HEADLINES

Jaguars DC Anthony Campanile Should Garner “Serious Look” HC Jobs

December 11th, 2025 at 8:57pm CST by Ben Levine

Anthony Campanile isn’t even through his first season as a defensive play-caller, and the 43-year-old is already generating head coaching buzz. Dianna Russini of The Athletic mentions the Jaguars defensive coordinator among assistant coaches who should “garner serious looks” during the upcoming hiring cycle. Albert Breer of SI.com also implies that Campanile could wind up being “a legit candidate” for a head coaching job this offseason.

As Breer notes, new Jaguars head coach Liam Coen took “a bit of a gamble” when he decided to hire Campanile to lead Jacksonville’s defense. The defensive coach took on run game coordinator duties during his lone season with the Packers in 2024, but Campanile otherwise only served as a linebackers coach at the NFL level (in stops with Green Bay and Miami). He also had a brief stint as co-defensive coordinator during his 2018 campaign at Boston College, but the coach had otherwise never been responsible for running the entire defensive operation.

Fortunately for Coen and the Jaguars, Campanile has run with the job. As Breer notes, Jacksonville’s defense has seen major improvements across the board in 2015, with the organization bumping their ranks in points allowed (27th to 11th), total defense (31st to 11th), and takeaways (32nd to 2nd). Breer adds that the Jaguars defense has also earned a reputation for their energetic play, a “sort of play-style and cohesion” that suitors would hope Campanile could bring to his next stop.

“He’s been awesome,” edge rusher Josh Hines-Allen said of his DC (via Breer). “He lights us up every single day, every time he speaks. He speaks with confidence, he speaks with love that he has for the players and coaches. He makes my job a lot of fun.”

It’s certainly not unprecedented for a coach to make the leap from first-year coordinator to head coach. While Campanile is the potential candidate with the least amount of experience on Russini’s list, the reporter also included second-year coordinators like Anthony Weaver, Chris Shula, and Jeff Hafley. The Jaguars performance down the stretch and in the playoffs could go a long way in helping Campanile take another step in his career.

Seahawks Waive CB Shaquill Griffin, RB Cam Akers

December 11th, 2025 at 7:18pm CST by Ben Levine

The Seahawks moved on from a pair of veterans today. Per the NFL’s daily transaction log, the team has waived cornerback Shaquill Griffin and running back Cam Akers.

Griffin joined the Seahawks on a one-year, $3MM deal this past offseason. The former third-round pick spent the first four seasons of his career in Seattle, but this second stint with the organization didn’t last nearly as long. In fact, this is the third time this year that the veteran has been cut by the Seahawks.

He was among the team’s final preseason cuts back in August, and after joining the team’s practice squad, he was signed to the active roster in early September. He was cut again the following week before re-joining the taxi squad. He was promoted to the active roster in late November but hasn’t seen any playing time recently. In total, Griffin has appeared in a pair of games this season, collecting seven tackles.

Akers has bounced around a bit in 2025. He spent the preseason with the Saints but didn’t make the team, and he later caught on with the Vikings for his third stint with the franchise. He got into three games with the Vikings before getting cut, and he subsequently joined the Seahawks in late November. He didn’t end up making an appearance with his new squad.

These two moves were likely done in anticipation of players being activated from injured reserve. All of defensive lineman Rylie Mills, receiver Dareke Young, offensive lineman Jalen Sundell, and tight end Eric Saubert were recently designated for return. As Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times passes along, Sundell and Saubert seem to have the best chance of suiting up this Sunday against the Colts.

Both Griffin and Akers will have to clear waivers before they can choose their next squad. There’s a chance the veterans simply land on Seattle’s practice squad.

NFL Minor Transactions: 12/11/25

December 11th, 2025 at 6:20pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor moves:

Atlanta Falcons

Cincinnati Bengals

Denver Broncos

New York Giants

  • Claimed off waivers (from Buccaneers): WR Ryan Miller

Philadelphia Eagles

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Marcedes Lewis is being temporarily let go by the Broncos, but the 41-year-old tight end won’t be a free agent for long. According to Parker Gabriel of the Denver Post, Lewis is expected to quickly land back on Denver’s practice squad. However, the team may have some difficulty adding him back to the active roster. Since the Broncos have already exhausted Lewis’s three elevations, the team would have to sign him to the 53-man roster in order for him to make another appearance. Gabriel says the more likely scenario is Lewis sticking around on the taxi squad, with the organization valuing the player’s “leadership [and] character.”

Louisville’s Chris Bell Suffered Torn ACL

December 11th, 2025 at 5:35pm CST by Ben Levine

One of the draft’s top receiver prospects is recovering from a serious injury. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Pete Thamel, Louisville’s Chris Bell suffered a torn ACL in late November.

