Steelers Prefer To Re-Sign Justin Fields Over Russell Wilson?
The Steelers aim to have at least one in-house quarterback on a new deal by the time free agency starts. Further indications have emerged regarding which passer the team prefers on that front. 
During an appearance on 93.7 The Fan, ESPN’s Mark Kaboly noted Justin Fields is Pittsburgh’s top target as things stand. He added the team is waiting to see if the former Bears first-rounder is onboard with taking a Steelers contract, something he has expressed interest in this offseason. After spending much of the 2024 campaign as Russell Wilson‘s backup, though, Fields is looking for a path to a starter’s role in Pittsburgh or elsewhere.
Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline echoes Kaboly’s report, noting that the Steelers — who are unimpressed with the top QBs in this year’s draft and are therefore unlikely to select a passer in the first round — want to move forward with Fields. The club is believed to be targeting an offensive or defensive lineman with its top draft choice (No. 21 overall).
Moving on from their Kenny Pickett–Mason Rudolph tandem last offseason, the Steelers signed Wilson and traded for Fields. Both passers were on expiring contracts, and Wilson held onto the top spot on the QB depth chart through training camp before suffering a calf injury. Fields handled starting duties for the first six weeks of the campaign, posting a 4-2 record while posting a 5:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio and adding five rushing scores along the way. Head coach Mike Tomlin elected to install Wilson as the starter once he was healthy, though.
That decision was not unanimous, and since the end of the campaign – which was defined in no small part by underwhelming performances from Wilson in particular and the Steelers’ offense as a whole – Fields has maintained support in the organization. Given the age difference between the passers (Fields will turn 26 next week, Wilson is 36), it would come as little surprise if an investment were to made in the younger option. Pittsburgh is unlikely to keep Fields and Wilson in place for another year.
As a result, a preference for the former would leave the latter on the move via free agency for a second straight offseason. Wilson can indeed be expected to depart, CBS Sports’ Aditi Kinkhabwala noted on her own 93.7 The Fan appearance. The longtime Seahawk has expressed a desire to remain in Pittsburgh, but other options could await him in the event he were to reach free agency. A reunion with Pete Carroll on the Raiders has been floated as a possibility, although they (like the Steelers) have been linked to a Matthew Stafford pursuit.
Pittsburgh is not seen as one of the frontrunners for Stafford, who could of course remain with the Rams via a contract resolution. In that event, both Wilson and Fields could find themselves among the more attractive options on the market once the new league year begins. The Steelers have been in contact with both camps, to no surprise, but a final decision one way or the other could be coming soon. As things stands, Fields is firmly in the lead to receive a deal for at least 2025.
Chiefs Place Franchise Tag On Trey Smith
The NFL’s top pending free agent amongst offensive linemen will not reach the market. The Chiefs plan to use the franchise tag on guard Trey Smith, as first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The move is now official, per a team announcement.
The franchise tag groups all offensive linemen together, something which often makes using it on interior blockers a cumbersome endeavor for teams. Smith has long been known to be a key priority for Kansas City, though, and this move will ensure he remains with the team for at least one more season. If no long-term deal is worked out, the Pro Bowler will earn $23.4MM next year.
The top of the guard market reached $21MM per season when Landon Dickerson inked an Eagles extension last year. Smith was in position to surpass that figure on a multi-year pact of his own in the event he reached free agency, something which at one point seemed likely given the report from last week which stated no franchise or even transition tag was expected in this case. Even if he were to play out the one-year tag in 2025, the 25-year-old would break the record for guard compensation given its value.
On Wednesday, it was learned the Chiefs were preparing a long-term Smith extension. Such a pact – should one be worked out – will represent a massive commitment up front on the team’s part, something which has already been witnessed by the free agent deals for left guard Joe Thuney and the extension for center Creed Humphrey. The latter reset his position’s market by a wide margin in August with a four-year extension averaging $18MM per season. If things go according to plan for Kansas City, the team will have the league’s highest-paid center as well as its top earner amongst guards playing alongside each other for years to come.
The tackle positions remain an issue for the Chiefs, as the Super Bowl illustrated. Smith has been a consistent presence along the interior, though, ranking between 10th and 15th in terms of PFF evaluation for guards in each of his four seasons. The Tennessee product will of course be expected on to remain a top blocker either on the tag or a new deal moving forward. Having missed only one game so far, Smith’s durability will no doubt help his case for an extension.
