Ashton Jeanty Could Be On Jaguars’ Radar; RB Still Top Bears Target
During the pre-draft process, the Raiders have consistently been linked to Ashton Jeanty. The consensus top running back in the 2025 class is understandably seen by many as a strong candidate for the sixth overall pick, but other teams are worth watching on this front as well. 
The Jaguars can be listed as a “sleeper team” regarding Jeanty, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler (video link). Jacksonville is set to select fifth overall, and the team has often been connected to Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham. Taking that route is seen by many as the likeliest outcome, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated writes. He adds, however, that selecting a skill-position player at No. 5 could be in play.
In that case, Jeanty would receive consideration. The Heisman runner-up enjoyed a hugely productive three-year career at Boise State, cementing his status as the most highly-regarded prospect in a deep running back class. Jeanty is widely viewed as a top-10 talent (at least), but the matter of taking a running back so high in the draft remains a topic of debate. An All-American in 2024 (just like Jeanty), Graham is seen as one of the safest prospects in the draft and could contribute right away along Jacksonville’s D-line.
If the Jaguars – now led by first-time general manager James Gladstone and rookie head coach Liam Coen – elect to avoid Graham and Jeanty with their top pick, a move down the board could be in order. Fowler’s colleague Adam Schefter lists Jacksonville as one of the teams interested in a trading back, something which will be difficult given the lack of blue chip prospects at the top of the order. If such a deal were to be made, though, the Raiders would remain in position to add Jeanty.
Such a scenario would come as no surprise, but Schefter notes a sense exists around the league that the Bears are “praying” Jeanty falls to them at No. 10. Chicago has done plenty of work at the running back spot during the pre-draft process, and the team is known to be high on the Maxwell Award winner. D’Andre Swift has one more year of guarantees on his deal, but adding Jeanty to the mix would give the Bears a two-pronged rushing attack not unlike the one new head coach Ben Johnson had with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery during his time as the Lions’ offensive coordinator.
In the event the Jags stand pat at No. 5 and draft Jeanty, Breer adds former first-rounder Travis Etienne could become a trade candidate. It would come as a surprise to many for that circumstance to emerge, but it is a possibility to watch for as the first round approaches.
Cowboys Expected To Pick Up Tyler Smith’s Fifth-Year Option
The Cowboys will soon need to make a decision on Tyler Smith‘s fifth-year option. The team’s top offensive lineman can be counted on to remain in Dallas for at least two more years, though. 
Smith’s 2026 option is expected to be picked up, Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News reports. The 24th overall pick in 2022 has one Pro Bowl nod on his resume. As a result, Smith will be in line to collect $21.27MM guaranteed for the ’26 campain in the likely event his option is exercised.
Of course, an extension could very well be in store as well. Smith is among the players known to be on the Cowboys’ radar for a long-term arrangement. The 24-year-old was drafted with the intention of starting his career along the interior, but an injury to Tyron Smith changed those plans. Tyler Smith spent much of his rookie campaign on the blindside and flashed the potential to operate as a long-term answer at left tackle.
The team’s preference is to keep the Tulsa product at guard, though, something which was the case in 2023. Last spring, Dallas selected Tyler Guyton in the first round of the draft and gave him a large workload at the left tackle spot. Smith primarily played at left guard, and with Guyton in place for the foreseeable future that setup can be expected to continue moving forward.
Offensive linemen are grouped together for the purposes of franchise tags, something which could lead to complications if team and player reached that point after the 2026 campaign. An extension could be in place well before that point, especially if Smith is seen as one of Dallas’ top priorities for a new deal. Micah Parsons is atop that list, and the process of working out his extension (as was the case last year with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb) is widely seen as taking much longer than needed.
Considering the Cowboys’ track record on that front, it would come as little surprise if talks on a long-term agreement took place over an extended period. The top of the guard market now has four players attached to multi-year deals averaging $20MM or more per year, while Trey Smith is set to earn over $23MM on the franchise tag (or a similar amount if a Chiefs extension agreement can be worked out). A top-15 guard in terms of PFF grades each of the past two years, Tyler Smith could find himself among the top earners at his position by 2026 or sooner depending on how contract talks progress.
