Malik Willis Expected To Draw FA Interest; Updates On Packers QB Injuries
Packers quarterback Malik Willis is expected to draw heavy free agent interest this offseason, per ESPN’s Dan Graziano.
The former Titans third-rounder did not show much in Tennessee, but he has found a grove in Green Bay over the last two years. Willis won both of his starts in 2024 and has generally played well when called upon. This year, he took a few snaps in Weeks 11 and 12 before an extended relief appearance last week after Jordan Love sustained a concussion. Willis completed eight of his 11 passes for 121 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions while adding 44 yards on the ground, though he could not lead a game-winning drive in overtime. The Packers offense has generally functioned smoothly with Willis under center.
That is why other teams will likely be interested this offseason. Willis himself may want a chance to compete for a starting job, which he will not get in Green Bay barring a significant injury to Love. A team looking for a quarterback could look to Willis as a bridge quarterback or reclamation project, perhaps to compete with a young passer for a starting job. Willis’ success in a McVay-style offense could be especially appealing to teams with similar offenses and/or a coach from McVay’s tree.
Unsurprisingly, the Packers would prefer to retain Willis as a high-end backup for exactly the situation that has come up this week. Love did not clear concussion protocol by the end of Green Bay’s practice week on Thursday, though he did progress though a few phases. He is also dealing with a left (non-throwing) shoulder injury and is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game. That positions Willis to start on Saturday against the Ravens, though he is dealing with a shoulder injury to his throwing arm as well as an illness. He is also listed as questionable, though he said earlier in the week (via The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman) that he expects to play.
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson Unlikely To Play Vs. Packers
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is not expected to play in Baltimore’s Week 17 matchup against the Packers. He is officially listed as doubtful on the team’s injury report.
Jackson went down in Sunday night’s loss to the Patriots after taking a knee to the back late in the first half. He did not return to the game, and head coach John Harbaugh has since described the injury as a “serious back contusion.”
Jackson was initially considered day-to-day, but he could not practice at all this week. Harbaugh said that Jackson could play without practicing, which is why he is designated as doubtful instead of being ruled out.
Backup Tyler Huntley will make his second start of the season in Jackson’s stead. He started in Week 8 against the Bears and led the Ravens to a 30-16 victory over the Bears. That game has looked more and more impressive in hindsight with Chicago’s growing success this season. Huntley himself performed well, as he did in relief of Cooper Rush in Week 6 and Jackson against the Patriots. In fact, many wondered why the Ravens signed Rush and installed him as the backup in the first place rather than reuniting with Huntley earlier in the offseason.
The Ravens’ playoff hopes depend on winning in Green Bay on Saturday night. A loss would eliminate them from playoff contention, and Jackson’s absence is obviously a major detriment.
Jaguars’ Unorthodox Process Hitting Its Stride Changing Downtrodden Team’s Perception
Sean Payton's classification of the Jaguars as a small-market team certainly should not have ruffled feathers. It has always been the appropriate label. It just rarely comes up like it does in Major League Baseball, when that grouping largely determines team spending. The increasingly outspoken Broncos HC could have gone further (and likely has behind closed doors) about the AFC South franchise.
Calling the Jaguars an unsuccessful organization may be pushing it, as the three conference championship appearances did happen. But dysfunction and futility have largely defined the Shad Khan ownership era. The Jags can thank their small-market status along with the existences of the Browns, Jets and Raiders -- far more recognizable brands -- for being a rather anonymous bottom-tier franchise for the past 15 years.
Khan's Urban Meyer whiff aside, the Jags entered the season with a .302 win percentage in the owner's 13 full seasons at the helm. That ranked last in the NFL among current owners. Khan's start to this past offseason also did not inspire much confidence. Despite low expectations, the Jaguars have zoomed to 11-4. In a year featuring the most random set of AFC contenders -- the Bills could really take a beating if their Super Bowl drought continues this year -- in eons, this one jumps out. The Jaguars have emerged with the eighth-best odds to win Super Bowl LX.
Jacksonville's offseason included a push for Ben Johnson as head coach; other teams shared their infatuation. Johnson interviewed but expressed hesitation with a setup that had unpopular GM Trent Baalke running the coaching search. Khan keeping Baalke after firing Doug Pederson was certainly the wrong plan, as the embattled exec was hurting the search. Had Khan insisted Baalke stay on, the two-time GM would have been more likely to have chosen a coach who would not have forced him out. Liam Coen's about-face on the Jags after Baalke's dismissal highlighted the flawed process. While Coen was coming off a strong season with the Buccaneers, the Jags still seemed wrong to give a coach with Coen's resume so much power.
Titans, Others Have Done Research On Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman
With two weeks left in the regular season, it won’t be long before NFL teams begin making head coaching changes. The Giants and Titans got started early when they dismissed their head coaches in the fall. At least a few other teams are sure to join them in the first half of January.
