Cowboys, HC Mike McCarthy To Begin Contract Talks
Mike McCarthy‘s future remains uncertain at this point as the expiration of his current contract draws nearer. Further signs point to him remaining in place in place as the Cowboys’ head coach, though. 
McCarthy and owner Jerry Jones have remained in contact since the end of the season, although terms of a potential new pact had not yet been a topic of discussion. That is set to change now, however. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports the sides are set to begin negotiating a new pact today.
Jones routinely praised McCarthy during the season, making it clear in the wake of the team’s poor start he would not consider an in-season dismissal. Given the fact McCarthy was on an expiring deal, though, questions lingered over his status throughout the campaign. The former Packers Super Bowl winner has also received votes of confidence from players (including quarterback Dak Prescott), so it would come as little surprise if a new agreement were to be worked out.
McCarthy has been in Dallas since 2020. His Cowboys tenure has included three postseason appearances (spanning the 2021, ’22 and ’23 campaigns in which the team went 12-5 each time), but a lack of playoff success has been a defining characteristic of his time guiding the team. Jones noted Dallas’ wild-card loss to Green Bay last year played a key role in his decision not to offer McCarthy an extension, with the same also being the case for the team’s assistant coaches.
In the early stages of the 2025 hiring cycle, though, McCarthy has been connected to a pair of teams which currently have a vacancy. The Bears requested permission for an interview, but the Cowboys blocked it. Meanwhile, the Saints have emerged as a team to watch in the event McCarthy becomes a coaching free agent. January 14 represents the point at which his existing deal will expire, meaning he and Jones only have a short window of opportunity to agree to terms before other teams enter the fray.
A Wednesday report indicated some of the assistants on McCarthy’s staff have received interest from outside suitors with their own futures still in the air. It will be interesting to see if any coordinators or position coaches wind up making a move in the coming days (or at least agreeing to a deal with a new team), but with McCarthy seemingly on track to remain in place that may be unlikely at this point.
Chris Ballard: Colts Eyeing QB Addition, Philosophical Shift This Offseason
The Colts were considered a team to watch as ‘Black Monday’ approached considering the manner in which their season ended. Despite finishing the campaign at 8-9 and out of the playoffs once again, owner Jim Irsay immediately made it clear both head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard would be retained for 2025. 
The latter is well aware Indianapolis fell short of expectations, and when speaking to the media on Friday he acknowledged his roster-building approach played a central role. Ballard’s tenure at the helm of the Colts has been defined in no small part by his preference of keeping in-house players in the fold rather than devoting cap resources to outside additions. This past offseason was no different, with 13 players either being re-signed to a new deal or receiving an extension.
“Right now, we’re not close,” Ballard conceded (via ESPN’s Stephen Holder). “I’m going to make this really clear… Going 8-9, that’s not close. No, I’m not saying we won’t be closer when we get to the start of [next] season. But right now, sitting here today, we’re an 8-9 football team. We’ve got to own that.”
Ballard noted part of the process of ending the Colts’ four-year playoff drought could very well be a change in roster-building philosophy. The likes of DeForest Buckner, Michael Pittman Jr. and Zaire Franklin each received big-ticket extensions last spring, while Grover Stewart, Kenny Moore and Tyquan Lewis avoided free agency with 10-figure contracts of their own. If Ballard follows through on his plan to shift his strategy, that core could see competition brought in at several positions from outside the organization.
Like all teams, the Colts will make a number of cap-related moves in the coming weeks through cuts and restructures. As of now, though, Indianapolis is on track to have roughly $32MM in available funds once the new league year begins. That, coupled with seven draft picks (including three of the first 80 selections) will prove critical as Ballard looks to supplement the existing nucleus he has constructed.
Of course, another major goal for 2025 will be improved play under center. Year 2 did not go as planned for Anthony Richardson, and the former No. 4 pick was again unable to stay healthy for a full season. Steichen recently said he would be open to bringing in a quarterback (presumably a veteran) capable of competing with Richardson for the QB1 gig. To no surprise, Ballard echoed that sentiment on Friday.
