Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel: Personnel Changes Being Considered
The matter of potential coaching changes in Miami has been a talking point throughout the 2025 season. Questions about in-season firings will continue over the coming days after the team’s 31-6 loss against the Browns in Week 7. 
For now, at least, Mike McDaniel remains in place as head coach. When speaking after Sunday’s “humbling” defeat, he said consideration will be given to personnel changes. It is unclear which positions could be affected by a shuffling of the depth chart, but this situation could be one to monitor closely.
“If you are negatively impacting the team routinely, I have no choice but to assess a different player,” McDaniel said (via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald). “I have to coach a lot better as well. We will find out who and what we’re made of… We will change our style of play if we have to. Everything is on the table.”
The comment about playing style is certainly notable, considering the criticism Miami has received during McDaniel’s tenure. The Dolphins have struggled to consistently find success against stronger opponents, and much of that has been attributed to the team’s approach on offense in particular. That unit has struggled in 2025, and the Dolphins sit 25th in the NFL with an average of just 20 points per game.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa‘s day came to an early end with the game out of reach on Sunday. His 24.1 passer rating was the lowest of his career, and it marked another poor outing in a season during which he has struggled with turnovers. Tagovailoa has thrown a league-leading 10 interceptions in 2025, and McDaniel said one or two of his three picks from Sunday were “preventable.”
Leading up to yesterday’s loss, Tagovailoa was the center of attention based on his public criticism of teammates from the previous week. The 27-year-old is already owed $54MM in guarantees for next season, so any parting of ways would not be feasible even if it were to be entertained by the Dolphins. Based on McDaniel’s comments, though, it will be interesting to see how the quarterback depth chart is handled moving forward.
On that note, rookie Quinn Ewers saw his first regular season action in the NFL on Sunday after taking over for Tagovailoa. The seventh-rounder overtook Zach Wilson for the QB2 role in Week 7, something McDaniel said was due to the outcome of practice in the preceding days and something which was specific to the opponent. As further alterations are considered in the near future, the backup quarterback position could soon see more changes along with many others.
Jets Bench QB Justin Fields
10:05pm: When speaking after the game (video link), Glenn noted the quarterback change was aimed at sparking a turnaround in the second half. With no such momentum change taking place after Taylor took over, Glenn declined to commit to his Week 8 starter.
2:27pm: The first half of Sunday’s Jets-Panthers matchup produced another underwhelming outing on the part of New York’s offense. A change has now been made under center. 
Justin Fields handled starting duties for the first two quarters of today’s game. During that span, he completed just six of his 12 pass attempts for 46 scoreless yards. Fields was also sacked three times, bringing his total in that regard to 22 this season despite missing Week 3 with a concussion. Tyrod Taylor is now in the game.
On multiple occasions early in the campaign, head coach Aaron Glenn has offered public support for Fields. The free agent addition received an endorsement after last week’s poor showing, resulting in today’s start. It was recently reported, however, that Taylor has been supported by some in the Jets’ building dating back to training camp. For at least two quarters, the veteran will have the opportunity to earn future playing time.
Fields was unable to reach expectations as a first-round pick during his tenure with the Bears. In advance of selecting Caleb Williams first overall last spring, Chicago traded him to Pittsburgh; that swap was aimed at giving Fields a path to continue operating as a starter. Indeed, the 26-year-old handled the QB1 role early in the campaign until Russell Wilson was healthy. In a move which was not unanimous in the organization, the Steelers elected to keep Wilson atop the depth chart through the rest of the season.
Prior to eventually signing Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh showed interest in retaining Fields. Instead, the Ohio State product wound up inking a two-year pact with the Jets. That $40MM deal contains $30MM in guarantees, something which confirmed Fields’ status as the starter through the offseason. A major factor in New York’s 0-6 start was the play of the team’s offense, though. Fields has yet to throw an interception, but today’s benching will not come as much of a surprise given the extent to which he has not delivered on expectations in 2025.
Taylor is a pending free agent. The 36-year-old’s value on the open market will certainly change if he receives an extended look in the QB1 position through the remainder of the season. A decision on that front, of course, will be influenced by Taylor’s performance in the second half against Carolina.
Fields was one of the top quarterbacks in free agency this past spring based in large part on his age and rushing ability. The Jets – having released Rodgers shortly after the arrival of Glenn and first-year general manager Darren Mougey – signed him as a bridge option under center with questions still looming about a long-term solution. Fields could certainly be back in the lineup next week, but if not there is a chance today’s move will mark an end to his run as an NFL starter.
AFC Trade Notes: Patriots, Colts, Chiefs, Ravens, Jaguars
The Patriots improved to 5-2 on the season with their win this afternoon. As a result, New England could be one of the teams inclined to pursue trade additions over the coming days.