Jets To Exercise Fifth-Year Options On Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson, Jermaine Johnson
Plenty of attention remains focused on the draft at this point, but the deadline for fifth-year option decisions is looming as well. When speaking to the media on Monday, Jets general manager Darren Mougey made it clear all three of the team’s first-rounders from 2022 will remain in place for at least two more years. 
Mougey said the Jets will pick up the fifth-year option on cornerback Sauce Gardner, receiver Garrett Wilson and edge rusher Jermaine Johnson. In all three cases, the news comes as no surprise. Johnson’s Achilles tear did not create an expectation New York would choose to put him on track for free agency next spring; Gardner and Wilson, meanwhile, profile as logical extension candidates.
As a two-time Pro Bowler, Gardner qualifies for the most lucrative tier regarding his 2026 option year. The No. 4 pick in 2022 will therefore earn $21.19MM on the option. Plenty of time still exists for a long-term extension to be worked out, of course, and in that case Gardner would be in line for much higher earnings. The top of the cornerback market recently reached $30MM in annual compensation thanks to Derek Stingley Jr.‘s Texans extension.
Gardner earned first-team All-Pro honors during each of his first two campaigns, helping his case to become the league’s highest earner at the CB spot when he first became eligible for a second contract. The 24-year-old was unable to match his success in 2024, but with 40 career pass breakups and a better track record with respect to availability than Stingley, he has a strong case to reset the position’s market. Gardner has publicly expressed a desire to remain in New York for the long term.
Wilson’s future seemed less certain at times last season, with the acquisition of Davante Adams affecting his role in the Jets’ passing attack. Neither Adams nor Aaron Rodgers are in the fold anymore, though, and Wilson will be reunited with former college teammate Justin Fields in 2025. It remains to be seen how effective that tandem will be, but Wilson has managed at least 1,042 yards in each of his first three seasons despite underwhelming QB play for the Jets during that span.
The receiver market has surged in recent years, and Ja’Marr Chase now leads the way at $40.25MM per season. Wilson, 24, would be hard-pressed to reach that figure on an extension, but he could command a deal worth much more than the $16.82MM he is scheduled to earn in 2026. Once the draft has concluded, extension talks with Gardner and Wilson (along with offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker) will begin.
Johnson handled a rotational role along the edge as a rookie, but he took on a much larger workload in 2023 and took a step forward with 7.5 sacks. His performance that year resulted in a Pro Bowl nod and created high expectations for the 2024 campaign. Johnson was limited to just a pair of games as a result of his injury, though, and it would come as no surprise if the Jets waited until he returned to action to explore a long-term arrangement. For now, the Florida State product is on track to collect $13.41MM in 2026.
Teams have until May 1 to decide on fifth-year options. It will take until that date for clarity to emerge one way or the other in many cases, but with respect to the Jets questions related to the short-term futures of the Gardner-Wilson-Johnson trio can now be put to rest.
Browns Sign CB Nik Needham
Nik Needham will not need to wait until after the draft to find his next deal. The veteran cornerback signed with the Browns on Monday, per a team announcement. 
Needham saw his role and playing time fluctuate over the course of his time in Miami. The former UDFA handled a snap share of 89% in 2019 and 78% in 2022. In between, he served as a key (but less involved) figure in the Dolphins’ secondary. The past two seasons played out much differently, however.
After playing on an RFA tender in 2022, Needham saw sparse usage on defense and special teams the following year. The 28-year-old remained in Miami for last season, but he was among the Dolphins’ final roster cuts. Needham was quickly retained on the practice squad and he made a pair of appearances in 2024. His departure will not make as much of an impact as it would have earlier in his career, but losing Needham nevertheless represents another member of the secondary which is no longer in place for Miami (like Kendall Fuller,who was released) or who could soon be on the move (in the case of trade candidate Jalen Ramsey).
Needham has seen time at outside corner, in the slot and (on occasion) as a box safety. He could therefore compete for a number of roles in a backup capacity upon arrival with the Browns. Cleveland still has Denzel Ward, Martin Emerson and Greg Newsome under contract at corner, with the same being true of safety Grant Delpit. Rodney McLeod played a key role last season, but he is expected to retire and has therefore not been re-signed. Safety represents a need ahead of the draft, and the signing of Needham – whose 2022 campaign was ended by an Achilles tear – will not affect the team’s plans at that spot.
