Patriots To Sign LB K’Lavon Chaisson
The Patriots are once again adding to their defense. The team has agreed to a contract with edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. It’s a one-year deal worth $5MM.
Chaisson struggled to live up to his first-round billing during his time with the Jaguars, collecting five total sacks through his first four NFL seasons. After having his fifth-year option declined, the pass rusher hit free agency last offseason, when he caught on with the Panthers. He didn’t make it to the regular season with his new squad, but he was quickly scooped up by the Raiders.
The 25-year-old ended up having the most productive season of his career in Las Vegas. Chaisson started four of his 15 appearances in 2024, finishing with 32 tackles, five sacks, and eight QB hits. Pro Football Focus graded him 64th among 119 qualifying edge defenders, although the site did give him the 27th-best positional grade for his pass-rushing ability.
Mike Vrabel and the Patriots have been busy using their league-leading cap space to help improve the defense. The team’s already invested in the likes of Milton Williams, Carlton Davis, Harold Landry, and Robert Spillane, who was teammates with Chaisson in Las Vegas.
The newest addition won’t be as counted on as those other signings. Still, he’ll join an increasingly impressive pass-rushing corps that also includes the likes of Christian Barmore and Keion White.
Giants Host QB Joe Flacco
The Giants have been linked to a handful of veteran signal callers during the early days of free agency. The team is once again giving serious consideration to an experienced quarterback. According to ESPN’s Field Yates, the Giants hosted Joe Flacco on a visit today.
Entering his age-40 season, Flacco represents more of a bridge and/or backup option than the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson. Still, considering Flacco’s recent play, the veteran would be a welcome addition to a barren Giants QBs room.
Flacco’s post-Ravens tenure didn’t get off to the best start. He went 2-6 with the Broncos in 2019, and he won only one of his nine starts with the Jets between 2020 and 2022. Flacco proved that he still had something left in the tank while playing with the Browns in 2023. The quarterback earned Comeback Player of the Year honors after guiding the Browns to a surprise playoff appearance, with Flacco going 4-1 while completing 60.3 percent of his passes for 1,616 yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
That performance earned him another NFL contract, with the Colts adding him as a contingency to Anthony Richardson last offseason. Indy’s investment proved to be somewhat worthwhile, as Flacco was called on to start six games for his new squad. The 39-year-old only went 2-4, but he still managed to toss 12 touchdowns while finishing with his highest completion percentage since 2019.
In New York, Flacco wouldn’t be the definitive QB1, but he would buy the Giants some extra time as they navigate their uncertain depth chart. Tommy DeVito is the only signal caller under contract in New York, leading many pundits to believe the front office will use their third-overall pick to secure a player at the position. Flacco could keep the seat warm while the rookie gains experience.
Flacco may also be a backup plan for the organization. The Giants remain in play for Rodgers, and they’re set to meet with Wilson tomorrow (Wilson left his Browns meeting today without a contract). If the organization strikes out on those two targets, they may be ready to pivot to another Super Bowl-winning QB in Flacco.
Raiders Shopping TE Michael Mayer, RB Zamir White
MARCH 3: Confirming the Raiders’ interest in pulling off a trade, Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports multiple teams have checked in as it pertains to Mayer. A deal could take place as early as next week once the new league year starts, but a trade agreement could be reached at any time before that point.
MARCH 1: While the Raiders’ 2024 campaign offered more disappointments than positives, the team can rest easy knowing they have a foundational piece in rookie Brock Bowers. However, with the tight end establishing himself as one of the best players at his position, the Raiders could now look to trade some of their positional depth.
According to Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed of The Athletic, the Raiders have had trade discussions with teams about tight end Michael Mayer. While the former second-round pick has disappointed during his brief stint in the NFL, there are still teams willing to gamble on the player’s upside.
