Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson Addresses Health Entering Training Camp
Aidan Hutchinson confirmed in May that he received full medical clearance after completing the recovery process on his broken leg. To no surprise, then, no limitations are expected for the Lions Pro Bowler during training camp. 
“I’m exactly where I need to be,” Hutchinson said in an interview with CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson (video link). “Every year I’ve been able to improve on my own physical attributes along with the mental ones, so I feel like every year I take a step. Despite having that rehab this offseason, I feel like I’m in the perfect spot and exactly where I need to be going into Year 4.”
2025 will be a critical campaign for the former No. 2 pick as he and the Lions look to rebound from last year’s early postseason exit. Hutchinson’s absence was a key factor in Detroit’s defensive performances after his Week 5 injury. Up to that point, he was in contention to receive the Defensive Player of the Year award with 7.5 sacks and 27 QB pressures on that statsheet. If Hutchinson can remain healthy through the coming campaign, the Lions’ pass rush will be in a strong position.
Of course, a clean bill of health will also crucial from a financial standpoint in this case. Hutchinson is eligible for an extension, and at the age of 25 (as of next month) he is a prime candidate to be among the top earning edge rushers. The position’s market stands at $40MM annually for now, but T.J. Watt and Micah Parsons are both candidates to surpass that figure before Week 1. The Lions are aware of the rough cost of a new deal for Hutchinson, and an expectation emerged this spring that talks with the Michigan product were likely to accelerate in the wake of his recovery.
No updates have emerged on the extension front since then, but time still remains for Hutchinson and the Lions to hammer out a lucrative deal. Doing so just before or sometime during training camp will be more feasible based on his health situation.
Browns RB Quinshon Judkins Arrested
July 13: The NFL has released a statement indicating it is aware of this matter but is presently declining comment, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Meanwhile, Oysefusi passes along a statement from the Fort Lauderdale PD, which reads as follows:
On July 12th, at approximately 9 a.m., Fort Lauderdale Police Officers responded to the 1500 block of West Cypress Creek Road in reference to a delayed battery. Officers arrived on scene and spoke with the victim. During their preliminary investigation it was determined a battery had occurred. The officers made contact with the suspect and placed him into custody. He was transported to Broward County Main Jail. The suspect has been identified as Quinshon Judkins, DOB 10/29/2003 and has been charged with Misdemeanor Battery.
July 12: Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins has been arrested on charges of battery and domestic violence, as noted by The Athletic’s Zac Jackson. 
Judkins was arrested today in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, per information from the Broward County Sheriff. This news comes shortly before the start of Cleveland’s training camp. Judkins is among the 30 second-round picks from this year’s draft which have yet to sign their rookie contracts.
Through a spokesman the Browns said in a statement they are “aware and gathering information” about this situation (via Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal). Records indicate the case is “pending trial” at this point, and ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi adds a court appearance is scheduled for tomorrow morning. The charges in question are usually a first-degree misdemeanor under Florida law.
Judkins spent his first two college campaigns at Ole Miss. That span included a freshman season in which he racked up 1,567 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground. His sophomore campaign saw a reduction in efficiency but another 17 total scores. Judkins transferred to Ohio State for the 2024 season. While operating as a key member of the Buckeyes’ backfield tandem, the 21-year-old averaged 5.5 yards per carry and amassed 1,221 scrimmage yards en route to the team’s national championship.
Last year, Browns second-rounder Mike Hall was arrested on a domestic violence charge. The defensive tackle missed the first four games of the campaign before a one-game suspension was ultimately handed down. Free agent linebacker Devin Bush could likewise face legal and/or league consequences after he was charged with simple assault and harassment stemming from an alleged incident involving his girlfriend this spring.
The NFL routinely waits for the legal process to play out before launching an investigation and (potentially) handing down a fine or suspension under the personal conduct policy, particularly in domestic violence cases. Even though Judkins is not yet under contract, he is still subject to the policy and thus any discipline which winds up being deemed necessary depending on how his situation unfolds.
5 Key Stories: 7/6/25 – 7/12/25
The build-up to NFL training camps continues, and the offseason’s quiet period has nearly come to an end as a result. The past few days have nonetheless seen a few notable developments. In case you missed any of them, here is a quick recap:
- Bears, Poles Agree To Extension: The 2025 offseason has seen plenty of changes on the sidelines in the case of the Bears, but they will have continuity in the front office. As expected, general manager Ryan Poles has agreed to an extension which keeps him under contract through 2029 (just like new head coach Ben Johnson). Poles – in place since 2022 – led the coaching search this winter as he looks to guide the team to a step forward from his first three years at the helm. Chicago has gone just 15-36 over that span, but expectations for quarterback Caleb Williams will be high ahead of Year 2 in the league. Poles has been busy attempting to fortify Chicago’s offensive and defensive lines this spring, but even if those moves do not produce the desired results his future should be secure.
