Bengals Suspended WR Jermaine Burton For Week 14
Jermaine Burton has yet to play this season for the Bengals. The second-year wideout continued that trend in Week 14 after he did not travel with the team. 
On Saturday, Burton was ruled out for the Bengals’ matchup against the Bills today for non-injury-related reasons. The team later announced that he had been suspended for the game. The decision will lead to over $59K in lost money by means of a forfeited game check (h/t Tom Pelissero of NFL Network). Details on what prompted this discipline have not yet emerged. Nevertheless, this represents another unwanted development for Burton.
A third-round pick last year, Burton had a quiet rookie season as Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, Mike Gesicki, and Chase Brown accounted for nearly 80 percent of quarterback Joe Burrow‘s targets. Burton was targeted 14 times in 2024 but only caught four balls. He did make the most of those receptions, though, proving his deep threat ability with 107 receiving yards.
This isn’t the first time the 24-year-old has not been allowed to travel with the team. In late-December 2024, Burton was accused of assault in a domestic dispute with an ex-girlfriend. Four days later, the Bengals announced that Burton would not be traveling on the team’s trip to Pittsburgh to end the season.
He hasn’t appeared in a game since that announcement, so there’s reason to believe the two data points could connect, but there’s been no reporting on the prior incident to suggest it’s been behind his extended absence this season. In fact, yesterday’s announcement of his suspension for today’s game indicates that he hasn’t been suspended to this point, so the absence throughout the year could be totally unrelated to discipline.
We can only report what we hear, and little has been coming out of Cincinnati this year concerning the second-year Alabama product. Whatever the situation, Burton may want to get on the right side of things soon. Glowing reports have already come through on the wide receivers at the top of the 2026 NFL Draft class, and the Bengals may decide to dip back into those waters if they think they can’t rely on Burton after this season.
Ely Allen contributed to this post.
Eagles Waive WR Xavier Gipson
Xavier Gipson‘s tenure with the Eagles has come to an end. Philadelphia has waived him and by doing so made a change at the returner spot. 
Gipson was cut by the Jets in September, but he managed to initially remain in New York. The third-year pro was claimed off waiver by the Giants, although he did not see any playing time with them. Gipson was waived once more in short order. That led to the Eagles’ decision to claim him.
In five games with Philadelphia, Gipson was targeted only twice on offense. As expected, his main contributions came on special teams. The 24-year-old returned six punts and seven kickoffs for the Eagles, totaling 246 yards in that capacity. Moving forward, though, Philadelphia will use Britain Covey in the returner role. Those responsibilities were primarily shared by Kenneth Gainwell and Isaiah Rodgers last year, although they both departed in free agency.
The Eagles have increasingly faced questions on offense, but OC Kevin Patullo is safe for the time being. Covey will not be counted on to make a major contribution in that regard, of course, although he will provide depth at the WR spot. Covey has returned one kick and one punt so far in 2025, and those totals will now increase moving forward.
Gipson, meanwhile, will now hit the waiver wire once again this season. Teams seeking a new option in the return game could look to put in a claim. Otherwise, Gipson will become a free agent and attempt to land with a contender for the closing stages of the season.
Steelers Face Decision On HC Mike Tomlin’s 2027 Option
The Steelers’ Week 13 loss sparked a new round of debates about head coach Mike Tomlin and his job security. No changes on the sidelines are imminent, but an important decision on his future will be coming after the season. 
Tomlin is under contract through 2026, and the Steelers have a team option for the following year. A firing will not take place before the end of the current campaign, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports to no surprise. He adds, however, a decision on the option will need to be made before March 1.
For several years now, questions have been raised about Tomlin’s future in Pittsburgh. The team has regularly worked out two-year extensions in alternating offseasons and by doing so avoided a lame-duck situation. That would of course be the case entering 2026 if the Steelers were to decline the option, though. Barring a long-term commitment, this situation is set to once again be a major talking point during the head coach hiring cycle.
This past June, it became clear Tomlin was not on the hot seat despite a drought for playoff success dating back to 2016. Shortly thereafter, a report confirmed this is being handled as a year-to-year situation, with Tomlin’s hypothetical departure being seen as something which will only take place when he chooses to leave. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com confirms that is still the case, and sources have told him that if Tomlin does not coach the Steelers in 2026, it will be because he made that decision. The 53-year-old is the longest-tenured head coach in the NFL and one of the league’s best compensated staffers.
The Steelers have opted for stability along the sidelines throughout their history. Only three head coaches (Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher and Tomlin) have been in place since 1969. Tomlin is in his 19th season at the helm, moving him closer to Noll’s franchise record of 23 years. With the team sitting at 6-6, extending his streak of non-losing seasons is a distinct possibility.
