NFL Reserve/Futures Deals: 2/10/25
A handful of reserve/futures deals to pass along:
Jacksonville Jaguars
- TE Shawn Bowman, CB Christian Braswell, WR Joshua Cephus, OL Dennis Daley, OL Dieter Eiselen, CB Zech McPhearson, WR Austin Trammell
Washington Commanders
- CB Bobby Price
Minor NFL Transactions: 2/10/24
One minor transactions to pass along:
Chicago Bears
- Claimed off waivers (from Chargers): OL Jordan McFadden
The Bears claimed Jordan McFadden off waivers from the Chargers exactly one month ago today. However, since the team didn’t have any remaining games on their schedule, the move was deferred until the first business day after the Super Bowl. So, while McFadden had been destined to land in Chicago, the move was only made official today.
A 2023 fifth-round pick, McFadden saw a reduced role playing for a new coaching staff in 2024. As a rookie, the Clemson product got into 12 games (two starts), but he was limited to only a single appearance this past season.
Patriots Release OT Chukwuma Okorafor
Chukwuma Okorafor‘s time with the Patriots has come to a predictable end. ESPN’s Field Yates reports that the organization has released the offensive tackle.
Okorafor’s stint in New England effectively ended in September, when he voluntarily left the team. That followed a Week 1 cameo where he allowed six QB pressures on each of his six pass-blocking opportunities. Okorafor started that game but was pulled after only 12 snaps.
At the time of his departure, the veteran was described as “checked out mentally,” and he was reportedly “contemplating his future in football.” The Patriots subsequently placed him on the exempt/left squad list, and Okorafor didn’t make another appearance during the 2024 campaign.
New England handed the former Steelers OT a one-year, $4MM deal last offseason that could hit $8MM via playing time incentives. The veteran was set to earn $3.125MM in guarantees, but his departure provided the front office with an opportunity to recoup some of that money. It’s uncertain where the two sides ultimately landed, and perhaps their negotiations culminated in today’s transaction (although that’s just my speculation).
Today’s transaction is notable because Okorafor was an impending free agent. The Patriots showed some goodwill towards the veteran by cutting him early, meaning he can get a head start on finding his next home. According to Yates, the 27-year-old is motivated to find a new landing spot before the start of free agency.
Considering his questionable stay in New England, it’s uncertain how much interest Okorafor will truly garner. In his defense, he was playing out of position at LT during his disastrous Week 1 showing, and the veteran made a name for himself as a steady RT in Pittsburgh. Okorafor will surely have to settle for another prove-it deal, but he should be relatively enticing as a low-risk option for OL-needy squads.
Davante Adams “Intrigued” By Move To West Coast; Jets Have Not Been In Contact
10:43pm: Ian Rapoport of NFL Network confirms a move out west will be something to watch for in the event Adams is released (video link). Notably, he adds the new Jets regime of general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn has not yet been in contact with Adams’ camp about a potential restructured deal. Until discussions on that front take place, this situation will be filled with uncertainty.
11:12am: Davante Adams has been generally noncommittal about a return to the Jets. The star receiver’s contract allows him to effectively control his own destiny, and if he wishes to move on from New York, he may be eyeing a move west.
[RELATED: Davante Adams On Future With Jets]
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Adams is “intrigued” by a move to the west coast, with a source specifically pointing to the Rams and Chargers as an option. Fowler also adds the 49ers as a potential suitor, noting Adams’ connection to Northern California.
Adams’ two-plus season stint in Las Vegas ended this past season when he was traded to the Jets. Despite teaming up with old friend Aaron Rodgers, things obviously didn’t go as planned. The Jets went 3-8 when Adams was in the lineup, and the veteran ended up finishing with his fewest yards from scrimmage since the 2019 campaign. Following the season, Adams admitted he “would love to be a part of this football team,” although he cautioned that a number of factors would come into play (including the status of Rodgers).
While Adams is technically signed through the 2026 season, he has the ability to push his way out of New York. The Jets previously restructured the wideout’s 2024 salary without touching his 2025 and 2026 figures, leaving untenable base salaries of $35.6MM for each of the next two seasons. If the Jets want to keep Adams, they’ll surely require another restructured deal to keep the wideout on the books. If the receiver decides he wants out, he could simply decline the inevitable restructure request, which would ultimately lead to his release.
Considering Adams’ track record, he wouldn’t have a lack of suitors should he hit free agency, and each of the cited teams could make sense. The Rams are looking to move on from Cooper Kupp, which would open a significant spot in their receivers room opposite Puka Nacua. Kupp’s health concerns have surely played a role in the Rams’ decision to move on, although the team is also making it clear that they’re not looking to pay $20MM for a veteran WR.
