Raiders Not Close To Free Agent WR Addition
The Raiders’ offense has undergone several changes this offseason, with the trade for quarterback Geno Smith being the most impactful one. Questions still loom at the receiver position, but movement on that front does not appear to be close. 
[RELATED: Raiders, Smith Could Be Close To Extension Agreement]
Nothing is imminent regarding a free agent receiver signing, Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal writes. Upgrading at the position is seen as a need given the team’s post-Davante Adams setup at the position, and with more than $50MM in cap space affording a veteran would not be a problem. Vegas could instead elect to wait until the draft to add at the skill positions, Bonsignore adds.
In general, the Raiders have not been active regarding splashy additions so far this offseason (with the exception of Smith, of course). That approach has been by design, with The Athletic’s Vic Tafur noting the team did not view the 2025 free agent class as an overly attractive one (subscription required). That view was popular amongst many in the NFL, as showcased by the number of notable players who re-signed before the negotiating period even began.
Vegas has seen the likes of Tre’von Moehrig, Nate Hobbs, Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo depart on defense in free agency. Replacements like Jeremy Chinn, Eric Stokes and Elandon Roberts represent short-term options, but they were not acquired via big-ticket deals. As Tafur notes, the new regime led by general manager John Spytek, head coach Pete Carroll and minority owner Tom Brady prioritized adding 2026 compensatory picks when planning its spending for free agency. As such, future moves involving a large financial commitment would come as a surprise.
The trade which sent Adams to the Jets left the Raiders with Jakobi Meyers as their top receiver, and he is under contract for one more season. Tre Tucker and Kyle Phillips are also on the books, but they are best suited to complementary roles behind Meyers and an addition on the WR depth chart. Options still on the market include Stefon Diggs, Keenan Allen and Amari Cooper; many have pointed to the Raiders as a landing spot for Tyler Lockett following his Seahawks release since that would allow him to reunite with Carroll.
A modest, short-term investment in one of those veterans is certainly feasible given the Raiders’ cap space. If one is not made soon, though, the draft will become an increasingly important avenue to upgrade the team’s passing game.
Mike Tomlin Played Central Role In Steelers’ D.K. Metcalf Acquisition
It remains to be seen how the Steelers’ starting quarterback situation will play out for next season. Regardless of who is in place under center, though, D.K. Metcalf will face high expectations with his new team. 
The Pro Bowl wideout was acquired via trade last week, giving the Steelers their long-sought-after upgrade at the position. A second-round pick was flipped to Seattle, with Day 3 selections also being swapped in advance of a massive extension being worked out. Metcalf (who was a pending 2026 free agent) is now attached to a four-year, $132MM extension in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers’ efforts to add a high-profile receiver date back to last year’s Brandon Aiyuk pursuit and the continued push to make a move at the position during the 2024 campaign. An acquisition on that front clearly remained a high organizational priority in Metcalf’s case, and The Exhibit’s Josina Anderson reports head coach Mike Tomlin was “very adamant” about trading for the 27-year-old. Pittsburgh ranked 27th in the NFL in passing yards last season, and a step forward in that regard would be key in improving on offense in 2025.
Finances were of course a factor in this situation. Talk of a Metcalf deal swirled even before his request to be moved went public, and the Seahawks lowered their initial asking price regarding a trade shortly before the Pittsburgh swap was worked out. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer writes the timing of the trade was affected by Metcalf’s desire to immediately ink a new deal. Seattle generally finalizes extensions during the summer (which is the case with other NFL franchises as well), so remaining in place for a few months may have opened the door to a third Seahawks contract.
On the other hand, Metcalf was known to be seeking a pact averaging at least $30MM per season, and Seattle may well have declined to make such a commitment at any point in the offseason as a result. The trade and Tyler Lockett‘s release have been followed by a Cooper Kupp contract and a new deep threat in the form of Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Those additions will be tasked with contributing to a WR room anchored by 2023 first-rounder Jaxon Smith-Njigba now and well into the future. Metcalf, meanwhile, will represent a focal point in Pittsburgh’s passing attack regardless of what happens with George Pickens (who is entering the final year of his rookie pact).
Regarding Metcalf’s Steelers deal, $60MM of the $80MM in locked in money is guaranteed in full (h/t Over the Cap). That figure includes a $30MM signing bonus, along with his base salaries in 2025 ($5MM) and ’26 ($25MM). The Ole Miss product will receive roster bonuses of $6.5MM, $5MM and $5MM on March 17 every year from 2027-29. Metcalf will carry a cap charge of just over $11MM next year, but beyond that his cap numbers will spike to $31MM and beyond; much of the Steelers’ success on offense will thus depend on the success of Tomlin and Co.’s investment.
