Cam Ward Trending Towards Being First QB Selected In Draft
As NFL teams gather at the Shrine Bowl for an extensive look at this year’s top prospects, the focus has naturally been at the top of the draft board. As scouts and executives have started to congregate, Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda.com says the “overwhelming belief” is that Cam Ward has emerged as the top quarterback prospect in the draft. In fact, Pauline spoke to some individuals who believe that if the draft happened today, Ward would go first-overall to the Titans.
Ward was somewhat on the NFL radar heading into the 2024 campaign, but he put himself firmly on the map following a strong showing at Miami. During his lone season with the Hurricanes, Ward connected on 67.2-percent of his passes for 4,313 yards, 39 touchdowns, and seven interceptions while guiding the school to a 10-3 record. For his efforts, he earned the Davey O’Brien Award and ACC Player of the Year honors, and he ultimately finished fourth in Heisman voting.
It’s a pretty rapid rise for the QB, who entered the 2024 season as a potential Day 3 selection in the 2025 draft. As Pauline notes, the player’s turnaround isn’t completely dissimilar to that of Jayden Daniels, who evolved from a fringe prospect into the eventual No. 2 pick.
While Ward will face plenty of competition to be the first-overall selection, he’s likely only competing with one individual to be QB1: Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. Unfortunately, teams won’t get an in-person look at the Colorado quarterback during the Shrine Bowl, as Sanders is an interview-only participant, per ESPN’s Matt Miller. Interestingly, Sanders made that decision after speaking to a handful of NFL teams, as Charles McDonald of Yahoo Sports says the Titans, Browns, and Giants all asked Sanders not to practice this week.
Each of those organizations, of course, is armed with a top-three pick, and Robinson notes that all three squads are kicking the tires on a potential Sanders selection. The QB prospect met with those three teams Friday before practices started on Saturday.
While both Ward and Sanders could be trending towards top-three picks, there continues to be a sentiment that this year’s QB class is lacking. Notably, Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy seems to share that opinion, telling Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com that he’s unsure “if any of these guys would be in the top-six last year.” This isn’t the first time we’ve heard this viewpoint, especially after the likes of Daniels, Caleb Williams, Bo Nix, Drake Maye, and Michael Penix all showed promise as rookies.
Considering the underwhelming opinion of this year’s QB prospects, there was some thought that QB-needy teams could look to other positions atop the draft board (especially Colorado’s Travis Hunter). While some of these front offices could still avoid the top of the 2025 QB class, it sounds like at least Ward and Sanders will hear their names early during the first round.
NFL Reserve/Futures Contracts: 1/28/25
Today’s reserve/futures contracts:
Atlanta Falcons
Buffalo Bills
- WR Tyrell Shavers, WR Jalen Virgil
Cleveland Browns
Washington Commanders
- RB Kazmeir Allen, DT Viliami Fehoko Jr., G Julian Good-Jones, QB Sam Hartman, TE Tyree Jackson, DE Andre Jones Jr., WR Chris Moore, S Ben Nikkel, TE Cole Turner
Steelers Considering Extension For T.J. Watt
T.J. Watt is set to enter the final year of his contract, and with the pass rusher attached to a $30MM cap hit for 2025, there have been some rumblings that the Steelers could look to move on from their franchise star. Art Rooney was quick to dismiss that idea, as the Steelers owner said the team wasn’t considering parting with Watt.
“I’d have to put it in the ‘unlikely’ category,” Rooney said (h/t Nick Farabaugh of PennLive.com). “He’s certainly been one of the real, solid pieces we have on that defense. I think he’s the kind of guy we want to have in the locker room going forward.”
Rooney also said he’d be interested in extending the veteran pass rusher (via Mark Kaboly), further indication that Watt will be sticking in Pittsburgh long-term. An extension always seemed like the likeliest path forward; the front office could reduce Watt’s impending cap hit (and, potentially, his $21MM in true earnings) by handing the star another long-term pact.
Watt is about to conclude his second contract with the organization, a four-year, $112MM deal he inked in 2021. The former first-round pick has generally been worth every penny. While he was limited to 10 games and career-worst marks during the first season of his extension, he’s rebounded by compiling 30.5 sacks and 38 tackles for loss over the past two campaigns. That includes a recently-completed 2024 season where he led the NFL with six forced fumbles.
Micah Parsons, Myles Garrett, and Trey Hendrickson could all look to reset the edge-rusher market this offseason, and Watt’s next deal could be a reflection of those pacts. The Steelers star currently ranks fourth among edge rushers with a $28MM average annual value, and while he may be able to garner similar financials on his next deal, the contract’s term will surely be a sticking point between the two sides. The 2025 campaign will represent Watt’s age-31 season, and with the Steelers potentially focused on improving the offensive side of the ball, the team may be pinching pennies on defense.