The Chargers got a standout season from rookie Ladd McConkey, but there are questions behind their young wide receiver. Former first-round pick Quentin Johnston is still under contract, but the second-year player struggled with drops and inconsistency in 2024. Much of the rest of the team’s depth chart, which includes the likes of Josh Palmer, DJ Chark, and Simi Fehoko, are set to hit free agency, so the team could be in the market for another notable pass catcher.
The 49ers are loaded with pass catchers. Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and Jauan Jennings are attached to veteran pacts, and the team added a pair of rookies last year in first rounder Ricky Pearsall and fourth rounder Jacob Cowing (not to mention tight end George Kittle, who led the team in receiving yards). The organization has shown an ability to juggle multiple offensive stars, but an Adams acquisition would surely push another big name off the roster.
Nick Chubb Wants To Re-Sign With Browns
Nick Chubb‘s career has hit a few speed bumps over the past couple of years. The Browns star suffered a torn MCL and damaged ACL that limited him to two games in 2023. He returned to the field this past October, but his 2024 campaign ended early thanks to a broken foot.
Now, the running back faces an uncertain future as he enters free agency. If Chubb had his way, he’d remain in Cleveland for the rest of his career. The veteran told Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal that he’d “of course” prefer to re-sign with the only team he’s ever played for and would like to complete a deal “sooner than later.” The RB also cautioned that he’s “not sure how it’ll work” since it’s his first true trip to free agency.
“Man, just for me, the city of Cleveland means lot,” Chubb said. “To me, it’s a special place. The people in Cleveland make it great, the fans and just the people around the city. But always a special place to me in my heart. I loved it here and it will always be home, no matter what.”
Chubb went on a historic run through his first five years in the NFL, averaging 1,466 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns per season. This culminated in a 2022 campaign when he compiled 1,764 offensive yards and 13 scores en route to his first All-Pro nod. Then, as mentioned, Chubb’s career hit some major setbacks. He’s been limited to only 10 games across the past two seasons, and his half-season return in 2024 saw him average a career-low 3.4 yards per touch.
This next deal will represent the third contract of Chubb’s career; the former second-round pick inked a three-year, $36.6MM extension with the Browns in 2021. The team reworked that contract last offseason to assure Chubb would remain in Cleveland for the 2024 campaign, but his future beyond that is very much uncertain. Browns GM Andrew Berry previously acknowledged the RB’s contributions to the organization while also describing the player’s impending free agency as a “challenging situation,” a potential hint that the team may look to move on.
While Chubb’s recent foot injury isn’t expected to impact his 2025 availability, the player’s recent injury history will surely impact his market value. While teams should be willing to gamble on his past production, the impending free agent will be hard pressed to garner a lucrative contract in free agency. Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs barely cracked $12MM average annual values last offseason, while Derrick Henry had to settle for a two-year, $16MM deal. Chubb will likely have to opt for a prove-it deal this offseason, although perhaps he could earn back some money via incentives.
That contract could still come from the Browns, who don’t necessarily have a succession plan at the position. Jerome Ford didn’t necessarily run away with the job while filling in for Chubb, and the former fifth-round pick is one of only two RBs signed for the 2025 campaign (along with Pierre Strong).
Chiefs “Very Interested” In Re-Signing WR Marquise Brown
The Chiefs want to keep Marquise Brown, but the team could face some competition for the wide receiver. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the organization is “very interested” in re-signing the impending free agent.
However, Fowler cautions that Hollywood should have a robust market as teams seek speedy outside receiver options. Several sources even believe an AFC foe could provide the Chiefs with the most competition for Brown’s services, as it’s believed Josh Allen “has long wanted to play” with the wideout.
After finishing his final season in Arizona with a career-low 574 receiving yards, Hollywood seemed to land in a perfect spot to rehabilitate his value. However, after inking his one-year deal in the offseason, Brown suffered a sternoclavicular injury during the preseason that kept him on the shelf for most of the 2024 campaign. He averaged 45.5 receiving yards in his two regular season appearances, and he’s hauled in three catches on seven targets in the postseason.
Considering his 2024 season was all but lost, suitors will presumably be looking to sign Brown to a similar one-year pact. The Chiefs would be a logical favorite to re-sign the receiver, especially since Patrick Mahomes advocated for the signing in the first place. However, if Brown is looking to parlay his next contract into a long-term deal, he may struggle to garner the necessary targets in Kansas City. First-round rookie Xavier Worthy occasionally looked the part of a WR1 in 2024, and the team will also welcome back Rashee Rice in 2025.
