Former WR Jared Bernhardt To Begin Lacrosse Career
In 2021, Jared Bernhardt won the Tewaaraton Award as the country’s top collegiate lacrosse player. He turned his attention toward a professional football career afterwards, but that proved to be a short-lived effort. 
In 2022, Bernhardt joined the Falcons as an undrafted free agent. He would up making a pair of regular season appearances as a rookie before landing on injured reserve in October. Those two contests proved to be the only action of Bernhardt’s NFL career, and in May 2023 he was placed on the reserve/retired list by Atlanta. One year later, the 27-year-old attended a workout with the Giants, but it did not produce a deal allowing for an NFL comeback.
With his football days over, Bernhardt will officially transition back to lacrosse. ESPN’s Field Yates recently noted the Maryland product spoke with each team in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) while aiming to immediately join a team. Earlier this week, he made his decision by signing with the Denver Outlaws (h/t Yates). As a result of that move, Bernhardt is set to make his debut tonight.
The PLL was founded in 2018 with its first season taking place one year later. The league began as a competitor to Major League Lacrosse, but the two wound up merging in 2020. As a result, the PLL – which currently has eight franchises – now operates as a rival to the decades-old National Lacrosse League (NLL). The latter’s latest season recently ended, and the 2025 PLL campaign begins tonight.
Bernhardt’s presence will be notable for the Outlaws in particular and the league in general given his pedigree dating back to his college career. Regardless of how his pro lacrosse endeavors play out, though, an attempt at an NFL return should obviously not be expected.
Texans LB Christian Harris Expected To Return By Training Camp
A calf injury suffered last summer led to an extended absence for Texans linebacker Christian Harris. After returning to the field in time for the final five combined regular and postseason games of the 2024 campaign, an ankle injury cost him time this offseason. 
Harris has been recovering during voluntary workouts and OTAs. He is not expected to participate in on-field work during Houston’s upcoming minicamp, but KPCR2′ Aaron Wilson reports “steady progress” is being made in his recovery. As a result, the 24-year-old is set to receive full clearance in time for training camp.
“Yeah, he’s been here working, like he always is,” defensive coordinator Matt Burke said (via Wilson) when speaking about Harris’ situation. “Christian has been doing his thing. All the guys are on different plans and routines. The goal is to get all these guys ready for camp, and he’s on track to be there for us.”
Harris was limited to 12 games as a rookie, but he flashed considerable potential while handling a heavy defensive workload. The former third-rounder saw a drop in snap share (to 71%) the following season but he remained a productive contributor on the team’s defense with 101 stops, seven tackles for loss and a pair of sacks. Expectations were high entering the 2024 campaign as a result, but the calf stain cost Harris much of the regular season.
The Alabama product’s ability to return to full health this year will be key for team and player. Harris will look to earn a first-team gig while competing with incumbent Henry To’oTo’o and free agent addition E.J. Speed for playin time during camp. In any combination, the second level of Houston’s defense will be counted on to remain strong in 2025. Harris playing a big role in that respect would set him up well in free agency.
The coming season represents the final one of his rookie contract. A productive campaign would boost Harris’ stock on a second Texans pact or one sending him to a new team, and he should be at full strength well in advance of Week 1.
Bears S Jaquan Brisker Has Not Considered Retirement
Concussions have been one of the defining aspects of Jaquan Brisker‘s NFL career to date. The fourth-year Bears safety has recovered from his latest one, and he has not given thought to retirement. 
Brisker is committed to resuming his career in 2025. The coming campaign will be key for team and player in this case. Chicago’s secondary is aiming for a rebound compared to its performance last season, while the 26-year-old is a pending 2026 free agent. No changes in playing style are being planned by Brisker either.
“No, I’m not,” the Penn State product said while speaking to the media when asked if was giving thought to retirement or focusing on his concussion history (via 670 The Score). “I’m not. I’m good. I’m past that point. I’m really moving on. I’m just focused on playing ball. I’m going to continue to play the same way.”
Brisker has served as a full-time starter throughout his time with the Bears. He has missed time every season due to a concussion, though, and in 2024 he was only available for five games. A healthy slate from the former second-rounder would be crucial to Chicago’s defense while also making it easier to commit to him beyond the coming campaign. Brisker topped 100 tackles during his first two seasons, and he has amassed three interceptions and 13 pass deflections to date.
A trend of missed time through injury – particularly concussions – often gives teams pause when they contemplate re-signing or extending players. Brisker has made it clear his long-term brain health is not seen as a concern at this point, however, so he should be able to play his way into a lucrative second contract with a strong season in 2025. His ability to remain available for a full campaign will be an interesting storyline to follow.
