Cowboys, Commanders Did Not Make Free Agent Offers To Saquon Barkley
Last year’s edition of the HBO Hard Knocks: Offseason series featured plenty of insights into Saquon Barkley‘s negotiating process with the Giants. His departure on the open market took place in the form of an Eagles pact (one which proved to be quite worthwhile, to say the least) after other inquiries were fielded. 
Barkley has previously noted that he received four offers during his free agency last spring. At least two of those were more lucrative than the three-year, $37.75MM pact he ultimately signed with Philadelphia. Giants owner John Mara was notably concerned about the possibility of Barkley signing with an NFC East rival, but it turns out the Eagles were the only suitor in that division.
The 2024 rushing champion said at a recent charity softball game (video link) that neither the Cowboys nor the Commanders reached out to express free agent interest. Dallas has been the subject of criticism at that position given the links made between the team and All-Pro Derrick Henry. The Cowboys never made an offer in his case, paving the way for a Ravens agreement and a season which featured 2,114 scrimmage yards and 18 total touchdowns. Henry parlayed that production into a Baltimore extension this offseason.
Dallas saw Tony Pollard expectedly depart in 2024 after playing on the franchise tag the previous season. The team’s committee approach did not work as planned, and Rico Dowdle assumed starting duties en route to a career year. The former UDFA topped 1,000 rushing yards and took a deal with the Panthers on the open market. Efforts to replace his production resulted in one-year contracts for Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. The Cowboys also selected Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah on Day 3 of this year’s draft.
The Commanders, meanwhile, have relied on Brian Robinson Jr. for each of the past three seasons. Austin Ekeler was added in free agency last spring. That tandem (along with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels) helped Washington to a third-place finish in rushing in 2024, and it will remain in place for at least one more season. Barkley certainly would have added more potential to the team’s backfield, but given the team’s emphasis on defensive changes during the transition to the Adam Peters-Dan Quinn regime it is understandable no pursuit took place on that front.
On the back of his historic debut Eagles season, Barkley landed an extension moving him to the top of the position’s pecking order. The 28-year-old has no intention or retiring any time soon, so he is in line to remain in Philadelphia for years to come. That will ensure several more matchups against the Cowboys and Commanders in the coming years.
Titans CB L’Jarius Sneed Fully Healthy
L’Jarius Sneed was limited to just five games in 2024, his debut campaign with the Titans. While the most recent update on his health status suggested a lengthy wait would be in store for his return to the field, that may not wind up being the case. 
“I’m healthy, I’m healthy as I’ve been,” the veteran corner said in an interview with NBC6 (video link). “I’m ready to get back on the field, that’s my life, that’s what I do for a living. I missed the whole year and I have to remind everybody who L’Jarius Sneed is.”
After four years with the Chiefs – most of which was spent as a full-time starter – Sneed received the franchise tag last spring. In keeping with organizational policy, a long-term cornerback investment was not a high of a priority as other roster moves, and a trade to the Titans was ultimately worked out. Tennessee sent Kansas City a second- and third-round pick to acquire the 28-year-old.
That swap was followed by a four-year, $76.4MM extension being worked out. Expectations were high in Sneed’s case as a result, but prior to suffering his quad injury the Louisiana Tech product struggled in coverage without managing to demonstrate the ball skills he showcased with the Chiefs. Sneed wound up on injured reserve to close out the campaign, and one month ago the fall was floated as a potential point at which he could return to full health.
Now, however, it appears the former fourth-rounder could receive full clearance in time for next month’s training camp. That would be a welcomed development given his status as a key member of the secondary. Sneed is owed $19MM fully guaranteed for 2025, meaning a trade or release is not feasible. The final two years of his pact could very well be impacted by his performance this season, though.
Without locked in money (at the moment) in 2026 or ’27, Sneed will need to remain healthy this season to avoid a potential pay cut or a parting of ways next spring. It now appears he will be in position to do so well in advance of Week 1.
Other Edge Rush Deals Could Alter Price On Trey Hendrickson Bengals Extension
While Trey Hendrickson and the Bengals have resumed extension talks, the parties still do not appear to close to an agreement. With other monster edge rush deals looming, a waiting game could ensue which has an impact on the 2024 NFL sack leader. 
