Raiders HC Pete Carroll Heavily Influenced Offense During Chip Kelly’s Tenure
The Raiders have fired two coordinators this month, including OC Chip Kelly. His brief Vegas tenure fell well short of expectations to say the least. 
Despite giving Kelly $6MM per year to return to the NFL, the Raiders moved on in the immediate aftermath of a dismal loss against the Browns in Week 12. The team is tied for last in the NFL in scoring (15 points per game) and finding success on the ground has been a major challenge despite the presence of sixth overall pick Ashton Jeanty. Further details have emerged regarding the dynamic between Kelly and head coach Pete Carroll.
Many expected Kelly to receive a long leash in terms of handling the offense considering his contract and his track record at the NFL and college levels. As Ian Rapoport of NFL Network writes, however, Vegas’ offense in 2025 has been far different than any unit Kelly has led before. That is an illustration of the influence Carroll has yielded during his first year with the Raiders.
Per Rapoport, Kelly was “miffed” at the extent to which Carroll was “heavy-handed” with his role in directing the offense. Much of Vegas’ attack, opposing defensive coordinators have observed, has closely resembled what was in place during Carroll’s final season in Seattle. The Super Bowl-winning coach carrying over elements of his Seahawks schemes was always expected when he took the Raiders gig, but things have certainly not gone according to plan so far.
Trade acquisition Geno Smith reunited with Carroll this offseason. He has thrown an NFL-worst 13 interceptions, leading in large part to the 35-year-old posting a lower passer rating than any of his five Seahawks campaign. The coming Raiders offseason will once again be dominated by questions at the quarterback position. There is also a chance Carroll’s tenure could be in doubt even after one year in place.
Minority owner Tom Brady – well known to be a major voice in the Raiders’ decision-making – reportedly played a leading role in the Kelly hire. It will be interesting to see how Brady, owner Mark Davis and general manager John Spytek proceed with respect to Carroll’s status. That, in turn, will largely determine the team’s offensive coordinator for 2026.
Greg Olson will handle play-calling duties for the remainder of the season, one in which the Raiders would be expected (given their 2-9 record) to increasingly turn their attention to developing younger players. Largely speaking, that has not been the case to date with rookies other than Jeanty yet to receive major workloads. Rapoport notes there has been a “disconnect” based on Carroll’s mandate to compete right away and the reality of where Vegas stands in terms of talent on the roster.
The Raiders have lost five straight games, and they are among the teams which could be eliminated from playoff contention tomorrow. Moving forward, how (or if) Vegas manages to rebound on offense – along with Carroll’s impact in that regard – will be a storyline worth following.
Minor NFL Transactions: 11/29/25
Here are Saturday’s minor moves around the NFL, including gameday elevations for the remainder of Week 13:
Atlanta Falcons
- Elevated: WR Deven Thompkins
Buffalo Bills
- Activated from IR: OL Tylan Grable
- Elevated: TE Keleki Latu, LB Baylon Spector
Cleveland Browns
- Elevated: DT Sam Kamara
Houston Texans
- Elevated: CB Ameer Speed
- Placed on IR: CB Ajani Carter
Indianapolis Colts
- Elevated: DE Chris Wormley
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Elevated: DE Matt Dickerson, S Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig
Las Vegas Raiders
- Elevated: OL Atonio Mafi, CB Greedy Vance
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed from practice squad: RB Jaret Patterson
- Waived: OL Foster Sarell
- Elevated: RB Trayveon Williams
Minnesota Vikings
- Elevated: CB Dwight McGlothern Jr., QB John Wolford
New York Jets
- Elevated: DE Eric Watts, DB Jordan Clark
San Francisco 49ers
- Elevated: K Matt Gay, LB Jalen Graham
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed from practice squad: RB Myles Gaskin
- Placed on IR: RB George Holani
- Elevated: S Quandre Diggs, RB Velus Jones
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed from practice squad: QB Connor Bazelak
- Waived: RB Owen Wright
- Elevated: S Marcus Banks
Tennessee Titans
- Elevated: WR Xavier Restrepo, CB Kemon Hall
The Vikings brought back Desmond Ridder as quarterback insurance with J.J. McCarthy concussed. Ridder joined the team’s practice squad, and he will not dress for Minnesota tomorrow. Instead, it will be Wolford handling backup duties while undrafted rookie Max Brosmer makes his first career start.