The Browns entered Monday with just over $19MM in cap space. Much of that figure will need to be devoted to signing the team’s incoming rookie class, but Needham will give Cleveland a low-cost option in the secondary regardless of how the draft shakes out.
Brett Veach: Chiefs Eyeing Post-Draft Trey Smith Extension
Trey Smith seemed at one point to be on track for free agency and thus a massive contract sending him to a new team. Instead, the Chiefs kept him in place via the franchise tag, buying team and player time to work out an extension agreement. 
[RELATED: Chiefs Aiming To Trade Up For Tackle Prospect?]
As things stand, Smith is on track to earn $23.4MM next year, a figure inflated by the fact all offensive linemen are grouped together for tag purposes. Landon Dickerson leads the way for guards in terms of annual compensation on multi-year deals at $21MM, something which made the Chiefs’ decision to apply the one-year tender somewhat surprising in the eyes of some observers. Kansas City is aiming to keep Smith in the fold well beyond 2025, though, and general manager Brett Veach recently confirmed as much.
“Hopefully we get that done,” Veach said during his pre-draft press conference when speaking about the Smith situation (via NFL.com). “There’s no lack of interest or will or desire on our end… My guess is once the draft’s over and our focus is back on taking care of the players that are here and trying to get those guys locked up… There’s no secret there that we’d like to get Trey locked up.”
The attention of teams and agents alike will remain focused squarely on the draft for the several more days, but afterwards the Chiefs will have a number of extension candidates to deal with. Smith, 25, is understandably atop that list given his importance to the team’s offensive line. A key factor in the decision to trade away fellow guard Joe Thuney was the need to make a lucrative commitment to a younger option in the form of Smith. The latter has started all 80 of his combined regular and postseason games, and in 2024 he became a Pro Bowler for the first time.
Creed Humphrey reset the center market ($18MM per season) with his Chiefs extension, one which raised questions about the team’s willingness to make another lucrative investment on the interior. Veach’s comments certainly confirm Kansas city is prepared to move forward with a Humphrey-Smith tandem for years to come, however. The ninth-year GM noted extension talks took place with Smith’s agents during the Combine and again at last month’s league meetings.
As a result, it will be interesting to see if traction can be gained in short order with respect to an extension agreement once the draft concludes. If that proves to be the case, Smith’s future beyond the coming season will become clear.
DT Isaiah Buggs Seeking NFL Return
Last summer, Isaiah Buggs was released by the Chiefs while he faced criminal charges on multiple fronts. The veteran defensive tackle was out of the league in 2024 as a result, but with his legal situations now behind him a return to the NFL is being targeted. 
“The cruelty to dogs charges filed against Isaiah Buggs in May 2024 were dismissed with prejudice on motion of the Tuscaloosa County District Attorney’s Office,” a statement from Buggs’ lawyer reads in part (via Pro Football Talk’s Charean Williams). “In its motion to dismiss the dog cruelty charges, the state noted that it was presented with evidence from [the] defense that exonerated Mr. Buggs.
“This follows last month’s reduction of domestic violence and burglary charges against Mr. Buggs from June 2024 that was part of a plea agreement, whereby Mr. Buggs pled guilty to misdemeanor criminal trespass — a charge that more accurately reflects the nature of that incident.”
Buggs turned himself in to police in the wake of the misdemeanor animal cruelty charges he faced, but that was soon followed by his domestic violence arrest. Shortly after it became clear the 28-year-old was facing multiple legal issues, the Chiefs proceeded with a release. Buggs remained a free agent through the 2024 campaign without any resolutions coming on that front. Now that his off-the-field situation has changed, though, the former sixth-rounder has turned his attention to resuming his career.
A former rotational contributor with the Steelers, Buggs’ most productive campaign came in 2022 with the Lions. The Alabama product was extended on a two-year deal, but halfway through the pact he was cut by Detroit. Buggs landed on the Chiefs’ practice squad and signed a futures deal shortly thereafter. He was in position to compete for a roster spot last summer, but by the time training camp started he had been released. In the absence of any further legal proceedings, Buggs could receive an offer this offseason, likely after the upcoming draft takes place.