The Pats have already made one in-season swap, sending Ja’Lynn Polk to the Saints. That trade left the team thinner at the receiver spot, but an addition at that position does not appear to be forthcoming. During an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported New England should not be expected to pursue a receiver move compared to other positions (video link). Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas have each played a role in quarterback Drake Maye‘s strong start to the season; it seems that depth chart will not change in the near future.
On the other hand, New England’s pass rush room could be different shortly. Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports (subscription required) the Patriots are making calls about an addition along the edge. With a league-leading $55MM in cap space, the team could certainly afford a splashy addition. Meanwhile, New England is receiving calls about a number of internal players, per Russini. Anfernee Jennings could be on the move, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network adds. The 28-year-old has lost his starting spot, so a change of scenery could be worked out allowing him to return to first-team action. Jennings – who would be an inexpensive target for interested teams – is under contract through 2026.
As the November 4 deadline approaches, here are some other trade notes from around the AFC:
- Injuries (along with Xavien Howard‘s retirement) have ravaged the Colts’ secondary in 2025. In spite of that, Indianapolis has managed to start the season 5-1. It would thus come as little surprise if the team operated as a buyer ahead of the deadline. Per Russini, cornerback is a position being targeted as part of the general aim of adding on defense. Finances could be a challenge since Indianapolis has just $4.7MM in cap space, but the team will be one to monitor regarding at least a modest acquisition.
- After a shutout win against Vegas, the Chiefs are 4-3. Kansas City has been named as one of the top suitors for a backfield addition, but it appears nothing is imminent on that front. Russini reports the Chiefs are making calls about a defensive line acquisition but not doing so for running backs. Most of the team’s incumbent backs are pending free agents, although the second half of the campaign could convince Kansas City to retain one or more of them. The Chiefs’ passing game has thrived this year, but they sit mid-pack in rushing production.
- Second-year Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr has drawn criticism for his unit’s poor play early on. Orr is safe in his current position, and he could soon have one or more new players in the fold. According to Rappoport, Baltimore is in the market for a defensive addition. General manager Eric DeCosta has a history of being aggressive on the trade front, and the Ravens have the cap space ($14.65MM) to swing at least a rental move ahead of the deadline.
- Both Rapoport and Russini point to the Jaguars as another team to watch. Jacksonville has made a pair of trades since the start of the campaign, and more could be coming. Defensive help is being sought out, and Rapoport specifies the D-line as an area which could be targeted. Sunday’s lopsided loss to the Rams dropped Jacksonville to 4-3; the team leads the NFL in interceptions but ranks just 22nd in scoring defense.
Raiders Open To Trading WR Jakobi Meyers; Team Looking Into Defensive Additions
One of the top receivers to watch on the trade front over the coming days is Jakobi Meyers. The third-year Raider is known to be drawing interest, and Vegas could be willing to swing a deal. 
The Raiders are “open” to moving on from Meyers, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports (subscription required). As a pending free agent, he represents a logical target for contending teams. Meyers will turn 29 shortly after the deadline, and an acquiring team could look to work out a deal keeping him in place beyond the 2025 campaign.
With no Raiders extension being worked out this offseason, Meyers requested a trade prior to the start of the year. The team was not on board with a swap at that time, but things could change before the November 4 deadline. Vegas entered Week 7 with a 2-4 record. Sunday’s action has resulted in a blowout loss against the Chiefs, leaving the Raiders hard-pressed to compete in the AFC West through the rest of the campaign. As such, dealing away one or more veterans in the near future would come as little surprise.
At the same time, Vegas could be in the market for an addition. Per Russini, the Raiders are making calls about trading for reinforcements at the cornerback spot and along the defensive line. Earlier this week, it was reported the team could look to make a deal for Tariq Woolen, something which would reunite the Seahawks corner with head coach Pete Carroll. Entering Sunday’s action, Vegas sat 19th in the league in terms of passing yards allowed per game.
The team is in the top 10 against the run, by contrast, something which suggests a D-line upgrade would not be considered as high of a priority as secondary help. Still, the Raiders could be in the market for additions at a number of spots as the new regime led by Carroll and general manager John Spytek shapes the roster. With roughly $7.5MM in cap space, Vegas could afford a modest defensive acquisition.
Regardless of what happens on that front, Meyers’ situation will be worth watching closely. The former UFDA topped 1,000 yards for the first time in his career last season, and he could offer a contender a complementary pass-catching option down the stretch. Meyers is attached to a base salary of $10.5MM, a prorated portion of which would be paid out by an acquiring team in the event of a trade.