NFC South Notes: Visits, Saints, Legette
With the Combine in the books and Pro Days taking place, top-30 visits are currently a key aspect of the pre-draft process. Several notable prospects have already met with prospective teams, and that will continue over the coming days and weeks.
Shemar Stewart is one of many highly-regarded edge rushers in the 2025 class, and he impressed at the Combine. The Texas A&M product likely helped his stock in the process, and he recently met with the Falcons, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Adding along the edge would be a logical move on Atlanta’s part after the team ranked 31st in sacks last season.
2024 trade acquisition Matt Judon remains unsigned, and he could very well depart on the open market. The Falcons added a veteran in the form of Leonard Floyd, but a long-term investment with the 15th overall pick in April’s draft would not come as a surprise. After totaling only 4.5 sacks in three college seasons, questions loom about Stewart’s lack of production, but the 6-5, 267-pounder is viewed as having considerable upside based on his size and athleticism.
Beginning with more visits, here are some other NFC South notes:
- Both the Falcons and Saints have lined up meetings with offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr., Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reports. The Oregon product operated as the team’s full-time left tackle starter for each of the past two seasons, and he could operate as a first-team option at either tackle spot at the NFL level. The 2025 class is not seen as being strong at the OT position, but Conerly is among the prospects routinely labeled as a first-rounder.
- New Orleans has also met with cornerback Shavon Revel Jr., per Wilson. The East Carolina product entered the season with high expectations, but an ACL tear ended his campaign in September. Revel continues to make progress in his recovery, and he is expected to be cleared in time for the summer. That should help his draft stock to an extent, and the Saints (having lost Paulson Adebo in free agency) will not be the only team to host Revel.
- Xavier Legette missed only one game as a rookie, but the Panthers wideout dealt with a number of ailments along the way. The first-rounder underwent foot surgery after the campaign, general manager Dan Morgan said (via ESPN’s David Newton). No procedure took place on his wrist despite the lingering issues it caused in 2024, though. Head coach Dave Canales said he is unsure if Legette will be cleared in time for OTAs (h/t Joe Person of The Athletic), but being at full strength at least in time for training camp can be expected.
- Cedrick Wilson is one of many Saints who has worked out a restructured deal this offseason. The veteran wideout agreed to a pay cut, as detailed by Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football. Wilson was due $2.9MM in 2025, but he will now receive $1.17MM with $342K guaranteed. The 29-year-old – who made 20 catches in his debut Saints campaign – is a pending 2026 free agent.
- Another defender the Falcons have met with (along with Stewart and safety Nick Emmanwori) is cornerback Will Johnson. Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports Johnson has visited Atlanta, a team which already has A.J. Terrell in the fold and re-signed Mike Hughes on a three-year deal last week. Johnson earned third-team All-American honors in 2024, cementing his status as one of the top corner in the 2025 class. He will generate considerable interest as the pre-draft process continues.
- New Orleans recently became Velus Jones‘ latest team. The former Bears draftee did not develop as hoped in Chicago, with a position change (from receiver to running back) proving to be short-lived. The 27-year-old briefly switched back to WR upon joining the Panthers late in 2024, but he will find himself in the backfield this offseason. Triplett’s colleague Nick Underhill notes the Saints view Jones as a running back. It is at that position that he will therefore compete for a roster spot this summer.
David Andrews Addresses Patriots Release; C Unsure Of Playing Future
After David Andrews was limited to four games last season, the possibility of a release was raised this spring. New head coach Mike Vrabel and the Patriots did indeed elect to cut the veteran center with one year remaining on his deal. 
Andrews spoke about the decision on his Quick Snap podcast (video link). The 32-year-old acknowledged being released was on the table in the wake of his missed time in 2024 – due to a shoulder injury – along with the changes brought about by Vrabel’s arrival. He added that he was nevertheless “a little shocked” by the move.
“I knew that offense really well,” Andrews said (via NFL.com). “I’ve had a lot of success in that offense. It fits my play style well, how I like to play, what I like to do. So, I’ve had a lot of success. And was excited for that reunion [with OC Josh McDaniels]. “I’ve had a great relationship with Josh, and, you know, I was excited to see Vrabel and what he brought to the table as a football coach.
“I thought I could have the surgery and see what happens. And obviously, the team made a decision that they’re trying to do what’s best for the football team… Obviously, I thought there were some things I could do to help and provide value. But I understand their decision at some level.”
