T Caleb Lomu Completes 10-Visit Itinerary
Wednesday marks the final opportunity for teams to conduct “30” visits, and the 49ers received the latest meeting with Utah’s Caleb Lomu. While San Francisco met with the Utah tackle Tuesday night, many other teams brought in the first-round talent during the pre-draft process.
We covered Lomu’s Browns and Eagles meetings, and NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport confirms the college LT also met with the Bears, Chiefs, Dolphins, Lions, Panthers, Rams and Texans. One of several tackles viewed as first-round options, Lomu checks in as a blindside option (well, for everyone but the Falcons) compared to some of this class’ other top targets — who have played right tackle and been linked to potential guard shifts.
A two-year LT starter at Utah, Lomu earned first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2025. He did not allow a sack last year, per Dane Brugler of The Athletic. The 6-foot-6 blocker joins Spencer Fano as ex-Utes projected to be first-round picks. Lomu did not dabble in RT work, making all 24 of his collegiate starts on the left side while Fano manned the RT post. Lomu checks in 26th on Daniel Jeremiah’s NFL.com big board, sitting behind Francis Mauigoa (10th), Fano (13th), Blake Miller (19th), Monroe Freeling (20th) and Kadyn Proctor (22nd) among tackles.
The Chiefs continue to be connected to tackles — on both sides, as their Trent Williams ties remind — and the team is at least considering using a high draft choice to replace the since-released Jawaan Taylor (now a Falcon). Jaylon Moore remains an option in K.C., which has 2025 first-round pick Josh Simmons tentatively slated to continue starting at LT. Kansas City holds the Nos. 9 and 29 overall picks.
The Rams, who traded No. 29 to the Chiefs, sit at No. 13. They have Alaric Jackson at LT and Warren McClendon slated to succeed Rob Havenstein at RT. The Lions (No. 17) are in need — most likely at right tackle — after Taylor Decker‘s release, a move likely set to precede Penei Sewell sliding to LT. The Panthers (No. 19) signed Rasheed Walker as an Ikem Ekwonu stopgap; RT Taylor Moton‘s 2025 extension runs through 2027. Ozzy Trapilo is expected to miss most of the 2026 season following a patellar tendon tear, though the Bears re-signed Braxton Jones to compete with Theo Benedet — as of now, at least — at LT.
Miami (No. 11) rosters Patrick Paul but has Austin Jackson in a contract year; the veteran RT accepted a pay cut last month. Houston has struggled up front for a bit and has been connected to further bolstering its group via the draft. The Texans traded up for Aireontae Ersery last year and signed Braden Smith at right tackle (as 2024 second-rounder Blake Fisher has been unable to commandeer that gig).
Lastly, the 49ers are at least in need of a possible long-term LT solution. They continue to negotiate with Williams, who is heading into an age-38 season and the final year of his reworked contract. Colton McKivitz is going into a fourth season as San Francisco’s right tackle.
Broncos Were ‘Shocked’ Travis Etienne Signed Elsewhere?
As part of a mass retention effort, the Broncos re-signed J.K. Dobbins by giving their primary 2025 starting running back a deal that nearly quadrupled his ’25 contract in terms of fully guaranteed money ($8MM). But Dobbins does not appear to have been Denver’s first choice at the position.
The Broncos were tied to Breece Hall, with a previous report indicating the Jets slapped the franchise tag on their four-year starter in part to avoid a potential bidding war with Denver. Travis Etienne then brought connections to the Broncos, who indeed pursued the five-year Jaguar. The Saints, however, ended up signing the former first-round pick on a four-year, $48MM deal that included $24MM guaranteed at signing.
Etienne’s full guarantee ranks fifth among RBs, and it would stand to reason the Broncos — as they did with 2025 Saints signee Juwan Johnson — helped drive this market. The Broncos were “shocked” Etienne went elsewhere rather than signing with them, an NFL exec informed The Athletic’s Mike Sando.
Had Etienne accepted the Broncos’ offer, he would have been positioned as the starter in a tandem with RJ Harvey. Although Etienne joined a Saints team still rostering Alvin Kamara, it is far from certain the former Pro Bowler will be part of New Orleans’ roster for a 10th season. The Saints have Kendre Miller and 2025 sixth-rounder Devin Neal rostered as well.
