CB Jaire Alexander Preferred To Remain With Packers?
The Jaire Alexander sweepstakes came to an end on Wednesday when he agreed to a deal with the Ravens. 2025 will mark the first season of his career played outside of Green Bay. 
Alexander’s future was a talking point for much of the offseason, with the Packers holding trade talks on multiple occasions during the spring. Those efforts did not yield an agreement, as suitors were understandably leery of taking on the remaining two years of his contract. In the end, the two-time Pro Bowler got his wish in terms of being released (and thus choosing his next team via free agency) as opposed to a trade.
Before the Packers elected to move on, though, a push was made to work out a pay cut agreement. A restructure – in particular, one which would have made Alexander a free agent next offseason – was offered. It would appear the proposed short-term pact did not feature guaranteed compensation, a key factor a determining the end to this situation. Alexander’s father Landis spoke about the split with the Packers during an appearance on ESPN Wisconsin radio (video link).
“[Head coach] Matt LaFleur had reached out to him on his birthday, things like that,” Alexander said about discussions which took place with his son. “He wasn’t upset or angry with anybody. He wanted to come back. I thought that he was going to be there.”
At issue in this case, as Landis Alexander noted, was the fact the Packers’ pay cut offer did not feature any locked in money up front. None of the base salary originally owed ($16.5MM) was guaranteed, but a compromise was sought on Alexander’s side in which a reduction in overall pay was accompanied by a guarantee figure. Without any salary locked in or a signing bonus present in the offer – per the elder Alexander’s account of the negotiating process – the parties elected to move on.
Immediate interest was show once Alexander hit the open market, although the Ravens were not initially reported to be a suitor. Still, it comes as little surprise the Louisville product chose to reunite with college teammate Lamar Jackson for 2025. Alexander will collect $4MM in base pay with another $2MM available through incentives. That compensation falls well short of the $21MM annual average value of his previous deal, but the fact guaranteed money is present marks a contrast to the Packers’ stance.
It was reported yesterday the Ravens’ offer was not the most lucrative one Alexander fielded, something corroborated by The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec (subscription required). Now, the 28-year-old will join a secondary including other first-rounders at cornerback (Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins) and safety (Kyle Hamilton, Malaki Starks) as Baltimore looks to avoid the pass defense struggles which were prevalent for much of last season. The Packers, meanwhile, will proceed with a secondary no longer featuring its highest-paid member for 2025 and beyond.
Chiefs’ Travis Kelce Undecided On Post-2025 Future
Retirement questions surrounded Travis Kelce leading up to the Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss. In short order, though, the future Hall of Famer made it clear he will suit up for 2025. 
Kelce was away from the Chiefs during voluntary work this spring, but he is in attendance for this week’s mandatory minicamp. The 35-year-old spoke to the media following practice, and while doing so he confirmed a decision was made not long after the Chiefs’ bid for a third straight championship fell short. 2025 will mark his 13th NFL season, all of them with Kansas City.
From 2016-22, Kelce topped 1,000 yards and was a mainstay on the league’s All-Pro teams. The 10-time Pro Bowler saw his production dip in 2023, however, and last year his yardage (823) and touchdown (three) totals were his lowest since his one-game rookie campaign. Kelce refuted Tuesday’s report that he has shed 25 pounds this offseason, but he has targeted a return to his previous form in terms of speed and mobility for what could be the final year of his career.
“I got one year on this contract — I know that,” Kelce said, via The Athletic’s Zak Keefer (subscription required). “The Chiefs organization knows how much I love them. I can’t see myself ever playing anywhere else. So we’ll deal with that down the road.”
Kelce and the Chiefs worked out a pay bump last spring, as new guarantees came into play without term being added to his pact. The three-time Super Bowl winner is owed $17.25MM this season with a cap hit of just over $19.8MM. Those figures will of course bring about high expectations regarding production, but the matter of Kelce’s playing future beyond 2025 will remain a talking point in the absence of an extension.