“We can’t beat our head against the wall,” Ballard said. “We’ve got to have competition at the position for, one, competition makes everybody better and, two, [Richardson has] not proven he can play 17 games.”
Joe Flacco – who does not plan to retire – is a pending free agent, so if the Colts elect to go in another direction at the quarterback spot their intentions of looking outside the organization to a larger extent will be put to the test. With Ballard’s seat no doubt warming, it will be interesting to see how he proceeds as the offseason unfolds.
Buccaneers’ Antoine Winfield Jr., Jamel Dean Expected To Play In Wild-Card Round
As the Buccaneers prepare for their wild-card matchup, they are set to have a pair of key defensive starters back in the lineup. Tampa Bay’s secondary figures to receive two notable boosts in time for Sunday. 
Head coach Todd Bowles said on Friday that safety Antoine Winfield Jr. and cornerback Jamel Dean are set to play this week (h/t Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times). Both players were listed as full participants for today, and they are officially listed as questionable. Their respective returns to the lineup will be significant.
Winfield suffered a knee sprain one month ago, and it quickly became clear he would miss notable time. The All-Pro had already been sidelined by an ankle and foot sprain earlier in the season, and his absence was one of the factors influencing Tampa Bay’s underwhelming performance in many defensive categories this year. The Bucs elected not to place Winfield on injured reserve, though, and despite not being able to play in the waning stages of the regular season he will be back for the playoffs.
Dean was limited to 12 games this season as a result of his hamstring injury. The 28-year-old landed on injured reserve as a result, but at the first opportunity to do so he was activated. Dean managed a run of six straight games upon returning to the lineup, but he was absent for Tampa Bay’s regular season finale because of a knee injury. Considering the Bucs finished the season ranked 29th against the pass in 2024, having as many available options in the secondary as possible will be a welcomed sight.
By virtue of winning the NFC South, Tampa Bay is set to host Washington Sunday night. The Buccaneers’ offense will be leaned on after the unit finished top-four in the NFL in both points and yards per game this season. The team’s defense will welcome Winfield and Dean back into the picture, though, while attempting to generate a postseason run.
Titans Request GM Interview With Jon-Eric Sullivan
Jon-Eric Sullivan now has a connection to two of the NFL’s three general manager vacancies. The Packers’ director of player personnel has received an interview request from the Titans, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
On more than one front, the news comes as no surprise. Sullivan is held in high regard around the league, so he represents a logical candidate receive an interview slip from the Titans as part of their search. It will be interesting to see if the Raiders (having moved on from Tom Telesco yesterday) also target Sullivan. In any case, the connections to Tennessee through Chad Brinker make Sullivan a logical target for the Titans.
Brinker had a lengthy spell in Green Bay before heading to Tennessee in 2023. He was promoted to his current role (president of football operations) last offseason, leaving him in a key position as the organization again looks for a new GM. Ran Carthon was hired in 2023, but after two seasons at the helm he was dismissed. Brinker remains in place as the point man for the search regarding Carthon’s replacement, and the Titans made it clear earlier this week it will be Brinker who holds the final say on roster-building decisions regardless of who the next general manager will be.
Keeping that in mind, it would make sense from Brinker’s perspective to bring in a familiar face. He and Sullivan worked together in Green Bay, a franchise which has enjoyed stability in the front office. Achieving the same will be a goal for the Titans as they look to find an organizational structure which ensures long-term success. Assistant GM Anthony Robinson is among the personnel who were also fired in the wake of Carthon’s dismissal, so several executive moves will be needed in the near future.
Sullivan has also received an interview request from the Jets, although it remains to be seen if he will take it. He now has a pair of suitors, so it will be interesting if he does wind up meeting with both New York and Tennessee as part of each teams’ search process.
