Bills S Cole Bishop On Track To Start?
Expectations were high for Cole Bishop upon arrival in Buffalo during his rookie campaign in 2024. Things did not go entirely according to plan, but a starting safety spot is available to him this offseason. 
Bishop has operated with Buffalo’s first-team defense during the outset of OTAs, as noted by Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic (subscription required). That comes as little surprise given his status as a second-round pick from last year’s draft. The Bills’ other moves at the safety position this spring have pointed to a starting tandem alongside Taylor Rapp taking shape.
Rapp started each of his appearances last season, but Bishop missing most of training camp due to injury opened the door to Damar Hamlin handling first-team duties. The latter was retained on a one-year contract in March, a move which ensured continuity in the secondary but did not guarantee him a starting gig for 2025. Buffalo made an outside addition in the form of Darrick Forrest, but that veteran minimum investment will not impact the team’s defense.
During the 2025 draft, the Bills added three defensive backs. One of them – fifth-rounder Jordan Hancock – could see time at safety during his NFL tenure. The Ohio State product can be expected to primarily handle special teams work especially as a rookie, though. His presence should not impact Bishop’s ability to earn a starting spot in 2025.
Upon recovering in time for Week 2, Bishop managed to appear in each of Buffalo’s remaining regular and postseason games. The 22-year-old logged a 34% defensive snap share, and that figure will increase significantly this season if he can indeed land a starter’s role. Plenty of time remains before training camp even begins, but Bishop is off to a good start in his efforts to become a mainstay on defense for 2025 and beyond.
Caleb Williams Addresses Pre-Draft Bears Hesitation
Excerpts from Seth Wickersham’s upcoming book, (American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback) recently detailed the extent to which Caleb Williams originally preferred to wind up with the Vikings rather than the Bears during last year’s draft. The 2024 No. 1 pick spoke on the subject at the outset of OTAs. 
Wickersham’s book notes how Williams’ father sought out ways to avoid heading to Chicago given the franchise’s history of poor QB development. A Combine meeting with Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings, by contrast, created a strong desire for Williams to begin his NFL career in Minnesota. Of course, that proved impossible when the Bears – who only hosted one quarterback prospect last spring – informed the former Heisman winner they would select him first overall.
“There hasn’t been a 4,000-yard passer [in Bears history],” Williams said when reflecting on his initial trepidation about joining the team (via Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times). “There’s all these different things that come up. Being able to have those thoughts is, I think, fair.”
The 23-year-old made it clear in his remarks that his thoughts on the situation shifted following his top 30 visit with the Bears. Williams turned his attention away from seeking out ways to avoid being drafted by Chicago and instead focused on helping end the team’s struggles. Things did not according to plan in 2024, but plenty of time remains for improvement individually and as a team to take place.
“I think you think about all of the options and you look at the history and the facts and all of these different things,” Williams added. “Those are thoughts that go through your head in those situations. All of those are thoughts. And then after I came on my visit here, it was a… deliberate and determined answer that I had: I wanted to come here.”
The Oklahoma and USC product was sacked a league-leading 68 times during his rookie campaign. The Bears have re-shaped the interior of their offensive line this offseason, one in which skill-position players (tight end Colston Loveland, receiver Luther Burden) were added with Chicago’s first two draft picks. Especially with Ben Johnson now in place as head coach, expectations will be high for the team’s offense in 2025. Williams’ development will be a central factor in the Bears’ success on that side of the ball, and a strong showing in Year 2 would of course help lead to questions and speculation about his pre-draft approach subsiding.
Vikings Extend GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah
Kevin O’Connell landed an extension this offseason, ensuring the Vikings will have their head coach in place for years to come. The same is now true of their general manager. 
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has agreed to a multi-year extension, as first reported by Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The deal – which the team has since announced – was signed last night, per the report. 2025 had represented the final year of Adofo-Mensah’s pact, but he will not enter the campaign in a lame duck situation.
“Kwesi’s leadership, vision and collaboration with our coaching staff has positioned the Minnesota Vikings for sustained success,” a statement from co-owner Mark Wilf reads. “His dedication and forward-thinking approach have been instrumental in shaping our roster and future, and we are confident that under the guidance of him and Kevin O’Connell, we will continue to compete at the highest level as we pursue a championship for Vikings fans.”
Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell arrived together in Minnesota in 2022. Their first season together produced a 13-4 record, but a home wild-card loss marked an underwhelming end to the campaign. During the following year – one in which quarterback Kirk Cousins suffered an Achilles tear – Minnesota went 7-10 while cycling through a number of replacements under center to close out the season. The defining aspect of last spring for the Vikings was their decision to allow Cousins to depart in free agency and draft a long-term replacement in the form of J.J. McCarthy.