Nevertheless, the Steelers face questions at the quarterback spot as they have since the waning stages of Ben Roethlisberger‘s career. A number of moves – via free agency, trade and the draft – have not yielded a long-term solution under center. That has not stopped Tomlin and the team from generally being successful on a consistent basis in the regular season, but the issue of sustained production on offense remains a sticking point. Matt Canada became a rare in-season OC firing in 2023, but his replacement (Arthur Smith) has guided the team to middling results in total offense before and after Aaron Rodgers‘ arrival.
Pittsburgh has invested heavily on defense in recent years, but in 2025 in particular things have not gone according to plan with respect to the unit. Tomlin’s influence on that side of the ball and his loyalty to defensive coordinator Teryl Austin have increasingly become used as arguments against keeping him in the fold. On the other hand, owner Art Rooney II has not wavered in his support for Tomlin.
With that in mind, Rooney’s stance on the matter will be imperative when a decision on Tomlin’s future will be made. Winning the AFC North would certainly help the latter’s cause, although another one-and-done postseason would add further to the case against keeping him. Declining Tomlin’s option but retaining him for 2026 would make for an interesting situation to say the least.
A trade was raised as a possibility last offseason when the Bears showed interest in speaking with Tomlin. The Steelers denied Chicago’s request for a meeting, but in the event Pittsburgh were to decline the 2027 option Tomlin could look into the opportunity to move on. For now, such a scenario is strictly hypothetical, and Rapoport acknowledges that a 2026 trade appears unlikely.
After the season, this situation will be one worth monitoring closely. If Tomlin chooses to step down, Rapoport suggests his most likely path would be the one Sean Payton forged several years ago: take a year off, perhaps do some media work, and then return to the sidelines in 2027. In that scenario, the Steelers would receive trade compensation, just as the Saints did when the Broncos hired Payton.
Rory Parks contribued to this post.
Titans Expected To Trade QB Will Levis
The Titans turned aside interest in the first overall pick last spring to select Cam Ward. He is set to handle starting quarterback duties for the foreseeable future, but it remains to be seen if Will Levis will remain in Tennessee for 2026. 
Ward was of course widely expected to handle QB1 duties right away during his rookie season, but he did not spend training camp competing for the top spot on the depth chart. In late July, Levis underwent season-ending surgery on his throwing shoulder. Provided he is fully healed in time for next year, the former second-rounder may find himself on a new team.
The Titans have a new front office in place compared to the one which drafted Levis. General manager Mike Borgonzi and president of football operations Chad Brinker will need to decide on keeping him in the fold or moving on. On that note, Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports reports a “solid expectation” exists among those familiar with Borgonzi that the Titans will explore a Levis trade this offseason.
Drafted as the team’s Ryan Tannehill successor, Levis made a total of 21 starts across the 2023 and ’24 seasons. The Kentucky product did not develop as hoped, and it came as little surprise when Ward was drafted as his replacement. Levis’ rookie contract runs through 2026. Especially with the shoulder surgery taken into account, the return in any potential trade would be quite low.
As Robinson notes, the Titans’ preference for 2026 would be to insulate Ward with a veteran backup to aid in his Year 2 progression. Levis does not fit that description, and a fresh start would presumably be seen as rather feasible for the Borgonzi-Brinker duo. Recent years have produced several success stories in terms of quarterbacks seen as reclamation projects, and at the age of 26 Levis could be seen as one by a suitor willing to make a low-cost addition.
Of course, interested teams in this case will be cautious about Levis based on the status of his recovery. Provided his shoulder heals as planned, though, he could be a trade target this spring.
Commanders Activate Noah Brown From IR
The Commanders continue to return to health on the offensive side of the ball. Noah Brown will be back in the lineup for Week 14. 
The veteran receiver was activated from injured reserve on Saturday, per a team announcement. Brown has not been a full participant in practice this week, but head coach Dan Quinn predicted yesterday that he would be able to play against the Vikings. Today’s news ensures that will be the case.
Terry McLaurin was able to play in Week 13, and Jayden Daniels will make his return tomorrow. That will give the Commanders their highly productive QB-WR tandem late in the season, albeit far too late for a second straight playoff berth to be possible. Brown will look to resume his complementary role in the passing game upon returning to action.
The 29-year-old’s practice window was opened early last week, so Washington could have waited to activate him until after tomorrow’s game. Instead, Brown will be available for the first time since September. In 2024 – his debut season in the nation’s capital – the former Cowboy and Texan posted 453 yards and one touchdown on 35 catches. Matching that production will not be possible this year, but as a pending free agent Brown managing to serve a role of some kind down the stretch will be key in establishing his value.
