2025 March - Pro Football Rumors

Month: March 2025

Brandon Graham Re-Tore Triceps In Super Bowl LIX

March 6th, 2025 at 10:58pm CST by Sam Robinson

Brandon Graham has not confirmed his retirement just yet, but if the longest-tenured player in Eagles history wants to keep playing, he appears to need another lengthy rehab process.

After making it back from a Week 12 triceps tear to play in Super Bowl LIX, Graham is believed to have suffered the same injury during that game. Graham re-tore his triceps in the Eagles’ blowout win, 97.5 The Fanatic’s Derrick Gunn reports.

This familiar injury has already resulted in surgery, Gunn added during an appearance on 97.5’s Kincade & Salciunas. Graham played 13 defensive snaps in the game, recording one solo tackle. Graham was not part of the Eagles’ sack binge, which played the lead role in the two-time reigning champion Chiefs being overpowered, but he served as an inspirational presence after coming back from an apparent season-ending injury.

Graham, 36, confirmed he had sustained a triceps tear during an Eagles regular-season win over the Rams. This was widely expected to knock him out for the season, due to the late-November juncture in which it occurred, but rumblings about Graham being able to come back if Philadelphia booked another Super Bowl trip emerged soon after.

The Eagles designated Graham for return after the NFC championship game, and he impressed in practice to the point the NFC champs made the decision to elevate the 15-year veteran to the 53-man roster. They then made Bryce Huff a healthy scratch for Super Bowl LIX, offering a rough conclusion to the underwhelming free agency addition’s first season in Philly. The Eagles had given Huff a three-year, $51.1MM deal as their highest-paid 2024 free agent. Huff’s 2025 money is guaranteed.

Graham, however, is not under contract, joining key Philly pass rushers Sweat and Milton Williams in that regard. He said shortly after the Super Bowl he would discuss retirement with his family. The 2010 first-round pick, who now has two Super Bowl rings and three Super Bowl appearances, said before training camp he was planning to retire at season’s end. Going out with a second championship and needing another round of rehab would seemingly point to retirement, but the Michigan alum made a surprise journey back from his last tear.

After signing two straight one-year deals in March, the most recent for $4MM, Graham may need more time to determine if another Eagles deal makes sense. The organization may feel the same. For now, Graham is going through a familiar rehab process after the second half of his season took a strange turn.

Texans To Re-Sign Kurt Hinish; Latest On Team’s DL Plans

March 6th, 2025 at 10:27pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Texans’ defensive line could feature a number of different faces in the near future. At least one in-house option will be back for 2025, however.

Kurt Hinish has agreed to a one-year deal to remain in Houston, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reports. The contract has a base value of $1.8MM, but it can max out at $2.35MM. Hinish was on course for restricted free agency, but today’s move ensures he will remain in place without a tender being issued.

The 25-year-old has remained a regular rotational contributor along the defensive front over each of his three years with the Texans. Overall, Hinish has started four of his 42 appearances, totaling 57 tackles and 1.5 sacks along the way. He was unavailable for Houston during the playoffs this past campaign, but in 2023 he notched a pair of sacks as part of the team’s run to the divisional round.

Hinish will be counted on to remain a depth option along the D-line next season, but changes to that unit could be coming soon. Wilson reports both Foley Fatukasi and Mario Edwards can be expected to reach free agency. The former is dealing with a shoulder injury which requires surgery, Wilson notes. That could hinder Fatukasi’s market, although he is expected to recover in time for the 2025 campaign.

Edwards was hit with a four-game PED suspension in October. The former second-round pick has now played 10 seasons. Exiting his age-31 season, Edwards has already played for seven teams. His 12 Texans starts last year, however, were his most in a season since 2017. Edwards notched three sacks and tallied eight QB hits, recovering two fumbles and batting down two passes. With the nomadic DT’s status uncertain, another well-traveled interior rusher is back on Houston’s radar.

