Draft Notes: Jets, Panthers, Warren, Cousins
Set to select seventh overall, the Jets sit in an interesting position as things stand. A number of options will be available to the new regime of Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn, many of which have already been mentioned.
Another one has emerged as the countdown to the first round nears its end. SNY’s Connor Hughes reports receiver Tetairoa McMillan has specifically been named as a potential target. The Arizona product has seen his stock shift over the course of the pre-draft process, but hearing his name called early tonight remains a distinct possibility.
Glenn has been reported to be pushing a defensive addition on Day 1, but Hughes notes the selection of an offensive lineman or a skill-position player remains the focus of attention around the team. Right tackle represents a need, while selecting a receiver or tight end would add to an offense which has undergone plenty of changes this offseason. If McMillan is on the board at No. 7, it will be interesting to see how the team proceeds. A pursuit of running back Ashton Jeanty – the subject of trade-up efforts by the Bears – meanwhile, should not be expected, ESPN’s Rich Cimini adds.
Here are some other last-minute draft notes:
- For now, at least, the Panthers are scheduled to select after the Jets. Trading down has long loomed as a possibility for general manager Dan Morgan, and that remains the case at this point. If Carolina stays at No. 8, The Athletic’s Joe Person reports Jalon Walker is still the “presumed pick” as things stand. That comes as no surprise given the long-running links to the Georgia linebacker/edge rusher. Otherwise, Person names Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham as an option, along with McMillan if the team is moved toward an offensive addition.
- Tyler Warren is considered one of two first-round locks at the tight end spot. He is a strong candidate to be drafted in the top 10 as a result, but teams outside that range are interested as well. The Colts are among them, per Hughes. That comes as no surprise, given the constant connections made between Indianapolis and the team targeting a TE move with Warren or Michigan’s Colston Loveland. The Colts own pick No. 14, so a trade up the board would be required for Warren in particular.
- Moves up and down the order have reportedly received consideration in the case of the Broncos. The latest update on that front comes from Person’s colleague Dianna Russini, who reports Denver is looking to trade up from No. 20. A running back or other skill-position player could be the target of such a move, depending on where in the order the team lands. Since the Broncos own the pick one spot before the Steelers (a potential QB landing spot), they will remain a team to watch closely in any event.
- How things shake out at the quarterback position will be key as it pertains to Kirk Cousins. The veteran looms as an option for teams which are unable to select a rookie this weekend as he seeks a fresh start and starting opportunity. Underdog Fantasy’s James Palmer reports Cousins could waive his no-trade clause as early as tomorrow based on the QB landscape at that point. Day 2 looms as a time when many teams could add signal-callers, however, and Palmer adds a more likely scenario would be for the one-year Falcons passer to wait until after the first three rounds take place to decide on how he wants to proceed. Cousins, 36, wants to avoid a repeat of how Atlanta operated last offseason but by the end of the draft there could of course be few (if any) suitors left in need of a short-term addition under center.
Patriots Still Expected To Select Will Campbell At No. 4
The Patriots were linked heavily to Travis Hunter in many early mock drafts with the potential of Shedeur Sanders being one of the first prospects to hear their names called. With that no longer the case, a top three order of Cam Ward (Titans), Hunter (Browns) and Abdul Carter (Giants) has emerged as the expectation for tonight. 
If that plays out, the Patriots would be faced with the option of moving down the board from No. 4 overall or selecting from the remaining players. Connections to LSU’s Will Campbell have long been in place as a result, and that remains the case with the opening round hours away. Campbell is still widely seen as New England’s target, Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports as well as ESPN’s Matt Miller report.
[RELATED: Pats Select Campbell In PFR’s Mock Draft]
Interestingly, Schultz adds Campbell should still be expected to join the Patriots even in the event Carter is still on the board by that point. The Giants could take a signal-caller (such as Sanders) third overall or opt to move down the Day 1 order. Carter remaining available with New England still on the clock would come as a surprise, but it would certainly add intrigue to the team’s decision. Long seen in tandem with Hunter as a top-two talent, Carter could add considerably to the Pats’ pass rush in 2025 and for many years beyond that.
On the other hand, upgrading along the O-line has remained a major priority through the offseason for New England. The team’s free agency moves resulted in the arrivals of right tackle Morgan Moses and Garrett Bradbury, with the latter replacing David Andrews shortly after his release. The left tackle spot remains an area of need, though, and Campbell could solidify it (provided, of course, he receives the opportunity to operate on the blindside as he did in college despite concerns about his arm length). Miller confirms the consensus All-American would be tasked with left tackle duties in the event he wound up being selected by the Patriots.
