Jaguars Receiving Calls On WR Brian Thomas Jr.; No Deal Expected
Brian Thomas Jr. has not managed to duplicate the success of his rookie campaign in 2025. In spite of that, the second-year wideout has drawn trade interest recently. 
The Jaguars have received calls about Thomas, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports (subscription required). The 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year finalist was not drafted by the current Liam Coen-James Gladstone regime, but as Russini notes it would still be considered a surprise if a trade were to receive genuine consideration on Jacksonville’s part. Coen confirmed as much on Monday.
The Jags have “no plans” of dealing away Thomas, Coen said (via Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union). That statement will not stop interested teams from continuing to make inquiries but Jacksonville’s focus will turn to other matters ahead of next Tuesday’s trade deadline. As Russini adds, the team is still in the market for an addition on defense.
Thomas posted a stellar 87-1,282-10 statline during his rookie campaign. Expectations were high for the former first-rounder entering 2025 as a result, but he has seen his production and efficiency take a notable step back so far. Thomas’ catch percentage sits just under 50% on the campaign, a striking regression compared to where it was in 2024 (65.4%). He will have ample opportunity to rebound while the Jaguars play out their post-bye schedule.
While Thomas will continue to operate as a starting receiver for the foreseeable future, the workload for Travis Hunter remains something to monitor. This year’s No. 2 pick has split his time on offense and defense as expected, handling a 67% snap share as a receiver and a 36% rate as a cornerback. Coen recently suggested Hunter could be in line for an uptick in offensive usage over the closing weeks of the campaign.
“We are going to play the best 11 [on each side of the ball] as much as humanly possible,” Coen said when asked about Hunter (via ESPN’s Michael DiRocco). “We’ve kind of gotten a sample size of everything, the totality of the first seven weeks of every position, but specifically with him. There was definitely some really good things [on Sunday], specifically on the offensive side of the ball.”
So far, Hunter has amassed 298 yards and one touchdown on 28 catches. Those totals could be in line to increase with a heavier usage rate on offense as the 4-3 Jaguars look to rebound from their two straight losses heading into the bye. In any case, Thomas can be expected to remain in place alongside him moving forward.
Dolphins CB Storm Duck Out For Season
The Dolphins’ secondary has been dealt another blow on the injury front. Storm Duck was carted off the field yesterday and he will not return in 2025. 
Duck’s knee injury will sideline him for the remainder of the campaign, head coach Mike McDaniel announced on Monday (via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald). The second-year cover man had been handling a rotational role on defense in 2025, as he had during his rookie campaign. A lengthy rehab process is now in store, however.
Miami released Kendall Fuller this offseason before trading away Jalen Ramsey. Those moves ensured new starters would be in place at the cornerback spot, but injuries at that position have piled up over the course of 2025. Kader Kohou and Artie Burns each suffered ACL tears during the summer, creating the need for further secondary depth leading up to the campaign.
Other injuries have since occurred which have left the unit in an even more unenviable situation. Adding Duck to the list of unavailable options will further limit the available corners for Miami moving forward. To this point in the season, the Dolphins have fared relatively well in allowing 199 passing yards per game (good for 11th in the NFL). Maintaining that level of play will be more difficult in the wake of another absence, though.
As a former UDFA, Duck is on the books through the 2026 campaign. He could reprise his role as a part-time defensive and special teams contributor upon returning to full health next season, something which would of course be key in determining his financial future beyond that point. Depending on how the team proceeds in the secondary, however, the 24-year-old’s injury situation could leave on him the outside looking in with respect to a 2026 roster spot.
Raiders Minority Owner Carol Davis Dies At 93
Carol Davis, the widow of late Raiders owner Al Davis, has passed away. Carol died at the age of 93 on Friday, per a team announcement. 
“Carol provided unbridled support and unparalleled guidance to the Davis family and the Raiders organization for over 60 years,” the Raiders said in a statement. “Her direct impact on the greatness of the Raiders continues to be felt, cherished, and honored, and is woven into the fabric of this historic franchise. If Al was the heart of the Raiders, Carol was the soul.”
Long referred to as the First Lady of Raider Nation, Carol Davis was connected to the franchise since Al was hired as head coach in 1963. Carol remained involved with the organization through Al’s tenure as controlling owner, which began in 1972 and ended with his passing in 2011. Since that time, Al and Carol’s son Mark Davis has operated as the franchise’s owner.
September 21, 2020 marked the first game at Allegiant Stadium during the Raiders’ inaugural season in Las Vegas. Carol Davis lit the Al Davis Memorial Torch that day in a ceremonial gesture to honor her late husband. Mark Davis did the same yesterday in the wake of his mother’s passing.