The Texans are interested in bringing back Sheldon Rankins, Wilson adds. A Houston starter in 2023, Rankins opted for a Bengals deal over a Texans effort to re-sign him. He did not impress in Cincinnati and has already been cut. The Texans are expected to explore a reunion before free agency, Wilson adds. Rankins, 32 in April, started all 15 games he played in DeMeco Ryans‘ system that year and registered six sacks — his most since 2018.

The down Cincinnati season will hurt Rankins’ market, after he had signed a two-year, $24.5MM deal last year. The Texans had Rankins on a one-year, $9.75MM pact in 2023. Ryans’ team had made a $12MM-per-year offer in March 2024; it is safe to say Houston’s 2025 proposal will probably check in south of that range.

Sam Robinson contributed to this post.

Broncos Fire Michael Wilhoite, Add Todd Davis To Staff

March 6th, 2025 at 9:09pm CST by Sam Robinson

Michael Wilhoite‘s recent arrest will lead to his dismissal. The Broncos fired their two-year outside linebackers coach, 9News’ Mike Klis reports. A former NFL linebacker, Wilhoite had also been on the Saints’ staff under Sean Payton.

The team announced the firing, which comes after an arrest for suspicion of second-degree assault in connection with an incident at the Denver International Airport. Wilhoite is alleged to have punched an airport officer during a dispute about a parking infraction.

“After thorough discussions as an organization, I met with Michael Wilhoite and informed him we have decided to part ways,” Payton said. “We recognize the serious nature of the allegations against him and believe this is the best course of action at this time. I appreciate Michael’s contributions to the Broncos and am confident he will move forward in a positive direction.”

A Denver police officer working on assignment told Wilhoite he could not leave his car unattended at a departure terminal. After allegedly cursing at the officer, Wilhoite bumped his chest into him. After the officer is alleged to have pushed Wilhoite, the former linebacker is accused of punching him in the face. The officer then used his taser, but Wilhoite still drove off before being apprehended soon after. He was released on bail, but his coaching future is now uncertain.

Becoming a six-year contributor out of Division II Washburn, Wilhoite played for the 49ers and Seahawks during his career. He started 45 games and saw action as a backup in six playoff contests — including Super Bowl XLVII with the 49ers — during the 2010s. Before resigning his Saints HC post in 2022, Payton interviewed Wilhoite for the team’s DC job. Wilhoite, 38, had been a Saints staffer for three seasons prior to that meeting; he rejoined Payton after staying on under Dennis Allen in 2022.

As the Broncos search for a new OLBs coach, they made some other changes on staff. They gave QBs coach Davis Webb a title bump, adding pass-game coordinator to his duties. Secondary coach Jim Leonhard is now the team’s defensive pass-game coordinator. Both figure to be coordinator candidates moving forward; for now, they will stay in their position coach roles. Addison Lynch is moving from the quality control level to cornerbacks coach, while Payton is elevating another QC assistant (Isaac Shewmaker) to linebackers coach. The latter will replace Greg Manusky.

Former Bears offensive line coach Chris Morgan is also joining the team as assistant O-line coach. Set to work under Zach Strief, Morgan returns to Colorado more than two decades after a career with the Buffaloes. Morgan has been in the NFL since 2009. After six seasons with the Falcons as their O-line coach (2015-20), he spent a year with the Steelers before joining the Bears’ staff. Ben Johnson moved in a different direction upon taking over. Previous assistant O-line coach Austin King is sliding over to tight ends coach to replace Declan Doyle, who made a leap at 28 to be Johnson’s OC in Chicago.

The Broncos are also adding one of their former linebackers, Todd Davis, to their staff. A former backup for Denver’s Super Bowl 50 team and then a starter later in the 2010s, Davis is joining Payton’s staff as a defensive quality control assistant.

