Buccaneers WR Mike Evans Could Retire Following 2025 Season
Mike Evans has had a relatively quiet start to the 2025 season, his 12th in the NFL. Plenty of time remains for him to continue his streak of 1,000-yard campaigns, though. 
If Evans is able to reach that threshold this year, he will break a tie with Jerry Rice for the most consecutive seasons of 1,000 or more receiving yards in NFL history. Doing so would add further to his legacy and no doubt help Tampa Bay enjoy another successful campaign. Given his age, however, questions continue to be asked about how much longer Evans will continue playing.
“I plan on having one of my best seasons,” the 32-year-old said about the current campaign during an interview with The Athletic’s Zak Keefer (subscription required). “And if I retire after this year, I don’t think it’ll be a shock to people. I’m close to the end, that’s all I’ll say.”
Last spring, a free agent departure loomed as a possibility. Evans said Kansas City and Houston represented attractive landing spots, but in the end he remained in place on a two-year, $41MM pact. He is thus a pending free agent, and an extension would ensure the six-time Pro Bowler’s career finishes in Tampa Bay. Another new pact may not wind up being possible, depending on how Evans views his future following the 2025 season.
The Texas A&M product is on the verge of reaching the top 20 in all-time receiving yardage, and he has amassed roughly $134MM (and counting) in career earnings. With a Super Bowl title to his name, Evans is certainly not lacking in accomplishments at the NFL level. As a result, a retirement call after the 2025 season has finished would be feasible.
The Bucs have Chris Godwin in the fold through 2027 after he re-signed this offseason. Tampa Bay’s receiving corps also contains 2024 third-rounder Jalen McMillan and first-round rookie Emeka Egbuka, who has enjoyed an impressive start to his career. Those three will be counted on as key figures in the passing game for the 2026 campaign, but it is unclear if Evans will join them.
Cowboys Eyeing Brandon Aubrey Extension
In April, it became clear a quartet of players were seen as priorities for second contracts with the Cowboys. Guard Tyler Smith, cornerback DaRon Bland, tight end Jake Ferguson and kicker Brandon Aubrey were identified as candidates for new deals.
Since then, each of Smith, Bland and Ferguson have inked new deals. Aubrey thus represents the next item on the to-do list regarding an extension. If anything, his market value increased in Week 2 with a game-tying field goal from 64 yards out. Aubrey wound up winning the game in overtime with a 46-yard kick, adding further to his track record of success and showcasing his importance to Dallas.
To little surprise, then, a long-term commitment could be in store soon. During an appearance on 105.3 The Fan, COO Stephen Jones confirmed the Cowboys are still interested in extending Aubrey. One year remains on his rookie contract, and as a former UDFA he is currently on course for restricted free agency.
“He certainly is coming,” Jones said of a new Aubrey contract (via Jon Machota of The Athletic). “We’ll be looking at that. Probably have had communications since the kick. But he’s certainly in the future.”
Aubrey’s professional career began in Major League Soccer, but he quickly found success after transitioning to football. A two-year run in the USFL resulted in an opportunity with the Cowboys, and the 30-year-old has enjoyed a highly impressive tenure in the NFL. Aubrey has earned a Pro Bowl nod during each of his first two Dallas campaigns; he was on the first All-Pro team in 2023 and received a place on the second team last year.
With a success rate of 90.1% on his field goal tries (including a mark of 27 for 30 from 50 yards and beyond), Aubrey has a strong case to become the league’s top earner at the kicker position. Harrison Butker currently leads the way with an average of $6.4MM per year. Jake Elliott is the only other kicker attached to an AAV of $6MM.
Aubrey could very well reach or surpass that mark on a new Cowboys contract. Dallas’ extensions for Bland and fullback Hunter Luepke were finalized shortly before the start of the regular season, while the Smith pact was signed after the campaign had begun. Given the team’s willingness to negotiate in-season, an Aubrey agreement could be in store at any time.