- NFLPA Planning Collusion Case Appeal: For several months, the arbitration ruling on the NFLPA’s collusion case against the NFL were kept secret. Two weeks after the findings became public, however, the union now intends to appeal the decision made by arbitrator Christopher Droney. The January ruling stated the NFL did not engage in collusion following Deshaun Watson‘s fully guaranteed contract, but also noted how the league “urged” teams to limit guaranteed spending on player contracts. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen if NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell will oversee the appeal since he is facing scrutiny based on his role in suppressing the ruling from players and conflict of interest concerns stemming from his consultant role with a private equity firm. For now, at least, Howell does not intend to resign.
- Cousins Speaks Out On Falcons’ Free Agent Approach: Last March, Kirk Cousins ended his six-year Vikings tenure by signing with the Falcons in free agency. That four-year deal included full guarantees for 2024 and ’25, suggesting he would remain atop the QB depth chart during that time. Atlanta then drafted Michael Penix Jr. in the first round, though, and the rookie took over for Cousins late last season. Cousins has spoken on the topic in Netflix’s Quarterback series, stating his free agent approach would have been different had he known the Falcons would draft a passer. The 36-year-old’s preference, in hindsight, was to stay in Minnesota knowing both the Vikings and Falcons would select a first-round quarterback. Cousins is set to handle backup duties in Atlanta moving forward.
- Holdout Possible For Bengals’ Hendrickson: Several notable pass rushers have yet to sort out their financial situations, and that includes Trey Hendrickson. A new round of extension talks with the Bengals is taking place, but the 2024 sack leader remains willing to stretch his holdout through not only training camp but also into the regular season. As one might expect given the nature of negotiations so far, no agreement is expected before camp begins. One year remains on Hendrickson’s current pact, and he is owed $16MM as things stand. The 30-year-old is aiming for a multi-year extension whereas the Bengals prefer a single year being added to his contract. The stalemate in this case could persist for quite some time.
- Bucs’ Wirfs To Miss Time In 2025: A sprained MCL proved to be a lingering issue for Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs. The All-Pro left tackle missed time during the spring while struggling to recover in full from the injury. As a result, arthroscopic surgery was deemed the best course of action, and Wirfs will miss the beginning of the regular season while rehabbing. Veteran Charlie Heck is in line to handle starting duties on the blindside as things stand, but regardless of who fills in Tampa’s offensive line will be notably shorthanded until Wirfs is back in the fold.
Chargers WR Tre Harris Absent From Training Camp
Saturday marks the reporting date for rookies at the Chargers’ training camp. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports Tre Harris is absent from the team, however. 
The wideout is one of 33 selections from the 2025 draft who have yet to sign their rookie contracts. 30 of them – including Harris – were second-round picks. A logjam is expected as all players taken in that round aim to secure fully guaranteed contracts.
First-round picks receive their four-year compensation in full, but until 2025 that was never the case for rookies selected on Day 2. New precedents were set earlier this offseason, however, when Jayden Higgins and the Texans agreed to a deal which is fully guaranteed. Higgins was selected 34th overall; one day later, No. 33 pick Carson Schwesinger received the same terms from the Browns. All other second-round picks have since waited to sign their respective deals while attempting to negotiate a pact which is fully locked in.
Throughout the spring, that resulted in a dearth of rookie deals being signed amongst those in a similar situation to Higgins and Schwesinger. Second-rounders are often the last to ink their pacts, but 2025 has seen this matter stretch well into the summer. Harris is now in position to miss on-field reps (veterans report on July 16) if his absence continues beyond the next few days. Since he is not under contract, though, he will not be subject to fines.
Harris was the 55th overall pick in April’s draft. The 23-year-old spent his first three college seasons at Louisiana Tech, showing improvement with each passing year. Harris then transferred to Ole Miss; during two campaigns with the Rebels, he amassed 2,015 yards and 15 touchdowns. Harris will be expected to play a role in Los Angeles’ receiver room, one led by Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston and – for the second time around – Mike Williams. The departure of Josh Palmer in free agency created a void in terms of production at the WR spot, and Harris will be tasked with helping to fill it in 2025 while developing into a regular contributor down the road.
