charvarius Ward, QB Daniel JonesKey losses: OG Will Fries, EDGE Dayo Odeyingbo, C Ryan KellyThe Colts have been one of the most intriguing teams in free agency to me. Addressing the secondary was an important item on the to-do list, and Camryn Bynum at safety plus Charvarius Ward at corner are great adds. The Colts also want to host a quarterback competition, so they added Daniel Jones to battle Anthony Richardson. After seeing Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield find success after leaving bad situations, I’m reserving judgement on Jones. While Indy made some notable adds, it also lost some big names — especially on the offensive line with Will Fries and Ryan Kelly. The offensive line is something to watch for in the draft, but at least the Colts defense should be better.10. Las Vegas RaidersKey additions: S Jeremy Chinn, OG Alex Cappa, QB Geno Smith, RB Raheem MostertKey losses: S Trevon Moehrig, CB Nate Hobbs, LB Robert Spillane, LB Divine DeabloThe Raiders got better at the quarterback position, but how much better? Smith knows head coach Pete Carroll, but how will this soon-to-be 35-year-old fit in Chip Kelly’s scheme when he doesn’t have DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett or Jaxon Smith-Njigba to throw to? Maybe Lockett is on the way to Vegas, but the Raiders will need to add more than just him at wide receiver. I do trust coach Carroll, though.9. Miami DolphinsKey additions: OG James Daniels, DB Ifeatu Melifonwu, QB Zach Wilson, WR Nick Westbrook-IkhineKey losses: S Jevon Holland, OG Robert JonesMiami hasn’t been very active in free agency, but the headline thus far is losing safety Jevon Holland to the New York Giants. Melifonwu is certainly an intriguing replacement if he can stay healthy. Adding Daniels was good for the offensive line, but Miami shouldn’t be done adding talent in the trenches. Ultimately, the Dolphins haven’t done anything yet to move themselves off the line of “borderline playoff team,” but I still don’t view them as a “bad team.” We’ll see what GM Chris Grier does in the draft.8. Pittsburgh SteelersKey additions: CB Darius Slay, WR DK MetcalfKey losses: LT Dan Moore Jr., QB Justin Fields, OL James Daniels, CB Donte Jackson, RB Najee HarrisIt’s difficult to judge the Steelers since we don’t know who will be playing quarterback. Could it be Aaron Rodgers? Or maybe Russell Wilson comes back. Regardless, Metcalf is the best wide receiver Pittsburgh has had since Antonio Brown. This rushing attack is going to look different with the loss of Harris, and then the offensive line will need some extra help without Daniels and Moore on roster. Even if those two players weren’t high-level starters, Pittsburgh needs depth in the trenches given what happened last year with all of the injuries.7. Los Angeles ChargersKey additions: OG Mekhi Becton, CB Donte Jackson, WR Mike Williams, RB Najee HarrisKey losses: WR Josh Palmer, DT Poona Ford, CB Kristian Fulton, EDGE Joey BosaRe-signing Khalil Mack was important, and signing former Steelers running back Najee Harris intrigues me. However, losing Ford and Bosa makes you a worse team. L.A. can still be a playoff squad, but it won’t go very far without a physical outside wide receiver. Ladd McConkey can’t do everything by himself, and I wonder how effective Mike Williams will be in his return to the Chargers.6. Houston TexansKey additions: WR Christian Kirk, OG Laken Tomlinson, S C.J. Gardner-Johnson, DT Sheldon Rankins, OG Ed IngramKey losses: LT Laremy Tunsil, S Eric Murray, OG Kenyon GreenThe Texans made one of the most shocking moves of free agency when they traded star left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders for a package of picks. Houston’s offensive line struggled mightily last season, so Nick Caserio is opting for a rebuild at that position — which included trading Kenyon Green to the Philadelphia Eagles for CJGJ. While no one in Houston is crying foul over losing Green, Gardner-Johnson is an addition worth getting excited about. The Texans still look like the best team in the AFC South, but as for if they are legitimate contenders, we’ll