It’s likely the vast majority of HC candidates will bring some NFL coaching experience to the table. Although Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman doesn’t check that box, his name has come up in regards to NFL jobs on a couple of occasions in recent weeks. No team has made an official request to speak with Freeman yet, but he is expected to receive opportunities, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports.
Multiple clubs – including the Titans – have done research on the 39-year-old Freeman, per Fowler. Add Freeman to a growing list of possibilities for the Titans, who fired Brian Callahan on Oct. 13. Now 3-12, Tennessee will finish the season with interim head coach Mike McCoy before potentially turning to Freeman.
Briefly an NFL linebacker, Freeman began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Ohio State, in 2010. Later an assistant at Kent State, Purdue and Cincinnati, he took over as Notre Dame’s sideline leader in late 2021. The Fighting Irish have gone 43-12 since then. Pro organizations seem likely to come calling as a result, though multiple coaches with ties to Freeman told Fowler they don’t expect him to make the jump. Freeman, one of college football’s highest-paid HCs, may be content to stay in South Bend, Ind.
If Freeman does entertain a leap to the next level, the Giants figure to have interest, according to Fowler. That jibes with previous reports, though Albert Breer of SI.com doesn’t regard Freeman as a “runaway front-runner” for the job. The Giants are in the market after cutting ties with Brian Daboll on Nov. 10. They’ve since fallen to 2-13 with five straight losses under interim choice Mike Kafka, making it likely their next HC will come from outside the organization.
While Freeman to New York looks like a possibility, Breer “wouldn’t bet” on him moving to the NFL yet. If that proves true, the Titans, Giants and any other franchises that may have interest in Freeman will have to look elsewhere during the upcoming hiring cycle.
De’Von Achane Seeking Offseason Extension
Dolphins running back De’Von Achane said on Wednesday that he will pursue a contract extension with the Dolphins in the offseason, per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
Achane, 24, is in the third year of his rookie contract and will earn $1.5MM in 2026. He will be eligible for an extension next offseason.
The former Texas A&M standout was drafted in the third round (No. 84 overall) of the 2023 draft and has emerged as one of the most explosive running backs in the NFL over the last three years. Achane broke out as a rookie with 800 yards and eight touchdowns on only 103 carries (7.8 yards per carry) before emerging as a strong receiving threat in 2024. This year, he has 220 carries for 1,267 yards and eight touchdowns, plus 64 catches for 459 yards and four touchdowns.
Those results have created a strong extension case for the third-year running back. Achane leads the NFL with 5.8 yards per carry; the difference between him and James Cook (5.3 yards per carry) is the same as the difference between Cook and Javonte Williams in 13th place. His pass-catching abilities are especially valuable in the modern NFL.
Achane therefore has a case to be among the highest-paid running backs in the league. It may be difficult for him to surpass Saquon Barkley‘s $20.6MM but he still could still try to surpass Christian McCaffrey at $19MM. He has already demonstrated tremendous upside at a young age and the running back market could go up this offseason with Breece Hall and Kenneth Walker both set to hit free agency. At a minimum, those deals will raise the floor of Achane’s deal, while new contracts for Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson – both of whom will also be extension-eligible in the offseason – could significantly raise the ceiling.
The Dolphins may therefore be motivated to come to an agreement soon, but they have some arguments to limit his payday. His 5-foot-9, 191-pound frame was identified as a potential injury risk coming into the league, and those concerns materialized right away. Achane has dealt with multiple injuries in each year of his career, but only missed time in his rookie year. In 2024, he dealt with an ankle sprain and a concussion, and this year, he had a calf strain and a rib injury. He has played in every game in the last two years despite the injuries, but they remain a concern moving forward. Miami also has the option to use the franchise tag on Achane in 2027; that would almost certainly be cheaper than a long-term deal.
There is also the question of the future of head coach Mike McDaniel and the Dolphins more generally. The team has disappointed for a second year in a row, raising questions about their roster and leadership. General manager Chris Grier wanted to conduct a fire sale at the trade deadline; owner Stephen Ross disagreed and relieved him of his duties. McDaniel, however, seems poised to keep his job into 2026. Since the Dolphins’ offense is largely designed around Achane’s skillset, it makes sense that McDaniel not want to move him, especially heading into a pivotal season for the 42-year-old coach’s future in Miami.
The Dolphins still have the option to tag-and-trade Achane in 2027 if they decide to move on from McDaniel and rebuild, which may also disincentivize an early extension. However, Achane would fit in almost any offense, so Miami could plan to keep him no matter what. That, combined with Achane’s clear desire to upgrade his salary, might be enough for the two sides to come together on a long-term deal in the offseason.