[RELATED: Bengals Prefer One-Year Hendrickson Extension]
Micah Parsons has yet to sign a Cowboys extension, one which could move him to the top of the pecking order amongst edge rushers (and, quite possibly, all non-quarterbacks). At the age of 26, Parsons is preparing to land his second career contract. That factor makes his situation somewhat different than that of Hendrickson or Steelers All-Pro T.J. Watt.
The latter is entering his age-31 season, something which is also the case for Hendrickson. Both could be looking at similar deals with their respective teams as a result. With training camp approaching, though, considerable work on both fronts is still needed to hammer out an agreement. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero noted during a recent Rich Eisen Show appearance (video link) that Hendrickson could aim to wait for Watt’s deal in particular (and perhaps Parsons’ as well) before signing his own with the Bengals.
Unlike last offseason, Cincinnati gave Hendrickson permission to seek a trade. Offers came in, but the team’s asking price of a first-round pick (or a package of similar value) was not met. No trade is currently expected, although it remains to be seen if the four-time Pro Bowler will report to training camp in the absence of an extension. Hendrickson skipped mandatory minicamp, drawing fines in the process. The same would be true if he were to engage in a training camp holdout.
Pelissero confirms Hendrickson is not seeking to match the value of Myles Garrett‘s Browns extension (which checks in at a market-topping $40MM per season on average). The Bengals’ best known offer to date has not reached the $35MM-per-year mark, a value which would place him in the next financial tier for veteran pass rushers. Watt could also be in line for a Steelers pact worth roughly that amount if/when he and the team can reach agreement on a third pact.
In each of these cases, there is still time to avoid potential absences or missed practice reps during training camp. With the EDGE market positioned to move once more late in the offseason, though, it will certainly be interesting to see how one deal affects the others. Given Hendrickson’s impact on a Bengals defense which struggled even with him in place last season, he could especially look to leverage the Watt situation for a multi-year commitment.
5 Key Stories: 6/22/25 – 6/28/25
The past week has seen developments take place on a wide range of fronts around the NFL. In case you missed any of the top stories from recent days, here is a quick recap:
- Bucs Extend Bowles, Licht: The Buccaneers have been the class of the NFC South for several years now, and the regime overseeing the team will remain in place moving forward. Head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Jason Licht have each received extensions, with Bowles’ deal running through 2028. Licht has been in his position since 2014, and Bowles took over from Bruce Arians in 2022 after three years as Tampa Bay’s defensive coordinator. The two have handled the transition from Tom Brady to Baker Mayfield at quarterback while helping to keep several core players in place through re-signings and extensions. The Buccaneers will seek their fourth straight division title in 2025 and expectations will remain high this year and beyond for the team’s top decision-makers.
- Rodgers Likely To Retire After 2025: Aaron Rodgers is, as expected, in position to handle starting quarterback duties for the Steelers this season. Retirement this spring loomed as a possibility, though, and to no surprise the future Hall of Famer sees 2025 as his final NFL campaign. Rodgers, 41, never represented a long-term answer under center for Pittsburgh but he could raise the team’s offensive floor. A strong season would also mark a rebound from his largely underwhelming Jets tenure over the past two years. The Steelers, meanwhile, remain on track to target a first-round passer in next year’s draft with Rodgers likely to hang up his cleats.
- Jones Leading Colts’ QB Competition: The Colts entered the offseason targeting a veteran signal-caller capable of winning the starter’s job in 2025. Incumbent Anthony Richardson missed minicamp as a result of his latest shoulder issue, but he is in line to return ahead of training camp. Nevertheless, the former No. 4 pick’s struggles and inability to stay healthy have opened the door to Daniel Jones taking the lead in the competition. Jones holds a “significant” edge as things stand. After signing a one-year deal containing $14MM in base pay, the former Giants starter could help his market value with a strong 2025 showing. For now, at least, he is in position to begin the season atop Indianapolis’ depth chart.