Sean Payton was in charge when the Saints gave Kamara his first extension — a five-year, $75MM pact in 2020 — and he also signed off on the team re-signing Mark Ingram in 2015. The Broncos have a recent history with lower-cost or rookie-deal backs, with Dobbins playing for barely $2MM last season. Denver let Javonte Williams walk prior to signing Dobbins. Before Dobbins’ second deal with the team, Denver’s most notable RB contract came when Melvin Gordon signed a two-year, $16MM deal in 2020. The Gordon contract did not pan out, and while neither Payton nor GM George Paton was in place when that contract was finalized, it certainly appears the current Broncos regime were prepared to make a sizable investment.
It just does not look like the Broncos offered $24MM guaranteed at signing. As it stands, Dobbins and Harvey will reprise a 2025 tandem; Denver also retained both Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie. It remains to be seen whether the Broncos will attempt to add a bigger back in the draft to complement Harvey beyond 2026 and/or serve as Dobbins insurance — which was lacking after the injury-prone back’s Lisfranc injury last year. But such a move would make sense for a Denver team with Super Bowl aspirations and few glaring needs.
Commanders Host Caleb Downs; S Unlikely To Fall Out Of Top 10?
The clear-cut top safety in this draft class, Caleb Downs looks likely to become the first safety drafted in the top 10 since Jamal Adams in 2017. Adams is the only safety to go off the board in the top 10 over the past 15 drafts, but Downs could even beat the former All-Pro’s No. 6 draft slot.
The Giants have been closely connected to Downs at No. 5 for weeks, and a recent report indicated the Cowboys are a team to watch with a trade-up — potentially for a player the Giants are coveting. Downs, who visited Dallas during the pre-draft process, would fit the profile for a team desperate for defensive upgrades.
[RELATED: Cowboys Host Downs On “30” Visit]
Dallas would probably need to trade up for Downs, as ESPN’s Peter Schrager noted during an interview with DLLS Sports that the Ohio State safety falling to No. 12 overall should be considered highly unlikely. Schrager had previously mocked Downs to Dallas, but feedback within the league led the veteran reporter to back off that prediction. Downs’ floor may be the Bengals at No. 10, SI.com’s Albert Breer adds.
Adding Jalen Thompson and retaining Malik Hooker via pay cut, the Cowboys also signed P.J. Locke. They would be bucking NFL draft norms by trading up that far for a safety. Dallas holds the Nos. 12 and 20 overall picks, and moving into the top four would be quite costly. The Bengals have seen safety issues cause trouble ever since Jessie Bates‘ 2023 departure, but they did add Bryan Cook on a three-year, $40.25MM deal. Starter Jordan Battle is entering a contract year.
Cincinnati also may be a place to monitor with regards to a first-round cornerback investment, Breer adds, while also mentioning Rueben Bain Jr. as a potential option. The Bengals have both Daxton Hill and DJ Turner on expiring contracts at corner. The team has two first-round DEs — Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart — rostered and gave Boye Mafe a three-year, $60MM pact in free agency.
If the Giants pass on Downs at No. 5, Washington may lurk. The Commanders included Downs in a bulk “30” visit at a TopGolf complex, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets. Washington has proceeded this way in the recent past, as its 2024 QB summit reminds. The Commanders added Nick Cross on a two-year, $13MM deal last month and have Will Harris, Quan Martin and special-teamer Jeremy Reaves rostered at the position. Washington (at No. 7) is viewed as Jeremiyah Love‘s likely floor, but Downs would also be a logical choice. It does not appear likely the standout safety — one of four ex-Buckeyes who could be chosen in the top 10 — will need to wait long to hear his name called.
Giants, Dexter Lawrence Break Off Contract Talks; Latest On DT’s Trade Market
Although contract talks between the Giants and Dexter Lawrence were not perceived as dead as of Tuesday, the latest updates bring a step backward for the two parties. An impasse has given way to the sides ending this round of negotiations.
The Giants and Lawrence have broken off talks, according to the New York Daily News’ Pat Leonard. While Joe Schoen said Tuesday that he, John Harbaugh and new front office hire Dawn Aponte had been discussing terms with Lawrence, the All-Pro defensive tackle had requested a trade because the sides were far apart in previous conversations.