As things stand, Mark Davis remains in line to continue as the Raiders’ controlling owner for the foreseeable future. The franchise will now be without a mainstay moving forward, however.
Cowboys Less Likely To Make Defensive Trade Addition?
One of the league’s top talking points ahead of the trade deadline has been the potential for the Cowboys to swing a deal. Any acquisition made for the remainder of the campaign would be aimed at improving the team’s underperforming defense. 
Calls about high-profile edge rushers such as Maxx Crosby and Trey Hendrickson have been made recently, but nothing is imminent regarding a move of that magnitude. Owner Jerry Jones has publicly expressed a willingness to part with some of the draft capital acquired in the Micah Parsons blockbuster. It would come as a surprise if that were to take place in the middle of the campaign, of course, but even a smaller deal may not be forthcoming.
The Cowboys fell to 3-4-1 on the season with their lopsided loss to the Broncos on Sunday. Dallas’ defense delivered another poor outing, surrendering over 400 yards for the fourth time in 2025. Internal reinforcements are on the way in the form of linebacker DeMarvion Overshown in particular, and Jones’ latest comments certainly suggest his return to full health will mark the most significant addition for the Cowboys’ defensive outlook.
“I don’t know what’s realistic,” Jones said about a trade addition (via ESPN’s Todd Archer). “Could one better player — if we didn’t pay too big a price to have a better player on defense to possibly help?… Are we one player away on defense? I think we’re not. I think we’re more than that away, but what we’re closer to than it looks, in my mind, is executing better on defense.”
Many will no doubt remain skeptical about the Cowboys’ ability to rebound defensively, at least to the point of helping the team emerge as a true contender. A rental addition would likely do little in that regard, so standing pat on the trade front could prove to be a sensible move. On the other hand, Dallas ranks second in the league in scoring and fourth in total offense on a per game basis; even a move to mediocrity on the other side of the ball could allow the team to contend for the playoffs as a result.
With over $31MM in cap space, Dallas could easily afford a rental addition ahead of the November 4 trade deadline. If Jones holds true to his stance on the team’s defense needing more than one short-term acquisition, though, it would come as no surprise if he elected to stand down on the trade front this season.
Raiders Sign WR Tyler Lockett
Tyler Lockett‘s time with the Titans came to an end last week. The veteran wideout’s request to be release was granted, allowing him to hit the open market. 
In short order, Lockett’s next gig has been lined up. A deal is in place with the Raiders, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. He adds Lockett will officially sign later today, putting him in line to make his Vegas debut as early as Week 9. The move has now taken place.
This news comes as little surprise. Lockett’s first 10 campaigns took place as a member of the Seahawks before he was cut this offseason. Much of that time in Seattle allowed him to overlap with Pete Carroll, who is now in place as the Raiders’ head coach. A reunion between the two is now in store to close out the 2025 season.
Lockett, 33, topped 1,000 yards each year from 2019-22 but saw his production decline over the course of his final two Seattle campaigns. Upon being released, the former Pro Bowler took a one-year, $4MM deal with the Titans. Tennessee has struggled on offense with rookie quarterback Cam Ward, though, and Lockett totaled just 70 scoreless yards during his brief tenure there. He will look to rebound in Vegas ahead of reaching the open market once again next spring.
The Raiders are among the teams in line to adopt a seller’s stance ahead of the trade deadline. Wideout Jakobi Meyers in particular could be on the move as contending teams look for rental additions to close out the campaign. It will be interesting to see if the Lockett addition has an impact on Vegas’ willingness to move on from Meyers over the coming days.
The Raiders have struggled across the board on offense this season, and improving during the post-bye portion of their schedule will be a key priority. Lockett will look to contribute on that front during the second half of the season. Finding success in that role could earn him an extended stay in Vegas and a more permanent second stint working with Carroll.
Colts Hope To Retain Daniel Jones Beyond 2025; Latest On Anthony Richardson
To date, no known talks on a new Colts deal for Daniel Jones have taken place. It is the team’s intention, however, to keep its surprisingly productive new quarterback in the fold past the current campaign. 
Indianapolis wants to keep Jones in place beyond 2025, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports (video link). That comes as little surprise given the way in which the Colts have thrived early this year. The team sits atop the AFC with a 6-1 record, and maintaining that strong play could increase the chances for Jones to command a major raise compared to the deal he signed in March. The former Giants starter took $14MM on a one-year pact when joining his current team.
Jones won out a training camp competition with Anthony Richardson but expectations were tempered given the latter’s struggles when on the field so far in his career. The Colts have enjoyed plenty of success on offense thanks to strong showings by their offensive line and skill position group. Jones has played a role as well, and he has set new career bests in several passing categories early on. If things continue along a similar path over the coming weeks, it would certainly be feasible for the Colts to work out a long-term agreement.