Miller’s colleague Jeremy Fowler reports New England recently traveled to Louisiana to meet once again with Campbell. That marks another indication this team-player pairing will become official tonight. While Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker emerged as a name to watch on this front earlier this week, he remains an outside candidate to hear his name called fourth overall as things stand.
Poll: How Many First-Round QBs Will Be Drafted?
Cam Ward has long cemented himself as the top quarterback prospect in the eyes of almost all evaluators for the 2025 draft. As a result, he is in position to be selected first overall by the Titans. 
Tennessee received interest in the top pick, but Ian Rapoport of NFL Network confirms the team is not prepared to trade down. As such, Ward remains on track to take over QB1 duties with the Titans as one of the passers added on the opening night of the draft. Whether or not he will be joined by other prospects at the position on Day 1 remains to be seen.
The 2025 QB class is known to lack in surefire prospects compared to previous years, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports at least one team has not assigned a first-round grade to any of this year’s passers. In spite of that, Ward is expected to come off the board first, and several other teams will have the opportunity to select a signal-caller. The Browns and Giants could very well use the second and third picks on Travis Hunter and Addul Carter and turn their attention to drafting a quarterback at the top of the second round. Trading back into the first-round order could also be in play, though, and a move on that front would be aimed at landing a long-term answer under center.
In addition to Cleveland and New York, New Orleans and Pittsburgh have been named as potential landing spots for a Day 1 passer. The Saints’ immediate situation at the position is uncertain due to Derek Carr‘s injury status, but using the No. 9 pick on a replacement is not expected. Instead, the team could use the second round to target an addition. The Saints have made calls about moving up early on the second day of the draft.
Many teams are likelier to prioritize moving down the order rather than up given the nature of this year’s draft class. The Steelers are believed to be among them, but the 21st selection could provide them with the chance to select a quarterback. Shedeur Sanders – who has a fan in the form of Mike Tomlin – could still be on the board when Pittsburgh is on the clock, a situation the team did not originally anticipate. Even if Aaron Rodgers winds up signing with the Steelers, a long-term investment would come as no surprise.
Jaxson Dart has been mentioned as a candidate to be selected in the first round for quite some time, and the Steelers are among the teams which view the Ole Miss product as a Day 1 prospect. The Saints, meanwhile, have done extensive homework on Dart as well, and Giants head coach Brian Daboll is known to be high on him. The prospect of Dart being selected before Sanders has been raised on multiple occasions, and such a scenario could easily result in three QBs coming off the board Thursday.
A fourth signal-caller being drafted is not expected as things stand. With that said, multiple general managers and 
coaches informed Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post it would not be a shock if that were to take place. Alabama’s Jalen Milroe or Louisville’s Tyler Shough would be names to watch in that scenario. Despite his age, the latter is seen by more than one team as the top prospect at the position, and his stock has improved over the pre-draft process. Especially if one or more suitors pursued a move at the back of the first round, they could find themselves jockeying for position to add a passer.
With the countdown to the draft nearly over, how do you see things playing out? Will Ward have company as a Day 1 quarterback, or will the next tier of signal-callers experience a slide down the board? Vote in PFR’s latest poll and have your say in the comments section.
TE Mark Andrews Expects To Remain With Ravens
Mark Andrews is one of several veterans whose name has been connected to trade talk during the build-up to the draft. Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta recently declined to confirm the All-Pro tight end will remain in Baltimore for 2025. 
Next season represents the final one of Andrews’ contract. The 29-year-old has signed one extension in his career, but it remains to be seen if he will receive another from the Ravens. A trade around or during the draft has therefore been a talking point since the end of the 2024 campaign. Andrews does not anticipate being moved, though.
“At the end of the day, I think [DeCosta] said it perfectly: He’s in the business of keeping great players and it’s a business at the end of the day,” the three-time Pro Bowler said to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. “You can’t be surprised by anything, but I’m a Raven. I know the Ravens and my relationship is incredibly strong and I trust in [DeCosta] and everybody there over at the Ravens.”
To be clear, DeCosta’s latest comments on the subject did not state the Ravens are actively looking to move Andrews. Head coach John Harbaugh has expressed an expectation the Oklahoma product will remain in the fold for at least one more year, something which will be influenced in large part by the strength of the market which develops for him over the coming days. Andrews is due to carry a cap charge of $16.91MM in 2025, while a trade would result in $11MM in savings.