Upgrading along the offensive line was universally seen as a major priority for the Patriots entering the offseason. The early stages of free agency saw a deal worked out with veteran Morgan Moses, and interest was shown in top center free agent Drew Dalman. The latter took a lucrative Bears pact, though, a move which initially seemed to leave New England in need of waiting until the draft to find an Andrews replacement. The Patriots have instead since inked ex-Viking Garrett Bradbury to a two-year contract, giving them a starter for the short-term future.
Andrews did not play in 2019; aside from that campaign, however, he operated as New England’s full-time center starter since being drafted in 2015. The Georgia product’s PFF evaluations were consistent for much of his career, although his 2024 grade (58.7) was the lowest of his career. Improved play in the middle – and elsewhere along the O-line – will be critical for the Pats moving forward. That effort will not include Andrews, though.
The former UDFA is free to sign with an interested team at any time (although his market might not pick up until after his surgery takes place). Andrews neither committed to continuing his career in 2025 nor to retiring, however, so his future is uncertain at this point. Suitors could emerge if he eyes a short-term pact with a new team, something which will depend on his health and his willingness to play elsewhere for the first time in his pro tenure.
Cowboys, Micah Parsons Not Close To Extension Agreement
Midway through the 2024 campaign, Micah Parsons indicated his preference would be for a Cowboys extension to be in place before the start of free agency. That has not proven to be the case, and nothing is imminent between team and player in this situation. 
Preliminary talks started earlier this month, opening the lines of communication in advance of what will be a massive extension agreement. Parsons recently noted a plan is in place regarding a deal being worked out, with training camp emerging as the new target with respect to a timeline. No progress has been made at this point, however, WFAA’s Ed Werder reports.
The edge rush market was well-known as one to watch in advance of the 2025 offseason, and as expected it has seen upward movement. Maxx Crosby‘s latest Raiders deal carries an average annual value $35.5MM, a mark which did not last long atop the position’s pecking order. Myles Garrett‘s trade request was rescinded in the wake of his monster extension (four years, $160MM) which was signed days later. Parsons could use those new price points during negotiations once they ramp up.
On that point, NFL Network’s Jane Slater reports serious contract talks have not begun yet. Dallas prioritized new deals for quarterback Dak Prescott and wideout CeeDee Lamb last offseason, eventually working out an agreement on both fronts. Considering Lamb’s came about after training camp began and Prescott’s was made official on the day of the Cowboys’ regular season opener, plenty of time could still be required for Parsons’ new pact to be signed.
The 25-year-old has been a Pro Bowler during each of his four seasons in the NFL, recording at least 12 sacks every time along the way (despite missing four games in 2024). Those factors will help his bargaining position, especially if the Steelers and T.J. Watt hammer out an extension in the near future and if Trey Hendrickson lands a lucrative new deal with the Bengals or an acquiring team. Parsons has publicly stated a willingness to take less than the top of the market on his next deal, but any long-term pact will of course have considerable cap implications for the Cowboys.
Dallas saw DeMarcus Lawrence depart on a Seahawks deal last week after not making an offer to the 11-year veteran. Parsons (who is currently set to play on his $24.01MM fifth-year option next season) remains in the fold as the team’s anchor along the edge, with recent draftees Sam Williams and Marshawn Kneeland along with reunited veteran Dante Fowler also in place. That group will be key in 2025, the first year with Matt Eberflus in place as defensive coordinator. Attending voluntary offseason workouts this spring is something the team will discuss with Parsons, Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News writes. Whether or not traction will have been gained by then will remain an interesting storyline to follow.
Aaron Rodgers Visits Steelers
11:45pm: Rodgers has slow-rolled his free agency decision on the advice of his agent, David Dunn, per Pro Football Network’s Mike Florio. The Steelers offered him a contract close to the beginning of free agency, but they have yet to improve the terms of the deal to entice him to sign. Rodgers also met with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith during his visit, per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac, but left the team’s facility without a deal.
Rodgers has been trying to wait Pittsburgh out in pursuit of a better contract, but he has seen his interest from other teams wane. He does not have any other visits scheduled, per The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, which may cause the Steelers to stand firm with their initial offer instead of bidding against themselves.
12:34pm: The Aaron Rodgers watch continues, and Friday has seen what could prove to be a notable development. The league’s top remaining free agent quarterback is currently visiting the Steelers’ facility, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
The Steelers have long been known as one of the top Rodgers suitors, with discussions picking up around the time of Justin Fields working out a deal with the Jets. Retaining Fields was Pittsburgh’s preference, but his departure leaves the team in need of a veteran passer (which may or may not be 2024 starter Russell Wilson). Mason Rudolph is back in the organization, but his signing has not slowed down Rodgers-Steelers connections.