That move was another example of the extent to which Minnesota’s core has been been revamped over the past three years. In 2024 (with free agent signing Sam Darnold in place and McCarthy recovering from meniscus surgery), the Vikings went an impressive 14-3 while playing in the highly competitive NFC North. While the season again ended in the wild-card round – this time via a lopsided neutral site loss to the Rams – it came as no surprise when O’Connell received Coach of the Year honors in addition to his extension. The Vikings will keep the tandem including he and Adofo-Mensah in place while aiming to find postseason success.
That effort will see McCarthy handle starting duties despite missing his entire rookie season. The first-rounder will take charge of an offense featuring a strong skill-position group, an offensive line which has undergone multiple changes this offseason and O’Connell (who has established himself as one of the league’s top offensive minds). On defense, a unit which saw the free agent arrival of Jonathan Allen along with continued additions via the draft, expectations will remain high moving forward.
Today’s news ensures the Vikings will have stability not only on the sidelines but also in the front office. Adofo-Mensah is not the only executive affected by Friday’s developments, though. Pelissero reports Ryan Grigson and Demitrius Washington are each being promoted to assistant general manager. Both have operated as key aids to Adofo-Mensah during his Vikings tenure.
Grigson interviewed with the Jets for their general manager vacancy this winter. Already on the GM radar, this promotion will no doubt help him generate attention for future openings. For at least one more season, though, he and Washington will remain in place with Minnesota. Adofo-Mensah, meanwhile, is assured of continuing in his role at the helm of the Vikings for several more years.
49ers Hire Ethan Waugh
MAY 30: Waugh’s return is official, and the team announced he will operate with the title of personnel executive. That will entail a notable role in his second San Francisco stint.
MAY 22: Part of the Jaguars’ housecleaning in the front office was Ethan Waugh‘s departure immediately following the draft. Shortly after his Jacksonville exit, though, the veteran executive seems to have his next gig lined up.
The 49ers are expected to hire Waugh, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reports. Provided the move officially takes place, it will represent a reunion between the parties. Prior to joining the Jaguars’ front office, Waugh worked with the 49ers.
Waugh and Trent Baalke worked alongside each other in San Francisco, so it came as no surprise when the two eventually continued their partnership in Jacksonville. After the latter’s 49ers tenure ended following the 2016 season, though, Waugh remained in place. He worked his way up to VP of player personnel before departing the team. Waugh is unlikely to hold that title again upon returning to San Francisco, but he will represent a familiar face to general manager John Lynch and Co.
Baalke appeared to be safe after the 2024 season ended, but as the Jags negotiated with Liam Coen to become their new head coach he wound up being fired. That move left Waugh to handle interim general manager duties until James Gladstone landed the full-time gig. To no surprise, Gladstone has brought in a number of ex-Rams executives in preparation for his first year at the helm.
Brian Xanders is among the veteran staffers in place with Jacksonville as the team moves forward at a number of executive and coaching positions. While that takes place, Waugh will prepare for his second San Francisco stint. The 49ers have been unusually busy in terms of working out extensions this spring, but Waugh will be able to assist with the team’s remaining priorities over the summer.
Bills Promote Terrance Gray To Assistant GM
Terrance Gray has landed a promotion in the Bills’ front office. He now holds the title of assistant general manager, the team announced on Friday.
Gray spent the past three years as Buffalo’s vice president of player personnel. He has been with the organization since 2017, the beginning of the Sean McDermott-Brandon Beane era. Over that span, Gray has established himself as a key front office contributor with the franchise; as a result, today’s news comes as little surprise.
In recent years, Gray has generated general manager interest around the league. He turned down the opportunity to interview with the Patriots shortly before they tapped Eliot Wolf for the gig, but he did meet with both the Raiders and Chargers for their respective openings. Gray remained on the GM radar during this year’s hiring cycle.
The Jaguars met with Gray once during their general manager search. The Titans, meanwhile, made him a finalist for their opening before ultimately hiring Mike Borgonzi. It can certainly be expected that future general manager vacancies will include Gray in the interview process, and another strong season on the part of the Bills would do nothing to hurt his stock. As Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News notes, Brian Gaine will remain in place, meaning Buffalo will have two AGMs in 2025.
In addition to the Gray news, Friday’s announcement confirmed the recent report that Andrea Gosper was also promoted; she now officially holds the title of assistant to the general manager. In the wake of that move, MK Collins has been named the Bills’ new player personnel coordinator. That department will have a new leader as Gray departs it in advance of at least one more season in Buffalo’s front office.
Colts HC Shane Steichen Addresses QB Competition Schedule
Earlier this offseason, Colts head coach Shane Steichen said the evaluation of Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones will begin during spring practices. He offered further details on the team’s quarterback competition at the onset of OTAs. 