That process will of course depend in large part on padded practice reps during training camp. Harris is now in danger of missing time during camp, and it will be interesting to see if this move leads to increased urgency on the Chargers’ part to sign him. With other second-rounders set to face a similar scenario over the coming days, this could be a notable test case.
Bears To Extend GM Ryan Poles
Ryan Poles is set to remain in place for years to come. The Bears reached agreement on an extension with their general manager Friday, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Poles had two years remaining on his deal, but today’s agreement will add to his tenure in the Windy City. Poles is now under contract through 2029. That lines his pact up with that of new head coach Ben Johnson. This move comes as little surprise given the confidence shown this year in Poles, 39, by team president Kevin Warren. 
Hired in 2022 alongside Matt Eberflus, Poles has overseen a number of roster changes during his tenure. The team has not developed as hoped over the past three years – posting a combined record of 15-36 over that span – and Eberflus did not make through the 2024 campaign. As Johnson aims to provide Chicago with long-term stability on the sidelines, though, Poles will remain in place to continue the rebuild he has undertaken since his arrival from a lengthy tenure with the Chiefs.
Of course, the focal point of that process will be the development of Caleb Williams. Poles worked out a blockbuster trade with the Panthers in 2023 which allowed Carolina to move up to No. 1 in that year’s draft and select Bryce Young. One the of elements of that trade was that Chicago owned the Panthers’ top choice in 2024, which wound up being the first overall selection. Taking advantage of the opportunity to start over under center after three years with Justin Fields in place, Poles traded Fields and drafted Williams last spring.
A number of moves made last offseason – such as the acquisition of wideout Keenan Allen and running back D’Andre Swift – were aimed at easing Williams’ acclimation to the NFL. Questions lingered about the state of Chicago’s offensive line entering the campaign, however, and (in part due to that unit’s play) Williams took a league-leading 68 sacks. One of Poles’ key goals this year was to shore up the interior of the Bears’ O-line, and he landed guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson via trade. Each signed extensions tying them to the team through 2027, which is also the length of center Drew Dalman‘s free agent deal.
Adding further pass-catching options during the draft, Poles selected tight end Colston Loveland in the first round and receiver Luther Burden in the second. The latter will join a WR room led by D.J. Moore – part of the package which went to Chicago in the Young blockbuster – as well as 2024 top-10 selection Rome Odunze. At the tight end spot, Loveland will form a tandem with Cole Kmet, who is among the players Poles has extended on long-term deals during his tenure.
On defense, Chicago’s secondary has been the target for multiple lucrative deals. Over the past two offseasons, Poles has authorized extensions for cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, and they will remain key members of a defense led by edge rusher Montez Sweat and the Tremaine Edmunds–T.J. Edwards tandem at linebacker moving forward. Chicago’s defense has improved in terms of points allowed during each of the past three years, but after ranking 13th in 2024 there is still room for another step forward from the unit.
Of course, Poles’ time in charge has included notable misses as well. The prime example on that front is the second-round pick traded to the Steelers for receiver Chase Claypool in 2022. Claypool showed promise during his time in Pittsburgh, but he made a total of just 18 catches with the Bears. He was dealt in 2023 to the Dolphins as part of a Day 3 pick swap, an illustration of the extent to which the initial move on Poles’ part did not pan out.
The NFC North sent three teams to the postseason in 2024, and expectations will be high once more in the division this year. Coming off a 5-12 campaign, Chicago will look to take a step forward and reach the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Failure to do so may have fueled speculation about a 2026 GM change, but today’s news ensures Poles’ job security for at least the intermediate future.
TE George Kittle Addresses 49ers Extension
George Kittle landed another 49ers extension this offseason, and he is now tied to the team through 2029. The All-Pro tight end did not enjoy an entirely smooth process during negotiations, but he is satisfied to be in position to finish his career in San Francisco. 
When reflecting on his pact – a four-year, $76.4MM deal – Kittle informed ESPN’s Nick Wagoner it would be “fair to say” team and player dealt with an initial dispute over his value. The 31-year-old’s previous pact carried an average annual value of $15MM, but his new one checks in at $19.1MM in compensation per year. That means he is once again the league’s top earner amongst tight ends.
Amidst uncertainty over his future, Kittle drew trade interest from at least one team just before April’s draft. An offer of a second-round pick was rejected, and shortly after the draft concluded the extension was in place. As a result, Kittle is set to remain a focal point on offense in 2025 and beyond.
“It’s somewhere that I want to be for as long as I possibly can be because I go to work every single morning and I look up and I’m walking into Levi’s Stadium as my office,” the six-time Pro Bowler said. “I am just so beyond lucky and I am so happy to be able to be here for longer.”
