Commanders Likely To Retain Dan Quinn, Move On From DC Joe Whitt
Joe Whitt came over from Dallas with Dan Quinn, but after Washington’s defense has underwhelmed, it looks like a change will be coming. Although Quinn appears safe heading out of the 2025 season, a new defensive play-caller may be coming soon.
Quinn yanked play-calling duties from Whitt midway through this season, and NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero point to the DC’s likely dismissal following this season. Whitt received interest from the Cowboys and Commanders in 2024; he eventually accepted the Washington job.
While the Commanders made one of the most surprising conference championship game runs in NFL history last season, their offense did the heavier lifting. Whitt’s defense ranked 18th in scoring, 13th in yardage and 17th in EPA per play. This year brought a regression. When Quinn took over play-calling duties in early November, the Commanders ranked 29th in scoring defense and 30th in yardage. Six weeks later, the unit is 26th and 31st in those respective categories.
Whitt, 47, worked as the Cowboys’ defensive backs coach under Quinn from 2021-23 and was on Quinn’s final Falcons staff in 2020 (as Atlanta’s DBs coach). He took part in a wide-ranging Jets HC interview process this offseason, but a move south of the DC tier may well take place in 2026. The Commanders have not done well to replace Montez Sweat, and their Marshon Lattimore trade did not do well to address issues in the secondary. Age across the roster has hurt the team’s cause as well.
Washington’s surprise surge to the NFC title game is expected to buy Quinn another year. Josh Harris still believes in the second-chance HC, per Rapoport and Pelissero, though it should certainly be expected the former Super Bowl HC’s seat will be warm to start the 2026 season. The Commanders sank to 4-11 on Saturday, marking a faceplant follow-up to their 2024 success.
Like the Panthers before them and Raiders after them, the Commanders made an aggressive pursuit of then-Lions OC Ben Johnson in 2024. The high-end play-caller turned them down, leading to the Quinn hire. Quinn, 55, being a second choice could factor into Harris and Adam Peters‘ decision down the road. But the success he had in Year 1 would probably make it rather impulsive to consider firing him now.
It will be interesting to see if OC Kliff Kingsbury draws extensive HC interest as he did last year. Kingsbury was selective following Jayden Daniels‘ Offensive Rookie of the Year season, not conducting any official interviews. A few teams had the Washington play-caller on their radars, but he opted to stick with Quinn and Daniels. After Daniels’ injury-plagued second season, Kingsbury’s stock has cooled. This would give Quinn a boost for 2026, when Daniels will be back and aiming to craft a third-year bounce-back effort — one that will largely determine the fates of Quinn and Kingsbury.
Andy Reid Not Planning 2026 Retirement; Matt Nagy Declined Chiefs Extension Offer
An offseason tradition on the coaching front has featured Andy Reid swatting away retirement rumors. This season, however, will end with a rare set of meaningless Chiefs games. The three-time reigning AFC champions are eliminated from playoff contention. That separates this year even from the 2014 season, when Kansas City remained in the mix later into a 9-7 campaign — Reid’s only non-playoff showing with the franchise.
Reid and Patrick Mahomes have formed one of the best QB-HC combinations in NFL history, trekking to five Super Bowls and winning three championships together. But Mahomes is now set for extensive ACL and LCL rehab while Reid will turn 68 in March. Despite the Chiefs being set for unusual territory — as they navigate Mahomes rehab during an offseason in which they are unlikely to be labeled Super Bowl frontrunners — NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero note Reid is not planning to retire in 2026.
[RELATED: Unusual Chiefs Season Set To Precede Roster-Building Challenges]
The Chiefs extended Reid in 2024; the deal is believed to have made the six-time conference champion the NFL’s highest-paid HC at around $20MM per year. Reid’s contract runs through the 2029 season, covering the Chiefs in this important area. Reid will bid to become the oldest coach to win a Super Bowl. Bruce Arians currently holds that title, having guided the 2020 Buccaneers to a championship at age 67.
