Jaguars Sign WR/CB Travis Hunter
Earlier this month, Travis Hunter and the Jaguars were not close to an agreement regarding his rookie contract. Team and player have now finalized the deal, however. 
The 2024 Heisman winner signed his four-year pact on Sunday, per a team announcement. Hunter will collect $46.65MM as this year’s second overall selection, and that figure includes a $30.57MM signing bonus. ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes Hunter has received his entire signing bonus up front (as opposed to in installments as usual). There is limited precedent for such a move (h/t Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk), but it nevertheless marks a departure from standard practice.
Many presumed Hunter would hear his name called just after Cam Ward, and that did indeed wind up happening. The fact the Jaguars – not the Browns – selected him came as a surprise, though. Cleveland and Jacksonville pulled off a swap negotiated well in advance which allowed the Jags to move up to No. 2 and draft the two-way Colorado product.
Once of the most intriguing storylines leading up to this year’s draft was the matter of how Hunter would be used in the NFL. The Jaguars opened the offseason by having him acclimate to the receiver spot, but by the onset of OTAs he was also taking reps as a cornerback. It is expected that will continue through training camp as the team evaluates how to manage his workload as a rookie. That could very well shift on a week-to-week basis, especially depending on how Jacksonville’s WR and CB depth charts shake out over the coming months.
First-year general manager James Gladstone has made no secret about how highly he thinks of Hunter since the opening night of the draft. The All-American was an impact player on both sides of the ball in college, averaging well over 100 total snaps per game last season. He will take on the challenge of replicating that workload over the course of his rookie deal (which could run through 2029 in the event his fifth-year option is picked up).
The Jags have two remaining unsigned members of their draft class given today’s news. Needless to say, though, the team’s most lucrative pact on that front has now been taken care of.
Bengals, Trey Hendrickson Not Close To Extension Agreement
One week ago, Trey Hendrickson and the Bengals resumed talks on an extension. Without any new progress being made on that front, though, a number of issues are yet to be resolved. 
Finances – including, no doubt, guarantees – have proven to be a sticking point between team and player in this years-long saga. In addition, it appears the length of any extension agreement is not a factor the parties can agree on. A gap exists between Hendrickson and the Bengals on this front, ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted during a recent Pat McAfee Show appearance (video link).
Cincinnati’s preference at this point would be a one-year deal, per Schefter. Such an arrangement would keep Hendrickson on the books through the 2026 campaign. The sides have already agreed to a stop-gap deal once before, but the reigning sack leader is understandably seeking a longer term on his next pact. As things stand, Hendrickson is owed $16MM; much of that figure is comprised of a base salary which is not guaranteed.
The four-time Pro Bowler skipped minicamp and has threatened to remain away from the team into the regular season in the absence of an extension agreement. Hendrickson’s exact asking price is unknown, but a pact around the $35MM mark in terms of AAV would move him near the top of the pass rush market (something which will likely continue to move upward once some or all of Micah Parsons, T.J. Watt and Aidan Hutchinson ink their new deals). To date the Bengals have not been willing to offer a pact in the range of what Danielle Hunter ($35.6MM), Maxx Crosby ($35.5MM) or Nick Bosa ($34MM) are attached to in terms of annual earnings.
Hendrickson has amassed 57 sacks in 63 games with Cincinnati, notching 17.5 in each of the past two seasons. The former Saint’s trade request was denied last offseason, but the Bengals took a different stance in 2025. Offers came in, although the team’s asking price was not met. As the countdown to training camp continues, a trade would come as a surprise to many around the league.
Cincinnati finished in a tie for 25th in sacks despite Hendrickson’s production, an illustration of his importance to the team. Age will be a key factor in negotiations with the 30-year-old, who was informed by the team last year another strong campaign would be met with a new deal. The Bengals have managed to hammer out monster agreements with wideouts Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins this offseason, but nothing is imminent as it pertains to Hendrickson.