Given Baltimore’s financial outlook – the likes of quarterback Lamar Jackson, running back Derrick Henry, safety Kyle Hamilton, center Tyler Linderbaum and edge rusher Odafe Oweh are all in line for extensions as early as this offseason – keeping Andrews at a high cost would prove to be challenging. He set a new career high with 11 touchdowns last season, but Andrews’ 39.6 receiving yards per game average were the lowest mark since his rookie campaign. A repeat of that modest production at a high price would be difficult to handle from a cap perspective.
Another factor in this situation is the fact fellow tight end Isaiah Likely is entering the final year of his rookie deal. The 25-year-old’s playing time, yardage and touchdown totals have increased over each of his first three seasons, and he would be in position to assume an even larger pass-catching role in the event Andrews were to be dealt. A new commitment in the latter would decrease the funds available for a second Likely contract. Special teamer Charlie Kolar is also a pending 2026 free agent, meaning several decisions at the tight end spot will soon need to be made.
The most important of those relates to Andrews’ future, and clarity could soon emerge if a draft-day trade were to take place. That would come as something of a surprise to the player in this instance, but it remains something to watch for.
49ers, Brock Purdy Making Progress On Extension Talks; QB In Attendance For Offseason Program
APRIL 22: Purdy is indeed in attendance for the beginning of the team’s offseason program, Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network report. That is certainly an encouraging indication as it pertains to the chances of an extension agreement being worked out shortly. Tight end George Kittle, on the other hand, is absent as team and player remain far apart on the contract front in that case.
APRIL 21: Tomorrow marks the start of the 49ers’ offseason program. In the case of quarterback Brock Purdy, that date could mark a sign of progress toward an extension agreement being reached. 
Team and player have been negotiating since at least February, with talks heating up one month later. Getting a deal over the finish line in time for the start of voluntary workouts has been named by general manager John Lynch as a possible target. Purdy attending tomorrow would of course indicate an agreement is drawing closer.
On that note, The Athletic’s Michael Silver reports “some progress” has been made with respect to extension negotiations. The size of the remaining gap between the parties will be illustrated – at least to an extent – by whether or not Purdy is present for the start of the offseason program tomorrow. Silver adds it is unclear at this point whether or not the former ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ will be in attendance.
Given the nature of the quarterback market, a price point around $50MM has long been used to estimate the cost of a long-term Purdy deal. The final AAV figure could check in even higher, of course, and Silver notes an agreement will “likely” carry an average cost at least $50MM per season. 10 signal-callers are currently attached to a pact worth between $51MM and $60M in annual compensation.
Purdy could soon become the next member of that group given the continued growth of the salary cap and his status as a locked-in starter for the 49ers. San Francisco’s offseason began with a number of notable departures in free agency, and the team took a measured approach knowing a major commitment to the Iowa product will soon be made. Purdy is set to earn $5.35MM in 2025 as things stand, but he will be in line for a massive spike in compensation provided negotiations go as planned.
Plenty of time remains for a deal to be struck, and the 49ers have a history of high-profile contract talks lasting deep into the summer. An indication of whether or not such a scenario is to be avoided in Purdy’s case will emerge on Tuesday.
Packers Aim To Retain LB Quay Walker, DT Devonte Wyatt
In the case of linebacker Quay Walker and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, a decision will soon need to be made by the Packers. Their respective fifth-year options are due to be exercised or declined by the May 1 deadline, something general manager Brian Gutekunst spoke about during his pre-draft press conference. 
“We won’t deal with that until after the draft, but whatever mechanism we use, we’d like to keep those guys around for ’26 and beyond,” Gutekunst said (via the team’s website). “So whether that’s through doing the fifth-year option on these guys or extending them one way or the other, we’re planning to do that. We’d like to do that.”
In September, it was unclear whether or not Walker would have his 2026 option exercised. Middle and outside linebackers are grouped together for fifth-year option valuations, and as a result, a $14.75MM commitment would be made in the event Green Bay took that route with the 24-year-old. Teams have shied away from picking up the option for middle linebackers in recent years, and Gutekunst indicated last month the Packers will continue that trend.
As a result, an extension will be needed if team and player are to continue their relationship beyond next season. Walker has started all but one of his games in Green Bay, recording triple-digit tackles each season to date. The Georgia product has added 6.5 sacks, 12 pass breakups and three forced fumbles to his career statistical output. A long-term accord would take into account those totals, but one approaching the top of the position’s market (which now includes six players earning at least $15MM annually) could come as a surprise. Green Bay does not have a big-ticket contract on the books at the LB spot, though one could be in place down the road if Edgerrin Cooper develops as hoped.