Via PFR’s general manager search tracker, here is an updated picture of the Titans’ situation:
- Matt Berry, senior director of player personnel (Seahawks): To interview 1/11
- Mike Borgonzi, assistant general manager (Chiefs): To interview 1/12
- Ian Cunningham, assistant general manager (Bears): To interview 1/12
- Thomas Dimitroff, former general manager (Falcons): To interview 1/10
- Ed Dodds, assistant general manager (Colts): To interview 1/11
- Terrance Gray, vice president of player personnel (Bills): To interview 1/11
- Catherine Hickman, assistant general manager (Browns): To interview 1/11
- Reggie McKenzie, senior personnel executive (Dolphins): To interview 1/10
- John Spytek, assistant general manager (Buccaneers): To interview 1/10
- Jon-Eric Sullivan, director of player personnel (Packers): Interview requested
Browns To Conduct OC Interview With Kevin Koger
The list of candidates for the Browns’ vacant offensive coordinator position has grown. Falcons tight ends coach Kevin Koger will interview with Cleveland today, Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal reports. 
Koger joined the Falcons’ staff last offseason following a three-year run in the same capacity with the Chargers. During his first year in Atlanta, he took charge of a positional group led by Kyle Pitts, who did not enjoy the return to his rookie form many were hoping for under first-time offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. Still, Koger has drawn the interest of at least one team looking for a new OC, something he is no stranger to.
Koger met with both the Broncos and Packers during the 2022 hiring cycle while they were looking for new offensive coordinators. The 35-year-old began coaching in 2012, and he worked in the college ranks between 2013 and ’18. The following season, he took an opportunity in Green Bay to work as an offensive quality control coach before his Chargers stint. It will be interesting to see if Koger lands on the radar of the Seahawks (who fired Ryan Grubb after one season) or any other teams which win up being in the market for a new OC this offseason.
Cleveland dismissed Ken Dorsey in the aftermath of a 4-13 season. Quarterback play was generally a major weak point with and without Deshaun Watson in the lineup in 2024, and the matter of whether or not head coach Kevin Stefanski calls plays moving forward will be a key talking point as OC interviews take place. Koger has never worked as an offensive coordinator at the college or NFL levels.
The Browns have their own TEs coach (Tommy Rees) in line as a candidate to take over from Dorsey. In terms of outside possibilities, Dolphins pass game coordinator Darrell Bevell as well as Seahawks quarterbacks coach Charles London are on the team’s radar. Easterling notes London will also interview with the Browns today, as the team continues to seek out a long-term answer at the OC spot.
Jets Interview Mike Locksley
The Jets’ interview process will include at least one meeting with a college coach. The team will speak with Mike Locksley today, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. A team announcement has since confirmed the news. 
This marks the first time the Maryland head coach has been connected to an NFL interview. Locksley has been a coach since 1992 when he immediately followed up his playing days by taking a position with his alma mater (Townsend State). He has coached at Maryland three separate times, including the 2015 season when he served as interim head coach. Earlier in his career, Locksley coached New Mexico for two-plus years (posting a 2-26 record).
That was eventually followed by a move to Alabama’s staff as an offensive assistant at first. Locksley then took over as receivers coach and co-offensive coordinator before becoming the Crimson Tide’s full-time OC in 2018. He earned the Broyles Award (given to college football’s top assistant) that season before beginning his latest run at Maryland.
The 55-year-old has been guiding the Terrapins since 2019, a stretch which has seen the team post a winning record three times (2021-23). Overall, Locksley’s Maryland record sits at 33-41, a mark which helps explain his lack of interest from NFL teams over the years. He is nevertheless the latest candidate to meet with the Jets, one of six teams in need of a new coach this offseason.