No trade is imminent, but Leonard adds significant interest exists from other teams. Even though Leonard adds there is a “real possibility” the Giants trade Lawrence, the New York Post’s Paul Schwartz pushes back by indicating the team is not actively engaged in trade talks. No trade conversations have occurred in at least five days, per Schwartz, who contradicts Leonard’s note about trade interest by writing that the 28-year-old DT has not in fact brought strong trade interest yet.
With Lawrence seeking a hefty raise despite coming off a down 2025 season, this trade market may have a lower cap than the Giants would prefer. A Quinnen Williams-like haul has been mentioned as a comp, but the fellow 2019 first-round D-tackle did not require an immediate payday. A team trading for Lawrence would need to sign off on a raise. We have seen that component of trade talks lead to lesser offers in the recent past, and the Giants are still controlling this operation. Lawrence’s camp has not received permission to shop around yet, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio notes.
Viewing Lawrence as a cornerstone piece, the Giants have balked at giving in to this trade request. This has not devolved into a situation where the team will take the best offer ahead of the draft, SNY’s Connor Hughes adds, and NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo mentions receiving picks in the 2027 draft — viewed as set to feature a better class than 2026’s — would probably appeal to the team. The Giants do not view the draft as a trade deadline here, despite the pressure Lawrence’s camp is applying. Lawrence’s four-year, $90MM contract runs through the 2027 season, and with the Giants preferring to keep him, Garafolo points to this process dragging on for a while.
Lawrence played out the guarantees on his deal last season, and Schoen said ahead of the Combine that would likely coincide with a push from the player’s camp for an updated deal. Guarantees may not be driving this push, though, with The Athletic’s Dan Duggan adding Lawrence sought a new contract last year despite guarantees remaining on the pact. Lawrence has pushed for a new contract for nearly two years, according to Leonard. He and the Giants settled on a $3MM incentive package; Lawrence collected $1MM during a season in which he totaled just a half-sack and a career-low eight QB hits.
Instead, this is more about a new contract that vaults Lawrence back toward the top of the position’s market. Lawrence’s 2023 extension now sits 11th among interior D-linemen, with less accomplished players — Milton Williams, Nnamdi Madubuike, Jordan Davis and Alim McNeill — surpassing him over the past three offseasons. A $5MM-plus AAV gap still exists between Chris Jones‘ $31.75MM-per-year deal and the field. Lawrence being interested in bridging that gap is understandable, but Schwartz maintains the Giants are not interested in tearing up his deal and authorizing a raise this year.
If the Giants do not trade Lawrence before or during the draft, the next stage in this showdown will be their June minicamp. If/when Lawrence does not show for that, rumors about a training camp holdout will likely emerge, but the standout defender would lose millions before the season if he followed through on that. A hold-in measure may not be especially relevant here, as those are generally reserved for players in negotiations. If the Giants are not interested in paying Lawrence this year, a hold-in may not be practical.
Although Schoen may be on shaky ground after the Harbaugh and Aponte hires stripped power from him, Schwartz adds the GM and HC agree on the team’s handling of this situation. It still appears the Giants are ready to force Lawrence’s hand and make him earn a new deal this season, but they are listening to offers. It will take a strong proposal to convince the team (31st in 2025 run defense) to move on before the draft. With this draft class not viewed as a DT-rich crop, big offers could come. But it does not sound like the Giants have fielded a host of them yet.
Chiefs, Jets, Raiders, Seahawks, Texans Meet With CB Colton Hood
Today represents the final opportunity for teams to conduct “30” visits with players, and several updates on this front have emerged. A couple involve Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood.
Expected to go off the board in Round 1, Hood’s visit itinerary became clear this afternoon. The Chiefs brought in Hood for a meeting this week, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero notes. Hood had met with the Cowboys previously, and Pelissero adds the Jets, Raiders, Seahawks and Texans conducted “30” visits with the Tennessee corner.
Hood transferred to Tennessee last year but did not team with Jermod McCoy in what would have been a standout CB duo, with McCoy missing all of the 2025 season due to an ACL tear. The 6-foot cover man played at three schools in three years, transferring from Auburn to Colorado to Tennessee. Hood checks in 25th on Daniel Jeremiah’s NFL.com big board — behind Mansoor Delane (No. 8) and McCoy (No. 15) among corners.