Bengals’ Joe Burrow To Undergo Toe Surgery
TODAY, 6:15pm: The Bengals have officially placed Burrow on injured reserve.
MONDAY, 8:00am: Joe Burrow‘s turf toe led to overnight concerns about surgery being necessary. The Bengals passer will indeed take that route, meaning a lengthy absence is in store. 
Burrow is set to undergo surgery on his injured toe, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Multiple opinions were sought out before this decision was made, but Ian Rapoport of NFL Network adds there was a consensus amongst the experts consulted. An absence of at least three months is expected while Burrow recovers.
Midway through the Bengals’ Week 2 game, Burrow injured his toe while being sacked. The two-time Pro Bowler was later seen on crutches and in a walking boot, creating the possibility of a long-term spell on the shelf. Burrow has a history of injuries throughout his Bengals career, and today’s news confirms his track record in that regard will expand.
The 28-year-old is in danger of missing most of the season’s remainder, if not the rest of the campaign in its entirety. As a result, Cincinnati’s outlook for 2025 has been dealt a blow. The team is 2-0 following Sunday’s comeback win over Jacksonville, but backup Jake Browning will now be counted on to lead the way on offense. The Bengals’ defense faced questions entering the season – even with Trey Hendrickson‘s hold-in being ended via a raise covering 2025 – but that unit will be required to deliver strong performances on a consistent basis moving forward.
Burrow, 28, has won the Comeback Player of the Year award twice (2021, 2024) as a sign of his ability to perform among the league’s best when healthy. He led the NFL in passing yards (4,918) and touchdowns (43) last year, and expectations remained high for Cincinnati’s offense with wideouts Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins signing joint extensions this spring. Their futures are in place beyond 2025, and Burrow is on the books through 2029.
In the immediate term, though, attention will turn to Browning and his ability to guide the Bengals on offense. The former UDFA made his 13th regular season appearance yesterday, each of which have come with Cincinnati. Browning went 21-of-32 for 241 yards and a pair of touchdowns (while also rushing for the game-winning score). He did throw three interceptions, however, so ball protection will be a priority over the coming games. During a seven-game span filling in for Burrow in 2023, Browning compiled a 4-3 record and a 12:7 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Browning is currently the only healthy passer on the Bengals’ active roster. Brett Rypien is in place on the practice squad, so it would be feasible for him to be promoted in the near future. Logan Woodside was with the Bengals early this offseason before being cut in July. That move came about after Desmond Ridder was signed, although the former Falcon and Raider was among the team’s final roster cuts.
To no surprise, Schefter adds the Bengals are making contact with free agent quarterbacks knowing Burrow will be sidelined for an extended period. Ridder is on the market, and he could be a (somewhat) familiar face for the organization regarding an in-season addition. With over $12MM in cap space, Cincinnati could afford a low-cost addition under center. With Ridder or another passer in place to back up Browning, however, the team’s chances of reaching the playoffs will be decidedly lowered. Burrow, meanwhile, now faces another lengthy recovery outlook.
Bengals To Promote QB Brett Rypien
The Bengals have a pair of new passers on the practice squad. Brett Rypien is, to no surprise, now in position to handle backup duties behind Jake Browning. 
Rypien is being promoted from the taxi squad to Cincinnati’s active roster, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Browning is set to handle starting duties while Joe Burrow recovers from toe surgery. Rypien will now take on QB2 responsibilities with Mike White and Sean Clifford on the practice squad.
Rypien has 10 regular season appearances and four starts to his name at the NFL level. The 29-year-old saw time with the Broncos for three seasons before spending last year with the Rams. Rypien inked a futures contract with the Vikings in January, setting him up to spend the offseason in Minnesota. Shortly before the campaign, however, the team made a number of QB moves.
That included the decision to trade away Sam Howell and sign Carson Wentz for the backup gig. Shortly after that took place, Rypien was released. The Boise State product had a short-lived stint on the open market, quickly signing with the Bengals on their practice squad. Burrow’s latest injury has now opened to door to a stint on Cincinnati’s active roster.