The Packers’ defensive interior, by contrast, already has a lucrative pact in the form of Kenny Clark. The three-time Pro Bowler is on the books through 2027 with scheduled cap hits as high as $31.37MM along the way. Having a low-cost contributor in the form of Wyatt has thus proved to be valuable. The former No. 28 pick has notched 10.5 sacks across the past two campaigns while logging snap shares of 50% and 41% during that span. A heavier workload could result in stronger production, although improved play against the run would no doubt be needed for an uptick in usage to come to bear.
Picking up Wyatt’s fifth-year option would tie him to $13.92MM in 2026 earnings, a notable spike in pay compared to his rookie pact but a figure well short of what the top D-linemen are making around the league. Of course, a long-term accord could result in a lower cap charge than the cost of a fully-guaranteed option year, so it will be interesting to see if that avenue is explored on one or both fronts by the Packers once the draft has concluded.
Chris Ballard Addresses Colts’ TE Pursuit
Among the most common links between teams and positions in first-round mock drafts is the Colts being connected to a tight end. The position has been a sore spot for years in Indianapolis, a team which should be in position to select one of the top TE prospects in this year’s class. 
[RELATED: Colts Go TE In PFR’s Mock Draft]
“That’s to me the hard one to find,” general manager Chris Ballard said during his pre-draft press conference when speaking about the ideal tight end option (via the team’s website). “To be able to play on all three downs, to be able to be functional in the run game to where you don’t necessarily know it’s always a pass when he’s in the game, and then to be able to finish and make plays at critical times and have him give the quarterback an option in the middle of the field.”
Tyler Warren is seen by many as the top option in a strong group of prospects at the position this year. The Penn State product could be off the board well before the Colts are on the clock, with the Jets at No. 7 representing a potential landing spot. Some see Michigan’s Colston Loveland as TE1, though, and he could still be available when Ballad and Co. make their selection.
Loveland spent each of his three college seasons with the Wolverines, playing a key role in the team’s national championship in 2023. Last season, the 6-6, 248-pounder set a new career high in catches (56) and touchdowns (five) and cemented his status as a first-round prospect. Along with Warren, Loveland is expected to hear his name called on Day 1 with the Colts – set to select 14th overall – seen as a logical landing spot. Indianapolis has been mentioned as an interested suitor in Warren’s case, although it would come as a surprise if the the team pursued a move up the board aimed at acquiring him.
Last year, the Colts were interested in Brock Bowers, and drafting a tight end remains an expected goal this time around. That could very well include a Day 1 selection, although Ballard noted the history of star tight ends taken well after the first round. Plenty of options will be available during the middle and late stages of this week’s event, and the Colts will thus have a number of chances to make an impactful addition. Ballard’s comments certainly do not rule out the possibility of that move coming early, however.
Lions Could Aim To Trade Jameson Williams?
As a first-rounder from the 2022 draft class, Jameson Williams is among the players which will soon be the subject of a fifth-year option decision. He is likely to have his option picked up, but questions loom about the wideout’s future in Detroit. 
The Lions traded up on Day 1 of the ’22 draft to acquire Williams. Expectations were high as a result for the Alabama product once he became available, but his ACL recovery led to a rookie campaign which was essentially a write-off. Gambling and PED suspensions limited Williams to only 12 games in 2023, but he showed plenty of potential as a deep threat. He took a major step forward this past campaign, posting a 58-1,001-7 statline.
Exercising Williams’ option would set him up to receive $15.49MM in 2026. That figure would prove to be reasonable if the 24-year-old duplicated his 2024 success, but the Lions already have a long list of lucrative commitments on offense. That includes fellow wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown, whose deal averages just over $30MM per season. With that pact on the books and others (on defense) soon to follow, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reports some around the NFL believe Williams could be a trade candidate.
The Lions earned the No. 1 seed in the NFC last season, and another run at the Super Bowl is expected for the 2025 campaign. Williams would be positioned to reprise his role as a complementary option to St. Brown and tight end Sam LaPorta, operating as one of the league’s top deep threats. Last season, Williams averaged 17.3 yards per reception, and his catch percentage (63.7%) marked a notable improvement from the previous season.