For what it’s worth, Watt recently made it clear that he wants to stick in Pittsburgh for the rest of his career. On the flip side, the four-time All-Pro noted he is uncertain of how long he plans on playing in the NFL, so there’s a chance his next contract ends up being the final deal of his career.
Sam Darnold, Russell Wilson Potential QB Targets For Raiders
With Pete Carroll and John Spytek now installed atop the organization, the Raiders can switch their focus to finding a starting quarterback. Armed with the sixth-overall pick, there’s been some belief that the organization could position themselves to take one of the draft’s top quarterback prospects. However, the front office could also look to free agency to solve their QB woes.
At least one rival executive believes Sam Darnold could be an option for the Raiders, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. After reviving his career with the Vikings, Darnold could find himself priced out of Minnesota (especially with J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings). The Raiders are armed with close to $100MM in cap space, so the front office could be a strong suitor in any bidding war.
Darnold had a breakout season during the 2024 campaign, tossing 35 touchdowns while guiding the Vikings to a 14-3 record. The veteran struggled a bit at the end of the season, leading to some natural questions about his long-term starting candidacy. Kevin O’Connell and his offensive staff obviously deserve a ton of credit for Darnold’s turnaround, but perhaps the QB could bring some of those lessons to his next stop.
Interestingly, Russell Wilson is another name to watch for the Raiders, per Jeff Howe of The Athletic. Carroll and Wilson are obviously more than familiar with each other, although the QB’s stint in Seattle didn’t end on the best of terms. According to Howe, the two have “mended fences,” and that means a reunion in Las Vegas isn’t out of the picture. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network subsequently confirmed as much (video link).
After the Broncos booted him out of Denver, Wilson showed that he can still be a competent game manager with the Steelers. While his one-year deal with Pittsburgh was partly connected to his impending payments from Denver, Wilson may have to settle for a similar contract in 2025.
While neither Darnold nor Wilson are all that inspiring (at least from a long-term perspective), the duo will likely represent the top of the free agent QBs class. A free agent acquisition wouldn’t necessarily preclude the Raiders from selecting a quarterback in the draft, but the team’s draft strategy could determine whether they’re seeking a long-term answer like Darnold or a one-year stopgap like Wilson. The Raiders could also look to stay with their current options, as Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew remain under contract. But with a new regime running the show, there’s a good chance the team looks to retool their personnel.
Cowboys QBs Coach Scott Tolzien Not Expected Back In 2025
The Cowboys are sticking with continuity on their coaching staff, as the team promoted offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to the head coaching role. However, it sounds like the team will need to slightly revamp their offensive coaching staff.
[RELATED: Cowboys Hire Brian Schottenheimer As HC]
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Scott Tolzien isn’t expected back in Dallas next season. The former NFL journeyman was attached to an expiring contract, so there doesn’t need to be any formal divorce separation the two sides.
Tolzien could have been a logical candidate to replace Schottenheimer in the offensive coordinator role. After spending three seasons as an assistant, Tolzien spent the past two years coaching the Cowboys quarterbacks. Dak Prescott finished second in MVP during the 2023 campaign, and while the QB’s numbers took a step back before his season-ending injury in 2024, Tolzien still earned a reputation as a “talented QB tutor” (per Rapoport).
Rapoport also notes that Tolzien could “resurface soon.” Plenty of teams are still settling their coaching staffs, and the 37-year-old may have done enough in Dallas to garner a coordinator interview. At the very least, Tolzien shouldn’t have any issues finding another job coaching QBs.
Schottenheimer will now be searching for at least an OC and a QBs coach, but the new Cowboys head coach will look to add to his own offensive responsibilities. According to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, Schottenheimer is expected to call the offensive plays next season. The former coordinator didn’t have this specific duty under Mike McCarthy, but it sounds like Schottenheimer is only going to increase his offensive oversight moving forward. Fortunately, this shouldn’t be an issue for Prescott; ESPN’s Todd Archer says the QB has a good relationship with Schottenheimer and likes the coach’s “creativity.”
While the Cowboys are anticipating more changes to their coaching staff, there’s hope that some of the current coaches will stick around. This includes tight ends coach Lunda Wells, with Archer noting that the long-time Giants staff member could be a candidate to coach the offensive line.
Buccaneers Request OC Interview With Rams’ Nate Scheelhaase
Todd Bowles isn’t wasting any time looking to replace Liam Coen. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Buccaneers requested an interview with Rams coach Nate Scheelhaase for their offensive coordinator job.