Drafted as the 35th pick in the 2023 draft, there was initial hope that Mayer would solidify the position for years to come. He somewhat looked the part of a starter as a rookie, finishing with 27 receptions for 304 yards and two scores in 14 games (12 starts). He was knocked down the depth chart last offseason when the Raiders added Bowers, and Mayer later landed on NFI due to undisclosed personal reasons. The 23-year-old ultimately finished his sophomore campaign with 21 catches for 156 yards.
To the Raiders’ credit, they still managed to get Mayer into about 63 percent of their offensive snaps when he was active, so the team’s two tight ends should be able to coexist. Still, as The Athletic notes, the Raiders were expecting a bigger impact from Mayer, and they could look to trade him for assets instead of keeping him around as a backup. With two years remaining on his inexpensive rookie pact, the Raiders probably aren’t feeling a whole lot of urgency, but there should be suitors willing to pull the trigger in an offseason that features an underwhelming TE class.
Mayer isn’t the only former draft pick on the block. According to The Athletic, Zamir White is also believed to be available. The former fourth-round pick showed up as a sophomore when he finished with 549 yards from scrimmage, and White seemed prime to lead the depth chart in 2024 following the departure of Josh Jacobs.
However, the RB failed to establish himself in the Raiders backfield, with the third-year player getting lapped by the likes of Alexander Mattison, Ameer Abdullah, and Sincere McCormick. White finished this past year with 213 yards from scrimmage, and any interested teams would surely be eyeing him as a depth option at this point.
Eagles Have “Real” Interest In Myles Garrett
Ever since Myles Garrett publicly aired his trade request, the defending champs have been loosely mentioned as a suitor. It sounds like the connection is legitimate, as Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports that the Eagles’ interest in the star pass rusher is “real.”
[RELATED: Myles Garrett ‘Not Open’ To Extension With Browns]
It certainly wouldn’t be out of character for the Eagles to take a major swing. As we noted previously, Howie Roseman has a penchant for acquiring big-name players, as the GM was either leading or part of Philly front offices that acquired the likes of A.J. Brown and Jason Peters. Both of those players required first-round picks, which is the reported starting value for any Garrett trade.
“Garrett could be this year’s version of Saquon Barkley for Howie [Roseman],” one GM told Russini. “He’s an impact add and isn’t a free-agent overpay. Howie’s not afraid to try stuff, and it fits where they are as a team.”
Besides stealing headlines, the Eagles naturally have some on-the-field reasons for pursuing a player like Garrett. The team isn’t expected to re-sign Josh Sweat, and impending free agent Brandon Graham is recovering from a season-ending triceps tear. Further, Bryce Huff disappointed after inking a $51MM deal last offseason, leaving 2023 first-round pick Nolan Smith Jr. (and perhaps 2024 third-round pick Jalyx Hunt) as the only sure-things on the edge for the 2025 Eagles.
Garrett still has two years remaining on his contract worth around $20MM per season, and the pass rusher is hoping to reset the positional market with an extension. Even if the Eagles could convince the pass rusher to take a slight discount (and/or reduce his 2025 charge), the front office would still be pinching pennies when all was said and done. Russini suggests that a Garrett addition could come at the expense of the team’s free agent grouping, which includes Sweat, linebacker Zack Baun, defensive tackle Milton Williams, and guard Mekhi Becton (who reportedly wants to re-sign with the organization). The former Defensive Player of the Year would surely be worth that sacrifice, but it’s not like the Eagles have a seamless path to adding him to the roster.
Of course, a potential Eagles trade would be dependent on the Browns relenting to Garrett’s trade request. So far, Browns GM Andrew Berry has rejected the idea of trading Garrett. If the organization does ultimately honor the player’s wish, it sounds like the Eagles would certainly be a team to monitor.
WR Brandon Aiyuk Drawing Trade Interest
As the Deebo Samuel sweepstakes continues to heat up, rival teams are sniffing around on another 49ers receiver. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, teams have expressed interest in trading for 49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk.