It will be interesting to see how Reid’s offense looks to start the 2025 season. Mahomes’ timetable points to a decent chance he is back by Week 1, but that will not be a lock. How Mahomes looks as far as mobility goes will be a defining factor for the 2026 Chiefs, as they have derived plenty from the quarterback’s dual-threat skillset during a run that up until this season brought seven AFC championship game appearances in seven QB1 seasons.
The Chiefs also figure to make a real investment in the backfield. The Jets rejected a fourth-round offer for Breece Hall at the deadline, and both Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco — a player who has seen injury trouble headline his past two seasons — are set for free agency. Travis Kelce is also not a lock to come back. The future Hall of Famer is unsigned for 2026. While Kelce has long said he would finish his career with the Chiefs, he would need a new deal to return for a 14th season.
Also set for free agency: OC Matt Nagy, who figures to draw some HC interest after three seasons back in a role he held briefly in the late 2010s. Nagy is believed to have turned down a Chiefs extension offer this past offseason, per Rapoport and Pelissero. As a result, the veteran Reid sidekick/ex-Bears coach will need a new deal to stay in Kansas City.
Nagy, 47, interviewed for the Jets’ HC job last year and has been connected to the Titans’ vacancy on a few occasions since Tennessee fired Brian Callahan. The former NFL Coach of the Year (with the 2018 Bears) worked with Titans GM Mike Borgonzi previously and figures to interview for that post.
While this Chiefs season being the one to launch Nagy back onto the HC level would be a bit odd given the disappointing performance, Kansas City’s offense has been a touch better this season. That said, the Chiefs enter Week 16 ranked 15th in points yet again.
The Chiefs made the Super Bowl with No. 15-ranked scoring offenses in 2023 and ’24, using Steve Spagnuolo‘s sound defenses to provide enough support for Mahomes and Co. post-Tyreek Hill and amid a Kelce decline. While it is possible Nagy rejected an extension offer coming off a clunky offensive season, the reasons for his declining the deal are not known.
These defensive-oriented teams did not garner Spagnuolo a second HC chance; the accomplished DC’s age (66 today) and woeful three-year run as the St. Louis Rams’ HC figures to keep him from a second chance. In a year set to feature a host of defense-oriented coaching candidates, Nagy will likely draw interest. Going 2-for-4 in playoff berths with the Bears with Mitch Trubisky as the primary quarterback has aged well, and it will be interesting to see if Nagy advances far into the process as an interviewee come January.
Dolphins Coveted Joe Burrow In 2020, Offered Bengals Four First-Rounders For No. 1 Pick
The Dolphins entered the 2020 NFL Draft in need of a franchise quarterback. Joe Burrow headlined the class after a national championship- and Heisman Trophy-winning season at LSU in 2019. With Burrow coming off an incredible 60-touchdown campaign, the Dolphins showed interest in moving up from the fifth spot to land him. However, the Bengals stayed put at No. 1 and selected Burrow.
Four picks after Burrow went off the board, the Dolphins settled for former Alabama signal-caller Tua Tagovailoa. It turns out they were extremely aggressive in trying to nab Burrow first.
Armed with three first-rounders in 2020 to go with an extra first in 2021, the Dolphins offered the Bengals a package of four firsts for the No. 1 pick, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. They’d have drafted Burrow had Cincinnati signed off on the trade. However, the Bengals were committed enough to Burrow that they didn’t entertain the proposal, according to Schefter.
We heard a while back the Dolphins made an aggressive push to acquire the 2020 top pick from the Bengals. Brian Flores‘ tanking allegation surrounded the 2019 Miami season. While the NFL did not punish Stephen Ross in connection with Flores’ accusation, the Dolphins fielded a bad roster as they retooled that year. Flores guiding the team to a 5-11 record scuttled any hopes of obtaining the No. 1 pick. Burrow had also surged past Tagovailoa on draft boards thanks to his record-setting season, but the Bengals’ 2-14 record in Zac Taylor‘s debut season gave them access to the Ohio native-turned-LSU superstar.