Bears LT Braxton Jones Expected To Be Limited In Training Camp
Braxton Jones missed the final two games of the 2024 campaign due to ankle surgery, a procedure which ensured a lengthy recovery timeline. The latest update on his recovery notes Chicago’s starting left tackle is making progress, but he is unlikely to be back to 100% in time for training camp. 
“I think he’s right on track,” new head coach Ben Johnson said of Jones (via ESPN’s Courtney Cronin). “Will that mean he’s limited in training camp? I would say probably at this point, but I think the progress is right where it needs to be right now.”
Jones has made 40 starts during his three years in Chicago, and the former fifth-rounder is currently in position to handle first-team blindside duties once more in 2025. The coming campaign is a critical one for Jones, since it marks the final year of his rookie contract. A full season – something which the Southern Utah product has managed only once so far – would go a long way in determining his market value.
The Bears have prioritized upgrading along the interior of the O-line this offseason. Trades for Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney provided the team with new starting guards, and center Drew Dalman received a lucrative deal in free agency. With right tackle Darnell Wright in position to continue as a starter for 2025, every spot up front is accounted for aside from left tackle. Jones’ ability to recover in full will be key as he looks to retain a starting gig ahead of other options, such as 2024 third-rounder Kiran Amegadjie.
Free agency in 2025 showed the willingness of teams to spend big at left tackle even for players with age/injury concerns or spotty track records of performance. Jones, 26, has drawn strong PFF evaluations for his pass protection in particular, with his best overall mark (77.4) coming in 2024. Continuing to develop could earn him a long-term stay in the Windy City, so his ability to return to full health this summer will be worth monitoring.
In other Bears health news, Johnson said he “believes” safety Jaquan Brisker has been cleared in full after his latest concussion. The three-year starter has been diagnosed with a concussion during each season of his NFL career, but Brisker himself noted he is healthy now. He added the total number of concussions he has suffered is not a concern and that he is “in a great spot” with respect to his brain health.
Just likes Jones, Brisker is on track to see his rookie deal expire next offseason. After playing just five games in 2024, a healthy slate will be a key target as he looks to remain an impactful starter in Chicago’s secondary. Avoiding further concussions would obviously go a long way toward that goal, and Brisker will enter camp in a good situation on that front.
Raiders Expected To Select RB Ashton Jeanty At No. 6
Ashton Jeanty has long been connected to the Raiders, and that remains the case as the countdown to the draft continues. It would come as no surprise if the Boise State back wound up beginning his career in Vegas. 
[RELATED: Raiders Add Jeanty In PFR’s Mock Draft]
Many around the league are of the view the Raiders have “fallen in love” with Jeanty during the pre-draft process, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones writes. Vegas is among the teams which have hosted the Heisman runner-up, a sign of interest on the part of Pete Carroll, John Spytek and Co. One AFC executive went as far as telling Jones it is a “foregone conclusion” the Raiders will select Jeanty sixth overall.
Replacing Josh Jacobs proved to be a challenge for Vegas last season. Zamir White – added during the fourth round of the 2022 draft – flashed potential as a starter late in Jacobs’ final Raiders campaign. That was not repeated in 2024, however, as White averaged only 2.8 yards per carry when on the field. He was limited to eight games last season, and a depth role should be in store for 2025, the final year of his rookie pact.
Vegas saw veteran Alexander Mattison depart in free agency, while the team brought in Raheem Mostert. The latter was released by the Dolphins in a move which did not come as much of a surprise. Mostert, 33, handled over 200 carries in 2023 but that figure plummeted to 85 last year. Expectations will be tempered after he signed a one-year deal worth just $1.6MM to join the Raiders.
Jeanty’s production and rushing efficiency improved during each of his three seasons at Boise State, and he amassed 2,739 scrimmage yards to go along with 30 total touchdowns in 2024. The junior handled 750 carries in college, so questions related to his mileage will no doubt be raised. Nevertheless, Jeanty has long been regarded as the top option in a very strong 2025 RB class.