The 2025 SEC second-teamer forwent his final two seasons of eligibility to declare for the draft, and he should hear his name called on Day 1 (Hood certainly expects this, as he is attending the draft). The Chiefs hold the Nos. 9, 29 and 40 overall picks and should be expected to take a corner at one of those spots. Kansas City has developed a tried-and-true method of developing quality corners but not paying them, with Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson the latest one-contract cogs at this position. The team needs help after losing its top two options last month.
Trading Sauce Gardner last year, the Jets have a need here too. They signed Nahshon Wright to a low-cost deal following a 2025 breakthrough but have needs here ahead of a draft that sees them holding three picks in the top 33. The Raiders used a third-round pick on Darien Porter last year and re-signed Eric Stokes last month, but the rebuilding team could use more aid here as well. Las Vegas, however, has been tied to the wide receiver and right tackle positions with its No. 36 overall pick. The Texans are set at corner, identifying Kamari Lassiter as a solid No. 2 option alongside Derek Stingley Jr., but the Seahawks lost Riq Woolen in free agency. Seattle, however, rosters All-Pro Devon Witherspoon and re-signed Josh Jobe last month.
Dolphins RB De’Von Achane ‘Not Available For Trade’
Trade speculation has followed De’Von Achane since the 2025 deadline, but Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan said on Wednesday (via NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe) that the Pro Bowl running back is “not available for trade.”
Instead, Miami is working on a long-term extension for Achane, something he expressed interest in before the end of last season. Sullivan said that negotiations thus far have been “positive” and “trending in the right direction.”
The Dolphins have remained steadfast in their position regarding Achane, though there were similar reports about Waddle before he was traded to the Broncos. The 24-year-old running back has emerged as one of the most dynamic offensive weapons in the league with almost 1,500 scrimmage yards in 2024 and more than 1,800 last season. A team bringing in a relatively inexperienced starter in Malik Willis may find even more valuable in an explosive running back who can generate yards on the ground and through the air on both designed touches and checkdowns.
Running back pay has ticked up in the last two years, though only three players – Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, and Derrick Henry – have deals with a $15MM per year or more. Breece Hall was hit with a $14.29MM franchise tag, and Kenneth Walker‘s multi-year deal with the Chiefs is worth $14.35MM per year. Achane’s age and production give him an argument to join the former group. He has been a semi-regular presence on the Dolphins’ weekly injury reports, but he has played all but one game in the last two years without any sign of an injury affecting his on-field play.
One wrinkle with an Achane extension is the timing. His $2.3MM cap hit will go up due to the signing bonus of a new contract, but the Dolphins only have $1.9MM in cap space at the moment, per OverTheCap. Miami will see more than $20MM in savings once Bradley Chubb‘s release is processed on June 1, most of which will be used to sign their rookie class. But they should also have enough space after the draft to accommodate the increased cap hit resulting from an agreement with Achane.
Sullivan also previously signaled his intent to sign center Aaron Brewer and linebacker Jordyn Brooks to long-term deals as pillars of the team’s current rebuild. The team has engaged both players in contract talks, but no deal is imminent.
“They know how important they are to this team,” Sullivan said (via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald). “There’s nothing pressing to get something done in the next couple of days.”
Similar to the situation with Achane, Brewer’s cap hit would increase with an extension. Brooks’ could decrease, depending on how Miami structures the deal.
QB Ty Simpson Visiting Cardinals
The Cardinals are sneaking in a late but potentially significant pre-draft visit from Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, per ESPN’s Field Yates.
Wednesday is the last day for teams to host prospects for this year’s draft, and Arizona is thought to be in the market for a young quarterback after parting ways with Kyler Murray. Their current room is comprised of Jacoby Brissett, who started most of last season, free agency signing Gardner Minshew, and former UDFA Kedon Slovis. None profile as long-term options.
Enter Simpson, who is generally considered a borderline first-round pick after just one year as Alabama’s starter. The Cardinals hold the No. 3 pick, which is likely too high for the 23-year-old, but he might be an option for their second-rounder (No. 34 overall). Arizona could also consider trading back into the first round as the Giants did for Jaxson Dart last year, which preserves the possibility of an all-important fifth-year option for a young quarterback.