This is, however, the first we have heard that a four-first-rounder offer was on the table. This would have meant Cincinnati sliding from No. 1 to No. 5 and also obtaining the Nos. 18 and 26 choices — to go with a 2021 first. The Dolphins had two firsts in 2021 thanks to their August 2019 Laremy Tunsil blockbuster.
Miami acquired the 2020 No. 18 pick via the September 2019 Minkah Fitzpatrick trade and No. 26 in the Tunsil swap. The Dolphins ended up trading down four spots from No. 26, giving the Packers Jordan Love access. In the end, Miami ended up with Tagovailoa — who was coming off a season-ending hip injury — to go with Austin Jackson and Noah Igbinoghene.
A half-decade later, Tagovailoa’s tenure in Miami may be on the verge of ending. The 27-year-old had success earlier in his career, even earning a four-year, $212.4MM extension in July 2024, but he’ll serve in a third-string role against the Burrow-led Bengals on Sunday. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel decided earlier this week to bench Tagovailoa for seventh-round rookie Quinn Ewers.
Even though Tagovailoa’s owed a guaranteed $54MM in 2026, Miami is “prepared” to cut ties with him in the offseason, per Schefter. The Dolphins will likely part with him before $3MM of his 2027 salary becomes guaranteed on March 15.
Schefter points to the possibility of a trade in which the Dolphins offer a team draft compensation and pay “a heavy portion” of Tagovailoa’s contract. Tagovailoa would have to take a pay cut to facilitate a trade, notes Schefter, who adds it’s likely he’d have a say in where he goes next.
If the Dolphins are unable to execute a trade, it seems they’ll release Tagovailoa at the cost of a record $99MM in dead money. They’d spread that total over two seasons, leaving Tagovailoa to search for another team on the open market.
Like Tagovailoa, Burrow earned a massive raise earlier in his career. The Bengals gave him a five-year, $275MM extension in September 2023. Burrow, who nearly led the Bengals to a win over the Rams in Super Bowl LVI, was coming off back-to-back AFC Championship Game appearances at the time.
The Bengals haven’t returned to the playoffs since they locked up Burrow, though the two-time Pro Bowler remains among the league’s premier passers when healthy. Injuries have been a frequent occurrence during his career, however, including a nine-game absence this year. He returned from a toe injury in Week 13, but with two losses in three games since then, the Bengals are 4-10 and out of contention.
While Burrow is frustrated with the Bengals’ struggles, it doesn’t appear he’ll join Tagovailoa on the market of available QBs in the offseason. Burrow expects to remain in Cincinnati in 2026.
Sam Robinson contributed to this post.
Jets Expected To Retain HC Aaron Glenn
A five-win showing in 2024 led to a shakeup on the Jets’ sideline last offseason. After firing head coach Robert Saleh during the season and finishing the campaign with interim choice Jeff Ulbrich, the team hired Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn as its full-time sideline leader.
The Jets weren’t expected to push for a playoff spot this year, but at 3-11 under Glenn, they’re on a worse pace than last season. There has been some question about Glenn’s job security as a result. He’s not going anywhere, though, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports.
A Glenn firing “was never under consideration,” writes Russini, who adds that agents around the NFL are operating as if the organization will stay the course. The Woody Johnson-owned franchise is exercising patience with Glenn during a rebuild.
Glenn, a former Jets defensive back, rejoined the club just a few days before the late-January hiring of general manager Darren Mougey. They’re now attempting to restore relevance to a franchise that hasn’t qualified for the postseason since 2010.
Knowing the Jets wouldn’t contend in the near term, the new regime made a couple of significant talent-dumping deals ahead of the Nov. 4 trade deadline. They shipped off their two best defensive players, cornerback Sauce Gardner (Colts) and D-tackle Quinnen Williams (Cowboys). Those swaps netted Glenn and Mougey major assets for the future.
Gardner brought back two first-round picks and second-year wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, who has played better since arriving in New York. The Colts were fighting for the top spot in the AFC at the time. They’ve plummeted from 7-1 to 8-6, though, and are now unlikely to make the playoffs. That’s great news for the Jets.