Cowboys’ DeMarvion Overshown Ahead Of Schedule In Recovery; Sam Williams Returns To Practice
DeMarvion Overshown missed his entire rookie season due to an ACL tear. He managed to return to the Cowboys’ lineup in time for the start of last season, handling a starting role when on the field. 
A productive campaign came to a premature end in December, however. The former third-round linebacker suffered another ACL tear with the same damage also being done to his MCL and PCL. As a result, Overshown is once again in the midst of a lengthy recovery process. Encouragingly, he is ahead of schedule at this point.
“It really couldn’t be any better,” Overshown said when speaking about his health status (via Jon Machota of The Athletic). “Where I’m at in my rehab and my process is where I’m supposed to be plus some… There’s no need to rush the process. I’m gonna come back when I’m 100 percent. When I’m ready, when I know I can touch the field and not look down and worry about my knee.”
The 24-year-old posted 90 tackles, five sacks and four pass deflections last season. A return to that level of production would be welcomed on a Cowboys defense in need of improvement in 2025. A firm timeline is not in place for a return to action, and it would come as no surprise if Overshown began the campaign on the PUP list. November was mentioned last month as a possible point at which he could suit up, but since the Texas product is ahead of schedule he may manage to do so slightly earlier.
In other Cowboys injury news, Sam Williams has recently reached a key milestone in his own rehab process stemming from a major knee injury. The former second-round defensive end missed all of last season after tearing his ACL and suffering a partial MCL tear during training camp. The 26-year-old recently took part in individual drills for the first time this offseason, though, as noted by the Dallas Morning News’ Calvin Watkins.
That news comes as little surprise, since owner Jerry Jones said one month ago Williams had nearly healed in full. Still, having the latter back in the fold will be key for a pass rush group which lost DeMarcus Lawrence in free agency. Williams has yet to start a game in the NFL, but he could be in line for a spike in usage as a complement to Micah Parsons along the edge. A strong showing would be key since Williams is a pending 2026 free agent.
Dallas ranked 31st in the NFL in points allowed last season. Better health from the likes of Overshown and Williams will help the team’s efforts to improve in that respect, and both should be available for at least most of the coming campaign.
Steelers Sign Aaron Rodgers
JUNE 6, 8:40am: Rodgers has insisted that money is not his primary motivator and suggested that he would be willing to take $10MM – his lowest salary since his rookie contract – to play in Pittsburgh. The base value of his deal with the Steelers is expected to be in that neighborhood, per Rapoport, with the potential for more money via incentives.
JUNE 5, 10:08pm: The Steelers have officially announced the one-year deal (pending physical).
JUNE 5, 2:15pm: The Aaron Rodgers saga is nearing its expected conclusion. The future Hall of Famer has informed the Steelers he will sign with them, Tom Pelissero, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network report. 
To no surprise, Rapoport adds this will be a one-year deal. Rodgers will fly to Pittsburgh tomorrow, allowing him to sign ahead of next week’s minicamp. The four-time MVP will thus handle starting duties for 2025 as the Steelers look to upgrade their play under center on a short-term basis.
Uncertainty has clouded this situation throughout the offseason, but for quite some time signs have exclusively pointed to this arrangement taking place. Pittsburgh’s initial intention was to keep one of Russell Wilson or Justin Fields in place as a holdover from the team’s 2024 QB setup. Instead, Fields left for the Jets in free agency while Wilson (preferring not to wait for Rodgers to make his decision) will handle starting duties for the Giants.
Since losing both of their quarterbacks from the previous campaign, the Steelers have been connected to Rodgers. After two years with the Jets – one which ended after four snaps due to an Achilles tear and one which was marred by inconsistent play and turmoil in the organization – he was released. The manner in which Rodgers was informed of the decision by the new Jets regime was not well-received, but a first career foray into free agency brought with it conversations with a number of teams. The Giants were among them, although the team’s preference was to use the 2025 draft as a means of finding a long-term solution under center.
The Vikings represented a potential destination as well, with Rodgers informing them they were his preferred landing spot. After allowing Sam Darnold to depart in free agency, though, Minnesota is prepared to move forward with 2024 first-rounder J.J. McCarthy under center. In mid-March, the possibility was raised that Rodgers would either sign with the Vikings or retire. Neither route has been taken.
Shortly after that report emerged, a free agent visit took place in which Rodgers went to the Steelers’ facility. That did not produce an agreement, but a contract offer was made. While continuing to weigh the option of hanging up his cleats – and focusing his attention on a personal matter – the longtime Packers star mainly remained quiet with respect to public comments on his future. Clearly, Rodgers’ off-the-field situation has now reached a point where he is committed to suiting up for a 21st season in the NFL.