The Vikings represented the top name to watch on this front until recently. Minnesota has not submitted an offer to Rodgers at this point, and one is not expected as things stand. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, is among the suitors which has made an offer. Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports it still stands, adding Rodgers met with the Steelers’ coaches today. A deal could be worked out in short order as a result. General manager Omar Khan also took part in today’s summit, per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.
Since Ben Roethlisberger‘s retirement, Pittsburgh has been unable to find a long-term solution under center. Rodgers would not meet that criteria at the age of 41, but the four-time MVP could provide starting-caliber play on a short-term basis for Pittsburgh or any number of teams. Wilson’s time in the organization went well at first, but at the end of the campaign his play (and that of the offense in general) fell short of expectations.
Owner Art Rooney II made it clear after the Steelers’ wild-card loss that keeping Wilson and Fields in place again in 2025 would be unlikely. The latter quickly secured $30MM guaranteed from the Jets, the team which elected to move on from Rodgers under its new regime of Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey. That decision did not come as a surprise, but it has not stopped the longtime Packer from generating a notable market. With preliminary Steelers talks not producing an agreement, the Giants have made an offer of their own (one which is believed to be stronger than Pittsburgh’s).
Wilson is ready to sign a deal for 2025, whether it is with Pittsburgh, New York, Cleveland or another suitor. His future will not be clear until the Rodgers domino falls, however. Joe Flacco is another veteran to watch in the case of the Steelers (and other teams still in need of a passer at this stage of free agency). Pittsburgh could begin the next phase of the QB carousel shortly with a Rodgers arrangement.
Saints, WR Brandin Cooks Agree To Deal
Brandin Cooks is returning to where his career began. The veteran wideout has a deal in place with the Saints, as first reported by Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. The pact (which is now official) is two years in length and is worth $13MM, The Exhibit’s Josina Anderson adds. 
Cooks spent his first three seasons with the Saints, quickly emerging as a focal point on offense. The former first-round pick topped 1,100 yards in 2015, then did so again the following year. His 20 touchdowns scored during his first New Orleans stint and status as a key deep threat did not produce a long-term arrangement with the team, however. Cooks was dealt to the Patriots during the 2017 offseason.
That marked the first of four times in his career the Oregon State product has been traded. The first two such deals brought back a first-round pick in return, a sign of his consistent production during his career. Cooks reached the 1,000-yard mark during his single New England campaign, and he matched the feat in one of his two Rams seasons. The deal which sent him to Houston resulted in a three-year Texans run, one which included a career-high 90 catches in 2021.
Cooks was dealt from the Texans to the Cowboys in 2023, and he operated as a full-time starter during his two Dallas campaigns. The 31-year-old expressed a willingness to re-sign in free agency, although he added he felt he was not used properly by the Cowboys. Dallas has been linked to the pursuit of veteran receivers this offseason (including Cooper Kupp), and Cooks’ departure will increase the team’s need for bringing in one of the other options still on the market.
The Saints still have Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed in place at the receiver spot for next season. Both wideouts missed considerable time through injury last year, however, so adding an experienced option in the passing game was seen as a priority for the spring. Especially since Marquez Valdes-Scantling recently departed in free agency, adding a vertical threat in the form of a Cooks reunion comes as little surprise.
Limited to 10 games last year, Cooks recently said he is fully healthy. The Saints will hope that remains the case moving forward given their multi-year commitment to pull off this agreement.
Lions Sign Avonte Maddox
Avonte Maddox‘s time with the Eagles has come to an end. The veteran defensive back has agreed to a one-year deal with the Lions, his agent announced on Friday. 
Maddox joined the Eagles in 2018, and he quickly emerged as a key member of their secondary. The former fourth-rounder handled a snap share between 65% and 75% in each of his first five Philadelphia campaigns. Things took a turn for the worse during the 2023 season, however.
A torn pectoral muscle limited Maddox to just four games that year. Despite one season remaining on his contract, the Eagles released him in cost-shedding move last March as a result. Team and player wound up reuniting, though, and that pact allowed the Pitt alum to play one more campaign as an Eagle. Maddox played in every game for Philadelphia en route to the team’s Super Bowl victory.
That included only three starts on defense, however, and Maddox’s 33% snap share represented by far the lowest mark of his career. Second-round rookie Cooper DeJean took over starting duties in the slot midway through the campaign, a move which left Maddox to shift his attention more to special teams duties. Fellow standout rookie Quinyon Mitchell will be a mainstay along the perimeter for years to come, although Darius Slay‘s release and subsequent departure has created a first-team vacancy. Maddox’s absence will also be felt in the secondary next year.