“We’re breaking down the reps,” Steichen said (via a team transcript) when asked about how the workload will be split between Richardson and Jones over the course of Organized Team Activities. “I think through OTAs, we’ve got nine good practices. They’ll both get about 170 reps apiece with those guys, with the ones and twos, and we’ll flip-flop them.”
Richardson immediately took on starting duties as a rookie despite his limited playing time in college. The Florida product only managed four games before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury, limiting his time to develop at the NFL level. In 2024, Richardson’s accuracy struggles continued with a completion percentage of just 47.7% and he found himself being replaced by Joe Flacco at one point during the year. Flacco’s departure left Indianapolis in need of a new veteran capable of handling QB1 duties.
That resulted in the Jones deal. His one-year pact has a base value of $14MM, nearly all of which is guaranteed. Incentives are also in place which could increase the former Giant’s 2025 earnings and potentially help his market value for next spring. Of course, a long run with Jones atop the depth chart would be an indication Richardson was unable to earn the starting gig in Year 3.
Such a development would not be welcomed by the team after making Richardson the fourth overall selection in 2023. After the coming season ends, a decision will need to be made on the 23-year-old’s fifth-year option. Exercising it would keep Richardson in place through 2027, although a notable step forward will be needed for such a commitment to be feasible. In the meantime, his attention will be aimed at preparing for a healthy campaign and outperforming Jones.
Midway through his ill-fated Giants extension, the former No. 6 pick was waived. Jones landed a deal with the Vikings to close out the year, but – just like Sam Darnold – he departed on the open market in search of his best chance to serve as a starting quarterback again. A path to that role clearly exists in Indianapolis, and it will be interesting to see if the even split in reps yields a clear frontrunner for the QB1 gig in the near future.
Sean McVay: Rams Making Progress On Kyren Williams Extension
Regardless of what happens with with respect to a potential Jalen Ramsey reunion, Kyren Williams looms as a key offseason priority for the Rams. Progress is being made regarding an extension agreement in the latter’s case. 
When speaking to the media at the start of OTAs, head coach Sean McVay said “healthy” discussions have taken place with Williams’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus, about a long-term deal. Talks on that front have been held this spring, with Williams – who is in attendance for the voluntary practices – set to play out the final year of his rookie contract in 2025.
The 24-year-old is uncertain to land an extension before the coming season begins, but in any case he is confident he will remain with the Rams in 2026 and beyond. Williams has operated as the team’s lead running back for each of the past two seasons, totaling 544 carries during that time. He earned a Pro Bowl invite along with a second-team All-Pro nod in 2023 as a result of his league-leading 95.3 rushing yards per game average that year.
Williams saw his efficiency drop in 2024, but an increased workload allowed him to set a new career high in several categories. RB1 duties should again be in store for the Notre Dame product moving forward, and that will of course hold true if a long-term agreement can in fact be reached. McVay added “positive progress” has been made toward a deal coming together. Should that continue to be the case, Williams could have an extension in hand well before Week 1.
The Rams have made mid-round draft investments in the backfield over the past two years (Blake Corum in 2024, Jarquez Hunter in 2025). A depth role can be expected for one or both of them this season, but much of Los Angeles’ offensive success will again be determined by the play of Williams as the team’s top option. His age and production could help lead to an agreement near the top of the running back market (which currently includes seven players attached to eight figures in annual earnings) if the Rams are willing to meet his asking price. Indications are that will take place somewhat soon.
Von Miller Plans To Play In 2025; Broncos Reunion Unlikely
Von Miller‘s Bills release made him a free agent for the second time in his career. The former Super Bowl MVP remains unsigned at this point, but he has no intention of retiring. 
Miller told 9News’ Mike Klis he plans to play in 2025. Where that takes place is unclear, as the 36-year-old has not been connected to any interested suitors since being let go in March. That move ended Miller’s three-year Buffalo tenure, one which fell short of expectations.
After signing a six-year, $120MM deal to head to Buffalo, Miller managed eight sacks in his first 11 games with the team. An ACL tear ended his debut campaign and hindered his effectiveness upon return, though. After facing questions about his future with the team, the 2010s All-Decade Team member managed six sacks in 13 games last season. That represented a bounce back from the previous campaign, but it came after he handled a snap share of just 33%.
The Bills kept A.J. Epenesa in the fold this offseason while extending Gregory Rousseau and signing Joey Bosa as a veteran Miller replacement on the edge. The team had been in contact about a new (less lucrative) Miller pact around the time of the Bosa signing, but nothing came to pass on that front. Bosa has since suffered a calf injury, but he is expected to return in time for training camp. It would thus come as a surprise if Buffalo were to look into a Miller deal at this point.