[RELATED: WRs Starting To Emerge From 2026 Draft Class]

Bell suffered the injury in a November 22 matchup against SMU. The wideout finished that contest with five receptions for 46 yards. He was sidelined for the team’s regular season finale against Kentucky, and we now know why. Schefter notes that the player is believed to have suffered a “clean” tear, and he’s set to undergo surgery this week.

The six-foot-two, 220-pound receiver earned first-team All-ACC honors this season after hauling in 72 catches for 917 yards and six touchdowns. This was a breakout season for the Cardinals star, who entered the year with 1,249 receiving yards in 36 games at Louisville.

This is obviously a tough development for the NFL prospect, who was recently projected by ESPN’s Field Yates to be a first-round pick in this year’s draft. Yates cited the player’s size and “uncommon power and burst” as reasons for why he’d be highly touted in the draft. This latest development will surely hurt the receiver’s draft stock, and in an update, Yates notes that the injury will likely force Bell out of the first round. Still, considering the wideout’s upside, a team will still surely take a chance on him, perhaps even earlier than Day 3.

Ohio State’s Carnell Tate and Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson are still expected to be the first receivers off the board, but Bell could have pushed to be the third player taken at his position. Instead, this injury will likely open the door for the likes of USC’s Makai Lemon and Washington’s Denzel Boston to be scooped up by WR-needy squads drafting later in the first round.

Colts Pursued Broncos QB Sam Ehlinger After Daniel Jones Injury

December 11th, 2025 at 4:53pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Colts made a stunning reunion with Philip Rivers this week after Daniel Jones‘ season-ending injury, but as it turns out, they also pursued another one of their former quarterbacks: Sam Ehlinger.

The Colts, who drafted Ehlinger in the sixth round of the 2021 draft, reached out to his agent shortly after Jones suffered a torn Achilles on Sunday, per Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post. Rookie quarterback Riley Leonard, who finished the game after Jones went down, had also injured his knee. So not only did the team need to figure out an emergency starter, they may also have needed an emergency backup.

Indianapolis was already planning on reaching out to Rivers, but the uncertainty of coaxing him out of retirement and the potential need for multiple passers caused them to explore additional options. Ehlinger, who spent the last four years in Indianapolis, was an obvious option. However, he turned down the opportunity for a 53-man roster spot and potentially some playing time to stay on the Broncos’ practice squad as their third-string quarterback.

“We’re really happy here and enjoy the organization, the path we’re on and what we’re building. I want to be part of that,” Ehlinger said of his decision (via Gabriel). “I was in Indianapolis for four years and I love everybody over there. It’s just a difficult situation, obviously.”

There are a few reasons behind Ehlinger’s choice. The first is that he was not guaranteed playing time in Indianapolis. He was in touch with the Colts on Monday and Tuesday, by which time Rivers had agreed to come back. Leonard had also been diagnosed with a Grade 1 PCL sprain and could be available in Week 15 to start or back up Rivers. That would leave Ehlinger in the same situation as he was in Denver.

Ehlinger may also believe he has a better long-term future in Denver with head coach Sean Payton and quarterbacks coach Davis Webb, according to Gabriel. The Colts’ situation is very much in flux, but Broncos backup Jarrett Stidham is 29 years old with a contract that expires after the 2026 season. Payton and Webb may be grooming Ehlinger to take over that job behind Bo Nix as soon as next year.

This is not the first time that Ehlinger has turned down interest for another team’s active roster. He has declined multiple offers this year and seems content, if not determined to stay in Denver for the foreseeable future.

South Carolina CB Brandon Cisse Declares For 2026 Draft

December 11th, 2025 at 4:21pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Projected first-round pick South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse is declaring early for the 2026 NFL Draft, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

“I’m excited to fulfill my lifelong dream,” Cisse said (via Thamel). “It’s definitely been a special feeling. It’s something I prayed for my whole life.” 

Cisse, 20, is a true junior and former three-star recruit who originally committed to North Carolina State. He lined up in dime packages as a freshman and took on a bigger role in 2023, leading to a transfer to South Carolina earlier this year.

The six-foot, 190-pound corner started every game for the Gamecocks this year and recorded 19 tackles, one interception, and five passes defended. Cisse’s production is not particularly exciting, but his age, athleticism, and coverage skills are. He has allowed catches on only 34.6% of his targets this season, per ESPN’s Jordan Reid, as part of a breakout season that has seen him shoot up big boards.

Many early draft rankings – including those from The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, Pro Football Focus, and ESPN’s Matt Miller – have him pegged as a first-round pick and one of the top cornerbacks available. Cisse’s youth gives him tremendous upside, so he could be viewed similarly to Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins, who was taken 29th overall in the 2024 draft.

Colts Open DeForest Buckner’s Practice Window

December 11th, 2025 at 10:31am CST by Connor Byrne

DECEMBER 11: Buckner revealed on Thursday (via Chappell) that he has been dealing with a herniated disc in his neck pressing against a nerve. If the issue is not resolved, surgery will be a possibility in the future. For now, the Colts will hope to have him available for the final four games of the season.

