HEADLINES

Month: February 2025

Melbourne To Host 2026 NFL Game; Sao Paulo Seeking Long-Term Hosting Deal

February 6th, 2025 at 9:52am CST by Adam La Rose

The NFL’s international expansion now has the league in position to have as many as eight games played outside the United States on a regular basis. As expected, new markets continue to emerge on that front.

[RELATED: NFLPA Director Speaks Out Against 18-Game Schedule]

Melbourne will become the next new host city for an NFL game. The league announced a game will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2026, with the Rams serving as the designated home team. Los Angeles is one of two teams which holds international marketing rights in Australia, with the Eagles being the other.

Philadelphia represents a logical opponent for the Rams given Sydney native Jordan Mailata‘s presence. Indeed, it was recently reported by the Melbourne Herald Sun that that the Rams and Eagles would be the first two teams to face off in Australia, although the latter has not been confirmed to be heading to Melbourne at this point. More notably, the Sun report adds that the city is set to host three NFL games, with the 2026 matchup being the first in that stretch. As could be expected, the NFL Players’ Association has concerns about this endeavor.

“We believe that a game in Australia, which will involve a minimum 15-hour flight before even stepping on the field, has significant implications for our players’ rest, recovery, and performance,” an NFLPA statement reads (via Daniel Kaplan of Front Office Sports). “The players are concerned that these have not been accounted for, and we look forward to hearing from the league how they plan to address these needs.”

The timing of the Melbourne game is unclear at this point, but NFL EVP Peter O’Reilly indicated Week 1 would be the most logical option given the travel demands an Australia game will create. One preseason contest was played in Sydney in 1999, but staging regular season contests will of course provide scheduling challenges for the teams which take part. The Eagles played in Week 1 for the NFL’s first Brazil game, something which does not appear to be a one-off event.

League and Brazilian officials are in discussion about a long-term hosting arrangement, as detailed by Brooks Kubena of The Athletic (subscription required). Sao Paulo hosted a game between the Packers and Eagles this season, and another one-year deal could be in play to stage a follow-up as early as 2025 (which would likely also take place at Arena Corinthians). A desire exists, though, for a deal spanning four to six years to establish stability with respect to planning future games in the country. The possibility of Brazil hosting as many as two games per season has been brought up.

2025 will see London host three games, with Berlin set to serve as a host venue for the first time (previous Germany contests have taken place in Frankfurt and Munich). Madrid will become the first Spanish market for an NFL game this season, but further announcements on the international front (even if Sao Paulo does indeed land another game) will be worth watching for. A return to Mexico City is possible, while Dublin and Paris are also contenders to serve as NFL venues in the near future.

Seahawks Rework Leonard Williams’ Deal

February 6th, 2025 at 8:58am CST by Adam La Rose

With the new league year approaching, teams on currently on pace to be over the 2025 salary cap have work to do on the cost-cutting front. The Seahawks are among them, and they have manufactured some breathing room through simple means.

Seattle has restructured defensive lineman Leonard Williams‘ contract, as detailed by Over the Cap’s Jason Fitzgerald. The team converted $18.75MM in base salary into a bonus while adding two void years to the pact. As a result, Williams’ 2025 cap charge has been lowered from $29.1MM to $14.06MM.

The Seahawks pulled off a midseason trade for Williams in 2023, and he had a strong 10-game run to close out the campaign with his new team. That resulted in a three-year, $64.5MM deal being worked out last offseason to keep him in the Emerald City. The former Jet and Giant delivered a strong season in 2024, racking up 11 sacks and 16 tackles for loss en route to the second Pro Bowl nod of his career.

Given his production, Williams represented a logical candidate for such a financial move aimed at creating immediate cap space. The downside to this reworking, of course, is the effect it will have next offseason. Williams is now set to carry a 2026 cap hit of $29.64MM, something which could lead the team down the restructure path once again or lend itself to an extension. A decision on that front will be informed by the 30-year-old’s level of play on a defensive line which also includes veteran Dre’Mont Jones and 2024 first-rounder Byron Murphy.