A number of teams in better cap shape than the Chiefs would have been in position to make a strong push for Smith on the open market; former Chiefs exec Ryan Poles and the Bears in particular may have been a suitor to watch on that front. A tag-and-trade could still be in order in the event the Chiefs cannot work out a deal (having taken that route with cornerback L’Jarius Sneed last year), but for now Smith is on track to play for the AFC champions once again.
A left tackle addition is a priority for Kansas City this offseason, so more developments can be expected up front in the near future. Regardless of what takes place on that front, though, Smith is in line to play out at least one more campaign with the team. Presuming no trade occurs, he and the Chiefs will now have until mid-July to work out a long-term extension.
Bears Eyeing Multiple Edge Rush Additions?
Having made DeMarcus Walker one of their cap casualties, the Bears could stand to add in the edge rush department. When asked about the position at the Combine, general manager Ryan Poles left the door open to making moves on the veteran market as well as early in the draft. 
“There’s a strategy to that,” Poles said (via ESPN’s Courtney Cronin). “I would probably argue and say if you get a good pass rusher [in March] and you draft a pass rusher, you can’t have enough good ones. You want to see how you could put the puzzle together where you can kind of fill all the needs perfectly. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t.”
The Bears’ pass rush is of course centered on 2023 trade acquisition Montez Sweat, but finding an effective complement remains a key organizational priority. The Bears were linked to a late-offseason EDGE addition last offseason, and they ultimately worked out a trade with the Seahawks for Darrell Taylor in August to provide depth. Taylor (who posted three sacks in a part-time role) is a pending free agent, and his departure would create another vacancy for Poles to fill in the near future.
Chicago is among the league leaders in terms of projected 2025 cap space, and a higher-than-expected jump in the cap ceiling could allow for a lucrative addition. The Bears have Sweat on to a $24.5MM-per-year deal through 2027, and 2024 fifth-rounder Austin Booker is attached to his rookie contract for another three years. The latter logged a 27% snap share last year, and he could be in line for an increased workload moving forward.
Even if that is the case, though, one or more notable moves could be coming in the Bears’ case. Myles Garrett has made it clear he wants a trade from the Browns, although Cleveland has not shown a willingness to move him yet. Fellow veteran Harold Landry, meanwhile, has received permission to seek a trade from the Titans. The 2025 draft class is also seen as being deep along the defensive interior and on the edge, so Chicago could add as early as the 10th overall pick. The Bears have eight total selections, and even if an experienced pass rusher were to be added it would not come as a surprise if at least one of those were to be used at the position as well.
2025 Salary Cap Set At $279.2MM
With the new league year not far away, teams have found out exactly what the cap ceiling is for the coming campaign. The NFL and NFLPA have arrived at a 2025 cap of $279.2MM, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The league has since confirmed the news. 
In December, clubs were planning on seeing a jump to the $265MM-$275MM range. More recently, a league memo made it clear a larger increase was coming. The 2025 cap was known to be checking in between $277.5MM and $281.5MM as of last week, and now a final figure has emerged. This represents another new water mark in spending limits as the NFL’s revenue continues to soar.
Last year saw a record jump in the salary cap, as it spiked by $30.6MM to $255.4MM. This time around, a $23.8MM increase will give teams more spending power on the open market and a stronger chance of retaining pending free agents. For the top players set to become available next month in particular, today’s news confirms that lucrative new deals await them.
The 2011 CBA brought about gradual growth in the cap compared to the spikes seen since the ratification of a new collective bargaining agreement in 2020. The pandemic led to a temporary drop in the cap ceiling, but since then the league has seen considerable jumps on an annual basis. The expansion of the regular season to 17 games and adding two contests to wild-card weekend have played key roles, of course. The same is also true for the NFL’s new media rights deals and the revenue brought in from gambling.
The quarterback, receiver and defensive tackle markets have surged recently in response to the regular jumps in the cap. As things stand, Justin Jefferson is the league’s top earner for non-quarterbacks at $35MM per year, but Ja’Marr Chase could overtake him soon. The edge rush position will be worth watching as the 2025 offseason unfolds; Micah Parsons is set to ink a monster Cowboys extension, while the likes of Myles Garrett (with the Browns or an acquiring team), T.J. Watt (Steelers) and Trey Hendrickson (Bengals) are in line to receive notable raises on their next pacts.