Kansas City already has a number of notable contracts on the books (with a big-ticket commitment to guard Trey Smith looming), and the team is among those currently projected to be over the cap next year. Keeping Kelce in the fold for 2026 would represent a financial challenge as a result, although the team would of course show interest in doing so he if were to continue his career further. For now, Kelce’s attention is focused on the coming campaign with another decision on his playing future several months away.
James Gladstone: Jaguars Undecided On Travis Hunter’s Gameday Workload
Travis Hunter made no secret about his intentions of playing both ways in the NFL after doing so during his decorated college career. The Heisman winner remains on track to do just that during his rookie campaign with the Jaguars. 
Shortly after Jacksonville moved up to No. 2 to select Hunter, general manager James Gladstone said the majority of his work during the spring would come at the receiver position. Over time, though, the acclimation period included time and on-field work with both the offense and defense. During OTAs and minicamp, Hunter began taking reps as a corner in addition to his WR work.
During his most recent comments on the matter – an interview with Andrew Siciliano on SiriusXM radio – Gladstone clarified that Hunter was more comfortable at corner upon entry into the league, something which informed the team’s decision to focus on the receiver position at first. As the 22-year-old becomes more at ease in both capacities, though, training camp will see him continue to his expand his workload. With respect to gameday usage during the season, Gladstone confirmed a notable workload on offense and defense can be expected.
“He does not tire,” the rookie general manager said of Hunter (audio link). “He’s got a spark, he’s got the energy, the capacity from a physical standpoint to be able to be able to do it is certainly there. Certain game plans might dictate usage differently. Putting a number on [a snap count] at this stage is premature.”
Indeed, plenty of time remains for the Jaguars to finalize their depth chart at receiver and in the secondary. That process will be key in determining how much Hunter is relied upon during his rookie season. Jacksonville’s receiver room has undergone several changes this offseason and he could occupy a key role in tandem with Brian Thomas Jr. for years to come. On the other hand, Montaric Brown, Tyson Campbell and Jarrian Jones are all in place after leading the team in cornerback snaps last season. Hunter could be comparatively eased into playing time on defense as a result.
In any case, the way Jacksonville uses him will make for one of the team’s most interesting storylines over the course of the campaign. Hunter’s workload could shift from one week to the next, and his success in balancing two-way duties will no doubt be a key factor in the team’s performance.
Rams Re-Sign CB Derion Kendrick
Last week, the Rams waived Derion Kendrick. That move appeared to set the fourth-year cornerback up for a move to a new team late in free agency, but he will instead remain in Los Angeles. 
Kendrick has been re-signed, ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes. The 24-year-old missed all of last season after suffering an ACL tear in training camp. During his two healthy seasons, though, Kendrick totaled 32 appearances and 18 starts.
The former sixth-rounder recorded 14 pass deflections during his first two years with Los Angeles, and in 2022 he notched his first career interception. A notable workload would have likely been in store once again last year if not for the injury, one which left Kendrick’s roster spot in danger this summer. One year remained on his rookie contract prior to last week’s decision, but now a new arrangement (no doubt on a short-term accord) is in place.
Cobie Durant and Ahkello Witherspoon remain in the fold as key figures at the cornerback spot for Los Angeles entering 2025. The team also has former first-rounder Emmanuel Forbes and special teamer Shaun Jolly on the books ahead of training camp. Kendrick’s quick re-signing is certainly a positive indication regarding his health, and he should be able to carve out at least a rotational defensive role provided he can avoid a repeat of last year’s injury.
The Rams have long been connected to a trade for Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey. The All-Pro played under Sean McVay from 2019-22, and a reunion remains something to watch for as the summer plays out. Some thought the decision to part ways with Kendrick was a sign a Ramsey trade could be in store; instead, the former is now back in place while the latter continues to await his future.
Raiders Considering Free Agent Additions
The Raiders moved quickly in making a free agent addition earlier this month. Shortly after Germaine Pratt was released by the Bengals, the veteran linebacker agreed to a one-year Vegas deal. 
