Here is a roundup of PFR’s latest originals:
- Recapping Panthers’ Offseason: The 2025 Offseason in Review series rolls on. Sam Robinson broke down the Panthers‘ moves on and off the field since the 2024 campaign came to an end. Bringing in needed help on defense was a major priority in free agency, and many thought a pass rush addition would be coming on Day 1 of the draft. Instead, Carolina opted to take a first-round receiver (Tetairoa McMillan) for the second year in a row while trying to add further to Bryce Young‘s supporting cast.
- Previewing Jackson’s Second Extension: Three years remain on Lamar Jackson‘s current Ravens deal. Team and player have spoken about a new extension, though, and one could be in place by the start of the season. Ely Allen detailed what a third pact could look like for the two-time MVP, whose cap hit is currently scheduled to spike considerably ahead of the 2026 campaign. Working out a deal before then would be welcomed by all parties.
- Detailing Smith‘s Extension Candidacy: Only one franchise tag recipient has yet to sign a long-term pact this offseason: Trey Smith. The Pro Bowl guard was given the one-year tender by the Chiefs to avoid reaching free agency despite the tag grouping all blockers together as one position. Ahead of today’s deadline for inking a new pact, I looked into what a long-term accord could turn out to be in this case. Smith’s age and durability should help him secure one of the NFL’s highest AAVs for guards but also lower his 2025 cap hit ($23.4MM, the value of the tag) in the process.
- Reviewing Jaguars’ Changes: The past few months have seen sweeping changes made in Duval County. General manager Trent Baalke was belatedly dismissed in a move which paved the way for Liam Coen to take an unorthodox route to the head coaching position of the Jaguars. Sam recapped the process which resulted in Coen and new GM James Gladstone coming aboard. First-timers in their respective roles, their performances along with that of two-way player Travis Hunter will be central in determining Jacksonville’s success.
- Breaking Down Potential McLaurin Extension: One of the more surprising contract standoffs of the offseason has been between Terry McLaurin and the Commanders. Both sides are seeking to continue their relationship beyond 2025, but valuation has proven to be challenging. Entering his age-30 season, McLaurin could experience a downturn in production but his consistency and chemistry with Jayden Daniels could land him in a higher tier regarding receiver compensation. Ely looked into the figures surrounding this situation, which all parties involved will hope comes to an end soon.
- Summarizing Edge Rush Standoffs: 2025 has seen several key developments amongst edge rushers, and more is yet to come. Sam recapped where things stand regarding Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart (Bengals), Aidan Hutchinson (Lions), Micah Parsons (Cowboys) and T.J. Watt (Steelers). The pass rush market sits at $40MM per season for now, but that figure could move more than once before the start of the regular season.
- Detailing Texans’ Offseason: The Texans entered the offseason once again looking to take a step toward genuine contender status in the AFC. As Sam wrote, changes at the offensive coordinator position (with Bobby Slowik being replaced by Nick Caley) along with a major overhaul of the O-line were aimed at bouncing back on that side of the ball. Houston’s defense – led by cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and his record-breaking extension – will again face high expectations in 2025. Favored to top the AFC South for a third straight year, the Texans will be an interesting team to follow as the conference’s pecking order takes shape this season.
- Exploring Ojabo Release: While a number of edge rushers are set to cash in soon, others find themselves on the roster bubble. David Ojabo enters training camp as a Ravens cut candidate. I broke down the former second-rounder’s injury-plagued NFL tenure to date and how he could be waived ahead of the final year of his rookie contract. Baltimore’s starting edge rushers remain from 2024, and the team added Mike Green during this year’s draft. Ojabo – who has totaled just four sacks so far – could end up on the outside looking in when the Ravens make their final cuts after training camp.
- Listing Past Decade’s Franchise-Tagged Performers: In light of the Chiefs’ approaching deadline on a Smith extension, Sam recalled each of the players who have played out a campaign on the franchise tag since 2015. As few as one player and as many as 12 (in 2020) have found themselves in the situation Smith will face in a given campaign unless he signs a long-term pact. It will be interesting to see if he does, and the league winds up not having any tagged players for the season as a result.
- Tracking Unsigned Rookies: 33 members of this year’s draft class have yet to sign their rookie deals. That includes 30 second-round selections. Ely listed the players in question, including the Day 2 rookies who are aiming to follow in the footsteps of Carson Schwesinger and Jayden Higgins. Picks 33 and 34 received fully guaranteed contracts, which had previously only been the case for first-round picks. Tre Harris of the Chargers has elected not to attend training camp (at least for now) in a sign the wait for second-round selections to sign could last deep into the summer.
- Looking Into New Sutton Deal: After plenty of time attached to trade rumors, Courtland Sutton is in position to continue his Broncos tenure in 2025. The team’s top receiver has one year left on his deal after a short-term financial compromise was reached last offseason. While Sutton is not Denver’s top extension priority, Sam detailed what a new pact could look like. His resume would not set Sutton up for a monster pact like other producers at his position, but a raise keeping him in Denver for years to come could prove to be a mutually beneficial move.