While this Williams move helps Seattle’s immediate financial outlook, the team is still projected to be more than $13MM over the cap for 2025. More maneuvering will therefore be needed, especially once the official cap ceiling for next season is unveiled.

Myles Garrett Discusses Trade Request, Consulting With LeBron James, Next Team

February 5th, 2025 at 10:40pm CST by Ben Levine

Browns star edge rusher Myles Garrett made headlines earlier this week when he publicly requested a trade out of Cleveland. The announcement wasn’t completely unfounded, as the former Defensive Player of the Year already made it clear he would be seeking clarity on the franchise’s long-term plans. While the Browns were adamant that they wouldn’t consider a trade for the All-Pro talent, Garrett ultimately decided he didn’t want to stick around for another rebuilding or transitional season.

[RELATED: Browns’ Myles Garrett Requests Trade]

In his initial statement, Garrett clearly cited a desire to win, noting that his “goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl.” The veteran reiterated that point while doing the rounds on Media Row today, including an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show. He also provided more insight into his decision to ask out of Cleveland. We’ve compiled some of the notable soundbites below, with a hat tip to Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal:

On what factors motivated him to request a trade:

“It took time and lots of conversation. Just looking at the trajectory of the team, talking to some of the higher-ups, I have a lot of respect for them but I just don’t think we’re aligned on where the team is going in the near future.”

On the timing of his decision to go public with a trade request:

“I just felt it was time. I had taken my time after the season, kind of relaxed and decompressed emotionally, wanted to distance myself a little bit and spent a little time talking to my family about how we feel about this decision.”

On consulting with former Cleveland star LeBron James about moving on from the city:

“You know just, what a transition looked like for him. What was his thought process going into it before he left Cleveland. Making sure I made a logical decision [and took] my time. Trying to take away the pressure of doing somewhat like that. Northeast Ohio has been his home, and it feels like my home, as well.

On where he’s hoping to play next:

“I just want to go to a contender. … I would love [to have a say in his destination]. I know in my position, I don’t have much say in where I go. But hopefully we can leave off on good terms and we can find a middle ground between us.”

On his fit with the Commanders (via a separate conversation with Sports Illustrated):

“I think they need a pass rusher. I think that’s something that they dearly missed during the playoffs…and I feel like I can fill that a role. But that’s a role that multiple teams need.”

Jaguars Hire Grant Udinski As OC

February 5th, 2025 at 10:37pm CST by Ben Levine

The Jaguars have settled on their new offensive coordinator. The team announced that they’re hiring Vikings assistant quarterbacks coach Grant Udinski for the role.

“Grant will bring a wealth of knowledge, energy and a winning mindset to help lead our offense here in Jacksonville,” head coach Liam Coen said in a statement. “He is a rising star in this league that has been a pillar of success for the Vikings organization and we can’t wait to have him lead our offense.”

Udinski has only been coaching for six years, five of which have come in the NFL. Following a quick stint with the Panthers, Udinski joined the Vikings as an assistant in 2022. It didn’t take long for him to earn a promotion. He earned the title of assistant quarterbacks coach in 2023, and he added the role of assistant offensive coordinator in 2024.

The coach’s offensive prowess garnered some attention in 2024. Udinski was described as a mentor to injured rookie QB J.J. McCarthy, and he also helped guide Sam Darnold to the best season of his career. As teams looked to Kevin O’Connell‘s coaching tree to fill their offensive holes, Udinski became a popular name on the coordinator market, interviewing for gigs with the Seahawks and Jaguars.

While Coen is expected to have a heavy hand in Jacksonville’s offensive approach, the new head coach has led a limited search for a new OC. Rams pass game specialist Nate Scheelhaase was reportedly the favorite for the gig, but he ended up sticking in Los Angeles for the 2025 campaign. The team also showed interest in Chip Kelly and interviewed Commanders QBs coach Tavita Pritchard before ultimately landing on Udinski for the gig.