Simpson’s lack of starting experience means he will likely need some time to develop in the NFL. That could fit the Cardinals’ current situation with Brissett or Gardner starting this year and Simpson taking over in the future. He would have time to learn the scheme of new head coach Mike LaFleur, which prioritizes processing and accuracy, two of Simpson’s budding strengths. The former will need to get better against NFL defensive schemes, and he may need to get more precise with his ball placement to overcome his lack of arm strength.
But with a weak roster and a much stronger crop of prospects in 2027, the Cardinals may be best-served by waiting a year to draft the right quarterback of the future rather than the best one available this year. LaFleur had a front-row seat to Robert Saleh‘s challenges in New York after he was saddled with 2021 No. 2 pick Zach Wilson, and that is not the only case of a head coach struggling with a quarterback they did not handpick. As an offensive coach, LaFleur may be even more inclined to target the right prospect for his scheme and long-term future. But perhaps if Simpson experiences a Will Levis-esque fall into Day 2, where the Cardinals also hold the No. 65 pick, they may feel that Simpson is worth acquiring anyway to see what he can do as a rookie before making a decision on next year’s draft class.
Buccaneers Ownership Willing To Extend QB Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield is entering the final year of his contract, and Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht has already projected confidence in reaching an agreement on an extension.
Now, co-owner Joel Glazer has indicated (via Pewter Report’s Matt Matera) that the team is willing to write a big check to keep Mayfield in Tampa Bay.
“Obviously the quarterback is the highest paid position on the team, rightfully so,” Glazer said. “That means that it’s going good, so if the quarterback’s making top money, then your team is probably doing well and the quarterbacks performing well.”That doesn’t hurt at all to write that check, it’s something that all the teams do when you have good quarterbacks.”
He signed a three-year, $100MM extension during the 2024 offseason and immediately played like an elite quarterback with top-five marks in passing yards, touchdowns, completion percentage, and passer rating (though he also led the league with 16 interceptions). He regressed significantly in 2025, with solid volume numbers but below-average efficiency metrics.
But similar to Lamar Jackson and the Ravens last year, Mayfield’s statistical downturn was not isolated. Tampa Bay’s offense was ravaged by injuries with tackles Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke, receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, and running back Bucky Irving all missing significant time. Mayfield played through multiple injuries himself. Tampa Bay also lost offensive Liam Coen in the previous offseason, and his replacement, Josh Grizzard, was not able to fill his shoes.
The 2018 No. 1 pick has demonstrated an ability to bounce back already in his career, so the Buccaneers should still have plenty of reason to extend him. As always, an exact price tag will be the sticking point. Mayfield’s $33.3MM AAV in 2024 represented 13.1% of the cap. Now, that number would be just under $40MM, which is what Matthew Stafford signed for last offseason. Mayfield could shoot for the $44-46MM range, where Daniel Jones now sits in an unusual trio alongside Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson. Pushing above that and closer to $50MM feels unlikely for a 31-year-old coming off a down year, but Mayfield has an argument to be paid like a top-10 quarterback.
The Buccaneers are certainly satisfied with what they have gotten so far.
“He’s gone above and beyond anything we could’ve asked or hoped for Baker,” Glazer added. “Everybody loves him, performs, gives 250 percent when he’s on that field and that’s all you can ask for.
Raiders Receiving Interest In No. 1 Pick
It happens almost every year. Months of pre-draft evaluation have established a clear top quarterback in the draft class who is projected to be drafted with the No. 1 pick. And then the trade offers come in.
This year, the QB1 is Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, who has long been considered a lock for the Raiders with the first overall selection. That has not stopped teams from reaching out to Las Vegas about trading up, general manager John Spytek revealed on Tuesday.
“We’ve gotten a few calls, and those teams know where they stand,” Spytek said (via ESPN’s Ryan McFadden), an indication that the Raiders have no intention of moving their pick.
The Bears were willing to trade in the No. 1 overall pick in 2023, which resulted in a major blockbuster with the Panthers, who drafted Bryce Young. Among the picks sent to Chicago was Carolina’s 2024 first-rounder, which turned out to be the top pick that year. Again, the Bears fielded calls from teams who wanted to move up for Caleb Williams, but they never seemed to consider another trade down as a real option. The Patriots, who were drafting third, also received interest in their pick with teams looking to draft Drake Maye. Both teams stayed put and are likely thankful they did so.