In a corresponding move, the Commanders have waived fellow receiver Chris Moore. In 11 games this season, the veteran has logged a 55% snap share thanks to the absences of McLaurin, Brown and others. Moore will now hit the waiver wire and become a free agent in the event he clears.
Cowboys Comfortable Using Franchise Tag On George Pickens?
Thursday marked a rare down night in terms of production for George Pickens. His debut season with the Cowboys has overwhelmingly been a success, and a major financial windfall is expected. 
No known talks on a long-term deal have taken place yet, which is an understandable stance from both sides. Pickens remains on track for free agency at this point, although it remains to be seen if he will reach the open market. A recent report indicated the Cowboys would be willing to use the franchise tag to retain Pickens for 2026.
Tagging the Georgia product will cost roughly $28MM for next year. Dallas would need to take on that figure as a cap charge unless a multi-year pact could later be worked out. In spite of that, ESPN’s Todd Archer and Jeremy Fowler write the Cowboys do not appear to be “afraid” of the cost of applying the tag in this case. Dallas has taken that route several teams over the years, and it would come as little surprise if ensuring Pickens remains in place were to be a major 2026 priority.
Of course, a long-term deal close to the top of the receiver market could be the target from Pickens’ camp if his career year finishes on a high note. Nine receivers are attached to an AAV of $30MM or more, and the former second-rounder could certainly look to join that group. Pickens has been a focal point for the Cowboys on offense this year, averaging 15.1 yards per reception and scoring eight touchdowns.
That production will set him up for a major raise compared to his rookie contract in one way or another. Still, the Cowboys could be hesitant about a long-term commitment in this case. Pickens drew criticism for off-the-field matters like punctuality during his tenure with the Steelers, and it appears they have followed him to Dallas. Per the ESPN report, the 24-year-old has been fined by the Cowboys for being late at times this season.
Overall, the matter is not considered a major issue, with quarterback Dak Prescott‘s leadership cited as a factor for why Pickens has not been involved in any controversies so far for Dallas. Provided that remains the case down the stretch, team and player will be willing to negotiate a big-ticket contract. Things would certainly become complicated in the event of a tag – given the fact it could lead to absences during the spring and training camp – but for now that looks to be a path the Cowboys are fully prepared to go down.
Bills Claim Darnell Savage, Place Darius Slay On Reserve/Retired List
As of Darius Slay‘s most recent remarks on his situation, he had not yet been moved to the Bills’ reserve/retired list. That is now taking place, though. 
Buffalo is making the expected procedural move, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. This ensures Slay will not play for the Bills while opening a roster spot in the process. The team has not waited long to find a replacement in the secondary.
Darnell Savage has been claimed off waivers, per Rapoport. Savage joined the Commanders in September shortly after his Jaguars release. After not seeing much in the way of playing time in Washington, however, the former first-rounder requested to be let go. The Commanders granted it, moving Savage to the waiver wire. Instead of reaching free agency for the second time during the season, he will now (presumably, at least) head to Buffalo. Both moves are now official, per a team announcement.
Slay’s Steelers tenure came to an end after Asante Samuel Jr. signed with Pittsburgh. Reversing his intra-Pennsylvania switch from the offseason seemed to be in store at the time, and Philadelphia put in a waiver claim. With a reported mutual interest between Slay and the Eagles regarding a reunion, many have pointed to the parties reconnecting as a possibility. For now, though, Slay’s rights still belong to the Bills.
Savage, 28, made eight appearances with the Commanders but played only a rotational role on defense. His workload was set to shrink even further with Will Harris returning to the fold. Given this move, Savage will have a brief opportunity to carve out a role of some kind in Buffalo. With the Bills sitting at 8-4, he will at least have a much better chance of seeing postseason action compared to finishing out the year in the nation’s capital.
The Bills currently rank fist in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (163). Issues against the run could remain down the stretch, but the team’s secondary will be a unit continuing to face high relatively high expectations. Savage could chip in for the closing stages of the campaign and in doing so provide a slight boost to his free agent value.
Ravens Still Pursuing Extension Agreements
Earlier this week, the Ravens ended speculation about Mark Andrews‘ future by working out an extension. Further contract work could be finalized relatively soon. 
When speaking to the media on Friday, head coach John Harbaugh said (via Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic) the team is attempting to sign more players to extensions. No specific names have emerged on that front, but any number of candidates exist for a new deal in Baltimore. The tight end position in particular will be one to watch.