- Ruling On Collusion Case Revealed: An arbitrator’s 61-page decision regarding a grievance filed by the NFLPA against the league over fully guaranteed contracts became public after it was originally concealed by both parties. Among the findings was the conclusion the NFL “encouraged” its clubs to reduce the locked in compensation on player contracts at the 2022 league meeting. The union’s case did not fully result in its collusion allegation being proven, per the ruling, but it illuminated details on several fronts (including direct communication between the Cardinals’ and Chargers’ owners on the subject of QB extensions and specifics of the Ravens-Lamar Jackson negotiations). 594 unnamed players were reportedly involved in the case, leaving them (and others) with an unclear path regarding future legal action.
- Tucker Receives 10-Game Suspension: Shortly after the draft, Justin Tucker‘s decorated stint with the Ravens came to an end. The All-Pro kicker was released in a decision which was framed by the team as a football-related move, but it came against the backdrop of sexual misconduct allegations from a total of 16 massage therapists. Tucker was the subject of an NFL investigation, and it concluded with a 10-game suspension being issued. Unsigned at the moment, he will serve his suspension regardless of if he signs with a team in the interim. Tucker, 35, is coming off the least accurate season of his career and this ban has added further uncertainty to his NFL future.
Raiders Open To Retaining LT Kolton Miller Beyond 2025
Kolton Miller remains attached to the final year of his contract without any of his scheduled $12.31MM in compensation guaranteed. The veteran left tackle has made it clear he wants to stay in Vegas well beyond 2025, but it remains to be seen if an agreement can be reached to make that happen. 
Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal confirms the Raiders are still open to keeping Miller in the fold past the coming season. Another deal would only be in the team’s interest “at the right price,” he adds, however. That is of course applicable in any number of contract situations, but Bonsignore has reported a gap exists between team and player regarding an extension.
As a result, there is a chance Miller – who reported to mandatory minicamp despite the lack of progress in contract talks – plays out the remainder of his pact and departs on the open market. Per Bonsignore, the Raiders’ new regime is willing to re-sign Miller (that is, to work out a pact in March even if an agreement is not reached ahead of the 2025 campaign). If no extension is worked out, it would be interesting to see if the 29-year-old committed to at least testing his market next spring.
Miller has spent his entire seven-year career with the Raiders, starting all but two of his 110 combined regular and postseason games. The former first-rounder has been consistent for much of his tenure, grading between fifth and 13th amongst offensive tackles in terms of PFF evaluation over the past four years. A multi-year investment would come with high expectations for continued strong performances as an anchor along the offensive line.
Bonsignore adds another long-term Miller contract would likely pay between $20MM and $23MM on average per season. That would fall in line with the current nature of the tackle market and represent a raise from the $18.01MM AAV of his current accord. Making such an investment, however, will need to take into account the possibility of third-round rookie Charles Grant developing as hoped this year and taking over blindside duties in 2026.
Team and player could wind up taking a wait-and-see approach if no extension agreement is reached this summer. It will be interesting to see if Miller is prepared to participate in training camp without any new developments on this front. If so, his performance this season will be key in determining his value on a third Raiders contract or one sending him to a new team for the first time in his career.
Jaguars RT Anton Harrison Not Assured Of Starting Role?
Anton Harrison has operated as a full-time starter at the right tackle spot for the Jaguars during each of his two seasons in the NFL. 2025 could bring about a change in workload for him, however. 
Selected 27th overall in his draft year, Harrison understandably took on starting responsibilities right away with the Jags. Added as the team’s Jawaan Taylor replacement, he played all 17 games as a rookie and only missed one contest in 2024. Harrison’s level of play improved from one year to the next, but at this point he may not be assured of a first-team gig for the coming campaign.
The 23-year-old split starting reps with free agent addition Chuma Edoga this spring, ESPN’s Michael DiRocco notes. Harrison will still have plenty of opportunities to ensure his spot in the starting lineup during training camp, of course. Still, the fact he will have competition during the summer is notable as the Jags’ new regime – one which did not draft Harrison – prepares for its first season in Duval County.
“When Anton wants to go, he can go,” head coach Liam Coen said of Harrison. “[It’s] just consistently doing it on a day-in, day-out basis.”