Diggs returned to Seattle earlier this week. The veteran will receive the opportunity to play right away during his second stint with the Seahawks. Diggs earned three Pro Bowl nods during his first run in Seattle, and he will look to provide depth in the secondary with a familiar team down the stretch.
Saints To Use K Charlie Smyth In Week 13
Sunday will mark the Saints’ first game since their decision to move on from kicker Blake Grupe. His immediate replacement will not be the veteran signed earlier this week, though. 
The Saints have made Charlie Smyth one of their practice squad gameday elevations for Week 13. The Northern Irishman is thus in line to make his first ever regular season appearance tomorrow. He will look to provide New Orleans with an improved performance compared to Grupe’s inconsistent 2025 season.
Grupe’s third year as the Saints’ kicker did not go nearly as well as the first two. His field goal accuracy rate for 2025 sits at 69.2%, and the team moved on shortly after auditioning free agent options to replace him. One of them – Cade York – was signed on Tuesday. Instead of York (who has made 23 appearances across spells with three different teams), it will be Smyth getting the first opportunity to handle kicking duties.
The 27-year-old entered the NFL when he signed with the Saints in 2024 by way of the International Player Pathway Program. Smyth has been in the organization ever since, but given his background as a Gaelic football player prior to joining New Orleans he has been seen to date more as a developmental project than a reliable backup kicking option. It will be interesting to see how his debut goes as the 2-9 Saints look to identify players worth retaining for next season.
New Orleans has also elevated receiver Dante Pettis for tomorrow’s game against the Dolphins. This is the veteran’s third elevation, so for the Saints to continue using him down the stretch he will need to be signed to the active roster in the near future.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/29/25
Saturday’s lone taxi squad move:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: OLB Khalid Kareem
Kareem was waived on Thursday. To little surprise, the veteran was not claimed, making him a free agent. Kareem, 27, has elected to remain in Atlanta on the team’s practice squad. He has made one appearance with the Falcons so far this season.
NFL Mailbag: Vikings, Maye, HC Candidates
This week's PFR mailbag explores the Vikings' QB outlook, Drake Maye's MVP case, some of the top 2026 head coaching candidates and more.
Jordan asks:
The Vikings look to have made the wrong bet on J.J. McCarthy. With a few reclamation-project QBs having success in recent years, what options do you think will be there for in-house competition in Minnesota come 2026?
I should probably start this by stating the obvious: it is way too early to fully declare McCarthy a bust this early into his career. He has made just six regular-season starts to date after not seeing the field at all as a rookie.
That will rightfully give McCarthy a bit of leeway overall, but it’s undeniable he hasn’t developed as hoped so far. I had relatively high expectations in his case entering the season based not on his college career but rather head coach Kevin O’Connell’s track record of getting the most out of his quarterbacks. In that sense, there’s plenty of time for things to turn around.
Colts QB Daniel Jones Playing Through Fractured Fibula?
NOVEMBER 28: After being limited in practice on Wednesday, Jones followed up yesterday’s full participant status with a second straight practice with full participation, and despite his reported fibula injury, he is expected to play this Sunday, per Joel A. Erickson of the IndyStar.
Neither today’s practice report nor the comments of head coach Shane Steichen acknowledged the rumors of a fracture in Jones’ lower leg, according to ESPN’s Stephen Holder, but in his comments to the media, Steichen said, “We would never put (Jones) out there if we thought something could go wrong.” The only hint reporters could glean came during an observable portion of practice in which Jones appeared to have a slight limp (video courtesy of James Boyd of The Athletic).