Aiyuk, of course, was one of the main characters of the 2024 offseason. The receiver was a mainstay in trade rumors before ultimately signing a four-year, $120MM extension with the Niners. The drama proved to be especially worthwhile for the player after he suffered a season-ending ACL tear in October, an injury that surely would have impacted his earnings potential in 2025.
A trade market would obviously look different in 2025 vs. 2024. Besides Aiyuk’s injury and impending rehab, the receiver is now firmly attached to a contract that’s tied for fifth at the position in average annual value. Last offseason’s saga featured plenty of potential suitors. The wideout reportedly nixed a trade to the Steelers, and he wasn’t interested in re-signing with the Patriots and Browns. The Commanders also reached out about a deal, although the 49ers were reportedly asking for Terry McLaurin in return.
Samuel’s recent trade request also changes things. The 49ers may be even more reliant on Aiyuk moving forward, as the organization intends to honor Samuel’s wish. The Commanders are once again talking trade with San Francisco, as we heard yesterday that they’re one of two teams “aggressively” pursuing the veteran (along with the Texans).
Any teams interested in Aiyuk would surely be looking to buy low. Even before his season-ending injury, Aiyuk wasn’t putting up the same numbers as his All-Pro 2023 campaign. After averaging 83.9 yards per game in 2023, Aiyuk dropped to 53.4 yards per game in 2024, with his catch percentage and receiving success rate also dropping to career lows.
There’s no true incentive for the 49ers to sell Aiyuk when his value is lowest, and the team would surely prefer he just returns to form and leads the depth chart. The likes of Jauan Jennings, 2024 first-round pick Ricky Pearsall, and 2024 fourth-round Jacob Cowing could easily step up in 2025, but the team will already be relying on the depth with Deebo out the door.
Mekhi Becton Drawing Interest, Prefers To Re-Sign With Eagles
After inking a prove-it deal with the Eagles last offseason, Mekhi Becton is ready to cash in. According to Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda.com, the offensive lineman “is drawing a lot of interest” from around the league.
A former first-round pick by the Jets, Becton struggled to stay on the field during his stint in New York. He was limited to 15 games through his first three seasons in the NFL, and he struggled in 16 starts during the 2023 campaign. With the Jets having previously declined the lineman’s fifth-year option, Becton entered free agency last year with an uncertain market.
It took him until late April to find his next gig, with the Eagles signing the 25-year-old as an offensive guard. Becton proceeded to have a career season, starting all 15 of his appearances while finishing 20th in Pro Football Focus’ rankings of 77 qualifying guards. Becton also started each of Philly’s four playoff games en route to a Super Bowl championship.
Considering his success in 2024, it’s no surprise that Becton is eyeing a reunion. Per Pauline, the free agent prefers to re-sign with the Eagles, as he’s “comfortable with the franchise that helped him reclaim his career.” Financials will be an obstacle, however, as Pauline acknowledges that Becton’s return to the Eagles would be reliant on the team fitting “him in the budget.”
In the meantime, other teams are expected to recruit the lineman, with Pauline noting that many of these suitors would intend to keep Becton at offensive guard. The reporter also expects the lineman to take his time in free agency with the hope of providing the Eagles with more opportunites to clean their books.
Abdul Carter Has Stress Reaction In Foot, Will Not Undergo Surgery
FEBRUARY 27: Further testing has revealed that surgery is not advised, Schefter notes in an update. As a result, Carter will indeed work out at his Pro Day in advance of hearing his name called early on Day 1 of the draft.
FEBRUARY 26: Abdul Carter won’t participate at this week’s NFL Scouting Combine, and it was assumed the blue-chip prospect was simply saving his energy for Penn State’s Pro Day. Instead, the projected first-overall pick may skip all workouts as he deals with a foot injury that could require surgery.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Carter underwent tests today that revealed a stress reaction in his right foot. The prospect is considering “pre-emptive surgery” that would result in a screw being inserted in the foot. That route would require about eight weeks of recovery, which at the very least would put Carter’s availability for the start of rookie minicamp in doubt.