Having made a transition to the media side, Davis has both a history with the Broncos and Payton. A 2014 Saints UDFA, Davis joined the Broncos later that year. Backing up Danny Trevathan and Brandon Marshall in 2015, Davis replaced the former (after a Bears free agency defection) and started four seasons for the Broncos. The 69-game Denver starter landed a three-year, $15MM re-up with the team in 2018.

RFA/ERFA Tender Decisions: 3/6/25

March 6th, 2025 at 8:38pm CST by Sam Robinson

More teams made tender/non-tender decisions on restricted and exclusive rights free agents today. Here are the latest updates:

RFAs

Tendered:

Patriots: LB Christian Elliss

Non-tendered:

Patriots: OL Lester Cotton

ERFAs:

Tendered:

Giants: QB Tommy DeVito

One of four Luther Elliss sons who has made it to the NFL, Christian joins Kaden and Jonah in being active players. Christian Elliss turned in his best season in 2024, making 80 tackles — after his previous career high was 23 — to go with 1.5 sacks and an interception for the Patriots. New England used him as a five-game starter.

DeVito’s Giants return had been known for a bit. The Giants have no plans to let the former UDFA compete for the starting job — at least, it would be a surprise if that happened — but once he signs the tender, he will be the only QB under contract with the team. New York is targeting veterans and rookies, being connected to several big names and moving up to No. 1 overall. After receiving the initial call (over UFA-to-be Drew Lock) to replace Daniel Jones, DeVito has now made eight career starts. A forearm injury led DeVito out of the Giants’ lineup, but the local product returned to make a second start against the Buccaneers weeks later.

Falcons Re-Sign LS Liam McCullough; Team Will Not Tender RFAs Dee Alford, Nathan Landman

March 6th, 2025 at 8:22pm CST by Sam Robinson

This year’s salary cap spike left the low-end RFA tender north of $3MM. Some teams are passing on paying role players that salary. The Falcons are among them.

Atlanta is not tendering RFAs Dee Alford and Nathan Landman, according to Fox Sports’ Greg Auman. The low-end tender will cost $3.26MM, and the Falcons are passing on keeping Alford and Landman at that rate. These decisions will send the cornerback and linebacker into unrestricted free agency.

Alford has been Atlanta’s primary slot cornerback for the past two seasons. He played a career-high 69% of the Falcons’ defensive snaps last season, which came after the team used him on 53% of its defensive plays in 2023. One of the team’s AJ Terrell complementary pieces, Alford saw his coverage numbers worsen.

A UDFA out of Tusculum, Alford allowed a 72% completion rate as the closest defender in 2024, working out to a passer rating of 117.9. The Falcons fired their defensive coordinator (Jimmy Lake) after one season, and replacement Jeff Ulbrich may be ready to make significant changes. Alford’s 724 snaps last season trailed only Terrell among Atlanta corners.

Landman stepped in as a replacement for starter Troy Andersen in 2023. He started 23 games over the past two seasons and delivered steady production, forcing six fumbles in that span. The former UDFA out of Colorado made 110 tackles in 2023; seven of those were behind the line of scrimmage. Landman did not record any TFLs last season, missing time due to a quad injury, but Pro Football Focus slotted him as the No. 39 off-ball linebacker. He stands to generate some interest as a UFA soon, though Auman adds a return at a lower rate could be in play. Landman also could potentially draw a higher salary on the open market.

While separations could loom on Atlanta’s defense, the team is keeping one of its specialists. Long snapper Liam McCullough re-signed with the team Thursday. It is a four-year deal, likely putting the ex-Ohio State UDFA at or near the top of the long snapper market.

McCullough was eligible for restricted free agency but was not a realistic candidate to be tendered, as not even the highest-paid deep snappers barely earns $1.5MM on average. This deal will keep McCullough in the fold; he has been the Falcons’ long snapper since 2022, playing in every Atlanta game during that stretch.

