Bears Open To Letting Keenan Allen, Teven Jenkins Depart In Free Agency?
Wideout Keenan Allen and guard Teven Jenkins headline the list of pending free agents for the Bears. A departure on the open market in both cases would not come as a surprise. 
ESPN’s Courtney Cronin writes neither player is a suitable candidate for the franchise tag, which Chicago used last year on Jaylon Johnson before a four-year extension was worked out. Rather than making a fully-guaranteed commitment in the case of Allen or Jenkins, Cronin notes to no surprise a likelier outcome would see both of them depart in free agency. For the former, that would lead to increased speculation about a return to Los Angeles.
It was reported in January that Allen would only continue his career if he re-signed with the Bears or took a deal with the Chargers or Rams. The six-time Pro Bowler spent the first 11 years of his career with the Bolts, but the trade which sent him to the Windy City came after a restructure agreement could not be reached. Allen wanted to continue with the Chargers, and the potential for a reunion would make for an interesting storyline if no new Bears deal were to be signed.
Allen (who changed agents this summer) would welcome a Chicago contract, and with a 70-744-7 statline from 15 games in 2024 he could remain a starter on the team’s offense moving forward. The Bears already have D.J. Moore on the books, though, and 2024 No. 9 pick Rome Odunze will be counted on to handle a major role for the foreseeable future. Chicago could therefore look to devote cap resources elsewhere this spring.
The Bears are near the top of the list in terms of projected cap space for free agency, but upgrading along the offensive line represents an obvious priority. Jenkins has played a starting role for the unit when healthy over the past three years, seeing time at right guard in 2022 before splitting his time at both guard spots the following year. The 26-year-old worked exclusively at the LG position in 2024.
Drafted as a long-term tackle investment, Jenkins has drawn strong PFF evaluations since he moved inside. The Oklahoma State product approached Chicago about an extension, but to no avail. Injuries have been a consistent issue in his case, with 23 games being missed as a result of different ailments across his first four years in the league. That represents an understandable reason for pause on the Bears’ part as they consider their O-line options.
Aside from right tackle (thanks to 2023 first-rounder Darnell Wright), every starting spot up front is at least something of a question mark for Chicago at this point. Multiple additions to the unit over the coming months would not come as a surprise, and Trey Smith – the top interior blocker set to reach free agency – is a name to watch with former Chiefs staffer Ryan Poles in place as general manager. Making a lucrative move for a guard would signal a likelihood of Jenkins departing.
Quarterback Caleb Williams and new head coach Ben Johnson will face high expectations regarding the Bears’ offense for 2025. That will be the case regardless of if Allen or Jenkins are retained, but it will be interesting to see how the team proceeds on both fronts.
Micah Parsons: ‘Plan In Place’ Regarding Cowboys Extension
Speculation about how Micah Parsons‘ contract situation will play out will no doubt continue until a deal is officially in place. The Cowboys’ All-Pro edge rusher recently provided an update on that front indicating traction could soon be gained. 
Parsons and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently met to discuss an extension which will tie him to the franchise for the foreseeable future. A deal moving the 25-year-old near the top of the edge rush market (if not to the top of the pecking order) can be expected, although he has publicly noted becoming the NFL’s highest-paid pass rusher may not be necessary to get a deal done. Parsons spoke positively about the nature of his latest conversations with Jones.
“It was good,” the four-time Pro Bowler said (via the team’s website). “I really have a lot of respect for Jerry. We have great conversations all the time. There’s definitely a plan in place, but we’ll just see how everything plays out. There’s been no progress yet, but I’m pretty confident that something will happen, so we’ll see.”
A lack of inroads being made with respect to term and finances on a long-term pact is certainly a noteworthy remark on Parsons’ part. The Penn State product made it clear in December his preference would be to have a deal in place before the start of free agency, although more recently he moved that timeline to the onset of training camp. In any case, a lengthy wait would come as little surprise given how the Cowboys have operated in recent years.
Dallas’ 2024 offseason was defined in large part by the extensions worked out with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. The latter engaged in a training camp holdout until his pact was in place, while the news of the former’s record-breaking accord broke hours before the start of the regular season. If Jones and the Cowboys opt for a similar approach with Parsons, it may very well take until the summer for an agreement to be reached.
Set to play on the fifth-year option in 2025, Parsons is due just over $24MM this season. A multi-year pact will check in at a much high price, though, and fitting in a massive raise while balancing the Prescott and Lamb accords will be difficult from a cap perspective. The Cowboys have attempted to shoot down trade speculation, but a report from Super Bowl Sunday indicated Parsons was not pleased with the decision to move on from former head coach Mike McCarthy and added the team has held discussions about the possibility of a trade.