Things obviously did not go as planned when the Giants did the same in 2023. Jones landed a four-year, $160MM pact that year but found himself out of the organization by the end of last season. After a brief stint with the Vikings, the Duke product moved on in free agency. Doing so again could be possible this coming spring, and Jones would profile as the top signal-caller on the market if his strong showing continues. If the Colts could negotiate a lucrative multi-year pact, though, they could secure their future under center as the Richardson selection was aimed at doing.
The 23-year-old landed on injured reserve earlier this month following the orbital fracture he suffered during a pregame accident. In an update on Richardson’s status, Rapoport notes a return to action at some point this season could be in store. The former No. 4 pick has fallen well short of expectations early in his career, with injuries and inconsistent showings as a passer limiting his value.
The Colts will need to decide on Richardson’s fifth-year option this spring. If a trade opportunity presents itself, it will be interesting to see if Indianapolis explores it. Part of the team’s plan on that front will of course depend on whether or not a long-term Jones pact can be worked out.
Cam Skattebo Suffers Dislocated Ankle
10:09pm: Per Giants senior managing editor Dan Salomone, Skattebo has been diagnosed with a dislocated ankle. Skattebo has already been “scheduled to undergo surgery tonight at a local hospital in the Philadelphia area.” Unfortunately, the brutal injury looks like it could end Skattebo’s exciting rookie season just as it was starting to take off.
3:12pm: Cam Skattebo continued his impressive rookie season early in the Giants’ Week 8 game. A massive ankle injury threatens to lead to considerable missed time, however. 
Skattebo scored an 18-yard receiving touchdown early against the Eagles. Not long after, he suffered the injury and was carted off the field. Skattebo’s right ankle was in an air cast as he departed. The Giants quickly ruled him out for the remainder of the game.
A team announcement (h/t ESPN’s Adam Schefter) has since noted that Skattebo has been taken to hospital for further evaluation. The 23-year-old’s initial diagnosis is a dislocated ankle. More clarity will emerge on his status after further testing, though.
If Skattebo does wind up missing significant time, it will mark an unwanted development for team and player. The fourth-rounder has emerged as a key figure for the Giants’ offense, especially since the decision was made to hand over starting quarterback duties to fellow rookie Jaxson Dart. Skattebo recorded at least 45 rushing yards each game since Week 2 entering today, and he scored six touchdowns before Sunday’s early major. Being without him moving forward will deal a notable blow to New York’s ground game.
Of course, the Giants are already without top wideout Malik Nabers for the remainder of the campaign due to an ACL tear. His absence has hindered the team’s passing attack, creating an increased emphasis on production along the ground. Skattebo will be counted on to remain a notable contributor in that regard in the event he can return this season, but it remains to be seen if that will be the case.
In the meantime, New York will move forward with a backfield of Devin Singletary, Tyrone Tracy and Eric Gray. Receiver has been named as a position to watch for the Giants ahead of the trade deadline, although a notable addition would come as a surprise given their record. Based on Skattebo’s prognosis, running back depth could also be targeted over the coming days.
Panthers Fear Achilles Tear For G Brady Christensen
The Panthers saw their three-game winning streak come to an end on Sunday. Several offensive linemen were injured along the way, including Brady Christensen. 
A return this season is unlikely to take place in this case. When speaking after the game, head coach Dave Canales said (via Joe Person of The Athletic) Christensen is feared to have suffered an Achilles tear. Provided that is confirmed by further testing, he will be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.
Christensen was carted off the field during Carolina’s game against Buffalo. The fifth-year veteran was in the midst of starting for the fourth consecutive game at right guard when he suffered the injury. Christensen missing the rest of the season would deal another blow to a Panthers O-line which was already shorthanded.
First-choice right guard Robert Hunt suffered a torn biceps last month, creating a vacancy at that position. That ailment could prove to be season-ending, in any case Hunt is not in position to the lineup any time soon. Christensen took over from Hunt in Week 4 and then played every snap for each of the following three games. That setup was set to continue, but now another change up front will be necessary.
Over the course of his rookie contract, Christensen made 51 appearances and 30 starts. The former third-rounder was limited to just one contest in 2023 but otherwise he managed to avoid major injuries. Christensen re-signed on a one-year pact this spring, but today’s news will obviously hinder his market value. He will look to recover in time for the start of the 2026 campaign; especially if that does not take place, the 29-year-old could remain unsigned for an extended period.