Via PFR’s HC search tracker, here is an updated look at where the Jets’ ongoing search stands:
- Bill Belichick, head coach (North Carolina): Showed interest; meeting never scheduled
- Joe Brady, offensive coordinator (Bills): Interview requested
- Brian Flores, defensive coordinator (Vikings): Interview requested
- Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator (Lions): To interview 1/9
- Brian Griese, quarterbacks coach (49ers): Interview requested
- Vance Joseph, defensive coordinator (Broncos): Interview requested
- Mike Locksley, head coach (Maryland): Interviewed 1/10
- Josh McCown, quarterbacks coach (Vikings): Interview requested
- Matt Nagy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interviewed 1/8
- Ron Rivera, former head coach (Commanders): Interviewed
- Darren Rizzi, interim head coach (Saints): Interview requested
- Rex Ryan, former head coach (Bills): Interviewed 1/7
- Bobby Slowik, offensive coordinator (Texans): Interview requested
- Steve Spagnuolo, defensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interview requested
- Arthur Smith, offensive coordinator (Steelers): Interview requested
- Jeff Ulbrich, interim head coach (Jets): To interview
- Mike Vrabel, former head coach (Titans): Interviewed 1/3
Rams’ Demarcus Robinson Charged With DUI
In November, Demarcus Robinson was arrested on suspicion of DUI. The Rams receiver is now facing a formal charge as a result. 
Robinson has been charged with one count of misdemeanor DUI, per the Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney (via ESPN through TMZ Sports). The 30-year-old will have an arraignment next month, the attorney’s office also noted. News of the charge comes shortly before the Rams are set to play in the wild-card round against the Vikings on Monday night.
Robinson was seen traveling at speeds of 100 miles per hour on US-101 northbound around 5 a.m. after the Rams’ Week 12 game. There were “observed signs of alcohol impairment” at the time, but he refused to perform a sobriety check on scene. Robinson was subsequently booked before quickly being released into the custody of a “responsible party.”
The Rams made it clear they would allow the legal process to play out while allowing Robinson to continue playing. As a result, he remained in the lineup through the closing games of the campaign. Robinson has enjoyed a productive second season in Los Angeles, setting career highs in yards (505), yards per catch (16.3) and touchdowns (seven). The presence of Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp have given the Rams their top two receivers down the stretch, but Robinson will operate as an experienced third option provided he suits up on Monday.
Due to the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, the Vikings-Rams game will take place at State Farm Stadium in Arizona. A loss on Monday could mark the end of Robinson’s tenure with the team since he is a pending free agent.
Penn State’s Abdul Carter Will Enter Draft
Penn State’s run toward the national championship came to an end Thursday night. As a result, the team’s underclassmen are now able to turn their attention to the draft; as expected, one of the top prospects in the 2025 class will turn pro. 
Edge rusher Abdul Carter has decided to enter April’s draft, as noted by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The junior has long been expected to take that route once his season ended, and he is now on track to be one of the first players selected on either side of the ball. Carter enjoyed a stellar 2024 campaign, the first in which he transitioned from inside linebacker to defensive end.
The 6-3, 260-pounder racked up 11 sacks across his first two seasons but he surpassed that total this year. His sack during last light’s CFP semifinal loss to Notre Dame was his 12th of the campaign; Carter also registered 24 tackles for loss and a pair of forced fumbles during the season. Those totals helped him win the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award in addition to consensus All-American honors. He is the first Nittany Lion to earn the latter honor since Saquon Barkley in 2017.
Several edge rushers are considered locks to go in the first round but Carter has long been considered the best option at the position. He sits at the top of ESPN’s Scouts Inc. board, while Mel Kiper slots him second overall behind only two-way Colorado star Travis Hunter. No shortage of teams will show interest over the coming months as they evaluate this year’s top prospects.
With the Titans, Browns and Giants occupying the top three spots in the 2025 draft order, quarterback figures to be a position of interest at the top of the board. Both Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders may hear their names called before Carter does, but once teams without an immediate QB need are on the clock – the Patriots and Jaguars respectively own the fourth and fifth selections – he will certainly be a name to watch.
Ravens Rule Out WR Zay Flowers For Wild-Card Game
JANUARY 9: Flowers has not practiced all week, and Harbaugh ruled out his top wide receiver for the Steelers rubber match. This will be Flowers’ first missed game this season and his first injury-driven absence as a pro.
