Justin Fields Interested In Re-Signing With Steelers, Wants Chance To Start
As the Steelers navigate their quarterback options ahead of the offseason, there’s been an increasing sentiment that they prefer to keep Justin Fields over Russell Wilson. If that’s the case, then the organization may be in luck, as it sounds like the free agent is also interested in sticking with Pittsburgh. However, that would require some concessions.
[RELATED: Support In Steelers’ Building For Retaining Justin Fields Over Russell Wilson?]
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler writes that Fields joins the Steelers in being interested in a new contract. However, the writer cautions that the QB would need at least “a shot” at being the team’s starter.
Following an offseason trade from the Bears to the Steelers, Fields started each of Pittsburgh’s first six games. While it was a brief cameo, it was one of the best showings of the QB’s career, as the former first-round pick tossed five touchdowns vs. one interception, added another five scores on the ground, and guided his team to a 4-2 record. Once Wilson returned, Fields only got into 13 more snaps for the rest of the season.
Still, with Wilson being at the helm for the team’s five-game losing streak to end the year, there’s been growing support for the team to retain Fields instead of his veteran teammate. During an appearance on 93.7 The Fan, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic continued to beat that drum, noting that Fields remains the team’s top option at the position (via Matthew Marczi of Steelers Depot).
Wilson would still be positioned as the team’s “Plan B,” and the organization may have to pivot to the older player if Fields is priced out of Pittsburgh. Kaboly estimated a two-year offer for Fields worth around $25MM to $30MM, with the reporter noting that the Steelers may have to overpay to make sure the player doesn’t truly test free agency.
Fields, is expected to have a market beyond the Steelers, and even if the organization does pony up to retain the player, they’d surely bring in some competition. Either way, it’s seeming like the front office continues to trend towards keeping only one of their top two quarterbacks from the 2024 campaign.
Bengals “Likely” To Hit Tee Higgins With Franchise Tag
Tee Higgins is generally considered the top offensive free agent, but the Bengals WR might not even make it to the open market. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero (via NFL.com’s Bobby Kownack), the Bengals are considered “likely” to hit Higgins with the franchise tag if the two sides can’t work out a long-term deal.
According to Pelissero, the Bengals front office is currently focused on signing the star wideout to a long-term pact, and there’s “hope” they won’t have to opt for the franchise tag for the second-straight year. If the organization does ultimately turn to the tag, they’ll effectively be committing to Higgins for yet another season (barring a trade), and they’d still have until the middle of July to work out an extension with the receiver.
The former second-round pick saw his rookie contract expire last offseason, but the Bengals held on to Higgins via the franchise tag. A second-straight franchise tag would be valued at 120% of Higgins’ 2024 earnings, which would come in at $26.2MM. The Bengals would presumably hope that number is a placeholder as they pursue a long-term deal, but it could also represent a slight discount as Higgins pursues a deal worth more than $30MM per year.
Joe Burrow has made it clear that he wants the Bengals to retain one of his top targets, but the organization’s upcoming financial commitments would make a Higgins deal difficult to navigate. Burrow himself is playing on a once-record-breaking extension, and the Bengals have yet to work out a long-term deal with fellow WR Ja’Marr Chase. The organization could theoretically commit a significant chunk of their cap to their three offensive stars, but there’s also a chance the team will just be keeping the trio together for one last run.
The 2024 campaign was one of Higgins’ most productive showings of his career, as he compiled 911 receiving yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns in just 12 games. His recent injury woes only slightly clouded his free agency outlook, as the WR was still expected to have plenty of suitors this offseason. If Higgins is ultimately slapped with the franchise tag, it will bode well for the rest of the free agent class, a group that includes veterans coming off injuries (like Chris Godwin and Stefon Diggs) and veterans who underwhelmed in new spots (like DeAndre Hopkins and Amari Cooper).
Aaron Rodgers Has “Tentative Intention” Of Playing In 2025
The Jets unofficially ended their brief Aaron Rodgers era last week, with the team (and new leadership) announcing they’d go in a different direction at the position in 2025. Even before the Jets publicly announced the divorce, there were some questions surrounding the future Hall of Famer’s playing status. For what it’s worth, the Jets were left with the impression that Rodgers intends to play next season.