NOVEMBER 27: The Colts have cooled off in recent weeks, losing two of their last three games and only scoring 20 points in both of those contests. The health of quarterback Daniel Jones has also emerged as a talking point. 
Jones has been dealing with a lower leg issue recently, and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports it is a fracture in his fibula. Rapoport adds Jones intends to continue playing through the injury, citing a source who states the fracture is not a concern. The Colts have neither confirmed nor denied Jones’ reported diagnosis.
Nevertheless, ESPN’s Stephen Holder reports Jones will be listed as a full participant for today’s practice. He echoes the sentiment that this ailment is not expected to result in missed game time. Jones was listed as limited once in practice last week, and the same was true for yesterday’s practice report. Otherwise, the standout free agent signing has managed to log full sessions recently.
When speaking to the media, Jones himself said (via James Boyd of The Athletic) he first realized the issue last week but added he is unsure when exactly it occurred. The former first-rounder noted the ailment is affecting his fibula but also declined to confirm whether or not any fractures have taken place.
Jones won out a training camp competition with Anthony Richardson and he has started every game so far for his newest team. The ex-Giant has set new career highs in several categories this year, giving his market value a considerable boost. A new Indy deal will bring with it a considerable raise, but negotiations on that front are not expected to begin until the offseason.
As a result, Jones’ play down the stretch will be make for a compelling storyline. The 28-year-old struggling during the closing stages of the season would likely still leave the Colts in a playoff spot, but that could have a notable impact on his valuation. Jones took a one-year pact worth $14MM, nearly all of which was guaranteed. Both a franchise tag and a long-term deal will be far more expensive from the Colts’ perspective if either route ends up being taken.
Richardson remains on injured reserve at this point. That leaves sixth-round rookie Riley Leonard as the Colts’ backup. Leonard has not seen any game action since Jones suffered the injury, and it appears that will continue to be the case moving forward.
Baker Mayfield “Trending To Play” In Week 13; Bucky Irving To Return From Injury
NOVEMBER 28: Bowles said (via team writer Scott Smith) that the Buccaneers had made a decision at quarterback, indicating Mayfield will start. Bowles added that the veteran quarterback “looked good” in Friday’s practice and is “trending to play.” Mayfield was upgraded to full participation after practicing in a limited capacity on Thursday; he is listed as questionable on the team’s injury report.
Bowles also revealed (via Laine) that Irving would make his return from a seven-game absence caused by foot and shoulder injuries, adding that Tampa Bay would “go with the hot hand” at running back. Rachaad White got the majority of the Buccaneers’ backfield work immediately after Irving went down, but Sean Tucker has received more touches over the last four games.
NOVEMBER 27: A loss against the Rams on Sunday dropped the Buccaneers to 6-5. The team faces a number of questions on the injury front entering Week 13, but there are a number of positive developments in that regard. 
Baker Mayfield was unable to finish the game in Week 12 after injuring his left (i.e. non-throwing) shoulder. An MRI revealed Mayfield suffered a low-grade AC joint sprain, and as such he could be an option to play against the Cardinals in Week 13. Much of his availability for the game will come down to pain management.
“If it’s gonna hinder how I play, then I probably won’t go,” the third-year Buccaneer said (via ESPN’s Jenna Laine). “But I won’t know that until later in the week of getting practice reps and see how that goes.”
The coming days will be worth watching closely in this case. Tampa Bay has lost three straight games and four of five. The team still sits atop the NFC South, but the 6-6 Panthers loom as a threat to win the division. Having Mayfield – who has a track record of playing through injuries – on the field during the closing stages of the season would be key for the Bucs. They could have reinforcements coming soon as well.