The Lions lost Carlton Davis on the open market but brought in D.J. Reed as a starting replacement. The team also has recent draftees Terrion Arnold and Brian Branch in place as long-term pieces in the secondary. Maddox has seen some time at safety in his career, but with Branch and Kerby Joseph set to continue starting there, his best path to playing time in Detroit will likely be as a slot corner.
Seahawks, S D’Anthony Bell Agree To Deal
D’Anthony Bell is on the move for the first time in his career. The safety/special teams ace has agreed to a one-year deal with the Seahawks, Jordan Shultz of Fox Sports reports. 
Bell entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2022, signing with the Browns. He remained with the team over the past three years, occupying a sparse role on defense during that time. Bell has, however, emerged as a core third phase contributor.
The West Florida product logged a 60% special teams snap share during his rookie campaign. That figure rose to 70% the following season and again to 85% in 2024. As Schultz notes, Bell received interest from a number of suitors based on his performances in that regard. His decision to sign with Seattle will come with expectations as a special teams mainstay, but it could also open the door to a defensive workload as well.
Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald uses a scheme which often employs three-safety looks, something which could be beneficial in Bell’s case. The 28-year-old has made seven starts across his 50 career appearances to date, with his most impactful defensive season coming in 2023 (28 tackles, two interceptions, four pass deflections). Bell could play a role in a unit which ranked 11th against the pass in 2024, Macdonald’s debut season as an NFL head coach.
The Seahawks have 2023 free agent addition Julian Love, along with recent draftees J.T. Woods and Jerrick Reed in place on the safety depth chart. Rayshawn Jenkins was among the veterans let go in cost-cutting moves earlier this month, though, and K’Von Wallace is unsigned at this point. It thus comes as no surprise a safety addition has been made, and Bell will look to help his 2026 market value with a strong campaign in Seattle next season.
Falcons’ Kirk Cousins Drawing Trade Interest?
A shortlist of veteran free agents remain at the quarterback position, but one potential trade option looms for teams still in need of a signal-caller. Kirk Cousins remains in place with the Falcons, although a deal sending him elsewhere remains a talking point around the league.
Atlanta is prepared to move forward with Michael Penix Jr. atop the depth chart after the 2024 first-rounder took over from Cousins as starter late last season. The latter’s Achilles injury healed as planned, but he dealt with other ailments while playing through a downturn in production prior to his benching. A Cousins release has long been predicted based on the Falcons’ plan under center, and the 36-year-old would welcome it. At multiple points this offseason, however, the team has indicated a willingness to keep Cousins in place as an expensive backup. 
Around the Combine, trade talks were not believed to be taking place; with Atlanta clearly not proceeding with a release, though, that appears to be changing. The Exhibit’s Josina Anderson reports Cousins is now being discussed as a potential trade target. She adds the Falcons have received calls about the four-time Pro Bowler, with a third-round pick being floated as part of a potential compensation package. Cousins has a no-trade clause, but his desire to play elsewhere in 2025 has been made clear to ownership.
A $27.5MM base salary for 2025 would be a large figure for an acquiring team to absorb, to say nothing of the $10MM 2026 roster bonus which recently became locked in. Offset language in Cousins’ contract means Atlanta would see some financial relief in the event the team proceeded with a release (with his new team then signing him to a pact at or near the league minimum). The decision to keep the former Washington and Minnesota starter in the fold this long marked another indication he will not be cut, however.
The report does not name interested parties, but it is not difficult to identify which teams could be in the market for acquiring Cousins via trade. The Browns have already swung a trade for Kenny Pickett, but they are known to still be in the market for a veteran quarterback. Ties to Cousins (based on his history with Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski) have been made, although the team is not in position to take on a lucrative veteran deal with Deshaun Watson still on the books for another two years.
The Steelers, Giants, Vikings and Titans, meanwhile, are all on the lookout for a veteran addition under center (to varying degrees). Aaron Rodgers represents the next major domino to fall, with Russell Wilson, Joe Flacco, Jameis Winston and Carson Wentz the names to watch closely once his future becomes clear. Tennessee has been linked to moving on from Will Levis and potentially replacing him with Cam Ward in next month’s draft. Considering Mason Rudolph departed in free agency, the Titans could use a veteran, although adding Cousins would come as a surprise in their case.
No movement on the Cousins front will be possible unless the team’s stance on retaining him changes and his desire to move on yields a willingness to waive his no-trade clause. With new interest being shown, though, it will be interesting to see if anything tangibly changes in this situation.