Andrews was a pending free agent prior to his new deal being signed. The same is also true of Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar. Both 2022 draftees are playing out the final year of their rookie contracts, but it remains to be seen what their value would be on new pacts. Likely flashed potential last season in particular, but he has not managed to emerge as a consistent producer when healthy in 2025. Kolar primarily offers special teams value, although his 40% offensive snap share for this season represents a career high.
Keeping Andrews on the books while also authorizing a notable raise for Likely and/or Kolar would be challenging given Baltimore’s cap outlook. Other notable players on expiring deals include center Tyler Linderbaum and defensive tackle Travis Jones. Linderbaum’s fifth-year option was understandably declined, but he and the Ravens are not believed to be close to an extension agreement. Jones, meanwhile, has played his way into a major raise on his second contract, whether it comes from Baltimore or another team.
Veterans such as edge rusher Kyle Van Noy, wideout DeAndre Hopkins and safety Alohi Gilman are also on expiring deals. One or more members of that trio could be seen as a priority for a new pact, especially if some of the team’s younger contributors sign for the long term. At the moment, Baltimore is projected to have roughly $47MM in cap space for 2026.
Of course, this comes against the backdrop of a Lamar Jackson extension being widely expected. Talks on a deal to lower the two-time MVP’s cap charge for next year (currently set at $74.5MM) have taken place, and finalizing a new pact would provide clarity on the team’s financial outlook moving forward. That, in turn, could allow for other deals to be budgeted for prior to the start of the new league year in March. As the Ravens continue to vie for top spot in the AFC North down the stretch, it will be interesting to see if they can take of more financial business as well.
Nebraska RB Emmett Johnson Declares For 2026 NFL Draft
With the college regular season now in the books, some of the country’s best prospects are in line to begin declaring for the upcoming NFL draft. Friday has seen one of the top running backs from this season elect to turn pro. 
Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson announced today that he will enter the 2026 draft. As a redshirt junior, he had one year of NCAA eligibility remaining. Instead of staying with the Cornhuskers for one more season, he will turn his attention to preparing for the NFL.
“To Coach Matt Rhule, thank you for taking me into this incredible program and helping me grow off and on the field,” Johnson’s announcement reads in part. “You gave me everything I needed to stay ready. Coach EJ Barthel, the bond that we have built over your short time here has made me a lifelong player, coach…
“Lastly, to the Nebraska fans, the best in college football, your unwavering support has meant the world to me. After much prayer and reflection, I am officially declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. Thank you, Nebraska. GBR forever!”
Johnson redshirted in 2022, but he has taken on an increasing role in Nebraska’s offense since then. This season saw him set new career highs across the board, including an average of 5.8 yards per carry and 12 touchdowns on the ground. Johnson added 370 yards and another three scores in the passing game.
With 1,451 rushing yards, Johnson led the Big Ten in that regard in 2025 and ranked third among all FBS players. It thus came as little surprise when he won the conference’s Running Back of the Year award. Johnson did not specify if he would play in Nebraska’s bowl game, but prospects who declare early often avoid doing so. His attention will now turn to preparing for the Combine in February before being selected (likely in the middle rounds) of the draft.
Titans To Waive LB Kyzir White
DECEMBER 5: As it turns out, the agreement between White and the Titans was not 100% mutual. The team would have preferred to keep the eighth-year linebacker in Tennessee, per ESPN’s Turron Davenport, but ultimately chose not to stand in his way.
DECEMBER 2: Kyzir White‘s time in Tennessee is set to come to an end. The veteran linebacker has come to a mutual agreement with the Titans for the sides to part ways.
As NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports, Tennessee has agreed to allow White a change of scenery in time for the stretch run. The 29-year-old has been limited to just one game so far in 2025 due to a hamstring injury. Per Schultz, White (who was set to hit free agency at the end of the year anyway) is now healthy.
That could make him an attractive option to contending teams. White will hit the waiver wire once he is officially cut by Tennessee. In the event he clears, the former fourth-rounder will become a free agent. White has made 93 appearances and 73 starts over the course of his eight-year NFL career. That experience would no doubt be welcomed by any number of teams seeking depth at the second level in time for a playoff run.
White increased his production every year while playing out his rookie contract with the Chargers. The West Virginia product took a one-year deal with the Eagles in free agency, then inked a two-year Cardinals pact. In total, White has eclipsed 100 tackles three times in his career; he nearly reached that figure in 2023 as well despite only playing 11 games.
Having been sidelined since September, White will likely have a tepid market as he becomes available. Nevertheless, the former fourth-rounder could easily be seen as an upgrade for at least some teams as they look for defensive reinforcements to close out the year. It will be interesting to see where he lands over the coming days. The 1-11 Titans, meanwhile, will move forward with other options at the linebacker spot as they look to 2026.