Williams cost the Cowboys a 2026 second, a 2027 first, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith. Despite going in the first round in 2023, Smith was a bust in Dallas, and he has been a non-factor for the Jets. Even if he doesn’t evolve into a contributor, the picks could prove crucial in a potential turnaround.
With Gardner and Williams gone, the Jets are unsurprisingly worse off in the here and now. Despite the presence of a defensive-minded head coach, that unit has looked especially rough of late. After the Jets yielded a combined 82 points in losses to the Dolphins and Jaguars over the past two weeks, Glenn fired coordinator Steve Wilks on Monday. Glenn will have to decide whether to turn the reins over to pass game coordinator Chris Harris, who’s succeeding Wilks on an interim basis, or choose someone else in the offseason.
Glenn will also have a say in the quarterback position next year. That will be the most important offseason business for the Jets, whose 2026 starter likely isn’t on the roster. The move to sign Justin Fields to a two-year, $40MM contract with $30MM in guarantees last offseason has proven to be a misfire for the team’s new leadership. Fields, whom the Jets benched last month, probably won’t be back next season. Veteran backup Tyrod Taylor is a pending free agent, and it’s unlikely undrafted rookie Brady Cook is the answer.
With the Jets boasting enviable draft capital, including the current fifth and 18th overall picks in 2026, they could welcome a prized rookie passer into the fold next year. Mougey has scouted top QB prospects Fernando Mendoza (Indiana’s Heisman Trophy winner) and Dante Moore (Oregon) in person. Either could wind up playing for Glenn in 2026.
Kyle Shanahan: Brandon Aiyuk Has Been ‘Extremely Distant’ Since Injury
The 49ers placed wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk on the reserve/left squad list last week, raising significant questions about his future in San Francisco.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has since revealed more details about the strained relationship between Aiyuk and the 49ers. He said (via The Athletic’s Matt Barrows) that Aiyuk has been “extremely distant” since his ACL injury in Week 7 of the 2024 season. That estrangement only grew this year; at the time of his move to the left squad list, the team had not heard from Aiyuk in over a month, per The Athletic’s Vic Tafur.
Shanahan’s revelations add even more confusion into a drawn-out saga with Aiyuk that, including his contract standoff last offseason, has taken up virtually all of the last two years. The team believed that the four-year, $120MM extension would ease tensions with its star wideout, but Aiyuk’s somewhat slow start to the 2024 season and subsequent injury put the two sides at odds once again. The complete disconnect, though, is remarkable, given that the 49ers did eventually bow to Aiyuk’s demands and sign him to a massive contract.
San Francisco already voided the remaining guarantees on Aiyuk’s contract, which makes it financially easier to trade him. However, other teams may be hoping that the 49ers release him instead to end the situation as quickly as possible. That would allow them to sign Aiyuk at a much cheaper rate than his current contract. Aiyuk may also be angling for the same outcome so he can pick his next destination.
More light has also been shed on another complicated 49ers injury situation. Quarterback Brock Purdy missed Weeks 2 and 3 with turf toe and an injury to his non-throwing shoulder. He returned in Week 4 and played the entire game, but re-aggravated his toe in the process. Purdy was then sidelined for six more games, though he was not placed on injured reserve. His recovery was marked by intermittent practices and consistent uncertainty about his return timeline.
As it turns out, the 49ers intentionally slow-played Purdy’s return. He sought several medical opinions on his toe, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, and every doctor told him that surgery was not necessary. The 49ers opted to take a cautious approach with Purdy’s recovery to make sure that the issue did not linger for the rest of the season.
That plan seems to have worked out. The 49ers did not exactly thrive in Purdy’s absence, but Mac Jones kept the offense afloat. San Francisco alternated wins and losses until Purdy returned to the field in Week 11. Since then, they have won four straight games and are currently the NFC’s No. 2 wild card team. With Purdy back in the fold, the 49ers might be peaking at the right time to finish the season strong, secure a playoff spot, and go on a run in the postseason.