Cardinals Plan To Start Jacoby Brissett In Week 7; Team Aiming For Post-Bye Kyler Murray Return
Kyler Murray missed the Cardinals’ Week 6 game while dealing with a mid-foot sprain. The injury is not completely healed, so Arizona’s starting quarterback is set to remain sidelined. 
The Cardinals plan to start Jacoby Brissett once again on Sunday, as first reported by Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The 10th-year veteran made his first start for Arizona last Sunday, completing 27 of 44 passes for 320 yards. Brissett threw a pair of touchdown passes while adding one interception in the Cardinals’ most recent close defeat.
After winning by one score in Weeks 1 and 2, Arizona has dropped four straight games by a combined margin of nine points. Remaining shorthanded on offense will of course be an unwanted development for tomorrow, but Brissett’s showing against the Colts suggests he will be able to keep the team competitive on Sunday versus the Packers. As for Murray, a return could be in store for the Cardinals’ next contest.
The two-time Pro Bowler is expected to suit up after Arizona’s Week 8 bye, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. That would set Murray up for a game against the Cowboys once the Cardinals resume their schedule. Waiting until after the bye would give him additional time to heal and help reduce the chances of his ankle being aggravated. Things could of course change regarding that timeline, but given today’s update a move to injured reserve should certainly not be expected.
Brissett inked a two-year, $12.5MM pact in free agency this spring to take over QB2 duties. The 32-year-old has made 54 starts in his career, and that figure is now set to increase. Meanwhile, Murray’s progress in recovery will be worth watching closely through the Cardinals’ bye.
Most of Murray’s guaranteed money for next season has already been locked in, and he is under contract through 2028. A cautious approach will be understandable on the team’s part, and it will be interesting to see if he is back to full strength by Week 9. In the meantime, Brissett will be tasked with guiding the offense for at least one more week.
Titans Activate DT T’Vondre Sweat From IR
T’Vondre Sweat is in line to make his return in Week 7. The second-year defensive tackle was activated from injured reserve Saturday, per a Titans announcement. 
Sweat had his 21-day practice window opened on Wednesday. As a result, today’s move comes as little surprise. After suffering an ankle injury in Week 1, Sweat was unsuccessful in his efforts to return to action. That resulted in an IR stint, but he has been activated after missing the required four games.
As a rookie, Sweat played in all 17 games and logged a 66% snap share. The Texas product has only played 29 snaps so far this season due to the injury, but he will be expected to reprise his role as a starter upon return. Sweat, 24, entered the league known as a run-stopping presence and topped 50 tackles last season. Managing to remain a consistent presence at least on early downs will be key in his second year.
Having moved on from head coach Brian Callahan and replaced him internally with Mike McCoy, plenty of attention will be paid to the Titans over the coming weeks. The team’s offense in particular will be under scrutiny, with quarterback Cam Ward‘s development obviously the top priority. Tennessee’s defense has plenty of room for improvement as well, though, as it sits near the bottom of the NFL in many categories. The Titans rank 25th against the run entering Sunday’s action.
Sweat will particularly look to help in that regard moving forward. With a 1-5 record, Tennessee is seen as a strong seller’s candidate ahead of the trade deadline with postseason contention not expected. As McCoy makes his return to an NFL head coaching gig and begins to audition for the full-time role, Sweat will be back in the fold.
Vikings Activate LB Blake Cashman From IR
Blake Cashman is positioned to make his return in Week 7. The veteran linebacker was activated from injured reserve on Saturday, per a Vikings announcement. 
Cashman had his practice window opened earlier this week. That left Minnesota with 21 days to bring him back into the fold, but it is of course a positive development that he has been activated after one week of practice. Cashman will be expected to return to his full-time starting role.
The 29-year-old suffered a hamstring injury in Week 1 and has been unavailable since. Having Cashman back in place will be critical for the Vikings’ defense, though, considering his impact from last season. During his debut campaign with his hometown team, Cashman set a career high in tackles (112), sacks (4.5) and pass deflections (eight). Expectations will be high for another productive season if he can remain healthy the rest of the way.
Cashman is under contract for 2026. With none of his base salary for next year guaranteed, however, the former fifth-rounder’s future could be somewhat uncertain based on how the coming months play out. Cashman managing to duplicate his impact from 2024 would no doubt ensure he remains in place for next season, but a contract adjustment could be in store one way or another. For now, attention will turn to Cashman’s ability to boost a defense which ranks fifth in scoring but only 24th against the run.
In addition to Cashman, the Vikings have also activated pass rusher Tyler Batty. The undrafted rookie was given the designated for return tag during roster cutdowns, and he returned to practice at the start of October. Minnesota now has five IR activations remaining on the year.