According to Albert Breer of SI.com, Rodgers told general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn that “it was his tentative intention” to continue playing in 2025. Jets leadership was also left with the impression that Rodgers wanted to handle some “unfinished business.”
There were high hopes in New York as Rodgers returned from his Achilles injury from 2024. We’re all plenty familiar with what happened next. Robert Saleh was the first scapegoat in a season that eventually ended with a 5-12 record, but the veteran QB was also plenty to blame, as Rodgers finished the year with one of the worst completion percentages (63.0) and passing success rates (43.9) of his career.
For what it’s worth, Breer notes that Rodgers showed plenty of self-awareness during his postseason meeting with Jets leadership, with the veteran understanding that the organization may want to go in a different direction at the position. On the flip side, the Jets still believe that Rodgers has something left in the tank, and the team’s decision to move on was more about differing timelines than a lack of confidence in the player.
While Rodgers will likely be a post-June 1 cut, the Jets are expected to allow the quarterback and his representation to speak to interested teams before he officially hits free agency. Considering his age, underwhelming 2024 production, and the circus that would inevitably surround his acquisition, it’s uncertain if Rodgers will have a long list of suitors waiting for him. The veteran will also surely be looking for a team that wants to win now, so it will certainly take a unique pairing.
Assuming Rodgers does end up playing, he’ll have an opportunity to continue climbing the all-time leader boards. Rodgers sits seventh in passing yards but could easily jump to fifth (ahead of Ben Roethlisberger and Philip Rivers) with a healthy 2025 campaign. Rodgers could also easily pass Brett Favre for fourth on the all-time touchdowns list, and a return to his old form could have him approaching Peyton Manning‘s third-place spot.
Before Rodgers’ can focus on the all-time lists, he’ll need to find a new home. Considering his long track record, there will surely be at least one team that’s willing to take a chance on the former MVP.
Jaguars Sign QB John Wolford
It didn’t take long for the new Jaguars regime to start adding to their roster. The team announced today that they’ve signed quarterback John Wolford and wide receiver Louis Rees-Zammit. Both players were signed to the active roster, which is a more significant commitment than the standard reserve/futures contracts you see at this time of year.
Wolford has bounced around the NFL since going undrafted out of Wake Forest in 2018. Following stints with the Jets and in the AAF, the QB seemingly found a home with the Rams, where he spent several years serving as a backup to Jared Goff and later Matthew Stafford.
Wolford ultimately spent four years with the organization, going 2-2 in his four starts. In seven total appearances with the Rams, the QB completed 58.7 percent of his passes for 626 yards, one touchdown, and five interceptions. He also added another 87 yards on 16 carries.
The 29-year-old could be part of Jacksonville’s solution behind Trevor Lawrence in 2025. Mac Jones filled in admirably in 2024, but the former first-round pick is set to hit free agency. C.J. Beathard also has an expiring contract, so it could be a new-look QBs room for the Jaguars next year.
A former rugby union player, Rees-Zammit got his NFL start with the Chiefs last offseason. He later caught on with the Jaguars’ practice squad, where he spent the majority of his rookie campaign.
NFL Reserve/Futures Deals: 2/17/25
One reserve/futures deal to pass along:
Houston Texans
Interestingly, the Texans gave Tucker Addington some extra cash to join their offseason roster. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that the long snapper got $10K in bonus money for putting pen to paper. The Sam Houston State has bounced around the NFL a bit during his career, getting into 10 games in stints with the Patriots, Commanders, and Dolphins.
Raiders, Assistant GM Champ Kelly Part Ways
With John Spytek taking over the front office in Las Vegas, the Raiders are making some significant changes to their operations. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Raiders and assistant general manager Champ Kelly have mutually agreed to part ways.
Spytek would have represented the third GM that Kelly has worked under during his short stay with the organization, so it’s not a surprise that the assistant is looking for a fresh start elsewhere. The executive interviewed for the GM role in 2022, and he was hired as the assistant after the organization opted for Dave Ziegler. He took over as interim GM when his boss was canned in 2023, but he once again landed in an assistant role when the team added Tom Telesco last offseason.