In the absence of anything on that front materializing, attention will continue to be focused on extension talks. Parsons’ latest comments prove no firm timeline exists, but if the plan the parties understand to be in place is followed, he will have a new pact in hand sometime this offseason.
Saints Conduct OC Interview With Eagles’ Jemal Singleton
The list of Saints targets for their offensive coordinator vacancy continues to grow. To no surprise, the latest name to emerge is another Eagles staffer.
New Orleans has conducted an interview with Jemal Singleton, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. That makes him the third member of the Eagles’ staff connected to the possibility of joining Kellen Moore on his new team. Of course, Singleton could be a among the candidates to take over from Moore as the Super Bowl LIX winners’ next offensive coordinator if he were to remain with the Eagles.
The 49-year-old began his coaching tenure in the college ranks, spending time at three programs from 2000 to 2015. Singleton spent a pair of seasons coaching the Colts’ running backs before doing the same for one year with the Raiders. He then moved on to the Bengals, staying there for the 2019 and ’20 campaigns. Since 2021, he has held the role of RBs coach with the Eagles.
In addition to those responsibilities, though, Singleton has served as Philadelphia’s assistant head coach during his time with the team. Losing him would deal a blow to Nick Sirianni‘s staff, but joining Moore in New Orleans would give Singleton the opportunity to operate as a coordinator for the first time in his career. Given the strong play of Saquon Barkley in 2024, expectations would be high in the run game for the Saints if they were to move forward with a hire on this front.
With the Combine and free agency approaching, Moore and the Saints have a number of key decisions to make, including how to proceed with quarterback Derek Carr. Before a final call is made in that department, though, Moore will look to fill out his staff, including the hiring of a non-play-caller at the OC spot.
Via PFR’s Coordinator Search Tracker, here is an updated look at where things stand with the Saints:
- Kevin Koger, tight ends coach (Falcons): Rejected interview request
- Doug Nussmeier, quarterbacks coach (Eagles): Mentioned as candidate; Interviewed 2/16
- Kevin Patullo, pass-game coordinator (Eagles): Mentioned as candidate
- Robert Prince, receivers coach (Dolphins): Interviewed 2/15
- Jemal Singleton, assistant head coach/running backs coach (Eagles): Interviewed 2/17
Ravens OL Ben Cleveland Arrested For DUI
Ben Cleveland was arrested as a result of a DUI incident on February 12, as detailed by TMZ. Documents from the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia indicate the Ravens offensive lineman is facing a pair of citations. 
Cleveland was cited on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol as well as failing to maintain lane. The 26-year-old was pulled over at roughly 10:25pm on the night in question, with the police report noting that he nearly swerved his truck into a ditch. Cleveland admitted upon being stopped to drinking “approximately 3-4 beers” at a country club before driving.
The former third-rounder was taken to a nearby jail after failing a field sobriety test. A Breathalyzer test was later administered, and Cleveland returned a BAC of .178, more than double the legal limit. The incident has produced a legal situation which will no doubt hinder the Georgia product’s free agent market to an extent.
Cleveland has spent his first four years with the Ravens, playing a combined total of 59 regular and postseason games. Only seven of those have been starts, though, as he has been unable to earn a first-team gig at either guard spot. A fresh start would have come as no surprise this spring, although this news could limit the number of suitors for his services.
Patrick Mekari logged left guard duties for much of the 2024 season, and he too is a pending free agent. He could cash in on the open market based on his 53 starts and positional versatility, but even in that case Cleveland did not appear to be a candidate for a second Ravens contract (or at least one offering a clear path to a first-team gig). If anything, this development will increase Baltimore’s chances of moving on during the offseason.
Buccaneers Aim To Re-Sign Chris Godwin
Chris Godwin has played on the franchise tag once in his career, and receiving the tag the second time around was followed by a three-year deal. The veteran wideout is on track for free agency, but another Buccaneers agreement would come as no surprise. 
Executives around the league expect Godwin to once again re-sign in Tampa Bay. Adding further to that sentiment, ESPN’s Jenna Laine writes the team will “do what it takes” to keep the former Pro Bowler in Tampa Bay. Godwin was limited to seven games in 2024 by an ankle injury, but he would be counted on as a key member of the team’s passing attack in the event he were to sign another Bucs contract.