As a rookie, Harrison graded out as PFF’s 67th-best tackle. The Oklahoma product took a step forward with his pass protection in particular and notched an overall grade of 64.2, good for 50th at the position. Continued improvement would be critical in this case, since the Jaguars have to decide on Harrison’s 2027 fifth-year option next spring. That call will be influenced in large part by his level of play on the field in 2025. Losing out on the starting gig would deal Harrison a notable blow on that front, so his showings this summer will be worth monitoring.
Latest On Titans CB L’Jarius Sneed
Things have not gone according to plan with Tennessee in the case of L’Jarius Sneed. The high-priced trade acquisition played just five games during his debut Titans campaign and is still not fully healthy. 
An October quad injury initially did not appear to be severe enough to keep Sneed sidelined through the remainder of the campaign. In the end, though, he landed on season-ending injure reserve. The 28-year-old has not managed to receive clearance for full participation this offseason, leading to a limited workload during spring practices.
The fall was loosely targeted as a time for Sneed to potentially be back at 100%, but in the absence of a firm timeline it is still unclear when he will next be available. The latest update on the matter – courtesy of team reporter Jim Wyatt – is not an encouraging one, however. Wyatt writes getting the former Chiefs standout back in the fold “kind of feels like [it would] be a bonus at this point.”
The Titans inked Sneed to a four-year, $76.4MM extension after a trade with Kansas City was worked out. That pact obviously brought about high expectations, but the Louisiana Tech product struggled when on the field in 2024. A return to health – and thus a starting spot in the secondary – will give him the opportunity to rebound, but Wyatt’s framing of the situation certainly suggests more time spent on the sidelines should be expected through training camp in the lead-up to the regular season.
Sneed is owed $19MM this season, and that figure is guaranteed in full. To no surprise, then, Wyatt confirms the former fourth-rounder will not be released or traded. Still, missing considerable time again in 2025 would of course be a major disappointment for team and player. It would also signal a parting of ways (or at least a notable pay cut) being likely ahead of the final two years of Sneed’s pact.
Tennessee still has Roger McCreary and Jarvis Brownlee in place as starting options at the cornerback spot. The team signed veteran Amani Oruwariye in free agency and selected Marcus Harris in the sixth round of the draft, and they will look to carve out roles during training camp and the preseason. It will be interesting to see if Sneed manages to take part in padded practices on a full-time basis or if he finds himself in position to once again miss regular season time.
Bears Considering Sale Of Minority Stake
A minority ownership stake in the Bears could soon be up for sale. The team is giving thought to a sale of the shares previously owned by Andrew McKenna Sr., Bloomberg’s Randall Williams and Miranda Davis report. 
McKenna died in 2023, and a sale would bring an end to questions about how his stake would be dealt with following his passing. Per the report, it is unclear how large McKenna’s stake was in the franchise. Even a small portion and non-controlling stake would nevertheless be quite valuable, of course.
NFL franchise values have soared in recent years, and there have been a number of instances of teams selling off minority stakes for an influx of cash. A select number of private equity firms are now eligible to purchase shares of up to 10% in NFL teams. It will be interesting to see if the Bears go that route presuming McKenna’s stake winds up being sold.
Prior to the start of the 2024 campaign, the Bears were valued by Forbes at $6.4 billion. That figure – which placed the team ninth in the NFL – could change if/when a decision is made to sell the minority shares, but in any case a notable price tag will be in store for any new members of Chicago’s ownership group. The team’s efforts to build a new stadium in Arlington Heights could be aided by the revenue brought about by a sale.
Bears matriarch Virginia McCaskey passed away in February, but her son George – who has served as the team’s chairman since 2011 – made it clear in the wake of her death there are no plans for the family’s 80% stake to be sold at any time. Continuity with respect to the franchise’s controlling owners will be in place for 2025 and beyond, but a new minority partner could be in the fold at some point.
49ers, Packers Showed Interest In CB Damon Arnette
Damon Arnette returned to pro football this year with a season in the UFL, and his performance led to NFL interest. The former first-rounder wound up landing a contract with the Texans allowing him to compete for a roster spot during training camp. 