DECEMBER 10: The Colts have gone without defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, one of their most important players, for four straight games. Buckner is now working toward a return from IR. The Colts opened his 21-day practice window on Wednesday, Mike Chappell of FOX 59 relays.

Buckner, who last played in a loss to the Steelers in Week 9, has been on the shelf with a neck injury for a month. The Colts were 7-2 when Buckner went down, but they have lost three of four without him. Once the top seed in the AFC, 8-5 Indianapolis has dropped to eighth during what has been an injury-plagued several weeks.

Quarterback Daniel Jones is out for the season after tearing his Achilles in a loss to the Jaguars last Sunday. Starting cornerback Charvarius Ward went on IR with his third concussion of the season on Wednesday, and fellow top CB Sauce Gardner seems likely to miss his second game in a row with a calf injury this Sunday. Gardner will not practice Wednesday, according to Chappell.

While the Colts’ defense won’t have Ward for the rest of the regular season, it could welcome back Buckner sometime in the next 21 days. The three-time Pro Bowler, 31, was enjoying another standout campaign before he went on IR. Buckner has notched 42 tackles, nine TFL, and four sacks in nine games. Despite a lengthy absence, he’s still tied for second among Colts in sacks, trailing only Laiatu Latu‘s 5.5. Pro Football Focus ranks Buckner as the league’s 12th-best interior D-lineman of 2025.

In the wake of Jones’ injury, it’s unclear who will quarterback the Colts for the rest of the season. Newly signed Philip Rivers, brought out of retirement at age 44, sixth-round rookie Riley Leonard, and journeyman Brett Rypien are their options. Considering the Colts’ questions at QB and a daunting slate of remaining opponents in the Seahawks, 49ers, Jaguars, and Texans, their chances of rallying for a playoff spot appear slim. Getting Buckner back would improve their odds.

CB Desmond King Retires

December 11th, 2025 at 9:43am CST by Adam La Rose

Desmond King‘s NFL career has come to an end. The veteran cornerback and return specialist took to X to announce his retirement.

King has not played in 2025, and his retirement announcement confirms he will not look to make a late-season return to the league. Nearing his 31st birthday, he will instead turn his attention to his post-playing days. King saw time with five different franchises over the course of his eight-year career.

A Chargers fifth-round pick in 2017, his NFL tenure began in Los Angeles and remained there until a November 2020 trade. King was dealt from the Chargers to the Titans, the team with which he finished playing out his rookie contract. During his first trip to free agency, a one-year Texans pact was worked out. King operated as a defensive starter during his debut Houston campaign, and he did so again the following year upon re-upping with the team.

After being released shortly before the start of the 2023 season, King had a brief spell with the Steelers. That was followed by a return to Houston which covered the remainder of the campaign. In 2024, similarly, King was cut after training camp before making one appearance with the Texans. His final NFL games took place as a member of the Ravens while serving as the team’s punt returner. Third phase success was a key factor early in King’s career; the Iowa product earned first-team All-Pro acclaim in 2018 for his work as a returner.

In all, King made a combined total of 113 regular and postseason appearances during his time in the NFL. He departs the game with $14MM in career earnings.

Rams To Activate WR Tutu Atwell From IR

December 11th, 2025 at 8:58am CST by Adam La Rose

The Rams have one of the league’s best receiver tandems in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. The team will soon be even healthier at the position.

Tutu Atwell had his 21-day practice window opened on November 26. He is now set to suit up in time for Sunday’s contest against the Lions. Head coach Sean McVay said (via ESPN’s Sarah Barshop) Atwell will be activated from injured reserve this week.

The fifth-year Ram landed on IR in late October due to a hamstring injury. There was initial optimism Atwell would only miss the minimum four games while recovering and then return to the lineup in Week 13. Instead, he has been absent for the past six contests. During that span, Los Angeles has gone 5-1 to remain in strong contention for the NFC’s No. 1 seed.

Nevertheless, getting Atwell back in the fold will give the Rams a boost on offense. The former second-rounder posted a career high in catches (42) and yards (562) last season. That resulted in a one-year, $10MM pact being worked out in March. With the deal being guaranteed in full, expectations were high in the case of a player who had previously been linked to trade speculation.

To date in 2025, Atwell has only managed four receptions in six games. The Louisville product will look to serve as a complementary option in the passing game down the stretch and into the postseason while he approaches free agency. The Rams, meanwhile, will continue to reply heavily on Nacua (who leads the league with 93 catches) and Adams (who is pacing the NFL with 14 receiving touchdowns).

Having only brought back Ahkello Witherspoon so far this season, Los Angeles still has seven IR activations remaining at this point. That figure will drop to six in the near future when Atwell is officially returned to the active roster.

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