A training camp absence would result in mandatory fines, whereas a hold-in effort would be a mark of ongoing issues at the negotiating table. It will be interesting to see if progress can be made regarding term length and, if so, whether or not that helps bring about a final agreement.
Raiders Eyeing Increased Role For TE Michael Mayer?
Michael Mayer has not lived up to expectations early in his NFL career. The Raiders tight end was a trade target this earlier this offseason, but with no deal taking place he is set to remain in Vegas. 
During his rookie season, Mayer missed three contests and was limited to a total of just 27 receptions. Last April, the Raiders replaced him in the starting lineup with Brock Bowers, a decision which paid immediate dividends. Bowers earned first-team All-Pro acclaim in 2024 and represents a focal point on offense for many years to come.
While Bowers was breaking multiple records last season, Mayer missed six games due to personal reasons. The latter was limited to just 156 yards and failed to score a touchdown. Despite having two years left on his rookie contract, it thus came as little surprise when the new Raiders regime showed a willingness to trade Mayer. While interest was shown, the former second-rounder stayed in place and received plenty of attention during spring practices. The Raiders could have an expanded workload in mind.
“I thought Mike had a great offseason,’ head coach Pete Carroll said (via Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal). “We started out going heart to heart with him to understand what we’re all about. And he embraced it and took it as well as anybody could take the challenge of bringing it day in and day out. He had a great camp.”
Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has spoken about his affinity for multi-tight end formations, and relying on those would be key in allowing Mayer to see the field in 2025. Vegas has Jakobi Meyers along with Tre Tucker and rookies Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton in place at the receiver spot. Especially as the younger options at the position develop, though, Bowers and Mayer could be leaned on in the passing game.
The Raiders will have Geno Smith in place under center after reuniting him with Carroll. The team did so while choosing to avoid – among other things – a free agent pursuit of Sam Darnold. Improved play at the quarterback spot could help team’s offense in general and Mayer’s production in particular as he looks to take a step forward in Year 3. A notable workload in tandem with Bowers would certainly go a long way in that regard.
Latest On Dolphins’ RB Competition
De’Von Achane remains atop the Dolphins’ running back depth chart entering 2025. After averaging 7.8 yards per carry as a rookie and nearly reaching 1,500 scrimmage yards last season, expectations will once again be high in his case. 
Miami has used the likes of Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson as veteran backfield options recently, but neither are in the fold any longer. Meanwhile, the team has added Alexander Mattison via free agency and Ollie Gordon in the sixth round of the draft. Those two will join Achane and 2024 fourth-rounder Jaylen Wright in a competition for snaps during training camp.
“Each guy makes his own role on the team,” running backs coach Eric Studesville said (via C. Isaiah Smalls of the Miami Herald). “I don’t think we predetermine that. I think you gotta expose them to everything and see what they can do and let them develop into the role that they clearly take and establish on their own through what they do.”
Achane logged 281 touches last season, and he is in position to once again operate as a key figure on offense in 2025. How the rest of the backfield depth chart shakes out will be interesting to see, though, including the question of whether or not Wright can take on an increased workload in his second year. Smalls notes the 22-year-old has bulked up this offseason.
Wright showcased notable speed during his time in college, making him an obvious target for the Dolphins last year. The Tennessee product had a forgettable rookie campaign, however, logging double-digit carries in a game only once. Wright will look to earn the backup gig during training camp while the Dolphins work with a new-look offensive line and integrate Mattison and Gordon into the fold.
Miami ranked 21st in rushing last season, one in which the team finished a disappointing 8-9 and missed the playoffs. An improved ground game will be key, but aside from Achane there is much to be determined in terms of what the backfield will look like in 2025.
Vikings Could Explore CB Addition
When training camp begins next month, the Vikings will face plenty of questions at the cornerback spot. That position could see an addition late in the offseason. 
Byron Murphy – a key offseason priority for Minnesota this spring – is still in the fold for 2025 and beyond. He agreed to a three-year deal with a base value of $54MM in March. That pact will bring about high expectations for the team’s continuing No. 1 corner.