Approaching his 29th birthday, Godwin has surpassed 1,000 yards four times in his career. Across his eight years in Tampa Bay, he has proven to be a highly effective complement to Mike Evans by providing consistent production in the slot in particular. Prior to his injury this past season, Godwin was averaging just over 82 receiving yards per game, the second-highest total of his career. Keeping him in place would be a sensible move from the team’s perspective as yet another coordinator change is implemented in 2025.
“I love Chris,” new OC Josh Grizzard said (via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times). “And you guys know Chris is as good of a human being and football player as you’re going to be around. He was a huge asset to us last year, being a coach on the field and playing all those different roles.”
Grizzard was promoted from pass-game coordinator to his current title in the wake of Liam Coen‘s departure. He will look to continue the success that Bucs had on offense in 2024, and continuing to lean on the Evans-Godwin tandem would be a reasonable path to take on that front. Tampa Bay did, on the other hand, invest a third-round pick in Jalen McMillan last spring and he logged a 70% snap share as a rookie. Still, if Grizzard and the team have their way, Godwin will again be in the fold for 2025.
The pending free agent class at the receiver spot is headlined by Tee Higgins, but after that a number of veterans with injury histories of questions about declining play are set to reach the market. Godwin’s ACL tear coupled with the ankle injury which sidelined him last year could hinder his earning power, and a similar deal to the three-year, $60MM one he signed in 2022 may not be attainable at this point in his career. With Evans on the books for 2025, though, a short-term accord keeping Godwin in place can be expected.
Vikings Could Extend Andrew Van Ginkel, Josh Metellus
It remains to be seen how the Vikings will proceed at the quarterback spot this offseason. While the team weighs its options on the Sam Darnold front, other positions could receive financial attention. 
Edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel and safety Josh Metellus are both on the books for 2025, but their respective performances this past season could put them in line for new deals. Ben Goessling of the Minnesota Star Tribune names both players as logical extension candidates. Working out new pacts would prevent potential free agent departures next spring in each case.
Van Ginkel spent the first five years of his career with the Dolphins, seeing a varying degree of playing time in Miami. He departed on the open market last spring, inking a two-year, $20MM pact. The Rams and Eagles both showed interest, but by signing with Minnesota the 29-year-old took on a large role in his new team’s post-Danielle Hunter plans. Along with fellow signee Jonathan Greenard, Van Ginkel thrived in a starting role.
The latter set a new career high with 11.5 sacks while adding a forced fumble and two pick-sixes. Van Ginkel’s production yielded a Pro Bowl invitation and a second-team All-Pro nod, honors which could help his case at the negotiating table if he and the Vikings discuss a new deal. As things stand, the former fifth-rounder is set to carry a $12.4MM cap hit next season.
A new pact could lower that figure, something which is of course also the case for Metellus (who is set to count $7.38 against the cap in 2025). The 27-year-old played primarily on special teams during his first three years with the team, but he became a full-time starter in 2023. An extension had been worked out by early September of that year, and Metellus proved that investment to be worthwhile by notching 116 tackles and 2.5 sacks.
After restructuring his deal this past summer, the former sixth-rounder was again a key safety contributor in 2024. Metellus reached triple-digit tackles for the second straight campaign, adding a pair of interceptions. He will be counted on as an important secondary figure in 2025, but that will especially be the case if Harrison Smith retires.
The Vikings are near the top of the list in terms of projected cap space as free agency approaches, and a notable addition or two could be feasible as a result. With respect to in-house priorities, though, it will be interesting to see if at least one of Van Ginkel or Metellus receive an extension.
Patriots Targeting OL, DL Additions
Mike Vrabel‘s first offseason as the Patriots’ head coach could involve a number of high-profile moves being made in the near future. New England is set to have the most cap space in the league at the onset of free agency, and the team also owns the No. 4 pick in April’s draft. 
The wide receiver position is one the Patriots have understandably been connected to during the lead-in to the new league year. If Tee Higgins reaches the open market, New England is a suitor to watch closely. Regardless of what happens on that front, though, multiple additions at the line of scrimmage can be expected for the Patriots in the coming months.
“Certainly, you look at the teams that are able to protect the quarterback and dictate the flow of the game offensively, making sure that up front we’re sound, we’re strong,” Vrabel said when speaking about his priorities (via MassLive’s Karen Guregian). “Whether that’s through free agency or the draft, that’s something that’s critical.”
Offensive line play was a major issue for the Patriots in 2024, a year which began with questions being raised up front. The team finished 31st in PFF grade with respect to pass protection and last in run blocking, so plenty of room for improvement exists this offseason. Veteran Chukwuma Okorafor – signed as a free agent in 2024 to handle left tackle duties – played only one game with the team and was predictably released last week. Finding a starting-caliber option at the left and right tackle spots will be a key goal this offseason.