During his time in Las Vegas, Kelly was credited with helping to retool a roster that sorely needed some upside on both offense and defense. He helped build an impressive group of offensive skill players like Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers (and later Brock Bowers and Tre Tucker), and his defensive wins include the likes of Robert Spillane, Tyree Wilson, and Jack Jones.
The veteran executive got his NFL start with the Broncos in 2007, where he worked his way up from a college scout to assistant director of pro personnel. He joined the Bears in 2015 as their director of pro scouting, a role he held for two years before transitioning to assistant director of player personnel.
Despite his inability to earn the top front office role, Kelly hass still been a popular name on the interview circuit. He interviewed for the Jaguars job earlier this offseason, and besides his numerous interviews with the Raiders, he also received previous interest from the Broncos and Panthers. Considering his track record, it shouldn’t take long for Kelly to land on his feet.
Dolphins Will Listen To Tyreek Hill Offers?
FEBRUARY 17: Ben Volin of the Boston Globe writes Hill and the Dolphins may well be “motivated” to work out a trade in spite of the public messaging from both parties. The team will have the opportunity to gauge interest in a potential trade next week at the Combine, and it will be interesting to see if any further developments emerge at that time.
FEBRUARY 15: Tyreek Hill hinted at a possible trade following the Dolphins’ season finale, but both the WR and the organization were quick to walk back those comments. While Hill has since stated a desire to stick in Miami, it could actually be the organization that seeks a divorce.
Multiple NFL executives told Armando Salguero and Gates Garcia of Outkick.com that the Dolphins could listen to offers on their star receiver. The reporters seem to hint that it would still take a significant haul to acquire Hill, but it also sounds like Miami could be receptive to an offer that reaches their lofty asking price.
Finances would naturally be a major motivator for the Dolphins front office. Hill is attached to a lofty but manageable $28.6MM cap hit in 2025, but that number balloons to an untenable $51.8MM cap hit in 2026. In between, the Dolphins have a potential out on the contract, but they’d still be left with more than $15MM in dead cap. If the organization determines that Hill won’t be in Miami beyond the 2025 campaign, it could make some sense for the Dolphins to recoup value before they’re forced to choose from two unappealing options.
Hill was pretty clear on his feelings following a disappointing end to the 2024 campaign. With the Dolphins failing to make the postseason for the first time in Hill’s three years with the team, the wideout didn’t mince words when speaking with reporters.
“I’m out,” Hill said at the time. “It was great playing here but at the end of the day, I have to do what’s best for my career.”
Both Hill and the Dolphins quickly went into crisis mode. GM Chris Grier made it clear that Hill hadn’t requested a trade, and agent Drew Rosenhaus later stated that the wideout was “committed” to the organization. It was then the player’s turn to walk back his comments, with Hill admitting his mistake while also stating that his comments were misconstrued.
Either way, the whole fiasco may have emboldened rival squads to make a competitive offer. Hill’s numbers took a hit in 2024 thanks to inconsistent QB play, but he still managed to top 1,000 yards from scrimmage. The 30-year-old also isn’t far removed from a two-year start in Miami where he averaged 1,778 yards per season. There would surely be a team that’s willing to gamble on a return to form for the five-time All-Pro WR, and a strong opening offer could catch the Dolphins’ ear.
Chiefs Want Travis Kelce Retirement Decision By March 14
The Chiefs are giving Travis Kelce a month to make a decision on his future. According to Nate Taylor and Cale Clinton of The Athletic, the Chiefs have set a March 14 deadline for Kelce to commit to the 2025 season.
While Kelce could try to squeeze more time from his team, the Chiefs do have some leverage via the tight end’s impending roster bonus. Kelce is due an $11.5MM bonus on March 15, and it’s no coincidence that the organization wants clarity before that date. Plus, free agency opens on March 10, so the Chiefs are already sacrificing some crucial roster certainty with this ultimatum.
The 2025 campaign will represent the final year of Kelce’s four-year, $57MM extension from 2020. The future Hall of Famer will be attached to a $19.8MM cap hit, more than half of which comes from that aforementioned roster bonus. While the Chiefs would surely welcome back Kelce regardless of the financials, that’s still a hefty cap charge, and our own Nikhil Mehta recently suggested that the front office could look to lower that hit via a cap-manipulating extension.