In the wake of today’s lopsided loss, the Panthers sit at 4-4 on the year. The team’s rushing attack will continue to be leaned on moving forward, particularly if quarterback Bryce Young misses any further time. With another lengthy absence up front likely, though, it will be challenging to remain among the league’s best in that regard.
Steelers Open To Retaining Aaron Rodgers For 2026; QB Will Retire With Packers
Aaron Rodgers‘ lengthy free agent spell resulted – as expected – in a Steelers agreement. The future Hall of Famer took a one-year pact, and prior to the start of the campaign he made it clear 2025 is likely his final one in the NFL. 
Rodgers gave thought to retirement prior to signing with Pittsburgh, and only a small list of suitors was in place while he was on the market. Things have gone as well as team and player could have hoped so far, but the 41-year-old has given no indication he will continue playing past the current season. In the event that were to change, the Steelers would be open to a 2026 Rodgers setup under center.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports (subscription required) Pittsburgh “would love” to have Rodgers back in place for next season. The four-time MVP currently leads the NFL in touchdown percentage (8.1%) and he has helped lead the Steelers to a 4-2 record and top spot in the AFC North. Pittsburgh’s offense in general has plenty of room for improvement moving forward, but if Rodgers can remain healthy a case could be made for him to continue his career at least one more season.
Since Ben Roethlisberger‘s retirement, the Steelers have struggled to find a productive replacement over any extended period. Last season’s Russell Wilson–Justin Fields experiment resulted in a playoff berth but both passers moved on during free agency after one Pittsburgh campaign. The Rodgers signing was obviously not seen as a long-term investment but it brought about the potential for an upgrade over what the team has had in previous years in terms of play under center.
It remains to be seen how Rodgers’ debut Steelers season will finish and whether his stance will change on the matter of retirement after it ends. In any case, it was recently learned he will officially conclude his career as a member of the Packers. That comes as little surprise, of course, given Rodgers’ illustrious run during his 18 years in Green Bay.
“Regardless of when I hang it up, that’s the bulk of my career. I’ll retire a Packer and see what happens after that,” Rodgers said (via Russini’s colleague Matt Schneidman). “Damn near everything great in my life is because of my football career, and my football career starts and will end one day with Green Bay. So I’ve got a lot of love for all those memories and a lot of great friends I still carry with me to this day.”
That update comes shortly before the Steelers and Packers will play each other in Week 8. Rodgers taking on the team with which he won a Super Bowl will make for one of the league’s top storylines over the coming days, but his overall playing future will also be worth monitoring.
Colts, QB Daniel Jones Have Not Conducted Extension Talks
Daniel Jones arrived in Indianapolis via a one-year free agent pact. Winning out a training camp competition over Anthony Richardson allowed him to secure the starting gig and set the table for a remarkable opening to his Colts tenure. 
Jones has comfortably set career highs in several passing categories so far in 2025. His strong play has been a key factor in the Colts’ 6-1 start to the campaign. As the team looks to remain atop the AFC moving forward, Jones will continue boosting his market value if he manages to sustain his performances.
The former Giants first-rounder ended last season on the Vikings’ quarterback depth chart. Like Sam Darnold, Jones departed via free agency with Minnesota opting to hand the reins over to J.J. McCarthy. The Colts prioritized adding a veteran capable of winning the QB1 gig over Richardson, leading to a notable Jones investment. Indianapolis gave him a $14MM pact (with nearly all of that figure being guaranteed), a strong indication he would be counted on to lead the team’s offense for at least one season. Richardson’s future meanwhile, remains far from certain.
Jones’ success in the QB1 role – coupled with the play of the other foundational pieces in place heading into the campaign – has Indianapolis on track to return to the playoffs in 2025. Among other things, an effective first season with the Duke product at the helm would greatly increase his asking price on a new deal. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, no talks have taken place to date about a Colts extension (subscription required).
Plenty will of course depend on Jones’ ability to maintain his early success with respect to his market value for 2026. The 28-year-old was released by New York not long after signing a four-year, $160MM just ahead of the franchise tag deadline in 2023. Given the disastrous nature of that agreement, the Colts or any other suitors could be rather hesitant to make a long-term investment next spring.
On the other hand, Indianapolis has been unable to find a true Andrew Luck successor since his surprise retirement. The team cycled through eight different Week 1 starters under center over a nine-season span, and ending that run of instability would be highly valuable. Taking Jones’ age into account, the former No. 6 pick could profile as a candidate for a multi-year pact if the Colts become satisfied his play can be repeated.
As things stand, Jones is on course to find himself the top free agent at the quarterback spot (by a wide margin) in 2026. An extension with the Colts – or a re-signing in the event he were to test the market in March – would prevent a departure, but no early signs have emerged indicating he will be more than a one-and-done passer in Indianapolis.