The Steelers have Skylar Thompson on their quarterback depth chart, and the team reunited with Mason Rudolph in free agency. The latter (who totaled 21 appearances and 13 starts across his first Pittsburgh stint) was made aware before signing of the possibility a deal such as this was a distinct possibility. The team aimed to have a firm Rodgers answer before April’s draft took place, but even without one Pittsburgh operated as though he would eventually arrive. Indeed, owner Art Rooney II expressed optimism on that front multiple times while the Steelers’ only rookie addition came in the form of sixth-rounder Will Howard.
Late last month, Rodgers hinted further that he would spend the 2025 campaign in Pittsburgh. The 41-year-old has already worked out with trade acquisition D.K. Metcalf this offseason while remaining in constant contact with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin (whom ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes was a key factor in Rodgers’ decision). No firm timeline was ever established for a deal to be worked out, and missed reps at OTAs are certainly far from ideal. Realistically, though, upcoming minicamp represented a logical deadline for Rodgers to report to the team and begin acclimating to OC Arthur Smith‘s scheme.
Since Ben Roethlisberger‘s retirement following the 2021 campaign, the Steelers have been unable to find an effective replacement under center. Given Rodgers’ age, he will of course not be seen as a long-term solution at the position. Next year’s draft – which will take place in Pittsburgh, no less – looms as one to watch with respect to another notable rookie investment on the team’s part.
In the meantime, another postseason berth will be the goal for Tomlin and Co. The Steelers have never posted a sub-.500 record during his tenure, but playoff success has proven hard to come by dating back to the waning stages of Roethlisberger’s decorated career. If healthy, Rodgers could give the team’s offense its highest floor in years. Considering his age, declining mobility and production since the start of the 2022 season, however, it very much remains to be seen how effective his debut Steelers season will be.
One of the impacts of today’s news is the fact Pittsburgh will no longer be in the market for Kirk Cousins. The Falcons have consistently stated their preference to keep him as a backup, but the four-time Pro Bowler has aimed for a change of scenery all offseason. The Steelers were keeping tabs on a potential trade while awaiting word from Rodgers, their preferred target for a short-term addition. Now, Cousins can essentially be locked into remaining with Atlanta unless a starting quarterback is injured this summer.
Rodgers’ legacy will be dictated in large part by the success of his Packers stint. To say the least, though, things did not go according to plan during his Jets tenure. How this third chapter of his career plays out will be one of the league’s more interesting storylines.
Extension Talks Ongoing Between Ravens, Lamar Jackson
In March, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said internal conversations have taken place about a Lamar Jackson extension. Talks on that front have also been had with the two-time MVP.
“We’ve had some conversations before the draft, after the draft, in person last week,” general manager Eric DeCosta said about Jackson during an appearance on the BMore Baseball Podcast (video link). “I think we’re in the introductory sort of stage of looking at what an extension might look like.”
Three years remain on Jackson’s contract. That five-year, $260MM pact contained $185MM in guarantees and plenty of locked-in compensation remains to be paid out. $21MM in base salary is guaranteed for the coming season, and another $29MM in base pay for 2026 vested in March.
Team and player could elect to wait until next offseason to work out a third contract, especially since that’d provide the front office an opportunity to navigate the QB’s increased cap hit. Assuming that deal comes to fruition, it will likely once again reset the quarterback market, something that Harbaugh has already alluded to.
Dak Prescott‘s extension with the Cowboys made him the highest-paid NFL player of all time from an annual standpoint, as the QB’s AAV comes in at $60MM. Patrick Mahomes‘ $450MM in total value still paces the position, while Josh Allen earned a position-leading $250MM in guaranteed money. It’s unlikely that Jackson will be able to top all of those categories; at the very least, he should see a significant (and potentially record-breaking) jump on the $52MM AAV he’s currently attached to.
Jackson had one of the most productive showings of his career during his age-27 season. He tossed a career-high 41 touchdowns vs. only four interceptions, and he topped 900 rushing yards for the first time since the 2020 campaign. Thanks to that showing, Jackson finished second in MVP voting.
Ben Levine contributed to this post.
Ravens Extend WR Rashod Bateman
The Ravens have worked out another extension on the offensive side of the ball. Wideout Rashod Bateman has a new deal in place, per a team announcement. 