In his age-35 season, Kelce compiled some of the worst receiving numbers of his career. He finished the year with a career-low 51.4 yards per game, and his three touchdowns also marked a new career-low. Those numbers did see a jump when it mattered, as Kelce hauled in 13 receptions for 175 yards during the Chiefs’ three-game postseason run.
If Kelce does hang up his cleats, the Chiefs could look towards in-house options to fill the void. Former fifth-round pick Noah Gray finished the year with career-highs in receptions (40), receiving yards (437), touchdowns (five), and offensive snaps (664). This year’s TE free agency class mostly consists of complementary players, including Mike Gesicki and Juwan Johnson.
Falcons’ Kevin Koger Denies OC Interview Request From Saints
Kellen Moore is starting to fill out his Saints staff, but the process may not be as smooth as the new head coach was hoping for. According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, Falcons tight ends coach Kevin Koger has denied a request from the Saints to interview for their offensive coordinator job.
[RELATED: Saints Name Kellen Moore As HC]
After working his way up through the college coaching ranks, Koger got his first NFL gig when he was named as the Packers offensive quality control coach in 2019. He joined the Chargers as their tight ends coach in 2021, with Gerald Everett having his best career seasons under Koger’s tutelage.
After the Chargers cleaned house last offseason, Koger joined the Falcons coaching staff, where he was tasked with getting the most from Kyle Pitts. The tight end still failed to live up to his first-round billing, finishing with 47 catches for 602 yards. Still, his 63.5 catch percentage represented a career-high.
While Koger’s list of accomplishments may not feature big names nor performance, he’s still earned a reputation as a bright offensive mind. Just this offseason, the coach interviewed for the Browns and Cowboys OC jobs.
Considering Moore wasn’t officially hired until after the Super Bowl, the Saints missed out on most of the top coordinator candidates. While Koger’s denial may not be indicative of other candidates’ sentiments about the New Orleans gig, Moore and the Saints may have to overcome a few hurdles as they look to piece together the coaching staff.
Koger is the first definitive candidate for the job in New Orleans. A pair of Eagles coaches have naturally been connected to their former boss, with QBs coach Doug Nussmeier and pass-game coordinator Kevin Patullo mentioned as candidates for the job.
Aaron Jones, Vikings Push Back Void Date On Contract
Aaron Jones‘ one-year deal with the Vikings contained four void years to lessen the blow on Minnesota’s 2024 cap sheet. February 17 was a crucial date for the contract, as Jones would have officially hit free agency while leaving the Vikings with a notable dead cap hit in 2025.
Both sides bought themselves some time this morning. ESPN’s Field Yates reports that Jones and the Vikings agreed to move the upcoming void date to March 11, the day before free agency officially opens.
As Yates notes, this provides the two sides some extra time to negotiate a new contract before free agency. Today’s deadline adjustment doesn’t guarantee that the running back will re-sign with the organization. Still, it certainly bodes better for Jones’ future in Minnesota than if the front office had simply let the void years hit on Monday.
After spending the first seven seasons of his career with the Packers, Jones inked a one-year, $7MM deal with the Vikings last offseason. Thanks to those previously mentioned void years, the veteran RB was only attached to a $3.5MM cap hit in 2024. However, that contract construct also meant the Vikings were on the hook for a $3.5MM dead cap for 2025 if Jones didn’t stick around. That pseudo-financial commitment will likely have some influence on how the Vikings front office approaches the position this offseason, as it will likely make more financial sense to retain Jones than pivot to another veteran.
Beyond the financial commitment, it sounds like both Jones and the Vikings were happy with their one-year partnership. We heard recently that the 30-year-old wants to keep playing in Minnesota, and coach Kevin O’Connell has publicly expressed interest in retaining his RB1 (via ESPN’s Kevin Seifert).
The Vikings got as much as they could out of Jones during the 2024 season, handing the RB a career-high 306 touches. While Jones’ efficiency took a bit of a hit this past season, he still put up impressive counting stats, particularly his 1,546 yards from scrimmage. Considering his 2024 workload, Seifert cautions that the Vikings could be eyeing more of a committee-style approach to their RBs room in 2025.