[RELATED: Jaguars Hire Liam Coen As HC]
Even just garnering a coordinator interview is a major career step for the fast-rising coach. Scheelhaase had a long run in the college ranks, including a one-year stop as Iowa State’s offensive coordinator. That performance helped him generate some NFL interest, and he ended up joining Sean McVay‘s staff in Los Angeles as an offensive assistant and passing game specialist.
The Rams’ passing offense left a bit to be desired in 2024, as Matthew Stafford‘s touchdown percentage and passing-yards-per-game mark flirted with his career-lows. On the flip side, Scheelhaase and the offensive staff helped squeeze a career-low 1.5-percent interception rate out of the QB (excluding his three-game showing in 2010), and his 50.1-percent passing percentage was the second-best of his career.
In Tampa Bay, Scheelhaase would be tasked with overseeing an offense that finished top-five in both points scored and offensive yards. While Coen got a career year from Baker Mayfield, the quarterback also showed success under former OC Dave Canales. Assuming Mayfield’s resurgence continues, Tampa Bay’s new OC can be confident that they’re inheriting an elite offense.
Scheelhaase lacks experience, but he would provide some continuity with his Rams-inspired offense. Coen was also a product of McVay’s system, and Bowles could look to once again pick from that coaching tree. The Buccaneers could also find that continuity within their current staff, and Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston says both pass-game coordinator Josh Grizzard and pass-game assistant John Van Dam are internal candidates for the gig.
Bears Request DC Interview With Vikings’ Daronte Jones
JANUARY 26: Jones’ interview with the Bears will take place this weekend, according to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones.
JANUARY 23: Ben Johnson isn’t wasting any time looking to add to his staff. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Bears have requested an interview with Vikings coach Daronte Jones for their defensive coordinator vacancy.
After spending more than a decade in the college ranks, Jones got his first NFL gig with the Dolphins in 2015, when he worked as an assistant defensive backs coach. He later coached cornerbacks with the Bengals and defensive backs with the Vikings before being named defensive coordinator at LSU in 2021.
Jones only lasted one year at that stop. The coordinator wasn’t retained as part of Brian Kelly’s first staff in Baton Rouge, and he quickly caught on with the Vikings. After spending his first season in Minnesota as the defensive backs coach, Jones has spent the past two years serving as the Vikings defensive pass game coordinator.
As Rapoport notes, Jones has earned a reputation as a bright defensive mind, and he’s had time to hone his skills working under the likes of Brian Flores, Vance Joseph, and Marvin Lewis. The coach also has experience working alongside Johnson, as the duo were both on the Dolphins coaching staff between 2016 and 2017.
Rams defensive pass-game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant is the only other known candidate to potentially replace ousted DC Eric Washington in Chicago. The Bears (and Johnson) have been loosely connected to former Saints head coach Dennis Allen, and they were a rumored landing spot for former Bengals DC Lou Anarumo before he joined the Colts staff.
Bears Request OC Interview With Titans’ Bo Hardegree
Ben Johnson is set to interview the first candidate for his offensive coordinator opening. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Bears have requested an interview with Titans quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree.
Johnson and Hardegree worked alongside each other during their stints in Miami. Hardegree spent three years coaching Dolphins QBs, including the likes of Ryan Tannehill, Jay Cutler, and Brock Osweiler. Hardegree later followed head coach Adam Gase to New York, where he had a two-year stop as an offensive assistant.
Following a one-year stay in New England, Hardegree left for the Raiders in 2022. He took on the added responsibility of offensive play-calling in 2023, and the Raiders offense performed admirably despite a revolving door at QB (Jimmy Garoppolo, Brian Hoyer, and rookie Aidan O’Connell). The coach finished that latter campaign as interim OC following the ousting of Mick Lombardi (alongside HC Josh McDaniels), but he wasn’t retained on Antonio Pierce‘s 2024 staff.
Hardegree spent this past season working as QBs coach with the Titans, where the tandem of Will Levis and Mason Rudolph struggled mightily. Still, that wasn’t enough to dissuade the Bears from seeking an interview with the offensive mind. It’s uncertain how much responsibility Chicago’s new offensive coordinator will have with Johnson running the show. That could end up being a positive for someone like Hardegree who lacks extensive experience.
Hardegree is the first definitive candidate for the OC job. Broncos tight ends coach Declan Doyle has been mentioned as a potential candidate, as was Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley, who has since recommitted to sticking in Detroit.