The Bengals sit at 2-0 to begin the year. The team’s offense is of course in danger of seeing a downturn in production without Burrow, however. While Browning prepares to take on the starting gig for the foreseeable future, Rypien will serve as the next passer in line.
Buccaneers DL Calijah Kancey Suffers Pectoral Tear
The Buccaneers managed to win on Monday night, but their defense suffered a serious blow in the process. Calijah Kancey appears to be in line to miss the remainder of the season. 
Kancey exited last night’s game with a pectoral injury. Head coach Todd Bowles indicated after the contest the ailment could be serious, pending further testing. On that note, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Bucs fear Kancey tore his pec, something which would require season-ending surgery. Per NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the injury will indeed sideline him for the rest of the campaign (although that report does not specifically mention a pectoral tear).
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, today’s MRI has in fact confirmed a tear took place. As a result, Kancey’s attention will now turn to the rehab process. A chance existed prior to testing that a strain had occurred, something which would have set up a much short recovery timeline. Instead, Tampa Bay’s defensive front will be notably shorthanded for the rest of the campaign.
Kancey has served as a full-time starter since entering the league in 2023. The former first-rounder flashed potential right away with four sacks and 13 QB pressures during his rookie season. Last year, those respective figures jumped to 7.5 and 19. Another step forward looked to be in store for 2025, but that will no longer be the case.
A decision will need to be made on Kancey’s fifth-year option next spring. The 24-year-old was limited to 14 games as a rookie and 12 the following year, so injuries were already something of a concern in his case. That will now be true to a much larger extent given today’s news. If Kancey’s option is declined, he will enter the 2026 season as a pending free agent.
Before that decision will need to be made, Tampa Bay will move forward without a key figure on the D-line. The Buccaneers have an edge rush group headlined by YaYa Diaby and free agent addition Haason Reddick; veteran Anthony Nelson and a number of younger contributors round out the depth chart. The team’s plan in terms of pass rush production counted on a strong interior presence from Kancey in particular.
Now, the team will proceed with two-time Pro Bowler Vita Vea continuing to lead the way in terms of D-tackle workload. Greg Gaines (who is known more as a run-stopping presence) and Logan Hall (who has posted 8.5 sacks in 51 career games) are also in the fold. Those two could be in line for an increased role in Kancey’s absence. Tampa Bay also has three DL options to choose from on the practice squad in terms of promotions and/or gameday elevations.
With nearly $21MM in cap space, the Buccaneers could afford a modest in-season addition to help compensate for today’s injury news. Failing that, internal options will be counted on the rest of the way for the 2-0 outfit.
Bengals To Sign Mike White, Sean Clifford
In need of quarterback depth, the Bengals have moved quickly in finding a pair of additions. Mike White and Sean Clifford are heading to Cincinnati. 
Both players have agreed to a deal, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. To no surprise, these will be practice squad arrangements in each case. White and Clifford’s addition come one day after it was confirmed Joe Burrow will require toe surgery. The Bengals will thus be without their starter for at least three months.
In the wake of that news, head coach Zac Taylor said the team would be active in seeking out a free agent signal-caller. Jake Browning is in position (once again) to fill in for an injured Burrow. Brett Rypien found himself on the Bengals’ practice squad for Week 2, but he is a candidate to be promoted to the active roster with Burrow sidelined. He, alongside White and Clifford, will now compete for the QB2 role.
White has made 15 appearances and seven starts in his career. His first ever start took place against the Bengals in 2021, and it was part of a four-year run within the AFC East. The former fifth-rounder was with the Jets for 2021 and ’22, and he followed that up with single campaigns in Miami and Buffalo. White was among the Bills’ roster cuts this summer, leaving him on the open market through the beginning of the campaign.