The new coordinator will have plenty to work with in Jacksonville. Trevor Lawrence hasn’t reached the pinnacle that was expected when he was the first-overall pick, but the organization will be counting on Udinski to get the most out of the franchise player. The team also seemed to hit on a WR1 in rookie Brian Thomas, and they’re rostering a pair of backfield options in Tank Bigsby and Travis Etienne (barring a trade).

In Minnesota, the Vikings will be losing a significant staff member, but the team should have some coaching continuity on offense. Offensive coordinator Wes Phillips is set to be back for a fourth season with the organization, and Josh McCown will be sticking around for another season as Minnesota’s quarterbacks coach.

Baker Mayfield Contract Floated As Range For Sam Darnold Deal

February 5th, 2025 at 10:23pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Vikings are facing a crucial offseason decision with Sam Darnold, who played like a top-five quarterback for most of the regular season before collapsing against the Lions and the Rams to end the year.

After proving himself on a one-year, $10MM deal in 2024, Darnold will be looking to cash in with a strong long-term contract, in Minnesota or elsewhere. The Vikings, meanwhile, are expecting 2024 No. 10 overall pick J.J. McCarthy to recover from his torn meniscus in time for training camp.

Darnold’s flashes of high-level play mixed with late-season struggles under pressure create a complex situation for the Vikings. They clearly see the younger, cheaper McCarthy as their long-term quarterback, but his injury cost him a crucial year of development, while Darnold proved he can play well enough to make the postseason in his stead.

Minnesota has yet to decide on Darnold’s future, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, but they are open to re-signing him after a successful debut season under Kevin O’Connell. The Vikings have just over $58MM in 2025 cap space, but Darnold isn’t their only concern. Several starters, including left tackle Cam Robinson, cornerback Byron Murphy, and running back Aaron Jones are set to hit free agency. However, none of those players are expected to merit the franchise or transition tag, which remains in play for Darnold.

Darnold’s value will be a subject of debate leading up to the new league year. Unsurprisingly, agents and team executives disagree on his worth. The former group believes Darnold shouldn’t accept anything less than the four-year, $160MM contract Daniel Jones received from the Giants, while the latter has compared his situation to Baker Mayfield and his three-year, $100MM deal with the Buccaneers.

If Darnold is pushing for a contract similar to Jones’, the Vikings may be best served by a year-to-year approach. The franchise tag, projected by OverTheCap to be $41.3MM, may be too expensive, but the $35.3MM transition tag might be an appropriate middle ground. Darnold could test his market, while the Vikings would retain the ability to match another team’s offer. The Raiders and the Giants have already been mentioned as potential fits for Darnold, per Fowler, given their need at quarterback and available cap space.

Saquon Barkley Rejected At Least Two Bigger Offers To Join Eagles

February 5th, 2025 at 10:20pm CST by Sam Robinson

Between the Giants beginning Saquon Barkley negotiations in fall 2022 to HBO’s Hard Knocks: Offseason debut last summer, the star running back’s career path has come up numerous times. As Barkley prepares for his Super Bowl debut, more rumors about his fateful 2024 decision are surfacing.

The Eagles landed Barkley in free agency, authorizing a three-year, $37.75MM deal that came with $26MM guaranteed at signing. This represented a windfall for Barkley, whose bet on himself (via a 2023 Giants franchise tag) paid off. The Eagles were not the only Barkley suitor, with a few other teams being part of this derby during what became a historic day (March 11) for running back movement.

It is believed Barkley rejected two better offers to sign with the Eagles, according to the New York Post’s Ryan Dunleavy. It is both unclear if this pertains to better guarantees or a superior AAV, but Barkley may have been able to raise the boat for RBs higher this past offseason.

Barkley is a Pennsylvania native who played at Penn State; his decision to return home clearly looks like the correct play. Barkley stormed to the rushing title (2,005 yards), albeit after a strong push from Derrick Henry, and likely would have broken Eric Dickerson‘s single-season record had the Eagles greenlit usage in the Week 18 Giants rematch.