The Bills will continue to be connected to available wide receivers in a post-Stefon Diggs era, although the team (and their MVP QB) managed just fine in 2024. While the team is interested in re-signing Amari Cooper, there’s a chance they move on from the midseason acquisition, and veteran Mack Hollins is also set to hit free agency. That leaves second-round rookie Keon Coleman and third-year WR Khalil Shakir as the only guarantees on the depth chart.
K Brandon Aubrey Eyeing Cowboys Extension
Brandon Aubrey has quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s top kickers, and the 29-year-old is now positioned to cash in on his success. Entering the final season of his three-year contract, Aubrey told Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that he’d be open to re-signing with Dallas.
“Yeah, absolutely,” Aubrey said of inking an extension with the Cowboys. “I’m eligible for an extension so it’s up to my agent to go up to the Cowboys and see if there’s any interest in signing it there early. If an extension comes then an extension comes. If not, I’m still making ten times what I was making working code [prior to football], so I’m pretty happy.”
The former soccer player pivoted to football in 2019, and he had a brief stint in the USFL as he worked on his craft. The Cowboys came calling in 2023, and Aubrey immediately made a name for himself. He earned All-Pro honors as a rookie after connecting on 36 of his 38 field goal tries (including going 10-for-10 from 50-plus yards). He was just as impressive in his follow-up performance, connecting on 40 field goals while also converting the league’s longest attempt of the season (65 yards).
As Harris notes, the 2025 campaign will represent a season of change for Aubrey. Besides the changes atop the coaching staff, special teams coordinator John Fassel is now with the Titans, with the Cowboys hiring Nick Sorensen to take his place. While Aubrey acknowledged Fassel’s impact on his career, he also noted that he’s still working with the same kicking coach he’s trained with since 2020.
Aubrey will also enter the 2025 season as an impending free agent. As Harris notes, the kicker has already prepared for the potential pay day by hiring Todd France (who also represents Dak Prescott) as his new agent. Despite his lack of NFL experience, Aubrey is still entering his age-30 season, but that shouldn’t drastically impact his earnings potential. The Cowboys star could be positioned to reset the kicker market, and at the very least, he should surpass the $6MM average annual value that Harrison Butker, Jake Elliott, and Justin Tucker earned on their respective contracts.
Myles Garrett Discusses Trade Request, Consulting With LeBron James, Next Team
Browns star edge rusher Myles Garrett made headlines earlier this week when he publicly requested a trade out of Cleveland. The announcement wasn’t completely unfounded, as the former Defensive Player of the Year already made it clear he would be seeking clarity on the franchise’s long-term plans. While the Browns were adamant that they wouldn’t consider a trade for the All-Pro talent, Garrett ultimately decided he didn’t want to stick around for another rebuilding or transitional season.
[RELATED: Browns’ Myles Garrett Requests Trade]
In his initial statement, Garrett clearly cited a desire to win, noting that his “goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl.” The veteran reiterated that point while doing the rounds on Media Row today, including an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show. He also provided more insight into his decision to ask out of Cleveland. We’ve compiled some of the notable soundbites below, with a hat tip to Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal:
On what factors motivated him to request a trade:
“It took time and lots of conversation. Just looking at the trajectory of the team, talking to some of the higher-ups, I have a lot of respect for them but I just don’t think we’re aligned on where the team is going in the near future.”
On the timing of his decision to go public with a trade request:
“I just felt it was time. I had taken my time after the season, kind of relaxed and decompressed emotionally, wanted to distance myself a little bit and spent a little time talking to my family about how we feel about this decision.”
On consulting with former Cleveland star LeBron James about moving on from the city:
“You know just, what a transition looked like for him. What was his thought process going into it before he left Cleveland. Making sure I made a logical decision [and took] my time. Trying to take away the pressure of doing somewhat like that. Northeast Ohio has been his home, and it feels like my home, as well.
On where he’s hoping to play next:
“I just want to go to a contender. … I would love [to have a say in his destination]. I know in my position, I don’t have much say in where I go. But hopefully we can leave off on good terms and we can find a middle ground between us.”
On his fit with the Commanders (via a separate conversation with Sports Illustrated):
“I think they need a pass rusher. I think that’s something that they dearly missed during the playoffs…and I feel like I can fill that a role. But that’s a role that multiple teams need.”
Jaguars Hire Grant Udinski As OC
The Jaguars have settled on their new offensive coordinator. The team announced that they’re hiring Vikings assistant quarterbacks coach Grant Udinski for the role.