Alternatively, Carter could skip the surgery. Schefter hints that the edge rusher could still participate at Penn State’s Pro Day later this week and “prove to NFL teams that he doesn’t need [surgery].” Carter, his family, and his agents consulted with doctors today to “gather more information,” and there’s an expectation that the player’s camp will make a decision later this week (per Schefter).
“There are mixed opinions on whether he needs surgery, and we will figure that out in the near future,” Carter’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told Schefter.
Carter already entered the pre-draft process with an injury, as the defending Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year was nursing a shoulder injury he suffered in Penn State’s playoff game versus Boise State. Carter recently stated that he’s back to around 90 percent health, and Rosenhaus recently sent a memo to NFL teams stating that the player has been cleared to resume training.
Even with the growing list of injury concerns, Carter isn’t expected to see a hit to his draft stock. Along with Travis Hunter, Carter was considered one of the draft’s two elite prospects, and teams will gamble on the pass-rushing upside despite any injury concerns. Rosenhaus said as much when speaking with reporters.
“Either way, worst case scnario, we don’t expect this to impact where he is drafted,” Rosenhaus said. “After visiting with teams this week, I believe he’s going to be the No. 1 overall pick. “
Mike Vrabel Talks Patriots Front Office, Free Agency Approach, Browns Stint
Since the Patriots brought in Mike Vrabel as head coach, there’s been plenty of talk about who truly runs the show in New England. While executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf is expected to have a heavy hand in the roster’s construction, Vrabel acknowledged that he wouldn’t have taken the gig if he wasn’t going to have some say in building the roster.
[RELATED: Mike Vrabel, Eliot Wolf Will Both Report To Patriots Ownership]
“Well, I wouldn’t be here and I wouldn’t have wanted to be the head coach here if I wasn’t comfortable in my impact on the roster,” Vrabel told reporters (via Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald). “So we want to continue to have great conversations with the personnel staff, with me, with Stretch (John Streicher), with coaching. We’re all just trying to find ways to bring the right players in here, whether that’s the first part of free agency, [the] middle free agency like we talked about, or the draft. There’s going to be players who get released that we’ll have to pivot to and have options. So again, we need to strengthen the roster. We understand that. And have some really good conversations as to how we get there.”
Vrabel cited his right-hand man, John Streicher, adding another component to the organization’s murky front office hierarchy. For years, Bill Belichick ran the show, and when Wolf and former HC Jerod Mayo took over that responsibility in 2024, the organization revealed some troubling cracks in the foundation. The Patriots will continue to operate without a traditional GM in 2025, and it sounds like the organization may even be reverting back to their old ways by empowering the head coach to build the roster.
Whether it’s Vrabel, Wolf, or owner Robert Kraft making final calls on personnel, it sounds like there’s general agreement that the team will be actively adding to the roster this offseason. While speaking with reporters, Vrabel said he expects the Patriots to be “aggressive” in improving their team.
“I’m confident that we’ll be aggressive,” Vrabel said (via ESPN’s Mike Reiss). “We’ve started some of those discussions internally. We have to be ready to pivot and adjust and have a vision for each player at each level.
“There’s going to be this high level [financially] that things are going to get done very quickly. That will transition then to maybe some midrange dollars. And obviously you look at opportunity. Free agency gets broken down into compensation and opportunity. I feel like we’re in a position to offer both.”
With a league-leading ~$131MM in projected cap room, the Patriots should have more than enough financial wiggle room to add to their roster. Armed with the fourth-overall pick, the organization is also positioned to add a foundational piece in the draft, and there’s hope that the Patriots can take a leap with more talent (and a more experienced Drake Maye) in 2025.