Kittle has spent his entire career with the 49ers, and when healthy he has been a critical member of the team’s offense. The Iowa product has topped 1,000 yards four times in eight seasons; his 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns from 2024 were the second-highest total of his career. Remaining available should allow Kittle to continue producing as one of the league’s best at his position for years to come.
As the 49ers look to bounce back from last season’s underwhelming campaign, they will do so without Deebo Samuel at the receiver spot. Brandon Aiyuk is a strong candidate to miss the first four games of the season, so especially early on in the campaign Kittle’s level of play will be key. If he manages to remain productive during that period and beyond, more deep postseason runs could be in store over the length of his latest contract.
Steelers Hesitant About T.J. Watt Extension Based On Late-2024 Performances?
As training camps loom around the league, T.J. Watt is one of several notable edge rushers whose financial situation is uncertain. He and the Steelers hope to work out another extension, but considerable work still needs to be done. 
Watt was absent from minicamp with no agreement imminent. That remains the case at this point, with both guaranteed money and term length representing sticking points in negotiations. The top of the pass rush market has been known for months, though, leading many to believe other factors are leading to hesitation on the Steelers’ part.
Indeed, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reported during a recent appearance on 93.7 The Fan (video link) the sense around the league is that Pittsburgh is hesitant to make another long-term Watt commitment based on how last season ended. Watt wound up with 11.5 sacks and a league-leading six fumbles in 2024. His performances down the stretch and during the team’s wild-card loss fell short of his All-Pro standards, however.
Taking that into account along with his age (31 in October), Watt is not as straightforward of a candidate for a market-topping deal as he was in 2021. That year, the Steelers moved him to the top of the pecking order at an average of just over $28MM. That figure has since been surpassed several times over, and Myles Garrett moved the bar to $40MM per season with his latest Browns pact. Watt aims to surpass him on his third Steelers contract, but the team will need to weigh a potential falloff in production over the coming years.
A torn pec limited Watt to 10 games in 2022. During each of the two seasons preceding that one as well as the campaign following it, however, the seven-time Pro Bowler led the NFL in sacks. That will no doubt be a point of emphasis from his side during negotiations, a process which could last well into the summer. In 2021, Watt engaged in a hold-in during training camp until his deal was finalized mere days before the start of the campaign. A similar sequence could be in store this time around, with Week 1 representing a hard deadline given the Steelers’ philosophy of not negotiating contracts in-season.
The Steelers own a 1-10 record in games Watt has not suited up for during his decorated career. Given the team’s offseason moves centered on competing in 2025, a trade sending him elsewhere would come as a major surprise. Still, speculation about Watt’s situation will continue until an agreement is in place. It will be interesting to see if general manager Omar Khan winds up making a similar investment to the one his predecessor (Kevin Colbert) made four years ago or if he leaves the door open to a potential 2026 free agent departure.
RB Nyheim Hines Eyeing 2025 Deal
JULY 11: In an interview with Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer, Hines confirmed he is feeling healthy ahead of the 2025 campaign. He is eyeing a return to the NFL primarily as a returner, and it will be interesting to see if teams show a willingness to add him ahead of training camp.
JULY 7: A jet ski accident suffered in the summer of 2023 has proven highly detrimental to Nyheim Hines‘ career. The veteran running back/returner is now seeking a return to the NFL, however. 
Hines suffered a major knee injury as a result of the accident, and it cost him the entire 2023 campaign. Efforts were made to rehab in time for last season, but by October the Browns made it clear he would not be activated from the non-football injury list. The 28-year-old was released by the Browns in February, leaving him free to sign with an interested suitor at any time this offseason.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes Hines now feels his knee has fully recovered. As a result, he is looking to land a deal in time for training camp. The NC State product already took a visit with the Texans this spring, but this latest health update could point to a small market being generated over the coming weeks.
Hines spent four-plus seasons with the Colts to begin his career. He never surpassed 380 rushing yards along the way, but the former fourth-rounder was a consistent producer in the passing game (notching 40 or more receptions in a season four times). Hines also offers value as a kick and punt returner; he has surpassed 1,100 All-Purpose yards twice to date.
Of course, suitors will be hesitant to sign Hines given his missed time and concerns over his knee. Future visits will no doubt include detailed medical tests in this case as teams consider a short-term, low-cost investment. A veteran of 81 games, Hines will provide experience in a backfield along with special teams potential in the event he does manage to land a contract ahead of the 2025 campaign.