Aside from Murphy, however, the Vikings are short on known commodities at that spot. The team took fliers on the likes of Jeff Okudah and Isaiah Rodgers, and they could be in line for notable playing time during their debut Minnesota campaigns. 2023 third-rounder Mekhi Blackmon missed all of last season, but he has two years remaining on his rookie deal.
Each member of that group is in line to make the roster on a projection from The Athletic’s Alec Lewis (subscription required). Lewis adds that if an addition is to be made this summer, cornerback could be a position to watch. Minnesota currently has over $18MM in cap space, so the finances necessary for a one-year pact are available if needed.
Jaire Alexander recently came off the market, but Jalen Ramsey is still a trade target. The Dolphins All-Pro has not been linked to the Vikings, however, and his reported preference would be a return to the West Coast (having spent time with the Rams earlier in his career). Minnesota would likely need to look at other options as a result if a move were to be pursued this summer.
The likes of Asante Samuel Jr., Rasul Douglas, Mike Hilton, Kendall Fuller and Jack Jones (whom Lewis names as a potential target) are still unsigned at this point. Those veterans will of course aim to have their next NFL gig lined up in time for training camp, and it will be interesting to see if a Vikings deal winds up being worked out for any of them.
Commanders Unlikely To Pursue Pass Rush Addition
The Commanders’ 2025 offseason has seen a number of changes made in the front seven. Further moves could of course be in store, but until training camp begins Washington’s pass rush group is likely to remain intact. 
[RELATED: Commanders Did Not Anticipate Terry McLaurin Stalemate]
The Commanders can be expected to evaluate their in-house EDGE options before exploring an outside addition, Ben Standig of The Athletic writes (subscription required). With over $21MM in cap space, plenty of finances are available for a move during the coming weeks. Instead, one may not be made until after camp begins.
Since moving on from both Montez Sweat and Chase Young ahead of the 2023 trade deadline, the Commanders have faced questions about their options along the edge. This spring, Clelin Ferrell was retained but Dante Fowler – who recorded 10.5 sacks upon following Dan Quinn from Dallas to Washington – returned to the Cowboys in free agency. The Commanders have new faces in the form of Deatrich Wise and Jacob Martin.
Those new options will join a group of incumbent defensive ends led by Dorance Armstrong, who was among the ex-Cowboys defenders who headed to the nation’s capital last offseason. Armstrong notched five sacks during his debut Washington campaign, and none of the team’s moves so far – including the decision to avoid drafting any pass rushers – suggest he will not still be counted on as a full-time starter moving forward. After the team’s middling finish in terms of sack totals for 2024 (43), though, there is certainly room for improvement regarding a group which also includes linebacker Frankie Luvu as a part-time pass rusher.
The list of free agent edge rushers includes Za’Darius Smith, Matt Judon, Jadeveon Clowney, Von Miller and Preston Smith. Washington general manager Adam Peters and Co. will thus have plenty of options to consider once training camp opens next month, but unless the team’s in-house options suffer injuries or underperform an addition may very well not take place.
5 Key Stories: 6/15/25 – 6/21/25
As the wait for the opening of training camps around the league begins, a number of high-profile situations remain unresolved. That will likely remain the case for several weeks, but one major free agent move defined the past few days. In case you missed any of the top developments from this week, here is a quick recap:
- Alexander Chooses Ravens: With no trade or pay cut agreement being reached with the Packers, Jaire Alexander hit the open market upon being released. The two-time Pro Bowler drew immediate interest to no surprise, and in short order he decided on his second career team. Alexander had not been heavily linked to the Ravens upon becoming a free agent, but not long after former Louisville teammate Lamar Jackson publicly endorsed adding him, Baltimore did just that. Alexander will play on a one-year, $4MM pact with another $2MM available via incentives – a far cry from what he was originally owed but a deal which allows him to test the market next spring. The oft-injured cover man’s preference appeared to be a reworked Packers agreement, but in the absence of guarantees on a pay cut he elected to start over on a new team.