The 49ers hosted the 30-year-old last week in the wake of Brock Purdy‘s injury. No deal was worked out in that instance, but the opposite has proven to be true in the case of the Bengals. White and Clifford will be eligible for a gameday elevation as early as Week 3 (presuming neither of them are promoted to the active roster in the coming days).
Clifford, a Packers fifth-rounder in 2023, made a pair of appearances during his rookie season. He remained in place last year but did not see the field. This summer, the Penn State product was waived during roster cuts. Clifford went unclaimed and thus became a free agent in time for the start of the season. After not being linked to any suitors in September, he has now landed an opportunity with the Bengals.
Cincinnati sits at 2-0, but the loss of Burrow will deal a blow to the team’s chances of remaining among the AFC’s top contenders as the season progresses. Browning will play a key role in guiding the offense for the foreseeable future, but it will be interesting to see how the Bengals’ backup competition shakes out.
Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel Addresses Job Security
The Dolphins fell to 0-2 on Sunday following a home loss to the Patriots. Miami’s performance on offense in particular was an improvement compared to Week 1, but questions continue to linger about changes being made in the organization. 
Shortly before Week 2, a report indicated head coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier are in danger of being fired before the season ends. After the loss, McDaniel was asked about his stance regarding his job security. As one would expect, he denied having concern on the subject.
“If I worry about my job security, I won’t be doing my job,” McDaniel said (via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald). “I’ve never felt entitled to this position. It’s important for me to spend all of my waking hours worrying about how to do my job. I won’t spend one moment thinking about [job security].”
Coaches known to be on the hot seat often provide remarks along those lines, so McDaniel’s comments are certainly understandable. Still, a slow start against the Patriots resulted in a 12-0 deficit early yesterday. The Dolphins managed to take the lead, but their final two possessions resulted in a Tua Tagovailoa interception and a turnover on downs following a Tagovailoa sack. That helped lead to the Dolphins’ first home loss against New England since 2019, a game which was preceded by a blowout loss against the Colts.
Concussions and other injuries have been a long-running area of concern for Tagovailoa during his NFL career. When healthy during the early portion of McDaniel’s tenure as head coach, he and the team managed to find a degree of success. The Dolphins reached the postseason in 2022 and again the following year, indicating a breakthrough could be coming. After an underwhelming showing last season and a poor start to the current campaign, though, calls have increased for a change on the sidelines and/or in the front office.
The Dolphins have lost 10 of their last 16 games in which Tagovailoa has started dating back to when he was on the field last season. That regression has been coupled with issues being aired out by a number of veterans, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Relations with McDaniel were acknowledged to be a factor in this offseason’s Jalen Ramsey trade. The Dolphins’ secondary is a point of concern, especially given the injuries suffered in at the cornerback spot so far. Miami’s offense has generally not met expectations since the start of last season, however.
Should the Dolphins continue to struggle through the fall, pressure will no doubt continue to increase on McDaniel and Grier. Whether of not owner Stephen Ross considers a change midway through the campaign – and how (if at all) McDaniel alters his approach in response – will make for an interesting storyline.
Chargers Place LB Denzel Perryman On IR
Denzel Perryman suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 1, ensuring he would miss time. To little surprise, the veteran linebacker now finds himself on injured reserve.
Perryman was moved to IR on Monday, per a team announcement. Tonight’s matchup against the Raiders will mark the first of at least four games he will be required to miss.
The linebacker was limited to only eight defensive snaps in Week 1 before exiting the contest with his injury. The team kept the door open to a quick return, although the writing was on the wall when Perryman didn’t practice during the lead up to tonight’s matchup with the Raiders.
A former Chargers second-round pick, Perryman signed on for his second stint with the organization ahead of the 2024 campaign. He was limited to 11 games last year thanks to a handful of injuries, but he still managed to compile 55 tackles and one sack.