Rams Nearing Decision On Cooper Kupp

March 6th, 2025 at 7:48pm CST by Sam Robinson

Although this offseason may not see the volume of wide receiver contracts 2024 brought, a number of high-profile wideouts are either available in trades or in free agency. None of those options has put together a season like Cooper Kupp‘s top showing, but injuries have prevented the Rams standout from building on that triple-crown slate.

Three years after the Rams gave Kupp a new deal in the wake of his Super Bowl MVP award, he has let it be known the team is ready to move on. Days before the legal tampering period will begin receiver dispersal, Kupp remains a Ram. He is due a $7.5MM roster bonus late next week, and Les Snead has established that point as a loose deadline of sorts.

Snead said Kupp’s bonus date will serve as a deadline for a resolution, via the Orange County Register’s Adam Grosbard. The longtime Rams GM said Kupp could remain a Ram but made clear (via ESPN.com’s Sarah Barshop) that is the “least likely option.” Day 5 of the 2025 league year (which starts March 12) serves as Kupp’s bonus date, and Snead confirmed (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter) the Rams are still looking for a trade partner.

The Rams have let it be known they are willing to take on salary and help another team with the bonus, as they attempt to increase the injury-prone pass catcher’s trade value. The Rams were on the other end of such an effort in 2021, when they sent the Broncos second- and third-round picks for Von Miller. Kupp will not bring a similar return, but the Broncos’ willingness to pay most of Miller’s money increased the trade cost. If the Rams do not eat any money in a deal (which seems highly unlikely), they would take on $22.26MM in dead money. That number would likely increase if they pay down some Kupp salary.

This situation resembles where the 49ers were with Deebo Samuel, whom the Commanders acquired for only a fifth-round pick. Teams waiting the Rams out would put them to a decision. Cutting Kupp would seemingly be in play here. If Kupp is released, he would join a flock of 30-something standouts in free agency. Davante Adams, Stefon Diggs, Amari Cooper, Keenan Allen, DeAndre Hopkins and Tyler Lockett are available. Adams and Lockett, as street free agents, can sign anywhere before free agency starts Monday. For now, Kupp must join the other Pro Bowl-level stalwarts in waiting.

The Rams have not discussed a pay cut with Kupp, Snead confirmed. That would be an interesting option, but absent that, the prospect of the eight-year vet being released would stand to increase. Kupp is going into an age-32 season, which does not separate him from that above-referenced FA contingent. Several teams will be able to fill needs for a No. 2 target, but will one give up an asset to ensure it lands Kupp when turning to free agency would yield a similar player without any draft cost?

At the Combine, Sean McVay did not slam the door on keeping Kupp but called it the “hardest decision” to decide to make him available. Two years still remain on the three-year, $80MM extension. McVay said (via The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue) the Rams will look to free agency, the trade market and the draft for a replacement to complement Puka Nacua.

Bengals Receiving Calls On Tee Higgins

March 6th, 2025 at 7:25pm CST by Sam Robinson

In a rather complex position as the 2024 league year winds down, the Bengals appear to have established their priority regarding their extension candidates. Tee Higgins, who had previously been expected to depart in 2025, has taken the spot behind Ja’Marr Chase. Trey Hendrickson is now talking to other teams about a trade.

But it would not be an NFL trade window if Higgins wasn’t generating trade calls. The re-tagged wide receiver is indeed drawing more trade interest, with The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reporting multiple teams have reached out to the Bengals. Evidently seeing if the Bengals would be open to resolving their Chase-Higgins-Hendrickson quagmire by trading the older of their two receiver standouts, teams continue to monitor the player who may well have outflanked Sam Darnold on our latest free agent top 50. Again, however, Higgins will not see the market.

As this refrain goes, Cincy is not budging. The Bengals are informing teams Higgins is unavailable, Russini adds. Even after the five-year veteran missed five games for a second straight season, the Bengals remain committed to working out a deal. Higgins no longer appears a high-end rental.