Packers’ Jordan Love Suffers Concussion
Early in Saturday night’s game, Packers quarterback Jordan Love exited to be evaluated for a concussion. By the start of the second half, he had been ruled out for the remainder of the game. 
Backup Malik Willis has taken over quarterback duties, and that will remain the case the rest of the way. The Love news obviously marks a major blow to Green Bay in Week 16’s critical divisional matchup against Chicago. It could also have an impact beyond tonight’s contest, though.
It is rare for players to clear concussion protocol in time to play during the week immediately following a diagnosis. As a result, an absence of at least one game is commonplace. Presuming Love finds himself in the protocol, he will therefore be in serious danger of missing the Packers’ Week 17 game against the Ravens.
Green Bay entered Saturday as the NFC’s seventh seed with a record of 9-4-1. Chicago, meanwhile, came into the game leading the division at 10-4. With pole position in the NFC North down the stretch at stake, the Packers have now been dealt a notable blow on offense. Of course, this development comes just days after Micah Parsons tore his ACL. The blockbuster trade acquisition will not return in 2025, hindering Green Bay’s pass rush moving forward.
Love will face a much shorter timeline in his recovery. Still, the possibility of missing next week’s game will make for a major storyline over the coming days. Regardless of tonight’s outcome, the closing stages of the season will be critical in deciding Green Bay’s spot in the NFC playoff picture. Having Love available would be key, although Willis has generally flashed potential during his time with the Packers.
Acquired via trade last August, the former Titans draftee made seven appearances (including two starts) in 2024. Willis’ entrance into tonight’s game marks his third showing of the season. The 26-year-old is set to see his rookie contract expire this spring. As such, a strong performance while briefly atop the depth chart will help establish his value ahead of a free agent period set to be devoid of desirable veterans under center.
Love’s Green Bay future is far more certain. The 2020 first-rounder has a $55MM-per-year contract which runs through 2028. For the immediate term, though, it remains to be seen when he will be back in the lineup.
Giants Place OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux On IR, Activate CB Art Green
Kayvon Thibodeaux will not return in 2025. The fourth-year edge rusher has been placed on injured reserve, the Giants announced on Saturday. 
A shoulder sprain has kept Thibodeaux sidelined for the past three games. He has yet to practice during that period, meaning today’s move comes as little surprise. A stint on IR requires at least a four-week absence, and (having been eliminated from playoff contention) the Giants only have three games remaining.
With Thibodeaux now out for the remainder of the campaign (one in which he posted just 2.5 sacks and 11 pressures), attention will turn to his upcoming contract year. The former No. 5 pick had his fifth-year option picked up, leaving him in place for 2026. He is due to collect $14.75MM next year as a result.
The Giants already have one big-money pass rusher on the books in the form of Brian Burns. Abdul Carter – drafted third overall in April – profiles as a potential Thibodeaux replacement in the long term, although his rookie season has not gone as planned. Carter (who, in a recent uptick, has posted one sack in each of his past two games) should continue to see an elevated role to close out the year.
In a corresponding move, the Giants have activated Art Green from IR. The second-year corner returned to practice last week, and he will now be available to play tomorrow. Green has yet to play on defense this season; that will likely remain the case down the stretch, but he can be expected to reprise his role as a key figure on special teams.
Today’s news means New York has three IR activations remaining for the year. The Giants will close out their schedule with games against the Vikings, Raiders and Cowboys.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/20/25
Here are Saturday’s minor moves around the NFL, including gameday elevations for tomorrow’s Week 16 slate:
Arizona Cardinals
- Elevated: CB Jaden Davis, WR Steven Sims
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed from practice squad: CB C.J. Henderson
- Waived: WR/KR Jamal Agnew
- Elevated: WR Chris Blair, OLB Khalid Kareem
Baltimore Ravens
- Elevated: DT Josh Tupou, LB William Kwenkeu
- Placed on IR: LB Teddye Buchanan (story)
Buffalo Bills
- Activated from IR: WR Mecole Hardman
- Elevated: K Michael Badgley, DE Andre Jones Jr.