NFL Mailbag: Hall, Ravens, Dolphins, Rattler
This week's edition of the Pro Football Rumors mailbag dives into a few trade-related questions in the AFC East along with a potential offseason Ravens coaching decision and the Saints' plans under center.
Kirk asks:
What teams do you think make sense for Breece Hall in trades? What do you think the Jets can expect for a return?
Whether or not Hall gets dealt will certainly be one of the top storylines to watch as the deadline approaches. Head coach Aaron Glenn has said on several occasions the team is not looking to trade him. Hall’s latest comments on the matter suggest he would not be averse to a change of scenery, although he has not formally asked to be moved.
In the absence of any known extension talks, Hall being one of the players New York could move on from will remain a talking point until more clarity emerges in his case. Presuming a trade is worked out – by the team’s current regime, which did not draft him – a relatively strong market could exist. At 24, Hall would be expected to serve as a starting back for years to come by any acquiring team.
Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel: Ongoing Trade Rumors ‘Baseless’
In recent days, plenty of whispers have emerged about the Dolphins making one or more notable trades. Nothing has taken place yet on that front, and head coach Mike McDaniel spoke out against the ongoing speculation when addressing the media on Friday.
“All [trade] rumors about Miami Dolphins players are baseless, currently,” McDaniel said (via NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe). “And that’s unfortunate. Personally, this time of year bothers me for the sake of individual players having where he’s playing questioned by rumors.”
Given Miami’s poor start to the campaign, speculation about major changes – including McDaniel himself being fired – has been prevalent. Even if he remains in place on the sidelines, calls about trades will no doubt continue up to the deadline. Edge rushers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb are known to be on the radar of interested teams, to little surprise. Phillips is a pending free agent and Chubb is essentially a rental given the absence of guarantees on his contract past 2025.
Yesterday, Phillips expressed his desire to remain in Miami past the deadline. There are also no players known to have issued a request to be moved, nor have the Dolphins openly stated a willingness to trade anyone by granting a player permission to seek out a new landing spot. With that in mind, McDaniel’s comments are certainly understandable.
Speculation regarding more than just the Phillips-Chubb tandem has swirled in recent days, but no tangible links have emerged between the Dolphins and a potential trade partner on that front. It will be in interesting to see if that remains the case prior to the November 4 deadline. Miami’s 1-5 record certainly points to a seller’s stance being adopted, though things could change if the team improves over the next few weeks.
More clarity will emerge around the league as the trade deadline draws nearer. In the case of the Dolphins, it appears as though nothing is imminent at this time, but rumors will no doubt continue to abound over the coming weeks.
Patriots OC Josh McDaniels Downplays Future HC Interest
Josh McDaniels has served as an NFL head coach on two occasions. A third opportunity could arise depending on the success of his latest Patriots offensive coordinator stint, but that is not something receiving consideration at this time. 
“I love living in New England,” McDaniels said when speaking to the media about any future head coaching aspirations (via MassLive’s Karen Guregian). “That’s the short of it. I just try to focus on now, I’m really enjoying coaching for [head coach] Mike [Vrabel], and the staff and the guys we have here in the organization. That would be surprising if I moved my kids out of Westwood.”
McDaniels has worked as the Patriots’ OC on three separate occasions during his career. The 49-year-old has also been the head coach of the Broncos and Raiders, although neither of those gigs went according to plan. With Denver in 2010 and then again with Vegas in 2023, McDaniels was fired midway through his second season in charge. Overall, his head coaching record sits at 20-33.
For the time being, McDaniels’ attention is focused on overseeing an offense which has made notable strides compared to last season. Central to that development, of course, is the progress shown by second-year quarterback Drake Maye. 2024’s third overall pick has increased his production across the board during his first campaign working under McDaniels. The Patriots sit at 4-2 on the year and rank 11th in the league in scoring with an average of 25 points per game.
If New England can maintain that level of production through the remainder of the season, a return to the playoffs could be in store. That would no doubt help McDaniels’ coaching stock, and it could leave him in a situation not unlike Kliff Kingsbury‘s last year. During his return to the NFL, Kingsbury helped guide Jayden Daniels and the Commanders’ offense to an impressive showing, leading to questions about a second attempt at head coaching duties. Kingsbury was linked to multiple openings, but the presence of Daniels helped inform his decision to remain in place.
Similarly, McDaniels could draw interest on the coaching market if his third Patriots stint continues on an encouraging path. His past shortcomings would give suitors plenty of pause, on the other hand, and it remains to be seen if he would seek out another chance to lead a coaching staff anyway. At this point, it appears as though that would not be the case.