Higgins trade talk began at the 2023 Combine, when Duke Tobin‘s “go find your own” comment set the trend here. The Bengals then rebuffed trade interest at the 2023 trade deadline, franchise-tagged the former second-rounder in 2024 and again brushed aside Higgins trade interest at the 2024 deadline. A second tag has since come out, as the Bengals were one of only two teams to use a tag this year. As Courtland Sutton appears to have vacated his spot as an oft-rumored trade chip, Higgins stands front and center as teams attempt to determine the Bengals’ path.

It is understandable that teams would call, seeing as everything was pointing to a Higgins 2025 exit — either via free agency or a tag-and-trade transaction. As Joe Burrow has continually stumped for the organization to retain his WR2, it appears the Bengals have gotten the message. After Tobin said he wanted Higgins back at the “right number,” earlier this offseason, Burrow’s media tour continued. While Hendrickson may be the odd man out, the Bengals are moving toward following the Eagles and Dolphins’ lead in having two high-priced receivers and a franchise quarterback on the books.

Not big on restructures or void years, the Bengals do hold $51.7MM in cap space. Some of that will need to be allocated to receiver deals, though backloading them would allow the team room to make shorter-term augmentations in free agency. Chase and the Bengals are not believed to be close on terms, as the superstar’s fifth-year option season looms. Chase is tied to a $21.8MM option number, while Higgins’ second tag is worth $26.2MM. Extensions would reduce those 2025 figures.

Higgins has been tied to a $30MM-per-year asking price, as he likely would have commanded it on the open market. Going into his age-26 season, Higgins has been fine staying in Cincinnati. Will this be the offseason his payday finally comes?

Seahawks Would Want D.K. Metcalf Trade Done By Draft

March 6th, 2025 at 6:21pm CST by Sam Robinson

If the Seahawks are to move D.K. Metcalf, they may not be too interested in 2026 draft choices. John Schneider said Thursday he would want a trade done by the draft.

Stopping short of saying the team will honor Metcalf’s trade request, the 16th-year Seattle GM said during an appearance on Seattle Sports 710 (via The Athletic’s Michael-Shawn Dugar) they want a deal done by the draft. That still gives the team roughly seven weeks to complete a swap, and Schneider added (via the Seattle Times’ Bob Condotta) he has spoken with “a ton” of teams on the six-year veteran.

The Chargers have been mentioned as a suitor, as they pursued him in trades last year, and the Raiders would make for a fit due to Pete Carroll‘s hire. It does not appear teams are, however, in agreement on the Seahawks’ valuation of Metcalf. Thus far, teams view the reported asking price (first- and third-rounders) as extreme, Bovada’s Josina Anderson notes. The Seahawks are taking offers right now, per Schneider, and Anderson adds at least one team has included a third-round pick.

Balking at moving first- and third-round picks is logical here, as Metcalf also wants to be paid north of the $30MM-per-year range. Five receivers joined Tyreek Hill in that club last year, and more will soon. While Deebo Samuel going for a fifth-rounder and Metcalf being tied to a trade ask nowhere near that ballpark would be strange on the surface, Samuel was more salary dump — even though he has a first-team All-Pro season Metcalf’s resume lacks — whereas the Seahawks want Metcalf back. Metcalf also does not bring the injury concerns Samuel does.

Last offseason featured the Bills collecting a 2025 second-rounder for Stefon Diggs, who did not need to be extended; the Texans actually removed three years of the All-Pro’s deal. Metcalf, though, is four years younger than Diggs. The Seahawks are unlikely to obtain first- and third-rounders in a swap, but teams are certainly free to set high bars in trade talks early.

Mike Macdonald was believed to have included Metcalf maximization a priority during his OC search, so it would be interesting to see the Seahawks pivot and make a trade. Even as the team saw Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerge with a breakthrough 2024 season, it just released Tyler Lockett. Schneider also said the Seahawks were displeased the Metcalf news leaked minutes after the Lockett release/tribute surfaced, though the veteran front office boss viewed the timing as a coincidence.