Receiver Chris Godwin returned to the lineup in Week 12, and it was known at that point running back Bucky Irving was close to suiting up as well. Tampa’s lead back has not played since Week 4, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports he is expected to play this week. Head coach Todd Bowles has since confirmed (via team reporter Scott Bair) Irving will make his return barring any setbacks during practice. As a rookie, the 23-year-old topped 1,500 scrimmage yards; Irving was also productive early this year before going down.
A return to action in that case will thus provide a notable boost to Tampa Bay’s offense. Meanwhile, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo notes (video link) receivers Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan are close to being able to play. Evans has been sidelined since October due to a broken clavicle, while McMillan has yet to suit up in 2025. Having a WR at full strength (including standout rookie Emeka Egbuka, of course) would give the Buccaneers plenty of options in the passing game. Per Garafolo, starting defensive tackle Calijah Kancey is ahead of schedule in his rehab from a torn pec. He could manage to play late in the regular season as a result.
Tampa Bay could have several key contributors back in the fold by the end of the campaign. Mayfield’s status will remain uncertain for the time being, but no more than a short absence in his case appears likely. The Bucs’ health down the stretch will make for an interesting story to follow as they look to bounce back from how the past few weeks have gone.
George Pickens Expected To Seek Long-Term Deal; Cowboys Likely To Use Franchise Tag?
George Pickens‘ first season with the Cowboys has exceeded expectations. His first trip to free agency will be something to watch closely as a result, in the event he manages to reach the open market. 
After another productive game yesterday, Pickens sits second in the NFL in receiving yards (1,142), third in touchdowns (eight) and seventh in catches (73). A strong desire exists on the part of the Cowboys to keep the 24-year-old in the fold, but doing so will of course require a major financial investment. Pairing Pickens with fellow wideout CeeDee Lamb is something owner Jerry Jones remains open to.
During an appearance on 105.3 The Fan, Jones said (via ESPN’s Todd Archer), “at this time we’ve got two No. 1 receivers and that’s just exceptional right at the time when – guess what – our quarterback is probably the best he’s ever been and there’s more there.”
Indeed, Dak Prescott has enjoyed a highly productive campaign in 2025. He and Lamb are attached to big-ticket contracts, leading many to wonder if fitting a Pickens one into the Cowboys’ financial plans will be feasible. To no surprise, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano write Pickens will be seeking a long-term pact this spring. No talks on a Cowboys extension have taken place, but it is clear at this point any multi-year commitment will move the former second-rounder near the top of the WR market in terms of compensation.
The alternative to a long-term Pickens contract would be the franchise tag. The ESPN duo as well as NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport note (video link) the tag is a distinct possibility in this case. Using the one-year tender on Pickens would set him up for roughly $28MM in 2026 compensation. It would also prevent the Georgia product from being able to gauge interest from free agent suitors.
Jones and the Cowboys have not been shy about using the franchise tag over the years, so it would come as little surprise if that were to be the outcome in Pickens’ case. Dallas has won three straight games to move to 6-5-1 on the year. If the Cowboys manage to reach the playoffs, a strong finish from Pickens and the offense will no doubt prove to be a major factor.
That could help his case for a monster contract from the Cowboys or another team. For now, though, the franchise tag looms as an option to at least ensure Pickens will spend two seasons in Dallas.
Jets QB Justin Fields Anticipates Future Starting Opportunities
Justin Fields did not meet expectations during his tenure atop the depth chart with the Jets. The free agent addition was benched in favor of Tyrod Taylor for Week 12, casting doubt over his future in New York. 
Fields has only thrown one interception through nine starts in 2025, although he has done so while averaging a career-low 6.2 yards per attempt and completing less than 63% of his passes. The 26-year-old has added 383 yards and four touchdowns on the ground, but that did not quell speculation about Taylor taking over weeks before he received the QB1 spot. In spite of that, Fields believes he will receive another look as an NFL starter.