Providing details on the extension, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports this is a three-year, $36.75MM pact. $20MM in guarantees are present in the contract. Bateman is now on the books through the 2029 campaign. When speaking to the media on Thursday, Bateman noted extension talks took place since the end of the season (h/t Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic). This news marks the first time in franchise history a drafted receiver has signed multiple extensions with the Ravens.
One year ago, team and player worked out a short-term extension. That two-year deal came about during unusual circumstances, as Bateman briefly found himself on the reserve/did not report list at the start of training camp. By rule, that made him ineligible to have his fifth-year option picked up and hastened the need for a second contract to be worked out. Doing so provided the former first-rounder with a raise, something which paved the way for today’s new agreement.
Injuries proved to be a hindrance during the beginning of Bateman’s career. The Minnesota product had not lived up to expectations through his first three years in Baltimore, but he parlayed an uptick in usage into increased production in 2024. Logging a 69% snap share – in line with his workload from his rookie season but a notable spike compared to the two following years – Bateman comfortably set a new career high in yards (756) and touchdowns (nine). His 16.8 yards per catch average ranked third in the NFL. Those figures, along with a full slate of games, have driven the Ravens to make an even longer commitment in this case.
Bateman, 25, did not anticipate his 2024 extension. Similarly, today’s agreement was not preceded by reports of extension talks taking place. The only news surrounding him this offseason was the revelation that Dallas pursued Bateman in a trade. The Cowboys’ WR efforts ultimately resulted their George Pickens acquisition, leaving Baltimore’s No. 2 at the position in place. Bateman’s future for the remainder of his prime is now assured, and he will stay in place while operating in a tandem with fellow former first-rounder Zay Flowers.
The top of the receiver market now sits at over $40MM per year. Bateman has not come close to matching the production of Ja’Marr Chase or the seven other wideouts attached to an AAV of at least $30MM, but this can be seen as a team-friendly deal given the recent surges in value seen at the position. At $12.25MM per year, this pact essentially doubles Bateman’s yearly earnings compared to last year’s extension, but considering his age a commitment of this kind will keep him under team control at a rate well below the cost of other ascending wideouts (especially given the expectation that the salary cap will continue rising in the coming years).
In 2024 – the second season with Todd Monken in place as Baltimore’s offensive coordinator – the team ranked seventh in the NFL in passing yards. The Ravens’ only key change at the WR spot this offseason was signing DeAndre Hopkins to replace Nelson Agholor, so expectations will be high for a repeat of that success with many familiar faces in place. Baltimore has already extended running back Derrick Henry, preventing him from entering the 2025 campaign as a pending free agent.
That move has now been followed up by a new Bateman pact. Remaining extension priorities include a second contract for center Tyler Linderbaum and a cap-related deal for quarterback Lamar Jackson no later than next offseason. Regardless of what happens on those fronts, the Ravens will have stability atop the receiver depth chart with Bateman and Flowers for years to come.
Colts QB Anthony Richardson To Miss Time With Shoulder Injury
Anthony Richardson has encountered another injury setback. The third-year Colts quarterback is dealing with a shoulder injury which will keep him out of minicamp, head coach Shane Steichen announced on Thursday. 
The affected shoulder – which recently experienced soreness – is the same one in which Richardson suffered an AC joint sprain in 2023, as noted by ESPN’s Stephen Holder. That injury ended his rookie campaign after just four games and cost the former No. 4 pick development time. The same is now true in this case.
No surgery will be required this time around, but Richardson will nevertheless miss valuable spring reps during his bid to earn the starting gig. Steichen added (via James Boyd of The Athletic) no timeline is in place for a return but noted he hopes Richardson will be back at some point during during training camp. The latter entered this offseason in an open competition with Daniel Jones for the QB1 spot based on his missed time and underwhelming play when healthy. This latest setback will give Jones additional first-team reps.
After his Giants tenure came to an end, Jones finished the 2024 season in Minnesota. Just like Sam Darnold, though, he departed in free agency. The 28-year-old took a contract with a base value of $14MM this spring and in doing so became an option to see considerable time atop the Colts’ depth chart this season. Steichen has previously made it clear Richardson and Jones would evenly split first-team reps during OTAs, a plan indicating the extent to which the position was unsettled based on how things transpired last year.
Richardson avoided a major injury during his second season in Indianapolis, but he still missed some time for that reason. The Florida product also found himself benched in favor of Joe Flacco at one point while posting a completion percentage of just 47.7% and a negative touchdown-to-interception ratio (8:12) on the year. Major improvement will be needed if Richardson is to solidify himself as an NFL starter.