Metcalf is 3-for-6 in 1,000-yard seasons, having not been as consistent in terms of production compared to his availability, but he would be a candidate for a $30MM-plus AAV if traded. It remains to be seen if the Seahawks would entertain that, but they have two more seasons of Smith-Njigba rookie-deal eligibility at minimum — potentially three, if/once they pick up the Ohio State alum’s fifth-year option — and a mid-market QB salary on their books. Either way, the team will need to make a decision on Metcalf soon, as his contract expires after the 2025 season.

Noting the Seahawks do not have to move Metcalf, Schneider did use interesting language when asked about a scenario in which he stays. The team may either have an overhauled WR group for next season, as many veteran complementary pieces are available now, or will make a slight adjustment post-Lockett. The decision will be expected by April’s end.

“Worst-case scenario we have an amazing, explosive, powerful athlete playing receiver for us again in 2025, so we’ll see where this goes,” Schneider said (via Condotta).

Colts Release DT Raekwon Davis

March 6th, 2025 at 4:01pm CST by Adam La Rose

Instead of playing out the final year of his Colts contract, Raekwon Davis will immediately reach free agency. The veteran defensive tackle was released on Thursday, per a team announcement.

The move comes as little surprise. Davis was due $6.49MM in 2025, but none of his base salary for the season was guaranteed. Instead of carrying him at a cap it of $8.96MM, Indianapolis will move on. This release will generate $6.46MM in savings while creating a dead money charge of $2.5MM.

Davis played out his rookie contract with the Dolphins from 2020-22. Over that span, the former second-rounder logged 48 starts, but he was unable to cement himself as a mainstay along the defensive line. After showing limited upside against the pass during his Miami tenure, Davis took a deal with an average of $7MM during his first foray into free agency. That marked a notable raise compared to his initial contract, but it illustrated a degree of hesitance on the Colts’ part.

During his debut Indy campaign, the Alabama product played in all 17 games. Davis did not register any starts, however, and his 30% snap share marked the lowest of his career. With the team set to rely on other options along the interior, this release will allow for a brief period to gauge the market prior to the start of the new league. Interest could be limited in Davis’ case, although at the age of 27 he will be among the younger options to choose from in free agency.

As a result of this move, the Colts have more than $40MM in cap space. General manager Chris Ballard made it clear this offseason he and the team will opt for a philosophical shift in roster building, with a greater emphasis being placed on outside additions. That route did not go as planned in Davis’ case last spring, but the resources to try again in 2025 are available.

Bears Re-Sign CB Josh Blackwell

March 6th, 2025 at 2:02pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Bears’ special teams units will include a number of familiar faces in 2025. Linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga has a deal in place to remain with the team, and the same is also true of cornerback Josh Blackwell.

The latter was a restricted free agent, but the team announced on Thursday he has inked a two-year deal. Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times reports Blackwell can earn up to $6MM. That represents a notable raise for the 25-year-old.

Blackwell entered the league with the Eagles as a UDFA in 2022, but he was unable to make the team’s initial roster during cutdowns. Chicago claimed him off waivers just before the start of the campaign, and he has been in the organization since then. The Bears tendered him as an exclusive rights free agent in 2023, then did so again the following year.

This latest pact will provide a degree of security for Blackwell as he looks to remain a key third phase figure for Chicago. The Duke product has only made two starts on defense in his career, but his 42 games played have seen him handle a regular role on special teams. Blackwell has logged 709 snaps in that capacity to date, and he will no doubt be expected to remain a notable contributor on coverage and return units moving forward.

The Bears have Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon and Tyrique Stevenson in place as cornerback starters. Barring injury, Blackwell does not have a path to a first-team defensive role as a result, but he will once again be available next season in a valuable third phase capacity.

Load More Posts