The Giants famously did not make an offer to retain Barkley, despite the former Offensive Rookie of the Year repeatedly indicating he wanted to finish his career in New York. The Texans presented him with a proposal but may not have been one of the teams that offered a better deal. A spring 2024 report indicating the AFC South club offered a three-year pact worth around $33MM. Barkley said he received four offers.

Barkley did say the Texans were the team that initially sparked interest, but he appeared on the Bears, Chargers and Ravens’ radars as well. Joe Schoen said a text received on Day 1 of the legal tampering period — the frenzied RB sequence — indicated the Bears were driving up Barkley’s price. It is possible Chicago received word Barkley was out before pivoting to D’Andre Swift (at three years, $24MM). Though, Swift was the first commit during the 2024 free agency period. The ex-Lions and Eagles starter joined the Bears within minutes of the tampering period’s outset.

Of course, illegal tampering regularly commences, as contracts are magically drawn up early during the tampering period annually. An Eagles tampering investigation did not produce punishment (unlike the Falcons’ Kirk Cousins pursuit). The Chargers also made low-level investments in RBs, adding Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins signed for less than $5MM per year between them. The Ravens added Henry at two years and $16MM. It is possible a stealth suitor drove up the Barkley market as well, but the seventh-year vet still fared well on the market — even if he did not take the absolute best offer.

Playing behind Philadelphia’s top-tier offensive line unleashed Barkley, whose playoff performance powered the Eagles to their second Super Bowl in three seasons. Barkley’s 442 rushing yards already rank seventh for a single playoff run. Only John Riggins (1982) and Terrell Davis‘ 1997 slate have Barkley’s postseason showing beat by more than 100 yards, which will be relevant depending on how many the soon-to-be 28-year-old RB amasses against the Chiefs.

The Eagles’ NFC championship game win also produced a $750K bump for Barkley, per CBS Sports’ Joel Corry. This came because the Big Ten product surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in the regular season and the Eagles won the NFC title game. Another $250K would come Barkley’s way if Philly prevails Sunday, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter adds. Because Barkley triggered his NFC championship incentive, Corry adds that his 2025 and ’26 base salaries will escalate by $250K apiece.

Jets Notes: Rodgers, Reed, Lazard, FA

February 5th, 2025 at 10:10pm CST by Ben Levine

With the Jets having settled on their organizational hierarchy, focus will now pivot to the roster…particularly their high-priced, future Hall of Fame quarterback. Aaron Rodgers has generally been noncommittal regarding his Jets future, and the QB continued that trend during a chat with the Golf Channel during the WM Phoenix Open.

“I’ve talked with the Jets,” Rodgers said when asked about his immediate future (via ESPN’s Rich Cimini). “We’ll figure things out when we figure them out.”

New head coach Aaron Glenn and new GM Darren Mougey will be responsible for figuring out the team’s approach at the position, as Woody Johnson has said he’ll be hands off when it comes to the handling of Rodgers. Both sides have expressed interest in keeping Rodgers in New York for the 2025 campaign, but things can obviously quickly change.

While neither the organization nor Rodgers are being definitive about his status, two members of the Jets have made it clear they want the veteran back in 2025. Quincy Williams noted that the former Super Bowl winner “takes our game to another level,” while Jermaine Johnson said he’d “obviously” welcome Rodgers back next season (per Brian Costello of the New York Post).