JANUARY 7: The Ravens are favored to beat the rival Steelers during their upcoming wild-card game, but Baltimore may be shorthanded on offense. Wideout Zay Flowers is dealing with a knee injury and his availability for this week is a question mark as a result. 
Flowers went down during the Ravens’ Week 18 win against the Browns. The team’s starters played most of the game, one in which a win was required to clinch top spot in the AFC North. Initial testing indicated a knee sprain, per Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz. That pointed to a week-to-week timeline, although more recently head coach John Harbaugh has indicated Flowers is day-to-day at this point.
Harbaugh noted (via Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic) Flowers is attempting to recover in time to play on Saturday, declining to confirm if the injury in question is in fact a sprain. In any case, missing the second-year wideout would be a major development for the Ravens given his importance to the team’s passing attack. Flowers set a franchise rookie record with 858 yards last year, leading to high expectations for 2024. With a 74-1,059-4 regular season statline, it is safe to say he met them.
The Ravens have enjoyed a strong season on offense this year, and the play of quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry have of course played a key role in that regard. Flowers has topped the WR depth chart during the year, though, and his absence would create a notable vacancy. Fellow former first-round pick Rashod Bateman would see an uptick in targets if Flowers were to miss Saturday’s game; Bateman played all 17 games in a season for the first time in his career in 2024, posting career highs in yards (756) and touchdowns (nine). Baltimore – having moved on from trade acquisition Diontae Johnson – also has Nelson Agholor, Tylan Wallace and fourth-round rookie Devontez Walker at the WR spot.
Since Harbaugh added Flowers’ ailment is not seen as season-ending, the possibility remains he will be back to full strength in time for the divisional round provided the Ravens advance. For now, though, he could be sidelined as Baltimore looks to beat Pittsburgh for the second time this year.
49ers’ John Lynch, Kyle Shanahan Endorse Long-Term Brock Purdy Extension
The 49ers’ coaching staff is the center of the team’s attention right now, but the coming offseason will include a number of major roster-building decisions. The most significant of those, of course, will be a Brock Purdy extension. 
San Francisco’s decision-makers are well aware of the fact this offseason represents the former Mr. Irrelevant’s first point at which he could sign a long-term deal. A massive raise will be in store compared to his rookie pact, although it remains to be seen how high the 49ers will be willing to go with respect to average annual value. Purdy himself hopes to get through the negotiating process in short order, and the team made it clear on Wednesday a deal keeping him in the Bay Area for the foreseeable future is a mutual goal.
“What we know about Brock is he’s our guy,” general manager John Lynch said (via ESPN’s Nick Wagoner). Purdy took over starting duties midway through his rookie season, and his level of play helped inform the departures of Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance. The Iowa State product’s success was key in San Francisco’s latest Super Bowl appearance, and going one step further will be the target for Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan moving forward. In spite of Purdy’s regression in 2024 – matched by that of the team as a whole – no quarterback competition is on tap with the final year of his rookie contract looming.
“I plan on being with Brock here the whole time I’m here,” Shanahan said (via Wagoner). “He’s a guy I’ve got a lot of confidence in just as a human, but it starts with what he’s done on the field these last two and a half years. We’re capable of winning the Super Bowl with him. He just almost did and I know he’s capable of getting the Niners a Super Bowl in the future.”
Coming off a 6-11 season, the 49ers will look for new faces at a number of positions. That is especially the case considering some of the pending free agents which are on track to depart given the cap commitments a new Purdy deal will require. The top of the quarterback market reached $60MM just before the start of the season, and eight other passers are currently on a deal averaging at least $51MM per year. Even if Purdy’s next pact checks in at a relative discount, the 49ers’ cap structure will undergo major changes moving forward.
Given the mutual interest which exists between team and player to work out an agreement, it will be interesting to see how quickly progress is made at the negotiating table. The 49ers have a history of lengthy contract talks with key players, but such a scenario may be avoided in Purdy’s case.