Now that the 2025 figure is known, here is a look at how the cap has risen since 2011:
- 2011: $120.4MM
- 2012: $120.6MM
- 2013: $123.6MM
- 2014: $133MM
- 2015: $143.3MM
- 2016: $155.3MM
- 2017: $167MM
- 2018: $177.2MM
- 2019: $188.2MM
- 2020: $198.2MM
- 2021: $182.5MM
- 2022: $208.2MM
- 2023: $224.8MM
- 2024: $255.4MM
- 2025: $279.2MM
Giants Speak With Matthew Stafford’s Camp; Raiders Will Not Face Tampering Charges
A quartet of teams was recently mentioned as suitors to watch for on the Matthew Stafford trade front. The Giants and Raiders in particular have shown strong interest, and a bidding war could ensue as a result. 
The Giants met with Stafford’s representatives at the Combine on Tuesday night, Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post reports. That comes as no surprise given the interest the team has shown dating back to at least the 2024 trade deadline. General manager Joe Schoen has made it clear adding multiple quarterbacks (including, quite possibly, acquiring a veteran and then selecting a rookie early in the draft) is a priority this offseason.
Dealing the No. 3 pick in April’s draft is not on the table, but the Giants could look to put together a package built around other compensation. Confirming the Giants-Stafford meeting, a report from Dianna Russini, Tashan Reed, Jourdan Rodrigue and Vic Tafur of The Athletic notes Los Angeles would likely ask for a second-round selection and more if a Day 1 pick becomes unattainable (subscription required). The Giants are on track to own seven other 2025 picks, including No. 34.
Stafford is known to be seeking a new Rams pact averaging $50MM per year, but the team is not prepared to meet that asking price. Head coach Sean McVay has made it clear the team’s preference would be for the Super Bowl winner to play a fifth season in Los Angeles. While his camp has permission to seek out a trade partner, Stafford has not asked to be dealt to a new team.
The Raiders have of course already been in contact with Stafford himself speaking with minority owner Tom Brady. The details on the encounter have been disputed, but concerns about tampering can be put to rest. A league spokesperson informed Outkick’s Armando Salguero the NFL is satisfied tampering did not occur when Brady and Stafford met. Especially since the Rams have allowed conversations to take place regarding a trade deal as well as a contract from a (hypothetical) acquiring team, similar discussions can be expected over the coming days.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer predicts this situation will be resolved one way or another relatively soon. The Rans will of course need to know if their 37-year-old passer will remain in place for another year or if a successor will need to be acquired this offseason. Suitors like the Giants and Raiders (along with the previously-mentioned Browns and Steelers) will also build their offseason plans on whether or not a Stafford swap can be worked out. As the Combine continues, traction on a potential deal could continue to be gained with respect to New York and/or Las Vegas in particular.
Buccaneers Meet With Lavonte David; LB Drawing Outside Interest
Retirement was on the table last year for Lavonte David, but he ultimately signed a one-year deal to continue his decorated Buccaneers career. It remains to be seen if he will play in 2025. 
A report from last month indicated David is likely to hang up his cleats. No final decision has been made yet, though, and the door is still open for another Tampa Bay campaign in his case. Bovada’s Josina Anderson reports the Bucs met with David’s agent yesterday at the Combine, adding the team is prepared to give him time to weigh his options.
The 13-year veteran has been a mainstay on the Buccaneers’ defense since his arrival, and David remained productive in 2024 (122 tackles, 5.5 sacks, three forced fumbles). He could very well find himself in the team’s plans as a result; Anderson notes the talks were “positive.” Given David’s age (35), though, Tampa Bay will need to find a long-term linebacker successor in the near future, especially since Devin White did not develop as hoped prior to his 2024 free agent departure.
Losing David to retirement would deal a blow to the second level of Tampa Bay’s defense, but the possibility of a departure on the open market exists as well. Per Anderson, other teams are gauging the former Pro Bowler’s interest in playing elsewhere in 2025. Prior to signing his most recent Bucs pact, David gave thought no only to retiring but also to joining a different team for the first time in his career. It will be interesting to see how things play out in the near future.
No timeline is in place for the Super Bowl LV winner to make a call on his 2025 intentions, but the Buccaneers will no doubt want to know his plans before the start of the new league year next month. Tampa Bay is currently projected to have roughly $8.4MM in cap space once free agency begins, and a portion of that figure will be needed to retain David once again or add a veteran tasked with filling a starting role in the event he is no longer with the team next year.
Ravens K Justin Tucker Addresses Latest Sexual Misconduct Allegations
A second wave of accusations against Justin Tucker has brought the total number of women alleging sexual misconduct at massage therapy sessions to 16. The Ravens’ kicker has denied any wrongdoing already, and his second set of public remarks on the matter repeat that stance. 