More notes out of New York…

  • While Rodgers’ status with the team is uncertain, it sounds a bit more definitive that two other veterans won’t be back in 2025. According to Costello, cornerback D.J. Reed isn’t expected to re-sign with the organization while wide receiver Allen Lazard is expected to be a cap casualty. Reed inked a three-year contract with the Jets back in 2022 that’s set to expire, and the veteran should garner plenty of interest after starting each of his 46 appearances with the organization. Lazard is still attached to the four-year deal he signed with the organization in 2023, and while his numbers took a step forward playing alongside Rodgers, his production with the Jets (60 catches, 841 yards in 26 games) doesn’t justify the financial commitment.
  • Mekhi Becton has turned around his career in Philly, as the former first-round pick has shed his “bust” label. Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic explored Becton’s career evolution, including the end of his tumultuous tenure with the Jets. Most notably, the lineman ignored a number of messages from position coach John Benton during the 2022 offseason. This followed a 2021 campaign when Becton was limited to one game thanks to a knee injury. Becton’s 2022 season was somehow even worse, as the lineman suffered a kneecap injury that erased another campaign.
  • With Glenn now running the show, the former Lions defensive coordinator will predictably recruit players from his former stop. One of his potential targets will likely be Derrick Barnes, according to Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda.com. The former fourth-round pick just completed his rookie contract after spending the first four seasons of his career in Detroit, where he collected 205 tackles in 51 games. The linebacker was limited to only three appearances this past season thanks to a knee injury.

Patriots Announce 2025 Coaching Staff

February 5th, 2025 at 9:56pm CST by Ely Allen

Along with the hiring of new Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel came the addition of two new coordinators, as well, in offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams. Each coordinator went about building their new staffs, with lots of new names arriving in New England over the past few weeks. ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported the final lineup today.

On offense, we had already heard about the hirings of quarterbacks coach Ashton Grant, wide receivers coach Todd Downing, and offensive assistant Riley Larkin. We had also been informed that Thomas Brown, Doug Marrone, and Jason Houghtaling had been hired, but we weren’t yet made aware of their positions. Reiss’ report tells us that Brown will serve as tight ends coach and passing game coordinator, Marrone will be offensive line coach, and Houghtaling will be assistant offensive line coach under Marrone.

New information tells us that, joining Houghtaling as an assistant offensive line coach under Marrone, Robert Kugler has been retained from last year’s staff. Kugler held the same position with the Texans and Panthers before joining the Patriots as an assistant offensive line coach last year. We also learned that Tony Dews has been hired as running backs coach. Dews served the same position under Vrabel during his tenure in Tennessee (including one year as tight ends coach) before spending last year as running backs coach for the Jets. Lastly on offense, Chuckie Keeton‘s coaching journey continues in New England after he debuted for the Seahawks as an offensive assistant last year.

On defense, we had already heard of the hirings of Zak Kuhr, Scott Booker, and Clint McMillan, as well as the retention of Ben McAdoo, but thanks to Reiss, we now know that Kuhr will serve as inside linebackers coach, Booker as safeties coach, and McMillan as defensive line coach. McAdoo served last year as a senior offensive assistant for the team, and in 2025, he will switch sides of the ball as a senior defensive assistant. Reiss also informed us that defensive assistant Vinny DePalma was retained in the same role. Last year was his first year in the NFL — or coaching period — after finishing his collegiate playing career as a linebacker at Boston College.

Reiss also reported four defensive hirings. We had heard that the Patriots were targeting Colts assistant defensive backs coach Justin Hamilton, and Reiss has him listed as the team’s new safeties coach. Hamilton held a defensive quality control coaching role on the Titans during Vrabel’s last year in Tennessee before landing his role in Indianapolis last year. The Patriots have also hired Mike Smith as outside linebackers coach. Smith has held the same role previously with the Chiefs, Packers, and Vikings but spent last year away from coaching. Lastly, the Patriots announced the hirings of Milton Patterson and Kevin Richardson as defensive assistants. Patterson makes his NFL coaching debut after five seasons as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Florida A&M. Richardson is likewise debuting as a coach in the NFL following two seasons as assistant defensive backs coach at Illinois.

Finally, on special teams, we learned that Tom Quinn has been retained as assistant special teams coach. We knew that special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer had been retained, and while we don’t know his exact fate, Coby Tippett, a special teams assistant coach last year, was not included in today’s staff announcements. We also learned that Deron Mayo was retained as strength and conditioning coach despite his brother’s dismissal as head coach.