Troy Dye is likely to reprise his role as a starter at the second level of the team’s defense after filling in for Perryman in Week 1. The veteran started five games in 2024, and he finished his first season in Los Angeles with 57 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Marlowe Wax and Del’Shawn Phillips could also see an uptick in playing time while their teammate is sidelined.
The Chargers made a handful of additional moves ahead of their Week 2 contest. The team signed long snapper Rick Lovato to the 53-man roster, and they elevated both safety Tony Jefferson and linebacker Kana’i Mauga from the practice squad.
Ben Levine contributed to this post.
Rams Place CB Ahkello Witherspoon On IR
4:40pm: Head coach Sean McVay said (via ESPN’s Sarah Barshop) surgery is not expected to be needed in this case. Witherspoon is nevertheless facing a recovery timeline of roughly 12 weeks, so he is in store to miss a large portion of the campaign.
1:34pm: The Rams’ secondary will be shorthanded for a notable period. Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon was placed on injured reserve Monday, per a team announcement. 
Witherspoon is dealing with a broken clavicle. Today’s move ensures he will miss at least the next four games. A return could take place as early as Week 7, although that contest will be followed by the Rams’ bye week. It would come as no surprise if Witherspoon were to only be back in the fold after that point.
Losing the 30-year-old for any period will deal a blow to Los Angeles’ defense. Witherspoon has proven to be a key presence at the cornerback spot during his Rams tenure. After being released by the Steelers in 2023, the former third-rounder signed with the Rams. That move saw him serve as a full-time starter during his debut Los Angeles campaign.
A pair of one-year deals have followed, allowing Witherspoon to remain in place. His snap share fell to 58% in 2024, a season in which he was limited to 13 games. Missed time will again be in store this season. Witherspoon has started each of the Rams’ first two contests in 2025, but a new setup will now be needed at the CB position moving forward.
Emmanuel Forbes has been a key presence early in the campaign. The former Commanders first-rounder has handled a 77% snap share to date, and that figure could increase with Witherspoon not in the picture for the time being. Cobie Durant and Darious Williams are also candidates to take on a larger workload after seeing part-time usage so far. Los Angeles will look to remain undefeated beginning with a Week 3 game against the Eagles.
That effort will not include Witherspoon, though. The Colorado product is a pending free agent, so missing a significant stretch will hinder his market value next spring in addition to leaving the Rams shorthanded in the secondary.
Commanders To Sign RB Chase Edmonds
In the wake of losing Austin Ekeler for the season, the Commanders have added backfield depth. Veteran Chase Edmonds has a deal in place with Washington, as first reported by Fox Sports’ Greg Auman. 
Prior to reaching this agreement, the Commanders looked into other free agent options. As Tom Pelissero of NFL Network notes, Demetric Felton, Khalil Herbert and Nyheim Miller-Hines also visited Washington. Each member of that trio remains unsigned, however.
To no surprise, this will be a practice squad arrangement. The Commanders still have Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez Jr. in the mix as healthy backfield options. Edmonds will offer the team with a veteran presence if he receives a gameday elevation, though.
The 29-year-old last played in 2023 with the Buccaneers. Edmonds split his time the previous season with the Dolphins and Broncos. Prior to that, he played out his rookie contract as a member of the Cardinals. That span overlapped with then-head coach Kliff Kingsbury, who is now the Commanders’ offensive coordinator. Edmonds thus represents a familiar face for his new team.
Over his six NFL seasons, the former fourth-rounder primarily worked as a rotational option in the backfield. In 2021, Edmonds started 11 of 12 games and handled a career-high 116 carries; that resulted in a personal best in terms of rushing yards (592). Similar numbers should not be expected after an absence this long and with a third-string role (at the most) in place, of course.
Still, Edmonds could handle part-time duties upon returning to NFL action. The Fordham product has racked up 158 receptions during his career, so he could look to compensate for Ekeler’s loss in the pass-catching department. Finding success in that capacity could help his value next offseason and lead to a market strong enough to avoid remaining unsigned into the 2026 regular season.