Here is a breakdown of PFR’s latest originals:
- Recapping Giants’ Offseason: Sam Robinson kicked off the 2025 edition of the Offseason in Review Series by detailing the Giants‘ moves. Both Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen are still in place ahead of what will be a make-or-break season for the pair. Russell Wilson is set to begin the campaign atop the QB depth chart, but the play of first-round rookie Jaxson Dart if/when he sees the field will be critical in determining if the current regime remains in place next season.
- Exploring Evans Extension: Mike Evans is one of many key veterans the Buccaneers have managed to retain over time. Only one year remains on the six-time Pro Bowler’s contract, though, so another Tampa agreement could be in store. Rory Parks looked into what a fourth contract could look like in this case. Evans, who will be 32 by the start of the season, has managed 1,000-plus yards in each of his 11 years with the Bucs. Another short-term pact would help continue his highly effective partnership with Chris Godwin and ensure a free agent departure does not take place during the waning stages of his career.
- Detailing Top Cap Charges: Per usual, quarterbacks and edge rushers dominate the league’s financial landscape in terms of cap charges. I listed the top 25 cap hits on offense and defense for 2025, a year in which some movement on that front could still take place. Veterans like Terry McLaurin and T.J. Watt could see their respective cap figures for the coming year drop if extensions are worked out in advance of Week 1. Nevertheless, most NFL teams will carry on with a similar financial setup to the one which has been in place for several years.
- Previewing Bourne Release: Kendrick Bourne drew interest leading up to the 2024 trade deadline, and the Patriots have made a number of receiver additions this offseason. As a result, his roster spot may be in jeopardy. Ely Allen explored a potential Bourne release. The 29-year-old has two years remaining on his contract, but a release would create over $6MM in cap savings for New England team looking to surround Drake Maye with a new-look receiving corps.
- Discussing Washington Trade: The Steelers will once again have Pat Freiermuth in place for 2025. Part of their Jalen Ramsey trade resulted in fellow tight Jonnu Smith being acquired as well, however. With that tandem in place, Darnell Washington could be deemed expendable. Ben Levine profiled the 23-year-old as a potential trade candidate. Two years remain on Washington’s rookie pact, so a team interested in adding him would have a cost-effective depth piece. Pittsburgh could, of course, elect to keep him in place as a run blocker with the potential to take on a larger role in the future.
- Summarizing Raiders’ Offseason: Not for the first time since their move to Vegas, the Raiders cleaned house on the sidelines and in the front office. Sam recapped the moves which included Pete Carroll being hired as head coach as a part of a regime also featuring general manager John Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady. The team’s trade for quarterback Geno Smith and decision to draft Ashton Jeanty sixth overall will give Vegas a number of intriguing new faces on offense in 2025.
- Looking Into New Allen Deal: Zach Allen enjoyed a career year in 2024, and it could earn him a raise. Sam broke down the 27-year-old’s candidacy for an extension coming off his 8.5-sack campaign. One year remains on Allen’s deal, but the market for defensive linemen capable of producing against the pass has surged in recent years. Known to be on the Broncos’ radar for a new pact, he could be in line for a payday in the near future.
- Tracking Longest-Tenured HCs, GMs: The 2025 hiring cycle resulted in seven new head coaches being brought in. Many of the longest-tenured staffers remain with their current teams, however. I looked into the new pecking order in terms of head coaching tenures, while Sam did the same with general managers. On the latter front, four new faces are in place for the coming season while 15 GMs hired in 2020 or earlier are still with their respective teams.
- Reviewing Colts’ Offseason: For much of the Colts‘ offseason, the quarterback position represented the team’s central talking point. Daniel Jones was brought in as competition for former No. 4 pick Anthony Richardson, and the winner of the contest for the QB1 gig will be worth watching for. Given the death of owner Jim Irsay, though, the transition to his three daughters – in particular Carlie Irsay-Gordon – will be critical in shaping the franchise’s direction. Sam recapped Indianapolis’ moves ahead of what will be a crucial season for Richardson but also head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard.
- Profiling Dean As Cut Candidate: While Evans is a logical target for a new Buccaneers pact, this summer could of course see notable players released ahead of the campaign. Ely wrote about one of them in the form of cornerback Jamel Dean. In six years with Tampa Bay, Dean has racked up 63 starts and won a Super Bowl. However, the team has invested heavily at the CB spot in recent drafts, and moving on from the 28-year-old this summer (with two years remaining on his pact) would create nearly $13MM in cap savings.