“Grant will bring a wealth of knowledge, energy and a winning mindset to help lead our offense here in Jacksonville,” head coach Liam Coen said in a statement. “He is a rising star in this league that has been a pillar of success for the Vikings organization and we can’t wait to have him lead our offense.”
Udinski has only been coaching for six years, five of which have come in the NFL. Following a quick stint with the Panthers, Udinski joined the Vikings as an assistant in 2022. It didn’t take long for him to earn a promotion. He earned the title of assistant quarterbacks coach in 2023, and he added the role of assistant offensive coordinator in 2024.
The coach’s offensive prowess garnered some attention in 2024. Udinski was described as a mentor to injured rookie QB J.J. McCarthy, and he also helped guide Sam Darnold to the best season of his career. As teams looked to Kevin O’Connell‘s coaching tree to fill their offensive holes, Udinski became a popular name on the coordinator market, interviewing for gigs with the Seahawks and Jaguars.
While Coen is expected to have a heavy hand in Jacksonville’s offensive approach, the new head coach has led a limited search for a new OC. Rams pass game specialist Nate Scheelhaase was reportedly the favorite for the gig, but he ended up sticking in Los Angeles for the 2025 campaign. The team also showed interest in Chip Kelly and interviewed Commanders QBs coach Tavita Pritchard before ultimately landing on Udinski for the gig.
The new coordinator will have plenty to work with in Jacksonville. Trevor Lawrence hasn’t reached the pinnacle that was expected when he was the first-overall pick, but the organization will be counting on Udinski to get the most out of the franchise player. The team also seemed to hit on a WR1 in rookie Brian Thomas, and they’re rostering a pair of backfield options in Tank Bigsby and Travis Etienne (barring a trade).
In Minnesota, the Vikings will be losing a significant staff member, but the team should have some coaching continuity on offense. Offensive coordinator Wes Phillips is set to be back for a fourth season with the organization, and Josh McCown will be sticking around for another season as Minnesota’s quarterbacks coach.
Jets Notes: Rodgers, Reed, Lazard, FA
With the Jets having settled on their organizational hierarchy, focus will now pivot to the roster…particularly their high-priced, future Hall of Fame quarterback. Aaron Rodgers has generally been noncommittal regarding his Jets future, and the QB continued that trend during a chat with the Golf Channel during the WM Phoenix Open.
“I’ve talked with the Jets,” Rodgers said when asked about his immediate future (via ESPN’s Rich Cimini). “We’ll figure things out when we figure them out.”
New head coach Aaron Glenn and new GM Darren Mougey will be responsible for figuring out the team’s approach at the position, as Woody Johnson has said he’ll be hands off when it comes to the handling of Rodgers. Both sides have expressed interest in keeping Rodgers in New York for the 2025 campaign, but things can obviously quickly change.
While neither the organization nor Rodgers are being definitive about his status, two members of the Jets have made it clear they want the veteran back in 2025. Quincy Williams noted that the former Super Bowl winner “takes our game to another level,” while Jermaine Johnson said he’d “obviously” welcome Rodgers back next season (per Brian Costello of the New York Post).
More notes out of New York…
- While Rodgers’ status with the team is uncertain, it sounds a bit more definitive that two other veterans won’t be back in 2025. According to Costello, cornerback D.J. Reed isn’t expected to re-sign with the organization while wide receiver Allen Lazard is expected to be a cap casualty. Reed inked a three-year contract with the Jets back in 2022 that’s set to expire, and the veteran should garner plenty of interest after starting each of his 46 appearances with the organization. Lazard is still attached to the four-year deal he signed with the organization in 2023, and while his numbers took a step forward playing alongside Rodgers, his production with the Jets (60 catches, 841 yards in 26 games) doesn’t justify the financial commitment.
- Mekhi Becton has turned around his career in Philly, as the former first-round pick has shed his “bust” label. Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic explored Becton’s career evolution, including the end of his tumultuous tenure with the Jets. Most notably, the lineman ignored a number of messages from position coach John Benton during the 2022 offseason. This followed a 2021 campaign when Becton was limited to one game thanks to a knee injury. Becton’s 2022 season was somehow even worse, as the lineman suffered a kneecap injury that erased another campaign.
- With Glenn now running the show, the former Lions defensive coordinator will predictably recruit players from his former stop. One of his potential targets will likely be Derrick Barnes, according to Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda.com. The former fourth-round pick just completed his rookie contract after spending the first four seasons of his career in Detroit, where he collected 205 tackles in 51 games. The linebacker was limited to only three appearances this past season thanks to a knee injury.