The Cowboys – set to pick 12th overall – have also hosted Jeanty on a pre-draft visit, with the same being true of the Bears (who own pick No. 10). Chicago is seen as being high on the All-American, but it remains to be seen if selecting him will be possible. If the Raiders follow through with their expected decision, the Bears and all other RB-needy teams will turn their attention elsewhere during the draft.
Giants Preparing For QB Move After No. 3; Brian Daboll High On Jaxson Dart
Since the signings of Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson in free agency, the possibility of the Giants waiting until after the No. 3 pick to add a quarterback has gained steam. Signs continue to point in that direction with less than one week remaining until the opening round. 
New York’s final days of pre-draft visits has included work with a number of quarterback prospects, but taking any not named Cam Ward (long regarded as a lock to go No. 1) would be seen by many as a reach. Turning aside interest for the third overall selection would leave the Giants in position to select whichever member of the Travis Hunter-Abdul Carter pair remains after the Browns make their pick. Carter heads to New York in PFR’s first-round mock.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic notes the Giants appear to have a clear plan in place across the organization with respect to addressing the quarterback spot. That effort is unlikely to include the third overall pick, something corroborated by Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports. The latter notes taking a signal-caller at the top of the second round (New York owns pick No. 34) or trading up into the late Day 1 order remains on the table.
A scenario in which the Giants draft Hunter and then pull off a trade-up maneuver to add his former Colorado teammate Shedeur Sanders has been floated as a possibility. Sanders’ stock appears to be falling compared to other second-tier quarterbacks, something which could make it easier for an interested team to acquire him outside of the top 10. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has emerged as a Sanders supporter, though, meaning the No. 21 slot could represent his floor.
Regardless of how Sanders’ draft process plays out, Jaxson Dart is a name to watch with respect to the Giants. Head coach Brian Daboll is a fan of the Ole Miss product, Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reports. Dart has frequently been mentioned as a potential first-rounder and a candidate to be the second QB to hear his name called. Schultz adds to the expectation Dart will come off the board during the draft’s opening night, a scenario which would require general manager Joe Schoen to make a move up from 34.
Questions loom about both Daboll and Schoen regarding their job security, and drafting a passer capable of operating as a long-term starter represents an obvious target entering a key 2025 campaign. Playing time will not be immediately available for a rookie added next week if things go to plan with the team’s veterans, but the pursuit of one of the class’ top options would come as no surprise.
Eagles Could Accept 2026 Draft Compensation In Dallas Goedert Trade?
Mark Andrews is among the veterans worth monitoring as the draft approaches. Fellow tight end Dallas Goedert also finds himself on the market, and a trade being worked out over the next few days is thus a possibility to watch for. 
The 30-year-old is attached to an expiring contract and is currently set to carry a cap hit of $11.76MM in 2025. A pay cut may very well be needed for Goedert to remain in Philadelphia; failing that, trade talk leading up to the draft will no doubt pick up. Teams often seek compensation for the immediate future when dealing away veterans to replace them as quickly as possible, but that may not be the case in this instance.
Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reports the Eagles are viewed by Goedert suitors as being willing to accept “future” draft picks if a deal involving 2025 capital cannot be worked out. Time still remains for a swap to take place before the start of next week’s draft, one which features a highly-regarded group of tight end prospects. If that does not take place, however, the possibility of a Goedert trade will remain if general manager Howie Roseman is willing to take 2026 picks as compensation.
Goedert has spent his entire seven-year career in Philadelphia, and since the Eagles’ decision to move on from Zach Ertz he has been a key contributor in the passing game. The former second-rounder was limited to games in 2024 and as a result his 496 yards and two touchdowns marked a step back from his previous production. A rebound would be welcomed in an Eagles offense which will again have A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Saquon Barkley leading the way, although parting ways with Goedert would leave the team in need of a new option atop the tight end depth chart.
Any number of rookies from the 2025 class would be expected to handle a notable role upon arrival in Philadelphia in the event Goedert were to be dealt. If a deal were to take place after the draft, though, adding a veteran would come into play as Philadelphia prepared for adding a long-term successor next spring.