It would therefore come as no surprise if another strong season were to be in store for 2025. The Lions already have St. Brown, along with quarterback Jared Goff, offensive tackles Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker as well as running back David Montgomery on lucrative contracts, however. LaPorta and running back Jahmyr Gibbs will be eligible for extensions next offseason. By the time those two have a second contract in hand, Aidan Hutchinson will likely be among the league’s highest-paid defenders, a factor which will no doubt influence roster-building moves in the short-term future.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes recently noted the cost of retaining receivers on long-term deals when speaking about the potential of extending Williams. A pact near the top of the market (which now sits at $40.25MM per year) would not be in store in the event a new Lions deal were to be worked out. Still, making another commitment on offense would prove to be cumbersome. As a result, Williams’ status will be worth watching as the draft and the May 1 deadline for fifth-year option decisions approach.
Eagles Extend C Cam Jurgens
The Eagles have made yet another lucrative commitment along the offensive line. Center Cam Jurgens has a new deal in place, the team announced on Monday. 
This will be a four-year, $68MM extension, per Jurgens’ agent (h/t ESPN’s Adam Schefter). The pact includes $39.4MM guaranteed. As a result of the agreement, Jurgens is now on the books with Philadelphia through the 2029 season.
Jurgens did not log any starts during his rookie campaign, but he saw plenty of time in 2023, operating as a full-time starter at right guard when healthy. Last offseason, the retirement of center Jason Kelce created a vacancy at center. As expected, Jurgens took over in that role. The 25-year-old thrived while doing so, earning a Pro Bowl nod and helping the Eagles win the Super Bowl.
In the wake of that success, Philadelphia has proceeded with yet another big-ticket commitment up front. This deal carries an average annual value of $17MM, which ranks second amongst centers. Only Creed Humphrey ($18MM per season) is attached to a more lucrative pact in terms of AAV. Jurgens has moved to the top of the position’s pecking order in terms of guaranteed compensation, however.
The Nebraska product ranked 31st amongst qualifying guards in 2023 with respect to his PFF evaluation. Jurgens took a step forward last season, grading out as PFF’s 14th-best center. Continued development will be key as the Eagles look to remain dominant along the O-line. The defending champions now have four major contracts on the books up front.
Left tackle Jordan Mailata and left guard Landon Dickerson each received long-term extensions last offseason, and as a result they are set to remain in the fold for years to come. Right tackle Lane Johnson recently had one year added to his pact, putting him on track to continue playing through 2027. Jurgens will aim to remain a key figure up front moving forward as Philadelphia looks to replace Mekhi Becton at the right guard spot with incumbent Tyler Steen, trade acquisition Kenyon Green or a rookie added this week.
Jurgens played through back issues during the Eagles’ postseason run, and he underwent surgery shortly after the Super Bowl. A full recovery in time for training camp was expected at the time of the procedure, and today’s news obviously marks a sign of confidence the former second-rounder will not be affected by the injury in the future. Provided that proves to be the case, Jurgens will be counted on to operate as Philadelphia’s center for years to come.
Steelers Interested In Trading Back; Latest On Team’s QB Draft Approach
All 32 teams still own their first-round pick as the countdown to the draft nears an end. Movement up and down the order could be in store soon, although 2025 is not expected to witness many blockbuster trades given the nature of this year’s class. 
As a result, the list of teams interested in moving back is lengthier than usual. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Steelers are among those looking to trade down, something which comes as little surprise. Pittsburgh’s acquisition of Pro Bowl wideout D.K. Metcalf included the team’s second-rounder in 2025, so trading back to recoup some of that lost capital would be a feasible approach. As Schefter notes, however, there are few known parties looking to trade up.
The Steelers own pick No. 21, which may put them in range to add a quarterback. Per Schefter, the team did not originally intend to select a signal-caller on the opening night of the draft, but the board may allow for that to take place. Shedeur Sanders has been viewed at times as a first-round lock but has seen his stock drop recently, something Schefter adds the Steelers did not anticipate. The Colorado product may be available as a result, and head coach Mike Tomlin has been named as a Sanders supporter.
Pittsburgh is also among the teams which have put together a strong evaluation of Jaxson Dart. The Ole Miss product is considered a first-round prospect by the Steelers, a team still in need of a long-term Ben Roethlisberger successor. Mason Rudolph is back in the organization, but it would come as no surprise if a rookie were to be added this week as competition for the starting gig in 2025 or at least an option to take over QB1 duties down the road.
Aaron Rodgers looms as a stopgap option for next season, but it remains to be seen if he will play in 2025 (and if so, for the Steelers). Pittsburgh has remained patient while awaiting a decision on the Rodgers front, and that process could easily extend past the draft. It will be interesting to see if a first-round signal-caller is in the fold shortly in the Steelers’ case or if the team aims to trade down on the opening night of the draft.