A Broncos reunion should also be considered unlikely. Miller cited the presence of Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper in Denver as a reason to avoid signing there. That tandem will remain in place for years to come provided Bonitto signs an extension, something which has already taken place with respect to Cooper. Miller’s other former team – the Rams – have not been cited as a potential landing spot, nor have they been active in the remaining free agent market for any edge rushers.
As a result, plenty of uncertainty looms regarding where Miller will suit up next. The two-time Super Bowl winner could provide his next team with an experienced third-down option for 2025, but a long-term investment or a pact approaching the value of his last one should of course not be expected.
Chargers’ Rashawn Slater Absent From OTAs
During each of his first four seasons in the NFL, Rashawn Slater attended the opening session of organized team activities. The Chargers’ left tackle has deviated from that trend in 2025, though. 
Slater was absent from the beginning of Los Angeles’ OTAs, as detailed by Gavino Borquez of ChargersWire. The move comes against the backdrop of an extension being sought in this case. The 26-year-old is currently set to play out his fifth-year option in 2025.
Since joining the Bolts as a first-round pick, Slater has handled full-time starting duties on the blindside. He earned a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie and added another to his resume in 2024. The intervening years included a biceps tear which limited him to three games in 2022, but he managed to play a full campaign the following season. With his value to the Chargers’ offensive line well established, extension talks have unsurprisingly taken place since at least February.
Not long after the draft, it became clear team and player were still discussing a long-term pact. General manager Joe Hortiz expressed his desire for an agreement to be reached, but that is obviously not the case yet. Voluntary workouts will continue for the Chargers until mandatory minicamp takes place from June 10-12. The prospect of fines for missed time would only emerge if Slater remained absent for that event.
The Northwestern product is owed $19.04MM in 2025 as a result of Los Angeles’ decision to pick up his option last spring. That figure is guaranteed in full, but an extension will bring with it plenty more in terms of locked in compensation as well as a raise. 15 offensive tackles are currently attached to a deal averaging at least $20MM per year, with six carrying an AAV of $25MM or more. The latter group includes right tackles Penei Sewell and Lane Johnson, though, so Slater would be joining exclusive company in terms of blindside protectors if his new deal were to check in at the higher rate.
The Chargers used the No. 5 pick in last year’s draft on Joe Alt, and he operated at right tackle as a rookie. The Notre Dame product looms as a potential successor to Slater given his college experience on the opposite side, but the team would of course prefer to keep its tandem in place for years to come. Doing so will require working out a lucrative pact for Slater, and there is still clearly progress to be made on that front.
T.J. Watt Absent From Steelers OTAs
T.J. Watt remains without a contract beyond 2025, and his situation is, therefore, still a talking point as the Steelers return to the facility. Pittsburgh’s Organized Team Activities began today, and the All-Pro edge rusher was, reportedly, not with the team. 
According to Curt Popejoy of SteelersWire, Watt skipped the start of OTAs today. It is certainly no secret that the former Defensive Player of the Year has been in search of a new deal, a desire which the team has publicly reciprocated. One season remains on his contract, and Watt has already hinted at dissatisfaction with playing on a contract year this offseason.
Since both the Steelers (55) and Watt (22.5) led the NFL in sacks in 2021, Pittsburgh has put up middling sack numbers in each of the past three seasons. Part of that was due to an injury in 2022 that forced Watt to miss seven games, but it was still the case when Watt earned his third sack-title with 19.0 in 2023. Still, ever since his four-year, $112MM extension started in 2021, Watt has accounted for nearly a third of the team’s sack total. He’s also the only player in NFL history (since sacks became an official stat in 1982) to lead the league in sacks in a single season three times.
All this, just to underline how much Watt means to the Steelers’ pass rush. Without him, the team’s top returning sack-getters were Cameron Heyward (8.0), who just turned 36 years old, Alex Highsmith (6.0), and Nick Herbig (5.5). No other returning defender had more than one. Highsmith has flashed big potential in the past (14.5 sacks in 2022), but his output hasn’t been consistent enough for Pittsburgh to rely on him as their primary source of a pass rush in the future. The team also drafted Ohio State edge rusher Jack Sawyer in this year’s draft, but expecting the fourth-rounder to eventually replace Watt is a lot to ask.
There really doesn’t seem to be much threat of the Steelers losing Watt at the moment, though. Despite a down year for Watt and the lack of an acceptable offer from Pittsburgh, both sides seem to want the same things. Per Popejoy, “Watt wants a new contract and a raise,” and “the Steelers want Watt to retire” in Pittsburgh. All that needs to happen, now, is for the two parties to find agreeable terms with which they can move forward.
Ely Allen contributed to this post.