While speaking with reporters today, Vrabel provided some more insight on his coaching free agency. While the former Patriots linebacker always seemed destined for New England, his outlook was a lot more unclear a year ago. The former Titans head coach spent the 2024 campaign serving as a coaching and personnel consultant with the Browns, but despite his experience, he wasn’t explicitely asked back for the 2025 campaign.
Vrabel said the Browns never approached him about a long-term role on the staff, but he admitted that he “would have listened” had they asked (via Tony Grossi of 850 ESPN Cleveland). Vrabel noted that he “didn’t have a job” heading into the 2025 offseason, although Cleveland’s approach was likely rooted in the assumption that Vrabel would ultimately land a HC job elsewhere.
While Vrabel apparently wants some control over building the roster, he won’t be micromanaging his defense. Despite his defensive expertise, the head coach said he plans to let defensive coordinator Terrell Williams call the plays on that side of the ball (via Kyed).
LB Shaq Thompson Intends To Keep Playing In 2025
Following news that the Panthers wouldn’t be re-signing Shaq Thompson, there was some natural speculation surrounding the veteran’s NFL future. The linebacker was quick to shut down any talks of retirement, as Thompson announced tonight that he intends to keep playing in 2025.
[RELATED: Panthers Will Not Re-Sign Shaq Thompson]
“I’m incredibly excited about the next chapter in my life,” Thompson wrote. “There’s still so much football left in me, I’m not retiring yet! I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
A former first-round pick, Thompson was a mainstay on Carolina’s defense for a decade. His best stretch came between 2019 and 2022, when the linebacker averaged 116 tackles per season. Thompson signed a four-year, $54MM deal with the Panthers before his rookie contract expired, and the veteran will now be seeking his third career deal.
Thompson’s recent injury woes contributed to the Panthers decision to pivot elsewhere, and they’ll likely cloud his impending free agency. A broken fibula and an Achilles tear limited him to only six games between 2023 and 2024, so there’s a chance he needs to settle for a one-year, prove-it deal before reentering free agency next offseason.
Considering his track record, Thompson should have the ability to continue his career in a new spot. When factoring in the veteran’s lack of playoff experience, it’s easy to assume he’ll catch on with a linebacker-needy contender.
49ers, Dre Greenlaw Discussing New Deal
Dre Greenlaw has spent his entire career in San Francisco, and it sounds like there’s some mutual interest in extending the partnership. While speaking with reporters today, 49ers GM John Lynch said the two sides are engaged in ongoing discussions, and there’s optimism that they agree to a new pact before free agency.
[RELATED: 49ers Want To Re-Sign LB Dre Greenlaw]
At the same time, Lynch acknowledged that Greenlaw may look to test free agency before definitively returning to the only team he’s ever played for.
“Dre should go out and see what’s out there,” Lynch said (via Matt Barrows of The Athletic). “And then we’ll know where we have to be. We know how highly we think of Dre. We’d love to have him back. Hopefully, we’ll come to an agreement. We’ve been having talks. So hopefully we can prevent him from testing free agency.”
Greenlaw suffered an Achilles tear during Super Bowl LVIII, but he worked his way back to make his 2024 debut this past December. The linebacker exited his first game after logging 30 snaps, and he got into only four defensive plays the following week. With the 49ers subsequently out of the playoff picture, both sides decided to shut the veteran down for the rest of the 2024 campaign.
A former fifth-round pick, Greenlaw has been a productive member of the 49ers throughout his career. However, the defender’s stint has partly been defined by injuries; in addition to the aforementioned Achilles injury, Greenlaw was limited to three games in 2021 thanks to a groin injury. In his four mostly healthy seasons, the linebacker has collected 425 tackles, and he’s added another 72 stops in 12 playoff starts.
The 49ers struggled to replace Greenlaw’s production in 2024, as the team’s backup plan notably blew up when De’Vondre Campbell refused to enter a game. Even if the organization does re-sign the veteran, it wouldn’t be shocking if they add more depth at the weakside linebacker spot.