Will Campbell is a prospect frequently linked to the Patriots regarding the top of the draft board, given the LSU product’s standing as arguably the top O-lineman in the 2025 class. Just like the Titans, though, some (or all) of the other teams set to select in the top five could very well entertain the idea of moving down the board. If the Patriots took that route, other candidates to fill roster holes on the offensive or defensive lines would come into play.
Christian Barmore was limited to only four games in 2024, and a healthy campaign from the $21MM-per-year defensive tackle would be critical in helping the Patriots rebound against the run next season. Depth along the defensive interior has already been retained with the re-signing of Jeremiah Pharms, but it would come as no surprise if adding further options behind Barmore and Davon Godchaux were to be high on the organization’s to-do list.
Jets Likely To Release Allen Lazard; Garrett Wilson’s Future Less In Doubt?
The Jets are officially set to part ways with Aaron Rodgers. To little surprise, that decision is expected to also include the departure of wideout Davante Adams after his brief Rodgers reunion at the end of the 2024 campaign. 
Acquiring Adams was one of many moves the Jets made aimed at providing Rodgers with former Packers teammates; one of the others was the free agent addition of Allen Lazard. That four-year, $44MM investment did not pay of as expected, and the decision to release Rodgers could very well see Lazard cut as well. ESPN’s Rich Cimini writes Lazard (along with Adams) will “probably” be released in the near future.
Such a move from the new regime of general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn would not come as a surprise. Lazard came to New York with high expectations after his final Packers campaign saw him post career-highs in receptions (60) and yards (788). In 2023, though, the 29-year-old’s production saw a steep decline. A full season from Rodgers this past year brought about a return to an extent of Lazard’s impact (including six receiving touchdowns), but on the whole his tenure has not gone as planned.
Lazard is owed a non-guaranteed base salary of $11MM in 2025 and ’26; releasing him before June 1 would essentially create an even split between cap savings and dead money. Taking the post-June 1 route – as the team will likely do in Rodgers’ case -would give the Jets $11MM in savings against a small dead cap charge, but those funds would not be freed up until June 2. Parting ways with Adams and Lazard would leave receiver as a position of focus this offseason, but Garrett Wilson‘s future with the organization may become less of a talking point moving forward.
The latter was connected to a potential trade request late in the season, with perceived tension with Rodgers and competition for targets from Adams seen as key reasons. With Wilson set to no longer have Rodgers as a teammate or (presumably) Adams vying for the top spot on the WR depth chart, though, Cimini notes that Wilson is likely to be more amenable to making a long-term Jets commitment. The 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year is eligible for an extension for the first time this offseason, and his production given the level of quarterback play New York has had over his three-year career could put him line for a major raise.
Wilson, 24, has topped 1,000 yards in each of his Jets campaigns. He will be expected to remain a focal point of New York’s passing attack through at least 2026, since the team will no doubt exercise his $16.63MM fifth-year option this spring provided no trade request emerges over the coming weeks. A long-term accord would check in at a much higher price tag given the upward trend in the receiver market over the past few years. Questions about the Ohio State product’s willingness to remain with the Jets will no doubt linger until such a pact is worked out, but if the new decision-makers start over on offense Wilson will remain a central figure for the unit.
Drew Dalman Wants To Re-Sign With Falcons
For the past three seasons, Drew Dalman has operated as the Falcons’ starting center. His rookie contract is set to expire in March, however, leaving a free agent departure as a possibility. 
If Dalman has his way, he will remain with the team for 2025 and beyond. The 26-year-old hopes to re-sign, as noted by D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta-Journal Constitution. Working out a new deal will be expensive for the Falcons given Dalman’s level of play once he ascended to the top of the depth chart.
After logging only 68 offensive snaps during his rookie season, the former fourth-rounder took over as Atlanta’s center starter. Dalman played a full season in 2022, drawing a 65.9 PFF grade. That figure was good for 14th amongst qualifying players at the position, but the past two seasons have seen stronger performances. The Stanford product ranked third in PFF grade at the center spot in 2023, and he followed that up with the fourth-best mark this past campaign.
Dalman did so while missing three games in 2023, and an ankle injury limited him to just nine contests this year. That could hinder his value on the open market, but on the other hand his age and contributions to a strong Falcons O-line could make him one of the more attractive options on the market this spring. Atlanta is among the teams currently projected to be over the cap for 2025, and a decision on quarterback Kirk Cousins will need to be made shortly. How the Falcons proceed on that front will of course be central in determining their overall financial outlook and their ability to approach the top of a center market which includes four players earning at least $12MM per year.