Byron Leftwich Yet To Join Colorado’s Coaching Staff; Team Eyeing Mike Zimmer
Byron Leftwich was involved in this year’s coaching cycle as he eyed a return to the NFL. The former Cardinals and Buccaneers offensive coordinator interviewed with the Seahawks for their OC posting, but it did not result in a hire. 
In March, it was reported Leftwich would join Colorado’s staff for 2025 in an unknown capacity. That could still prove to be the case, but head coach Deion Sanders‘ latest comments on the matter indicate a deal has not officially been made on that front. Sanders is still interested in adding Leftwich to his staff along with another veteran NFL coach.
“Our coaching staff, this is without Byron Leftwich, which I’m praying that he does the right thing, and Mike Zimmer, we have 160 years of NFL experience,” Sanders said at the Big 12 media day (h/t Pro Football Talk’s Michael David Smith). “With those two added, that’s 204 years of NFL experience. And I want those years.”
Leftwich last worked in the NFL in 2022. Bruce Arians‘ retirement following the previous season resulted in Todd Bowles being promoted to head coach. The Buccaneers’ offense saw a notable downturn in production, ranking 25th in points after a top-three finish in each of the previous three campaigns. Bowles elected to move on from Leftwich, who has been unable to land another NFL gig over the past two years. The 45-year-old was last in the college game in 2022, the final season of his playing career.
Zimmer was out of the NFL for two seasons after his tenure as head coach of the Vikings came to an end. In 2024, he reprised his previous role as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator. Zimmer’s tenure in Dallas was tied to that of head coach Mike McCarthy, however, so the team’s mass changes on the sidelines left him in need of a new opportunity. At the age of 69, Zimmer has been linked to retirement, and the end of his second Cowboys stint thus appeared to mark the end of his career.
Zimmer has previously expressed a desire to again work as an NFL head coach, although he has noted it is unlikely an opportunity will present itself on that front. The college ranks could allow him to continue his career, though. If he were to take that route, Colorado would be an obvious landing spot. Zimmer worked as a consultant for Sanders with the Buffaloes (and earlier at Jackson State) and his nephew Andrew is already on Colorado’s staff.
Sanders has Pat Shurmur in place as the offensive coordinator on his staff, one which also includes Hall of Famers Marshall Faulk and Warren Sapp. Plenty of notable names will be in place for 2025 regardless, but the staff could still add one or two more if Leftwich and/or Zimmer wind up taking positions for this season.
49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk Likely To Land On Active/PUP List
An ACL tear limited Brandon Aiyuk to seven games last season. Given the timing of the injury, it has long been a question with respect to when the 49ers wideout will be able to return to action in 2025. 
Time still remains for Aiyuk to continue making progress in his recovery, but at this point it remains unlikely he will be in the lineup at the start of the campaign. During an appearance on KNBR, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area confirmed (via 49ers WebZone) a stint on the reserve/PUP list would come as no surprise in this case. Moving Aiyuk to that list would ensure at least a four-game absence to begin the campaign.
However, Maiocco added Aiyuk’s knee remains ahead of schedule, an update which has been provided more than once this offseason. As a result, the door could still be open to the 27-year-old suiting up in Week 1. The 49ers have made it clear they are satisfied with their current group of receivers – a unit which no longer includes Deebo Samuel – heading into 2025. That is based in large part on the team’s confidence Aiyuk will manage to return to his previous form in short order.
The Arizona State product’s receiving totals increased during each of his first four seasons in San Francisco, including 1,342 in 2024. That improvement made Aiyuk an extension priority for the 49ers, although the long-running process of working out a second contract included a trade agreement being reached which would have sent him to the Steelers. In the end, a four-year pact was signed carrying an average annual value of $30MM to keep Aiyuk in the Bay Area. That makes him one of eight wideouts attached to an AAV of $30MM or more.
Expectations will thus remain high whenever Aiyuk manages to return to the field. The former first-rounder will be tasked with leading a pass-catching group which still features tight end George Kittle and veteran Jauan Jennings but has seen a number of changes in recent years. 2024 No. 31 pick Ricky Pearsall and free agent signing Demarcus Robinson are among the receivers who will be expected to carve out notable roles on offense, particularly while Aiyuk is sidelined.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has already said Aiyuk will miss the beginning of training camp, but his ongoing rehab process will be worth watching closely. In the lead-in to the start of the campaign, a decision will need to be made to place him on the reserve/PUP list or leave him on the active roster in the hopes he will be available earlier than Week 5. It will be interesting to see if progress in the coming weeks alters the team’s thinking in this case.