“I maintain I did not act inappropriately at any point before, during, or after a professional bodywork treatment session, nor have I ever been told I am unwelcome at any massage therapy provider,” Tucker’s most recent statement reads in part (via Outkick.com). “Throughout the last four weeks, I have spent countless hours replaying every interaction I have had with bodywork professionals over the last thirteen years. I can assure whoever is reading this that I have never intended to disrespect anyone, cross any boundary, or make anyone feel uncomfortable in any way whatsoever.”
Earlier this month, a report from the Baltimore Banner publicized allegations of inappropriate conduct on Tucker’s part during message sessions from 2012-16. Tucker unequivocally denied the claims, doing so again when another three therapists made similar accusations. No criminal investigation has been opened, and no civil claims have been filed.
Tucker’s attorneys have pushed back against the claims he was banned from a number of Baltimore-are spas in response to the alleged misconduct. A reply from the law firm representing many of the accusers says: “We do not represent the spa owners, only the affected therapists. Whether the owners acted appropriately and in protection of their respective employees when faced with complaints is a question better directed to the them”
In recent days, the NFL opened its own probe to investigate a potential personal conduct policy violation; interviews with the accusers have begun and will continue in the near future. When addressing the subject at the Combine earlier this week, general manager Eric DeCosta said the Ravens will wait for that process to unfold before making a decision on Tucker’s future with the team. The five-time All-Pro has spent his entire 13-year career in Baltimore.
Head coach John Harbaugh said at the Combine (via NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo) the Ravens are evaluating kicker prospects, noting the team intended to do so before the Tucker allegations went public. Given the 2010s All-Decade Team member’s age (35) and struggles early in the campaign (resulting in a field goal accuracy rate of 73.3%, by far the lowest of his career) it would not come as a shock if the Ravens elected to move on this offseason. Three years remain on Tucker’s contract; releasing him with a post-June 1 designation would yield $4.2MM in cap savings while generating $2.87MM in dead money.
Bengals Prepared To Make Ja’Marr Chase NFL’s Highest-Paid Non-QB
The Bengals were unable to work out an extension agreement with Ja’Marr Chase last offseason, and the decision to use the franchise tag on Tee Higgins led to doubt about his future beyond 2024. In the case of both receivers, the team remains intent on inking both to long-term deals.
Chase in particular will require an historic investment in the wake of Justin Jefferson resetting the market for non-quarterbacks last year. Chase’s LSU teammate secured $35MM per year on average from the Vikings, but a new Bengals deal will check in at a higher rate. Coming off the back of a triple-crown season, Chase has been connected to an asking price of $40MM per season.
In spite of the organization’s track record regarding massive player investments, reaching an agreement at least in the vicinity of that figure is the target. De facto general manager Duke Tobin said on Tuesday (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter) the Bengals are planning to “reward” Chase by making him the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history. Head coach Zac Taylor echoed that sentiment when speaking to the media (h/t Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer).
As Joe Burrow has turned up the heat on the franchise regarding doing what it takes to retain Higgins and Trey Hendrickson, Tobin has offered some support that the QB will see a positive outcome here. The longtime Bengals exec said (via The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr.) he is optimistic extensions for all three are doable.
The Bengals are paying for delaying the Chase deal, as the hesitancy — a delay not shown by the Eagles and Dolphins with first-rounders DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle — preceded a price-raising season from the 2021 fifth overall pick. Miami and Philly became the first teams — in the fifth-year option era — to extend a first-round wideout with two years of rookie-deal control remaining. Mike Brown said early in training camp the Bengals were unlikely to follow suit. Although the team was believed to have come close to extending Chase before last season, not doing so will lead to a bigger payment being required. While surpassing Jefferson’s $35MM AAV is one matter, a team not known for post-Year 1 guarantees going past the $88.7MM the Vikings fully guaranteed their All-Pro wideout is another.
Regarding Higgins, the Bengals paying him would contradict a years-long expectation. Higgins had been expected to depart, via free agency defection or tag-and-trade transaction, for a while. Last month, Tobin said the team would aim to re-sign Higgins at the “right number.” It would seem Burrow’s efforts, years after Carson Palmer forced his way out due to frustration with the organization’s transactional aggressiveness, are not going unnoticed in the Cincinnati building.
Hendrickson is eyeing a lucrative fourth contract, after tacking a one-year extension onto his initial Bengals agreement, and would be OK if it came after a trade. The All-Pro defensive end wants a quick resolution, however. Like Chase, one season remains on Hendrickson’s deal. For all the criticisms lobbed the Bengals’ way regarding contract matters, they do have a recent history of authorizing third contracts for D-linemen. They paid both Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap in 2018. Of course, paying Hendrickson with Burrow tied to a $55MM-per-year deal is a different matter even with the recent cap spikes considered.