Atlanta’s other offensive line starters (left tackle Jake Matthews, left guard Matthew Bergeron, right guard Chris Lindstrom and right tackle Kaleb McGary) are all under contract through at least 2025. While Matthews and McGary do not have any guaranteed salary remaining on their pacts, the Falcons could thus opt for another year of continuity up front at four positions even in the event Dalman were to depart. Ryan Neuzil stepped in for Dalman in 2024, but he is a pending restricted free agent.
A number of veteran centers are on track to reach the open market this year, but Dalman’s age (like that of the Packers’ Josh Myers) could make suitors willing to prepare a long-term investment in March. It will be interesting to see if the Falcons prevent that from happening with a contract agreement being reached before then, or if they will turn their attention to other positions.
2025 NFL Cap Space, By Team
Free agency is roughly one month away, and teams are preparing for the first major roster-building checkpoint on the offseason calendar. In several cases, of course, the lead-in to the start of the new league year will require cost-cutting measures.
Teams expect the 2025 cap ceiling to check in somewhere between $265MM and $275MM, providing a general target to aim for before the final figure is unveiled by the NFL. Using a projected cap of $272.5MM, here is a look at where all 32 teams currently stand (courtesy of Over the Cap):
- New England Patriots: $119.8MM
- Las Vegas Raiders: $92.53MM
- Washington Commanders: $75.21MM
- Arizona Cardinals: $71.33MM
- Los Angeles Chargers: $63.41MM
- Chicago Bears: $62.97MM
- Minnesota Vikings: $58.01MM
- Pittsburgh Steelers: $53.26MM
- Cincinnati Bengals: $46.26MM
- Detroit Lions: $45.69MM
- San Francisco 49ers: $44.26MM
- Tennessee Titans: $44.08MM
- New York Giants: $43.38MM
- Green Bay Packers: $42.14MM
- Los Angeles Rams: $38.33MM
- Denver Broncos: $34.78MM
- Jacksonville Jaguars: $32.27MM
- Indianapolis Colts: $28.25MM
- Carolina Panthers: $20.33MM
- Philadelphia Eagles: $18.08MM
- New York Jets: $16.86MM
- Baltimore Ravens: $5.96MM
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $2.24MM
- Houston Texans: $99K over the cap
- Kansas City Chiefs: $916K over
- Dallas Cowboys: $2.85MM over
- Miami Dolphins: $5.44MM over
- Atlanta Falcons: $11.15MM over
- Seattle Seahawks: $13.46MM over
- Buffalo Bills: $14.18MM over
- Cleveland Browns: $30.17MM over
- New Orleans Saints: $54.11MM over
These figures will of course change based on where the final cap ceiling winds up for the year, but they take into 
account each team’s carryover amount for 2025. Even with those savings in play, more than one quarter of the league finds itself in need of cost-shedding moves to simply achieve cap compliance by mid-March.
With the Patriots leading the way in terms of spending power, they will be a team to watch closely once free agency begins. The team’s willingness (or lack thereof) to make major free agent additions last year was a talking point, and it will be interesting to see if the regime featuring de facto general manager Eliot Wolf and new head coach Mike Vrabel takes a different approach in 2025. A serious push for Tee Higgins – by far the most sought-after wideout set to hit the market – can be expected.
Aside from Higgins, the Bengals have a number of financial priorities. Working out a monster extension for fellow receiver Ja’Marr Chase and a new deal (and accompanying raise) for edge rusher Trey Hendrickson are key goals for the franchise. Quarterback Joe Burrow is prepared to restructure his own pact to create cap space for this offseason, but the team will no doubt need to break with tradition in terms of contract structure and guarantees to keep its core intact.
The Colts’ offseason has been defined in large part by a focus on retaining in-house players during recent years. That approach has not paid off as hoped, and general manager Chris Ballard said last month he plans to oversee a shift in roster-building philosophy this year. With the finances to make at least a modest addition or two on the open market, Indianapolis could be a suitor for some of the middle-class free agent options.
Over the coming weeks, many teams will proceed with extensions and restructures to free up cap space; the Seahawks recently took the latter route with defensive lineman Leonard Williams. Teams like the Steelers (in the case of edge rusher Preston Smith) and Dolphins (with running back Raheem Mostert as well as corner Kendall Fuller and tight end Durham Smythe) have already begin cutting veterans to free up cap space. That will increasingly continue in the near future with respect to the teams currently slated to be over the cap in particular.