- Ramsey Landing Spots Becoming Clearer? Jalen Ramsey is still with the Dolphins at this point, but nothing has changed with respect to a trade being expected. The list of teams not pursuing him continues to grow, something which is bringing his potential landing spots into greater focus. The Rams have long been known as an interested party in this situation, and they are joined by the Chargers as a team to watch. A Friday report stated Ramsey would prefer being dealt to the West Coast, with the two Los Angeles franchise being listed as destinations. The Bolts had not previously been linked to the 30-year-old, but it will be interesting to see if they partake in a bidding war with the Rams during trade talks with the Dolphins.
- Guarantees Holding Up Steelers’ Watt Negotiations? Along with a number of other notable edge rushers, T.J. Watt is in talks for a new deal. He and the Steelers have a mutual desire to remain together past 2025, but a raise is in store on a third contract. To little surprise, it appears the matter of guarantees are a sticking point in negotiations. Making another massive investment regarding locked in compensation for Watt, 30, could be a trickier decision on Pittsburgh’s part now compared to when the team made him the league’s highest-paid pass rusher in 2021. That negotiation process took well into the summer, whereas this time around an agreement in time for training camp is the goal.
- Mosley Retires: On his 33rd birthday, C.J. Mosley announced his retirement from the NFL. A Butkis Award winner and two-time national champion at Alabama, the linebacker entered the league with high expectations. Mosley enjoyed a productive five-year stint with the Ravens, collecting four Pro Bowl nods. He then reset the LB market with an $85MM Jets deal, a pact which did originally yield the desired results (with only two games played from 2019-20). Mosley was a productive starter when healthy in New York, but few were surprised when he was released this offseason. The five-time second-team All-Pro intended to continue his career, but his attention will now turn to his post-playing days.
- Second-Round Rookies Seeking Fully Guaranteed Deals: Players selected in the first round of the NFL draft have long seen their four-year pacts guaranteed in full. A new precedent was set this offseason when the No. 33 (Carson Schwesinger, Browns) and 34 (Jayden Higgins, Texans) selections received full guarantees for every year of their respective deals. Fellow round two draftees are understandably waiting to sign in the hopes of receiving the same terms. That includes Saints quarterback Tyler Shough, who came off the board 40th overall. Locking in all of his contract would mark a notable jump compared to last year’s selection in that slot. Nearly every other member of the 2025 draft class is on the books by now, but it could take until training camp (or longer) for agreements covering the remaining rookies to be worked out. A resolution to the second-round stalemates will be key in that regard.
Daniel Faalele, Andrew Vorhees Leading Ravens’ G Competition
Four of the Ravens’ stating offensive linemen from 2024 are set to return. One of those is Daniel Faalele, whose first full-time season as a guard came last year. 
The 25-year-old Australian struggled as a tackle, but a move inside produced an uptick in PFF grade. Pass protection in particular showed improvement, although after ranking just 45th in overall evaluation amongst qualifying guards Faalele certainly has room to continue developing in the final year of his rookie season. Entering training camp, he is in line to remain Baltimore’s right guard starter.
Head coach John Harbaugh said this week (via The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec) Faalele is in the lead for a first-team guard role. That comes as little surprise, given his 1,100-plus snaps during the regular season at the RG spot. As for the other guard position – vacated when Patrick Mekari departed in free agency – Harbaugh noted Andrew Vorhees is the favorite at this point.
That is also an expected update, since Vorhees entered spring practices as the top candidate to replace Mekari. The former seventh-rounder missed his entire rookie season while rehabbing an ACL tear, but he was healthy in time for the start of the 2024 campaign. Vorhees was Baltimore’s left guard to begin the season, but a Week 3 ankle injury cost him his starting gig. Mekari’s expected departure created a vacancy, one which Vorhees (or a group of challengers including returnee Ben Cleveland) will aim to fill during training camp.
In other offensive line news, Harbaugh provided an injury update on Emery Jones. The third-round rookie has been dealing with a shoulder injury, and Harbaugh noted (via Zrebiec) he is likely to miss the beginning of next month’s training camp. Jones – whom the team intends to use as a tackle before potentially trying him at guard – should be available at some point this summer, though. By the time he is healthy, a clear frontrunner may have emerged for both guard spots with the swing tackle role being the next to be determined.