As we detailed in a recent Trade Rumors Front Office piece, how the Bengals proceed this offseason may well affect their long-term relationship with Burrow. The superstar QB will undoubtedly be monitoring these situations closely, with the Higgins matter — expected to produce at least a placeholder franchise tag — first on the docket.
Sam Robinson contributed to this post.
Chargers Hope To Re-Sign Khalil Mack; Team Open To Retaining Joey Bosa
Khalil Mack‘s career will include at least one more season, but it remains to be seen where he will play in 2025. The former Defensive Player of the Year is on track for his first trip to free agency. 
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Mack has spent the past three year with the Chargers, collecting a Pro Bowl nod each time in that span. That brings his career total to nine, and even at the age of 34 a notable market could therefore exist in free agency. The Bolts want to work out a new deal with Mack before the new league year begins, though, something general manager Joe Hortiz spoke about on Tuesday.
“Khalil has never been a free agent in his life and so it might be something where Khalil wants to just say, ‘Hey, I was a free agent, I did it and I came back to LA,'” Hortiz said (via ESPN’s Kris Rhim). ” If it gets to that, that’s my hope.”
During the 2024 offseason – his first as a general manager – Hortiz was tasked with sorting out the Chargers’ cap situation. That was accomplished in large part by the release of Mike Williams and the trade which sent fellow receiver Keenan Allen to the Bears. Instead of moving on from Mack and/or Joey Bosa, Hortiz kept both of the team’s top edge rushers in place on restructured deals.
As a result, Bosa is set to carry a $36.47MM cap charge in 2025. A release would yield considerable cap savings in the case of the pending 2026 free agent, which is why many have pointed to that being a feasible move on the Chargers’ part. Hortiz said, however, he views it as “realistic” for Los Angeles to keep the oft-injured Pro Bowler on his contract as currently constructed (h/t Rhim).
Bosa played 14 games last year, a positive step after he was limited to five in 2022 and nine the following year. The former Defensive Rookie of the Year has spent his entire nine-year career with the Chargers, and Hortiz is clearly open to allowing him to continue on with the organization. If that proves to be the case with Mack being re-signed, the team will have veteran continuity along the edge in 2025.
Panthers Conducting Extension Talks With Jaycee Horn; Team Communicating With Austin Corbett, Cade Mays
Jaycee Horn is known to be high on the Panthers’ financial to-do list. To no surprise, efforts to work out an extension are underway. 
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Second-year general manager Dan Morgan said on Tuesday (via Joe Person of The Athletic) the Panthers are engaged in talks on a new Horn contract. The former No. 8 pick is currently set to play out his fifth-year option for $12.47MM in 2025. A multi-year accord will check in at a higher rate.
Horn was limited to only three games as a rookie, and he made just six appearances during the 2023 campaign. In his two other Carolina seasons, though, he managed to serve as a full-time starter on a team which has been lacking in impact defenders. The South Carolina product earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2024 after posting 13 pass deflections and a pair of sacks.
While Horn’s coverage statistics included career-worst figures in touchdowns (six) and passer rating (92.7) allowed last year, he is a strong candidate for a lucrative pact provided the Panthers are confident he can remain healthy. Less proven options are on track to fill other roles in the secondary, but Horn (25) can be retained through his prime on a new pact. While the top of the cornerback market – which includes five players averaging at least $20.1MM per season – should not be in reach, a notable second contract will be in play if the sides can make progress in the near future.
As for the Panthers’ offensive line, Morgan and Co. have a number of key decisions to make. Longtime right tackle Taylor Moton is entering the final year of his contract, and none of his $14.3MM roster bonus is guaranteed. The eight-year veteran is slated to carry a cap charge of $31MM, but Morgan noted the team could be willing to keep that figure as is. With a $3MM roster bonus due next month, a restructure or extension could nevertheless be worked out.
Carolina also has to sort out the futures of pending free agents Austin Corbett and Cade Mays. The former recently had his void date pushed back to buy team and player more time to negotiate. Morgan noted (via Person) talks are ongoing with Corbett, who has operated as a starter in Carolina but has been limited to just nine games across the past two years. Mays represents a replacement candidate at center, but as a pending restricted free agent the Panthers will need to work out an extension or commit to a tender shortly. It will be interesting to see how talks go in his case, with the same being true for Horn and the Panthers’ other top priorities in the coming days.