“Of course. Yes, sir,” he said when speaking to the media for the first time since being demoted to backup duties (via ESPN’s Rich Cimini). “I mean, I just know who I am as a person, as a football player, as a hard worker. I think I know I have the mindset and the skill to attain that. I just feel like I need to do it on a more consistent basis, but that’s just what it is.”
Fields added he “did not anticipate it whatsoever” when asked about his benching. The Jets went 2-7 with him at the helm, and the former first-rounder led a passing attack which drew public criticism from owner Woody Johnson and currently ranks last in the NFL. The absence of wideout Garrett Wilson has played a role in New York’s struggles on that front, but Fields’ performances have certainly left plenty to be desired.
After being traded away by the Bears last offseason, an injury to Russell Wilson allowed Fields to serve as the Steelers’ starter for the first six weeks of the campaign. Pittsburgh went 4-2 in that period, but Wilson operated as the team’s QB1 the rest of the way. On the open market, Fields secured $30MM guaranteed on a two-year Jets contract, one which seemed to put him on track to spend at least one season atop the depth chart.
Instead, Taylor is expected to remain the Jets’ starter for the rest of the campaign. Especially if that proves to be the case, it will be interesting to see how things proceed between Fields and the team. The Ohio State product is owed $20MM in base salary for 2026, half of which is already guaranteed. As such, the possibility exists he could be retained as a backup behind a rookie added early in April’s draft. Fields declined to comment on that hypothetical situation.
Of course, there are plenty of unanswered questions at this point with respect to the 2026 QB market. Other openings will no doubt exist around the league, but it will be interesting to see if Fields receives serious consideration for a starting spot given how 2025 has played out.
Giants Expected To Retain GM Joe Schoen?
The 2025 season has seen the Giants fire head coach Brian Daboll and, shortly thereafter, defensive coordinator Shane Bowen. Joe Schoen remains in place as general manager, and signs point to that continuing in 2026. 
The team statement issued in the wake of Daboll’s dismissal offered praise for the roster Schoen has built during his tenure. Schoen will also lead the team’s search for a new head coach, an indication his standing with ownership remains strong. On that point, Fox Sports’ Ralph Vacchiano reports there is an “internal expectation” the Giants will maintain the status quo at the GM spot beyond the 2025 season.
Schoen has been in place since 2022. His and Daboll’s first year in charge resulted in a surprise run to the divisional round of the playoffs, but since then the Giants have managed just 11 wins. In Week 12, New York became the first team eliminated from postseason contention for 2025, and a third straight season with double-digit losses has been clinched. Especially with Daboll and now Bowen out of the picture, the case for a complete housecleaning is easy to see.
As Vacchiano notes, however, instability on the sidelines and in the front office has been a defining characteristic of the Giants during the post-Tom Coughlin period. Over the past 10 years, four general managers and six head coaches have been in place. Retaining Schoen and pairing him with a veteran coach would allow for New York’s core (featuring the likes of quarterback Jaxson Dart, receiver Malik Nabers, left tackle Andrew Thomas, defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and edge rusher Brian Burns) to move forward with consistency in terms of organizational direction.
Per Vacchiano, hiring a head coach who has previously held that role in the NFL is considered a “high priority” for some in the Giants’ building. That comes as little surprise, given the team’s struggles under first-time head coaches dating back several years. Candidates such as Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo have not worked as an NFL HC before, but they will no doubt receive a look as well.
Schoen’s stock with ownership has received a boost based on the decision to trade back into the first round and select Dart, Vacchiano adds. Other Day 1 draft additions in recent years such as offensive lineman Evan Neal and cornerback Deonte Banks have certainly not paid off, something which has helped split outside opinions on the matter of whether or not Schoen will (or should) be retained. Factors such as cap management and the financial situation Schoen inherited from Dave Gettleman will also be taken into consideration.
As things stand, the only GM opening in the NFL is that of the Dolphins. More vacancies are likely to open by the time the regular season has ended, but it would come as a surprise to many if the Giants were to find themselves in the market for a Schoen replacement.