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.
Bills DT Ed Oliver Could Return During Postseason
At 11-4, the Bills have already clinched a playoff berth with two weeks remaining in the regular season. They’ve done so despite the long-term absence of one of their top defensive linemen, Ed Oliver, but a playoff return is a possibility. The Bills hope to get the 287-pound tackle back from injured reserve sometime during the postseason, according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic.
Buffalo is still in play for the AFC’s No. 1 seed and a first-round bye, though that’s an extreme long shot. The likelihood is the Bills will finish second in the AFC East behind the Patriots, ending a five-year run atop the division. That would set the Bills up to go on the road on wild-card weekend, which looks like the earliest possible comeback for Oliver.
Now in his seventh NFL season, Oliver has appeared in just three of 15 games. He was the Bills’ best defender in a Week 1 win over the Ravens, but an ankle injury suffered in practice shelved the 28-year-old for the next four games. Oliver returned to play in two contests before going down with a biceps tear in Week 8. He has been on IR since then.
While Oliver has only amassed 108 defensive snaps this year, he has made a noticeable impact when healthy. The former first-round pick piled up 12 tackles, seven TFL, five QB hits, and three sacks during his brief regular season.
It’s a small sample, but Pro Football Focus assigned Oliver a career-best grade of 90.4 against the run before he landed on the shelf. With Oliver out for most of 2025, the Bills have yielded the third-most rushing yards in the league. They eked out a 23-20 win over the Browns last Sunday despite allowing 160 ground yards on 31 attempts.
Oliver’s absence has left DaQuan Jones as the Bills’ most reliable interior D-lineman. Fourth-round rookie Deone Walker, second-round rookie T.J. Sanders, and veterans Larry Ogunjobi, Jordan Phillips, and Phidarian Mathis round out the group. There’s a steep drop-off from a healthy Oliver to any of those five.
Ogunjobi, who inked a one-year, $8.3MM deal with the Bills in free agency, has been particularly disappointing. The former Brown, Bengal and Steeler served a six-game PED suspension to begin his Bills tenure, and he has made little impact in eight games since returning. Head coach Sean McDermott made Ogunjobi a healthy scratch in Week 16.
It’s unknown if Ogunjobi will remain on the bench Sunday as Buffalo attempts to stay alive in the AFC East race for another week. Regardless, the Bills’ Oliver-less defense is in for a stiff test against the Eagles and their Saquon Barkley-led rushing attack. The Bills will then close out the regular slate with the Jets in Week 18, which may be the last time they’ll go without Oliver this season.
Browns Undecided On Kevin Stefanski; Bill Belichick Not Under Consideration
10:45pm: Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer also writes Haslam has likely yet to make a firm decision on Stefanski. He adds, however, that a parting of ways in this case could appeal to all involved. As the season winds down, the Browns will be worth watching closely with major changes receiving consideration.
8:59am: Kevin Stefanski is a two-time Coach of the Year, but past accomplishments may not earn him a seventh season in Cleveland in 2026. With the current campaign nearing an end, the Browns have not made a decision on Stefanski’s future, according to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
The Browns sandwiched two sub-.500 seasons between a pair of 11-win efforts during Stefanski’s first four years at the helm. Since a late-season Joe Flacco revival helped them to a playoff berth in 2023, the Stefanski-coached Browns have gone a horrid 6-26. They’ll need to win one of their last two games to avoid a second straight 3-14 season.
Stefanski lost an in-house advocate when chief strategy officer Paul DePodesta switched sports to take over as the Colorado Rockies’ president of baseball operations in early November. DePodesta “influenced” the Browns’ decision to hire Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry, Rapoport and Pelissero note. The futures of Stefanski and Berry have come into question since DePodesta’s departure.
The Browns’ inability to find a post-Baker Mayfield answer at quarterback has been a hindrance for the offensive-minded Stefanski. After Mayfield failed to carry a strong 2020 performance into the next season, Cleveland traded him to Carolina in July 2022. Mayfield’s exit came a few months after the Browns’ ill-fated Deshaun Watson trade and contract extension, two moves that have set the franchise back years.
The Browns surrendered a package that included three first-round picks for Watson, who was under fire as sexual misconduct allegations against him piled up, and then gave him a guaranteed $230MM. Watson, a healthy inactive his entire last season in Houston, served an 11-game suspension to begin his Browns tenure. Injuries, including two Achilles ruptures since last October, have limited him to 19 starts in a disastrous Cleveland stint. The Browns have gone 9-10 with Watson, who won’t play this season as a result of his latest injury.
With Watson largely unavailable, the Browns have cycled through several different starters during the Stefanski era. They’ve used three – Flacco (now a Bengal), third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel, and fifth-round rookie Shedeur Sanders – this year.
Gabriel, who took over for Flacco in Week 6, was unimpressive before suffering a concussion in Week 11. Sanders grabbed the reins after that, and he has shown enough to finish the season as the starter.
It’s unclear if Sanders will remain the team’s No. 1 option in 2026, especially with Watson likely to return. Regardless, the current coaching staff’s handling of Sanders over the next few weeks will factor into owner Jimmy Haslam‘s evaluation, per Rapoport and Pelissero.
If Haslam doesn’t believe Stefanski is the right fit to groom a young QB, whether it’s Gabriel, Sanders, or a potential high pick next April, the Browns may go in another direction. In the event that happens, it doesn’t appear Haslam would choose North Carolina coach Bill Belichick to succeed Stefanski.
The possibility of Belichick returning to his old stomping grounds in Cleveland came up last week, but the Browns have no interest in the 73-year-old, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com reports. Before winning six Super Bowls with the Patriots, Belichick began his head coaching career with the Browns. Belichick led an Art Modell-owned Cleveland team from 1991-95, its last five years there before it relocated to Baltimore. The second iteration of the Browns began play in 1999. Almost three decades later, a Cleveland-Belichick reunion isn’t under consideration.