Arnette’s last action in the NFL came in 2021, his second year in the league. The 28-year-old was involved in a number of legal issues after his Raiders tenure came to an end, and stints with the Chiefs and Dolphins did not result in any playing time. A strong showing with the Houston Roughnecks put Arnette back on the NFL radar, however, leading to a Texans agreement being reached. They were not the only team to show interest in this case.
“It was a couple of teams that were reaching out on him,” UFL executive vice president Daryl Johnston told KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson. “He’s got everything you want… He’s a former first round draft pick, so the talent is there. It’s really the maturity.
“So, it was great to see the Houston Texans call, [head coach] DeMeco Ryans, because [general manager] John Lynch in San Francisco was another one that called about him. So you can see that he really fits that style of defense that DeMeco wants to install with the Texans coming from the San Francisco 49ers because those were probably the two busiest teams that were reaching out on Damon’s behalf.”
The 49ers have undergone a number of changes at the cornerback spot this offseason. Charvarius Ward, Isaac Yiadom, Rock Ya-Sin and Nick McCloud have all departed in 2025. As a result, it comes as little surprise San Francisco checked in on a low-cost Arnette addition. The Ohio State product will look to carve out a depth role with Houston in the wake of Ronald Darby‘s recent retirement.
Wilson reports the Packers were also an Arnette suitor. Green Bay’s CB depth chart will of course no longer feature Jaire Alexander after efforts to work out a restructure were unsuccessful. The two-time Pro Bowler was released, ending his injury-plagued run with the Packers. Arnette would have represented a candidate for a backup gig, but the team will move forward with its in-house corners (a group including big-ticket free agent addition Nate Hobbs).
To no surprise, Arnette’s one-year Texans pact is worth the veteran minimum. If he manages to make the roster and enjoy a productive return to the NFL, though, he could once again find himself on the radar of multiple teams as a free agent next spring.
Browns Not Planning To Trade Rookie QB; Latest On Joe Flacco-Kenny Pickett Contest
The Browns added intrigue to their unsettled quarterback room during the draft by respectively selecting Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in the third and fifth rounds. Those two will be joined in training camp by veteran Joe Flacco and trade acquisition Kenny Pickett. 
The latter has appeared to be in the lead for the starting gig on more than one occasion so far. Pickett – a Steelers first-rounder in 2022 – did not develop as hoped in Pittsburgh and was dealt to the Eagles last year. After a single campaign as Jalen Hurts‘ backup, the 27-year-old was acquired by the Browns as an option capable of handling QB1 duties.
To no surprise, Cleveland declined Pickett’s fifth-year option this spring. As a result, he is a pending 2026 free agent. Pickett’s market value will depend greatly on how he performs with the Browns, and keeping the starter’s role throughout the season would be key in helping his stock. Both Gabriel and Sanders loom as potential replacements in the lineup, however, and Flacco is certainly a strong candidate to open the year atop the depth chart.
Indeed, NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe notes Flacco may now be considered the favorite entering training camp (video link). In 2023, a midseason Flacco signing proved to be highly beneficial for Cleveland. The former Super Bowl MVP took on starting duties and helped lead the Browns to the postseason. Flacco, 40, returned via free agency after a one-and-done season with the Colts. He is the only signal-caller with a history in head coach Kevin Stefanski‘s scheme, something which will no doubt play a role in determining the team’s starter early on.
Both Gabriel and Sanders are under team control for the next four years, meaning they should be expected to remain on the roster once summer cutdowns take place. Wolfe confirms a trade involving either rookie should not be expected. That could leave the Browns in position to carry all four quarterbacks on their active roster, something general manager Andrew Berry recently expressed a willingness for. A more realistic scenario, though, remains either Pickett or Flacco being traded ahead of Week 1 (provided the Browns’ other passers remain healthy, of course).
As a result, the performances between Cleveland’s veteran quarterbacks will be worth watching closely this summer. The question of which signal-caller sees the first start in 2025 (presumably the winner of the Flacco-Pickett contest) will be key in determining which makes the most total starts this season. It will be interesting to see how first-team reps continue to be split once padded practices begin as the Browns continue their evaluation process.