For the most part, free agency around the NFL has quieted down with the break between spring practices and training camp looming. The Raiders find themselves near the top of the league in terms of cap space at the moment, however, so further additions could be in store. Head coach Pete Carroll recently spoke on that point.
“You’re either competing or you’re not,” Carroll said (via ESPN’s Ryan McFadden). “We ain’t letting up now. There’s no time to turn away from having a chance to get a little bit better. So, we’ll be on it.”
The cap impact of the Pratt deal is not yet official, but it will of course not hinder Vegas’ ability to make other moves on the open market. The Raiders currently have just over $36MM in cap space, once again finding themselves in position to make multiple moves deep into the offseason. In years past, they have avoided doing so; Carroll’s comments certainly leave the door open to a different approach, though.
As McFadden notes, cornerback would represent a clear target in the event the Raiders were to pursue a signing. The team has plenty of uncertainty in the secondary at this point, with starting spots and depth roles up for grabs at the cornerback spot. Vegas recently hosted Shaquill Griffin on a visit, a sign of interest between team and player. Adding Griffin would give the Raiders a veteran of 82 starts and a contender to handle a large workload in 2025.
In addition to Griffin, the likes of Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas and Asante Samuel Jr. are unsigned at this point. Fellow corner Jalen Ramsey remains a high-profile trade target, although no Vegas links have emerged on that front. Nevertheless, the team will have the financial wherewithal to make one or more notable additions at that position or others this summer.
Ravens CBs Chidobe Awuzie, T.J. Tampa To Compete For Starting Spot
Four-time Pro Bowler Marlon Humphrey and 2024 first-round pick Nate Wiggins are slated to occupy starting roles at the cornerback spot for the Ravens this season. Aside from those two, however, there is plenty of uncertainty on the depth chart. 
Baltimore lost veteran Brandon Stephens as well as trade acquisition Tre’Davious White during free agency. Neither of those developments came as a surprise, but their departures created a first-team vacancy on the perimeter (provided Humphrey primarily works in the slot moving forward). Chidobe Awuzie represents a candidate to fill in as a starter.
The former Cowboy, Bengal and Titan took a one-year Ravens pact shortly after being released by Tennessee. Awuzie has 94 appearances and 81 starts to his name, giving his latest team a highly experienced option in the secondary. Injuries have been an issue for the 30-year-old, however, and after taking a deal worth $1.26MM he is far from a lock with respect to first-team action.
As a result, training camp will feature competition for a starting gig. Awuzie is obviously a strong contender in that regard, but Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic writes T.J. Tampa can be seen as his primary challenger for the CB3 role (subscription required). The latter was a fourth-round pick in last year’s draft, but injuries limited him to only seven games played. When on the field, Tampa played almost exclusively on special teams and logged just 18 defensive snaps.
Given that lack of experience, the 23-year-old would require a strong showing this summer to play his way into a starting spot. As Zrebiec notes, though, Tampa impressed during spring practices and he could carry that momentum into training camp and the preseason. Baltimore’s pass defense improved dramatically during the second half of last season, but on the whole the unit ranked 31st in yards allowed; needles to say, improving on that figure will be a key goal in 2025.
The Ravens also have Jalyn Armour-Davis on their CB depth chart, although the fourth-year defensive back may be in line for a transition to safety this summer. Baltimore added a pair of rookies during this year’s draft in the form of Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam, but those sixth-rounders will of course face modest expectations in 2025. As a result, the play of Awuzie and Tampa through training camp will be worth watching closely.
Khalil Mack Addresses Decision To Re-Sign With Chargers
The Chargers’ edge rush group will be different in 2025 with Joey Bosa no longer in place. Khalil Mack is still in the fold, though, given his decision to re-sign on a one-year, $18MM deal. 