49ers Hire Robert Saleh As DC
It’s now official: Robert Saleh is heading back to San Francisco. After reports from Matt Barrows, Michael Silver and Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic that Saleh was expected to join the 49ers as their defensive coordinator, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network officially delivered the news tonight that Saleh will call the defense in the Bay Area, once again. 
The report came as a result of the Cowboys hiring of their former offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer as their head coach. Saleh had interviewed for three head coaching positions but had committed to head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch that, should be not get another head coaching job, he would return to San Francisco as defensive coordinator, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. With his last opportunity for a job this cycle gone, his decision was made.
A reunion with Saleh always seemed like the likeliest outcome as the 49ers sought a replacement for Nick Sorensen. While Saleh interviewed for jobs with the Cowboys and Raiders, his main shot at immediately returning to the HC role appeared to be with the Jaguars. However, that situation took a major turn when Liam Coen reentered the sweepstakes and won the job. Saleh was set to meet with the Jaguars for a second interview, but the coach cancelled his flight after learning about the Coen news.
Following the news, the veteran coach was expected to land back in San Francisco, where he first earned a reputation as one of the league’s top defensive minds. Saleh spent four years as the 49ers defensive coordinator, and he quickly elevated his unit to one of the best in the NFL. The coach parlayed that performance into a head coaching job with the Jets, and he admirably lasted three-plus seasons in New York despite never finishing with a winning record. When he was canned midway through the 2024 season, Saleh had put together a 20-36 record as head coach.
Since the 49ers decided to move Sorensen off of his DC post earlier this offseason, Saleh had been a popular name for the vacancy. The 49ers have actually kept their search relatively small, as Saleh was only joined by 49ers assistant head coach Brandon Staley and Lions defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend on the list of candidates. Still, considering Saleh’s prior relationship and success with the organization, he always seemed like the front runner.
It sounds like Saleh won’t request many sweeping changes to the defensive coaching staff. As The Athletic notes, many of his top lieutenants are still in San Francisco, including defensive line coach Kris Kocurek, linebackers coach Johnny Holland, and defensive backs coach Daniel Bullocks.
Ely Allen contributed to this post.
Jaguars Hire Liam Coen As HC
Following a stunning turn of events, it sounds like Liam Coen is destined for Jacksonville. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Coen is expected to be named as the next head coach of the Jaguars. Albert Breer of TheMMQB adds to this report, stating that the two sides have a verbal agreement in place. According to Jeff Howe of The Athletic, Coen has already informed the Buccaneers that he’ll be taking the job in Jacksonville.
The official announcement has now been made, with Russini noting that Coen went back home to Tampa Bay while his representatives finalized details with the Jaguars. Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports reported earlier this evening that the two sides were in “active negotiations.” This will be a five-year deal, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
It was only 36 hours ago that we learned Coen was backing out of the sweepstakes to stick around as the Buccaneers offensive coordinator. According to Breer, Tampa Bay was handing the coach an extension that would make him the highest-paid coordinator in NFL history. Coen would also get to stick in a familiar spot, would get to continue guiding Baker Mayfield‘s revival, and would be positioned to enter the head coaching cycle next offseason.
Things rapidly changed. The Jaguars fired Trent Baalke following reports that the GM was a deterrent to HC candidates. Following that development, it didn’t take long for Coen to reenter the conversation, as the coach reportedly took a secret trip to Jacksonville to meet with Jaguars leadership in person. We heard earlier tonight that the Jaguars were persistent in their attempts to get Coen to reconsider, and Russini says ownership called the coach directly to explain that they’d let him pick the next general manager while also paying him “Ben Johnson-level money.”
That last-ditch effort has apparently worked, as Coen is all but certain to be named the Jaguars next head coach. The offensive coordinator recently emerged as the favorite for the position after the team’s initial target, Johnson, landed with the Bears. Shad Kahn wasn’t going to let another candidate get away, especially after the Jaguars had to pivot off top option Byron Leftwich in 2022.
During that last hiring cycle, the team ended up opting for Doug Pederson, who lasted only three seasons in Jacksonville. While the Jaguars brought in a number of offensive and defensive coaches during their active search, it was believed that the organization was prioritizing a coach who could get the most out of franchise QB Trevor Lawrence.
Coen has recently garnered a reputation as someone who can maximize their QB, as he helped guide Mayfield to a career-best season in 2024. That showing also helped put Coen back on the head coaching radar following a few bumps with the Rams and Kentucky. This head coaching job will now represent Coen’s sixth unique gig in the past six years, and both the coach and the Jaguars are surely hoping he’ll be sticking around for the long-term.