Carolina Panthers
- Elevated: LB Isaiah Simmons, OL Saahdiq Charles
Cincinnati Bengals
- Elevated: DT Howard Cross, CB Bralyn Lux
Dallas Cowboys
- Elevated: CB Corey Ballentine
Denver Broncos
- Elevated: QB Sam Ehlinger, S Delarrin Turner-Yell
Detroit Lions
- Elevated: OL Kingsley Eguakun, TE Giovanni Ricci
Houston Texans
- Elevated: DT Marlon Davidson, CB Alijah Huzzie
Los Angeles Chargers
- Elevated: S Marcus Williams, G Branson Taylor
Miami Dolphins
- Signed from practice squad: CB Ethan Robinson
- Placed on IR: DB Elijah Campbell
- Elevated: OL Kion Smith, WR Theo Wease
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed from practice squad: CB Dwight McGlothern
- Elevated: LB Sione Takitaki
New York Giants
- DT Elijah Chatman, K Ben Sauls
New York Jets
- Elevated: DB Tre Brown
New Orleans Saints
- Elevated: T Easton Kilty, TE Moliki Matavao
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Elevated: CB Daryl Porter Jr., T Jack Driscoll
San Francisco 49ers
- Placed on IR: LB Nick Martin
Tennessee Titans
- Signed from practice squad: DT Cam Horsley
- Waived: DT Shy Tuttle
- Elevated: CB Kamon Hall
Agnew’s time in Atlanta has come to an end after 11 appearances with his third career team. The veteran did not see any usage on offense, but he handled 45 total returns between kickoffs and punts this season. Agnew totaled 855 yards in that capacity, but he will now hit the waiver wire. Provided he clears, the 30-year-old will become a free agent.
The same is true of Tuttle. A veteran of 105 games, he has made just one start so far this season. Tuttle has only handled a 25% snap share on defense, so he is unlikely to generate much interest as a free agent. Nevertheless, a depth role could await him on a contender down the stretch.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/20/25
Saturday’s taxi squad moves:
Buffalo Bills
- Released: DL Morgan Fox
Denver Broncos
- Signed: G Calvin Throckmorton
Fox’s release is the corresponding move to the Bills signing Matt Judon. Throckmorton, meanwhile, became a free agent upon clearing waivers this week. He has elected to remain in Denver via a practice squad agreement.
Broncos Activate G Ben Powers
The Broncos’ offensive line will receive a boost in time for Week 16. Left guard Ben Powers has been activated from injured reserve, per a team announcement. 
Powers suffered a biceps injury in Week 5, and he has been sidelined since. Denver opened his practice window on December 10, however, signaling a return was imminent. After remaining absent last week, Powers will be able to suit up tomorrow against the Jaguars.
During Powers’ absence, the Broncos have used a pair of replacements at the left guard spot. Matt Peart filled in for one game before suffering his own injury, which paved the way for Alex Palczewski to handle a full-time starting gig. The latter could still see at least a rotational role down the stretch. Head coach Sean Payton said (via 9News’ Mike Klis) Powers will be eased back into action.
In any event, being back to full strength up front will be key for the top team in the AFC. Each of Denver’s other four starters up front (left tackle Garrett Bolles, center Luke Wattenberg, right guard Quinn Meinerz and right tackle Mike McGlinchey) have played in every game this season. That run of availability has been key to the team’s offensive success in 2025.
Powers, 29, has delivered on expectations as a run blocker in particular during his time with the Broncos. The 2023 free agent signing did not miss a game during his first two seasons in the Mile High City, and he is on the books through next year. A trade or release aimed at shedding costs along the offensive line could be entertained during the offseason, but for now Powers will look to reprise his role as a first-team figure up front while Denver seeks the No. 1 seed in the conference.
With Powers back in the fold, the Broncos have three IR activations remaining for the regular season. Another two will become available once the playoffs begin.