That pact is guaranteed in full and ensures Mack will spend a fourth season in Los Angeles. The 34-year-old loomed as a candidate to retire at one point before it appeared he would test his value on the open market. The Bears and Buccaneers emerged as potential landing spots in the event Mack departed. Instead, he opted to remain in place for 2025.
“I had to be fair in the approach to things and not making it about just finances and all the different things,” the three-time All-Pro said when reflecting on his decision (via ESPN’s Kris Rhim). “I tried to make it more so just about winning ball games.”
The Chargers have reached the playoffs twice in Mack’s three years with the team. During that span, he has racked up 31 regular season sacks – including a career-high 17 in 2023 – en route to a Pro Bowl nod in each campaign. The 2010s All-Decade team member saw his sack total drop to just six last year, one in which he played through a groin injury. A repeat of the form shown during Los Angeles’ wild-card loss (two sacks, five QB pressures) over the course of the 2025 campaign would be a welcomed development for team and player in this case.
Mack has lost all five of his playoff appearances, so making a postseason run will be a central goal for his 12th NFL season. The former Defensive Player of the Year will remain in the AFC West, a division which sent three teams to the postseason last year and may very well do so again in 2025. If the Bolts are to enjoy a successful campaign, Mack will no doubt play a leading role along the edge.
Los Angeles has fellow veteran Bud Dupree in the fold, but especially with Bosa gone Tuli Tuipulotu will be counted on to provide consistent pass rush production. The latter upped his sack total from 4.5 to 8.5 in 2023, and a strong Year 3 could set him up for a notable extension next spring. In any case, Mack’s decision to remain with the Bolts will likely prove to be a key factor in determining their success this year.
Extension Talks Ongoing Between Dolphins, TE Jonnu Smith
It remains to be seen if Jonnu Smith will play for the Dolphins in 2025. If the veteran tight end does stay in Miami, it may well be on a new deal. 
Smith’s preference is to stay in place for the coming campaign, which doubles as the final year of his current pact. The 29-year-old is coming off a record-breaking season for Dolphins tight ends, however, and he is aiming to parlay that into a raise compared to the $4.09MM he is currently owed. A potential trade to the Steelers – and thus a reunion with Pittsburgh OC Arthur Smith – has come up on multiple occasions, but it would come as a surprise if such a deal were to be worked out given Pittsburgh’s TE depth chart.
Nevertheless, Smith was absent from minicamp last week with his future undecided. Against the backdrop of a possible trade, extension talks have also taken place. That process is ongoing and it is clear nothing is certain regarding Smith’s future.
During his weekly appearance on WSVN-7 yesterday, agent Drew Rosenhaus said (via Isaiah Smalls II of the Miami Herald) contract talks with Smith and the Dolphins are “still fluid.” With no resolution in place, it is still unclear whether or not this relationship will continue in 2025. During his debut campaign in Miami, Smith set new career highs in catches (88), yards (884) and touchdowns (eight). That production marked the best single-season output in franchise history at the position, and trading away the Pro Bowler would create a notable vacancy late in the offseason for the Dolphins.
On the other hand, Smith’s modest production in many of his previous seven seasons could make it challenging to quantify his value on a multi-year Dolphins pact. The former third-rounder failed to reach 500 yards in a season until 2023, his lone campaign working with Smith in Atlanta (after the two were also together in Tennessee from 2017-20). Aside from the Steelers, other suitors could emerge if they are prepared to make a lucrative investment in this case.
That will only become relevant, though, if no agreement can be reached with the Dolphins. Miami is among the teams currently projected to be over the cap next year, and making further long-term commitments on offense in addition to those already accounted for could be challenging. With plenty of time remaining until training camp, this situation could linger for several weeks without a final resolution.
John Lynch: 49ers Not Seeking WR Addition
The rehab process for Brandon Aiyuk continues. As the 49ers’ top receiver recovers from an ACL tear, the wait is ongoing with respect to when he will be cleared to return. 