There you have it: the Patriots 2025 coaching staff. There are lots of areas that need improvement in order for the Patriots to see success next season, but it all starts with the coaching staff. Vrabel returns with head coaching experience under his belt, and he will try to bring some of the success he had as head coach at Tennessee with him to New England.

Texans Announce New President, Other Staff Updates

February 5th, 2025 at 8:31pm CST by Ely Allen

About two weeks ago, the Texans announced that they were parting ways with team president Greg Grissom after 23 years with the franchise. It didn’t take long for Houston to identify his replacement, announcing early the following week that Mike Tomon would be stepping into the role.

Tomon was a 2015 winner of the Sports Business Journal’s “40 under 40” award and was recognized as a Top 500 Business Leader by Dallas Magazine in 2024. Before all that, Tomon held senior roles with three NBA franchises (the Cleveland Cavaliers, Charlotte Bobcats, and Phoenix Suns) with a focus on premium ticketing, partnerships, and strategy, before serving as senior vice president of global partnerships at AEG. All of this led to his addition to Legends in 2014.

At Legends, where Tomon most recently served as co-president & chief operating officer, he was responsible for global operations, including domestic and international revenue generation. His time at Legends saw the company establish partnerships with soccer brands Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, and FIFA, as well as the Rugby World Cup. He’s also been involved in commercial engagements for NFL venues like SoFi Stadium, Allegiant Stadium, Highmark Stadium, and The Star in Frisco. He also lent a hand with the 2024 Olympics in Paris and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Tomon’s myriad business experience will serve him well in his new role atop the team’s business operations. As team president, Tomon will be tasked with overseeing the direction and management of said operations, specifically with marketing, communications, broadcasting, ticket sales and services, event services, corporate sponsorship, community relations, accounting, legal, human resources, and general administration.

In addition to the announcement of their new team president, Ian Rapoport reported yesterday that assistant offensive line coach Cole Popovich has been promoted to offensive line coach and run game coordinator. This was a predictable outcome following the team’s firing of former offensive line coach Chris Strausser. Popovich had drawn offensive line coach interest a year ago from other teams, but the Texans were able to hold on to him as assistant offensive line coach with a “revamped contract.”

Lastly, we saw news yesterday from Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 that Rams senior offensive assistant Jerry Schuplinski is expected to be hired by Houston. Schuplinski is most notably known as a former assistant quarterbacks coach with the Patriots over Tom Brady. Since leaving New England, Schuplinski has bounced around with time as the Dolphins assistant quarterbacks coach, the Giants quarterbacks coach, and the Raiders tight ends coach before landing in Los Angeles last year. His experience could be valuable to a talented, young offensive group in Houston.

Eagles EDGE Josh Sweat Hires New Representation

February 5th, 2025 at 7:36pm CST by Ben Levine

While Josh Sweat is surely focused on this weekend’s Super Bowl, the impending free agent also made some notable moves behind the scenes. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the pass rusher changed representation earlier this week, hiring Drew Rosenhaus and Ryan Matha.

“It’s the biggest moment of my life,” Sweat told Zach Berman of PHLY. “That’s it, really. I just thought it was the best for me, and I wanted to be the most prepared I could be for it.”

A former fourth-round pick, this will mark Sweat’s third contract. With a year remaining on his rookie deal, the defensive end inked a three-year, $40MM extension with the Eagles in 2021. While Sweat hasn’t earned any accolades throughout his second contract, he’s still been a pass-rushing force for Philly, compiling 25.5 sacks across 49 games.

This past season, the 27-year-old collected eight sacks and 15 QB hits in 16 games (15 starts). Pro Football Focus ultimately graded Sweat 34th among 119 qualifying edge defenders in 2024, a step up from his 56th-place finish in 2023.

Sweat’s lack of track record limited his earnings during his last contract, but he could be set to cash in this offseason. Per OverTheCap.com, there are 20 edge rushers earning at least $15MM per year, including teammate Bryce Huff, who garnered a $17MM AAV last offseason. The 2025 campaign will represent Sweat’s age-28 season, so there will surely be a team willing to pay up for the veteran’s services during free agency.

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