The jury is still out on Tennessee resisting overtures for the No. 1 pick last year and sticking with Cam Ward. The Giants, who were among the teams who pursued Maye, sent multiple offers to the Titans all the way up until draft day. Presumably, their haul would have been similar to the Panthers’ package in 2023, two first- and two second-round picks.
The Raiders should be able to receive that kind of value this year, especially in a draft class with only one consensus first-round quarterback. Next year’s draft offers a deeper crop of prospects to choose from, and trading the No. 1 pick would give them the ammunition to land a quarterback from that group.
But ultimately, a trade does not make sense for the Raiders. Between their coaching change and roster upgrades, they are positioned to have a much better season than their 3-14 2025 campaign, resulting in a lower first-round pick. With multiple teams targeting quarterbacks in the 2027 draft, it may be difficult for Las Vegas to land their desired prospect. Other teams may not be willing to trade down, and even if they are, the Raiders will have to outbid other suitors. That is a much more complicated and uncertain proposition than simply drafting Mendoza this year and calling it a day.
Spytek suggested that Las Vegas is thinking along the same lines.
“If there’s a player that stands out that we feel it’s not worth losing, it’s not worth even picking up the phone, then we’ll just make the pick,” Spytek continued. “But if it’s a player that we’re not as excited about, or there’s a group of players that we would love to pick from, and we can get value for that, we’re certainly open to listening to that.”
Steelers Expected Aaron Rodgers Decision In Mid-February, Continue To Wait On QB
In an eerily similar offseason to 2025, the Steelers continue to wait on Aaron Rodgers. This time, however, the team did not seem to expect the process to drag on like it has.
While Rodgers went into the 2025 season expecting it to be his last, the aging great changed his tune and has been talking to Mike McCarthy and Omar Khan this offseason. But no deal is in place. The Steelers have also not heard for certain whether Rodgers will indeed return for a 21st season, and the delay is approaching the two-month mark.
The Steelers expected to hear from Rodgers on his future around mid-February, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. After nothing emerged, a new loose deadline placed free agency as the next window. When Rodgers did not let his 2025 employer know about his interest in a second season at that point, Art Rooney II pointed to the draft as the next point in which the team expected to find out the future Hall of Famer’s plans.
Rodgers, 42, did not sign with the Steelers until just before mandatory minicamp last year. The quarterback cited personal reasons at the time for the wait. Although Rodgers would seemingly be able to reassimilate into McCarthy’s offense fairly easily — even if the veteran HC has made tweaks since his Green Bay years — Pittsburgh will be hosting the draft and may be in the QB market.
Ty Simpson has come up as a potential Pittsburgh option. It would make sense for the Steelers to strongly consider Simpson at No. 21, seeing as they have not finished below .500 since 2003 and annually lack access to drafts’ top QB prospects, but multiple reports have pointed to the team being more likely to avoid that path. The Steelers passed on Jaxson Dart last year, something the Giants expected when they did not trade in front of them. It was viewed as likely by that point Rodgers would join the then-Mike Tomlin-led team. Tomlin’s presence drove Rodgers to Pittsburgh, and while Rooney expected the HC’s exit to impact the QB’s future with the team, McCarthy being tabbed as the successor pried the door back open.
Kirk Cousins loomed as a possible backup option last year, though the Falcons ended up keeping him out of trades (as they wanted an acquiring team to pick up a large chunk of his 2025 compensation), and Schefter adds the veteran also loomed as the Steelers’ likely fallback option behind Rodgers this offseason. As the Steelers have waited out Rodgers once again, Cousins signed with the Raiders.
Jimmy Garoppolo remains unsigned, as does 2024 Steeler starter Russell Wilson (who hoped to re-sign in 2025 but did not draw much Steelers interest). Beyond that duo, the free agent market consists of backup or third-string options following Cousins’ Las Vegas commitment.
The Steelers will continue to develop 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard, and Mason Rudolph has one year remaining on his contract. Based on reporting to date, it would surprise if Rodgers did not reprise his role as Pittsburgh’s starter. Still, the former Packers and Jets starter has gone from being “90% retired” as of winter 2023 to potentially playing four more seasons. That might be a stretch, injecting more risk into the Steelers’ strategy.
The Steelers have their eggs in this basket once again. While that provides a decent indication Rodgers will return, the team passing on Simpson and then seeing a Rodgers retirement commence will create a potentially embarrassing situation.