Next spring, the Colts will need to decide on Richardson’s 2027 fifth-year option. That call will depend in large part on how he performs this season, something which will of course require winning the competition with Jones. For the time being, though, only the latter will be available for on-field work.
No Extension Agreement Imminent Between Commanders, Terry McLaurin
5:00pm: Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer predicts an agreement will be reached on this front no later than the start of training camp (video link). He adds the value of a new contract could range between $30MM and $35MM annually given the current nature of the receiver market. In any case, an arrangement on a third contract (or at least progress toward one) will presumably be sought out in the near future by the Commanders.
12:31pm: Terry McLaurin is among the veteran players around the NFL absent from OTAs while seeking an extension. It appears progress at the negotiating table has been hard to come by in his case. 
McLaurin has informed the Commanders he is “frustrated” by the status of extension talks, Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reports. The two-time Pro Bowler has one year remaining on his contract, but it has long been known he is aiming for a new pact. An extension has also been a team priority for some time now.
As a result, many expected an agreement to be worked out between team and player. McLaurin’s importance to Washington’s offense cannot be understated, and he remained a consistent producer during the years leading up the arrival of quarterback Jayden Daniels. With the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year in place, McLaurin topped 1,000 receiving yards for the fifth straight year while reaching a new career high with 13 touchdowns.
The 29-year-old has already been paid out a $2.8MM roster bonus, and he is owed a $15.5MM base salary for the coming campaign. McLaurin is set to carry a cap charge of $25.5MM in 2025, and an extension (even by means of a raise) could lower that figure. The top of the receiver market has surpassed $40MM this offseason, and a total of eight wideouts average at least $30MM per year. The AAV of McLaurin’s existing deal checks in at $23.2MM.
Adding an established pass-catcher was an understandable offseason goal for the Commanders. To no surprise, then, the team brought in Deebo Samuel via trade. His pact was restructured upon arrival, but the former 49er joins McLaurin as a pending 2026 free agent. Ensuring at least the latter remains in place beyond the coming season – and thus through the remainder of Daniels’ rookie contract – would be a sound approach for general manager Adam Peters and Co. Work still needs to take place for that to be possible, however.
As Schultz notes, McLaurin departed the team during earlier voluntary work as an indication of his dissatisfaction. It will be interesting to see if he skips mandatory minicamp (set for June 10-12) or engages in a hold-in while extension talks continue.
Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown Recovering From Knee Surgery; LB Malcolm Rodriguez To Miss Regular Season Time
Thursday brought about a pair of notable injury updates for the Lions. One of them came from All-Pro wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown. 
St. Brown said (via ESPN’s Eric Woodyard) he underwent knee surgery shortly after the 2024 season ended. He will miss the remainder of spring workouts as his recovery continues. The 25-year-old added, though, that he expects to be cleared in time for training camp.
St. Brown’s health will of course be critical for the Lions in 2025 as the team once again aims for a Super Bowl. He has topped 1,000 yards during each of the past three seasons, earning a Pro Bowl nod every time during that stretch. The former fourth-rounder will again operate as Detroit’s No. 1 receiver this season, and expectations will be high for another year of standout production.
Last offseason, St. Brown agreed to a four-year extension worth just over $120MM. That agreement made him one of the league’s highest-paid receivers and ensured the USC product will remain in the Motor City for years to come. An offense still featuring quarterback Jared Goff, running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, fellow wideout Jameson Williams and tight end Sam LaPorta will be expected to remain one of the league’s best in 2025 even without OC Ben Johnson in place anymore. St. Brown will have a critical role to play in the unit’s success, so being back to 100% by July would be a welcomed development.
In other injury news, head coach Dan Campbell spoke on linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (video link). He confirmed Rodriguez will miss the beginning of the 2025 season, which comes as no surprise. The 26-year-old suffered an ACL tear on Thanksgiving, making him one of several key defenders who missed time for Detroit in 2024. Campbell said a return to action could take place sometime in November in Rodriguez’s case.
Managing to return to full strength will be key for the former sixth-rounder. Rodriguez is a pending 2026 free agent, so his value will be dictated in large part by his level of play once he is healthy. He has totaled 24 starts during his Lions tenure, and at least a part-time defensive role should await him upon returning to the field. A productive run to close out the campaign could boost his stock and add depth to the second level of the team’s defense.
Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes are in place as returnees at the linebacker spot for Detroit. Alex Anzalone is on the books as well, but he has remained away from the team during voluntary workouts. While the team looks to sort out a potential extension on that front, Zach Cunningham recently joined as experienced option for the initial roster. Rodriguez missing Week 1 will help Cunningham’s chances of surviving roster cutdowns at the end of training camp.