That could take place early in the 2025 season, but Aiyuk’s absence and the decision to trade away Deebo Samuel have left some wondering if further moves at the WR spot will be made this summer. At this point, though, general manager John Lynch does not plan on adding another pass-catcher.
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In addition to Aiyuk, San Francisco has fifth-year veteran Jauan Jennings, 2024 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall and free agent addition Demarcus Robinson on the depth chart. That group is in position to enter training camp next month without future competition as things stand. The 49ers have plenty of spending power, but a free agent or trade pursuit would come as a surprise based on Lynch’s stance.
“We always keep a look for what’s out there, but we do like our group,” Lynch said during an interview with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco (via David Bonilla of 49ers Webzone). “I think, first of all, you start with Jauan. Jauan had a tremendous season last year. He’s been a tremendous competitor, player for us since he’s been here… Ricky is a really ascending player we’re excited about. Just scratched the surface of who he could be. And Ricky’s going to play well for us this year. I’m confident in that.
“So, in total, there’s opportunity out there, and then we’ll have a gift when [Aiyuk] comes back, whenever that is. But these guys, we’re comfortable and confident in their ability to get the job done until that time.”
Jennings benefitted from injuries elsewhere on offense and posted a career-best statline (77-975-6) in 2024. Another strong showing this year would help the pending free agent’s market value considerably. Pearsall averaged 12.9 yards per catch in limited action as a rookie, but he could take a step forward in Year 2. The 24-year-old is dealing with a hamstring issue which cost him time during the spring, although a return by training camp is expected. An impressive showing when healthy would help confirm the 49ers’ plan of relying on their in-house options especially until Aiyuk is cleared.
Steelers DL Derrick Harmon, CB Beanie Bishop In Line For Starting Roles
Spring practices did not settle any position battles around the NFL, of course. In the case of the Steelers, though, a pair of young defenders are in line for first-team action on a permanent basis pending on how training camp shakes out. 
Derrick Harmon was among the five interior defensive linemen who were selected during the opening round of this year’s draft. As Pittsburgh’s top choice (No. 21 overall), expectations will be high regarding production during his rookie season. Harmon will have plenty of opportunities to make an impact.
When speaking about the Oregon product, defensive line coach Karl Dunbar confirmed (via Mike DeFabo of The Athletic) Harmon will begin the year as a defensive tackle starter. With no padded practices taking place until training camp, offensive and defensive linemen can often struggle to make an impact during spring practices. Given the Steelers’ depth beyond Cameron Heyward along the defensive interior, though, Harmon represents a logical candidate to handle a heavy workload right away in the NFL.
Heyward is entering his age-36 season and 2025 marks the final year of his current deal with guaranteed salary. Harmon – who led all FBS D-linemen in quarterback pressures during his standout senior campaign with the Ducks -will be tasked with establishing himself as a long-term stalwart along the interior especially once Heyward’s career ends. For at least one year, though, they will operate as a tandem.
Elsewhere on the Steelers’ roster, Beanie Bishop appears to be positioned for an uptick in usage. The 2024 UDFA saw notable playing time early in his rookie season, but his role shrank once veteran Cameron Sutton returned from suspension. As DeFabo notes, though, Bishop has moved toward a full-time position as Pittsburgh’s slot corner for this season. Joey Porter Jr. and free agent signing Darius Slay will be handle starting duties on the perimeter, and the team has made additions capable of playing in the slot. Bishop is aware of that competition as he prepares for training camp.
“At the end of the day, they still don’t have a lot of money invested in me,” Bishop said (via DeFabo). “They obviously drafted a guy [seventh-rounder Donte Kent] this year. Brought in [free agent Brandin Echols]. So I’m never just comfortable and like, ‘Oh yeah, this is my spot.’”
Bishop wound up logging a 50% defensive snap share last season, and a strong summer performance could pave the way for an ever larger figure in 2025. He and Harmon will each play a notable role in Pittsburgh’s efforts to rebound from an underwhelming finish to the campaign last year.