Malachi Corley’s Jets Roster Spot Uncertain
Malachi Corley was in position to occupy at least a rotational role in the Jets’ during his rookie campaign. Instead, he proved to essentially be a non-factor. 
2025 has seen the Jets bring in a regime other than the one which drafted Corley, a factor which often carries considerable weight in roster decisions. The 23-year-old made only nine appearances as a rookie, with his most memorable moment coming in a Thursday night game in which he prematurely dropped the ball and nullified what would have been a touchdown. Corley never managed to carve out a role, and he has been unable to do so this spring.
While dealing with an undisclosed injury, the Western Kentucky product has missed considerable time during the offseason (including the Jets’ recent minicamp). As a result, Corley is behind in terms of his acclimation to new offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand‘s scheme. Between the missed reps, his lack of connection to the new decision-makers and his underwhelming rookie season, ESPN’s Rich Cimini writes Corley does not have a clearly defined role at this point, adding his roster spot is not a lock.
“There’s a plan for him, and we’re going to make sure that we try to utilize him to what he can do best, and we’ve seen that in college,” head coach Aaron Glenn said. “Hopefully, he gets well soon, and we get a chance to utilize his skillset.”
Corley did not showcase a strong route-running ability in college, but he was dynamic with respect to yards after the catch. A role as a gadget player on offense and/or as a returner would be sensible as a result, but the New York’s third-rounder from last April will need to impress during training camp to solidify a roster spot. The Jets’ WR depth chart no longer includes Davante Adams, although Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, Josh Reynolds and fourth-round rookie Arian Smith are in place. Xavier Gipson is in position to round out the receiver room but he could also handle return duties, something which would make it more challenging for Corley to lock down a spot.
The latter is attached to his rookie contract for the next three years, meaning he will provide the Jets with a cost-effective depth option provided he survives roster cutdowns. Unless Corley can return to full health in time for training camp and play his way into a defined role, though, he will face an uncertain future.
Tom Brady Preferred Raiders Avoid Signing Sam Darnold
With the Vikings electing to hand the reins over to 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, Sam Darnold predictably departed on the open market this offseason. The latter wound up taking a three-year deal with the Seahawks to assume starting quarterback duties. 
Before that took place, Darnold was linked to a number of potential suitors as the top signal-caller in free agency. The Raiders were among the teams which made a notable move under center this spring, trading for Geno Smith once it became clear he and the Seahawks were not close on extension terms. Darnold’s predecessor is now on the books with Vegas thanks to the new regime which is overseeing the franchise.
That setup includes head coach Pete Carroll, general manager John Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady. Once the seven-time Super Bowl winner’s ownership bid was approved, he immediately took on a notable role within the organization. Brady has been heavily involved in a number of Raiders decisions this offseason, and to little surprise that includes the acquisition of a new starting quarterback.
On that note, Mike Silver of the Athletic reports Brady did not support Vegas signing Darnold in free agency (subscription required). 2024 saw the former No. 3 pick enjoy an impressive run with the Vikings up to the team’s regular season finale and wild-card loss. Darnold nevertheless secured $100.5MM on his Seattle pact, one which contains a potential out as early as next March. Instead of making a similar investment, the Raiders traded for Smith and extended him on a two-year, $75MM pact.
That move will give Vegas short-term stability under center as the team looks to compete in the AFC West beginning in 2025. At the age of 28, Darnold is six years younger than Smith but the latter has experience working with Carroll dating back to their time together in Seattle. A productive reunion between the two would help a Raiders offense which finished 29th in scoring last season.
Of course, Carroll and Spytek were heavily involved in the decision to trade for Smith and thus settle the QB spot for the time being. The fact Brady preferred not to go the Darnold route was no doubt something which carried considerable weight, though, and it will be a factor in evaluating how the Raiders’ approach winds up playing out.