Broncos Place C Luke Wattenberg On IR
The Broncos placed center Luke Wattenberg on injured reserve on Thursday, per a team announcement.
Wattenberg, 28, played every offensive snap for the Broncos in their first 15 games. He popped up on the injury report with a shoulder issue this week and did not participate in practice.
Now, he will have to miss Denver’s next four games. The Broncos are currently the AFC’s No. 1 seed; if that holds, Wattenberg would not be eligible to return until a potential Super Bowl. If they drop to the second seed or below, he will be eligible to return in the AFC championship game.
That offers some hints about Wattenberg’s status. In all likelihood, he is done for the season. If he was going to be available in the conference championship round – or close to it – the Broncos would probably not make this move. Keeping Wattenberg on the 53-man roster would allow him to ramp-up in practice and test his ability to return; his IR placement delays any practicing until after the Broncos’ second playoff game ends.
Wattenberg was having a breakout year, or at least, as close to one as you can get for an offensive lineman. He has anchored an offensive line that has only allowed 19 sacks all year, the fewest in the league, while serving as an effective partner for quarterback Bo Nix on the line of scrimmage. His loss will be a blow to Denver’s offense, though perhaps not a fatal one.
The Broncos started Alex Forsyth against the Chiefs on Christmas and will likely rely on him for the rest of the season. The 2023 seventh-round pick and started four games as a rookie. He has been active every week but has only played nine snaps on offense on the year.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/25/25
Only one NFL team made a practice squad move on Christmas. Here it is:
Los Angeles Rams
- Signed: CB Alex Johnson
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/25/25
A few NFL teams made transactions on Christmas. Here are the latest updates:
Baltimore Ravens
- Designated for return from IR: DT Taven Bryan
Denver Broncos
- Signed from practice squad: TE Marcedes Lewis, OL Calvin Throckmorton
- Elevated: LB Levelle Bailey, WR Michael Bandy
- Waived: RB Cody Schrader
Kansas City Chiefs
- Elevated: WR Jason Brownlee, OL Matt Waletzko
- Placed on IR: WR Nikko Remigio
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: CB Tre Flowers
Jaguars CB Jourdan Lewis Placed On IR
The Jaguars placed veteran cornerback Jourdan Lewis on injured reserve on Thursday, per a team announcement.
Lewis will undergo foot surgery and miss the rest of the 2025 season, including the playoffs, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Since Jacksonville has already clinched a spot in the postseason, Lewis could have theoretically returned for a potential AFC Championship game appearance. Unfortunately, his injury is too severe to even attempt a rushed recovery.
Lewis went down in Sunday’s win over the Broncos. He has appeared in 12 games this year as the Jaguars’ primary nickel with 39 tackles, 10 passes defended, and two interceptions. He missed three games in November, during which time he was replaced by second-year corner Jarrian Jones. Jones played well enough to keep a role on the boundary after Lewis’ return in Week 13; those snaps will need to be filled if he moves back into the slot.
Jacksonville could turn to Christian Braswell, who has been active for the last eight games for special teams work and a reserve role on defense. The Jaguars also signed veteran Keith Taylor off the Falcons’ practice squad a corresponding move to Lewis’ IR placement. The former Panther and Chief appeared in two games in Atlanta this season and has enough experience to serve as a backup for the rest of the year.
The Jaguars could also drop Eric Murray into the slot. He has not lined up there frequently this season, but he has nearly 1,500 career snaps as a nickel, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
Washington WR Denzel Boston To Enter 2026 NFL Draft
After a second consecutive standout season, Washington Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston is turning pro. Boston announced that he’ll forgo his final season of eligibility and enter the 2026 NFL Draft.
Stuck behind future NFLers Rome Odunze, Ja’Lynn Polk and Jalen McMillan on the depth chart from 2022-23, Boston wasn’t a factor in Washington’s offense during his first two seasons. With just seven catches during that 18-game span, Boston barely worked with future first-round Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Odunze, Polk, McMillan and Penix were all gone in 2024, Boston’s breakout campaign. The 6-foot-4, 210-pounder posted 63 receptions, 834 yards and nine touchdowns in 13 games. While Boston underwent cleanup surgery for a double sports hernia after last season, he showed no ill effects this year in putting up a 62-881-11 statline in 12 contests.
Boston, who earned third-team All-Big Ten honors in 2025, ended his college career with a huge showing in the LA Bowl. He picked up six catches for 126 yards and a TD in a 38-10 win over Boise State.
Odunze, Polk and McMillan each came off the board in the first three rounds of the draft. A similar fate awaits Boston, who could follow in Odunze’s footsteps as a first-rounder. With the combine still several weeks away, both Dane Brugler of The Athletic and Mel Kiper of ESPN regard Boston as a top 25 prospect.