see. Apart from the offensive line, maybe OC Nick Caley is key for Houston getting over the hump.5. Cincinnati BengalsKey additions: DT Tedarrell Slaton, LB Oren BurksKey losses: OG Alex Cappa, LB Akeem Davis-GaitherMaybe the vibes are high in Cincinnati because the Bengals found a way to keep both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins long term, but the future of reigning sack leader Trey Hendrickson remains up in the air, and the Bengals still have to upgrade the defense that kept this team out of the playoffs last year.4. Denver BroncosKey additions: S Talanoa Hufanga, LB Dre Greenlaw, TE Evan EngramKey losses: LB Cody Barton, RB Javonte WilliamsDid Sean Payton finally find his “joker” in Engram? Adding more weaponry for Bo Nix was a key goal this offseason, and Denver isn’t done either. Defensively, Hufanga and Greenlaw make the Broncos better. Remember, this unit was incredibly aggressive last year, ranking top five in sacks (63), pressure percentage (40%) and blitz percentage (37%). Plenty of reason to be excited about Denver moving forward.3. Baltimore RavensKey additions: WR DeAndre HopkinsKey losses: OL Patrick Mekari, CB Brandon StephensThe Ravens haven’t had a very exciting free agency. Keeping Ronnie Stanley is huge, but losing Mekari is notable, too. Surely there are people out there that think the Hopkins addition is something that will get Baltimore over the hump, but I don’t know. Hopkins turns 33 in June, and is probably more of a move-the-chains possession guy than someone who averages 70-80 receiving yards per game.The Ravens will once again be one of the best teams in the NFL, but will have to prove they are better than the Bills or Chiefs.2. Buffalo BillsKey additions: WR Josh Palmer, EDGE Michael Hoecht, EDGE Joey Bosa, DT Larry OgunjobiKey losses: CB Kaiir Elam, EDGE Von MillerThe Bills have had a pretty decent free agency so far, adding a young receiver in Palmer and several defensive linemen in Hoecht, Bosa and Ogunjobi. However, Hoecht and Ogunjobi will unfortunately have to miss six games due to PED suspensions. So I do wonder if there will be some early season struggles defensively. The draft will be important for Buffalo, but this is still a legitimate contender led by the very well-paid reigning NFL MVP.1. Kansas City ChiefsKey additions: LT Jaylon Moore, CB Kristian Fulton, RB Elijah MitchellKey losses: DT Tershawn Wharton, S Justin Reid, WR DeAndre Hopkins, OLB Josh Uche, OG Joe ThuneyBrett Veach quickly targeted Moore to serve as Patrick Mahomes’ new left tackle, then Fulton and Mitchell could be important, underrated contributors if they can stay healthy. The Chiefs have had a solid offseason since they found a way to keep Trey Smith and Nick Bolton. There’s still some work to be done, but the Chiefs have made the Super Bowl three years in a row, and I’m not ready to take them off the No. 1 spot in the AFC. |
| BROADCAST NEWSThe line for linear television is trending down per Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com: The world has changed. Linear TV keeps shrinking. Streaming keeps growing.The latest example comes from the numbers generated in February 2025. Via Rick Porter of the Hollywood Reporter, the split between TV use between broadcast/cable and streaming was nearly identical. For broadcast (21.2 percent) and cable (23.2 percent), the combined number was 44.4 percent. For streaming, the percentage was 43.5 percent.That happened despite the massive linear audience for the Super Bowl, which had average viewership in excess of 127 million. Of course, that was just one game. The end of the bulk of the 2024 pro and college football seasons resulted in more people opting for streaming over broadcast/cable.The numbers show that broadcast TV still has a place in the modern consumption model. Sure, it’s not what it once was. But it’s still the best way for the NFL to maximize an audience for a live event.No one knows how much longer that will last. Still, except more — not fewer — streaming deals with the next round of NFL broadcast contracts are negotiated at the end of the current decade. |
