Jets Looking To Pair Rookie QB With Veteran QB?
The Aaron Rodgers era in New York has come to an unofficial end, and the Jets’ new leadership will now be tasked with rebuilding the quarterbacks room. The organization isn’t truly positioned to rebuild around a rookie signal-caller, and there aren’t expected to be any franchise-altering veterans available this offseason.
[RELATED: Jets To Move On From Aaron Rodgers]
As a result, the front office may toe the line between both approaches. ESPN’s Rich Cimini expects the Jets to add both a veteran quarterback and a rookie quarterback.
The upcoming veteran options are uninspiring, but free agency should still provide the Jets with plenty of options for a bridge QB. Cimini says a Sam Darnold reunion isn’t a realistic possibility, but the organization could turn to the likes of Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, or Daniel Jones to help keep the seat warm. Cimini also mentions Kirk Cousins as a potential option, assuming the veteran is ultimately let go by the Falcons.
The team’s draft strategy is a bit more unpredictable. Armed with the seventh pick, the Jets will likely be out of range for top prospects Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward. While the front office could always make an aggressive move up the board, Cimini believes it’s more likely they target someone in the next tier of prospects. That type of move wouldn’t require a first-round pick, and there would be less urgency to push the rookie atop the depth chart.
As Cimini notes, new Jets general manager Darren Mougey isn’t completely unfamiliar with the Jets’ projected offseason. The executive last served as the Broncos assistant GM, and he was at the helm when Denver moved on from a high-price veteran QB in Russell Wilson. The Broncos ended up opting for a young signal caller in Bo Nix, although the rookie was paired with reclamation projects (like Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson) instead of clear-cut bridge QBs. Either way, Mougey is well positioned to handle the transition from Rodgers to the next Jets QB.
Coaching Notes: Shimko, Cowboys, Rams, Giants
The Cowboys continue to refine their offensive coaching staff. ESPN’s Todd Archer reports that the Cowboys will name Steve Shimko as their new quarterbacks coach.
After most recently serving as a Cowboys offensive assistant, Shimko is one of the main holdovers on Brian Schottenheimer‘s new staff. However, Shimko is plenty familiar with his new boss, as the two worked alongside each other in Seattle before reuniting in Dallas last year.
During that Seahawks stint, Shimko worked his way up from an offensive analyst into an assistant QBs coach. He left for Boston College in 2020, where he climbed the ranks from tight ends coach to quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator. He only had a one-year stint in that latter role before Bill O’Brien brought on a new staff.
Shimko will be replacing Scott Tolzien, who spent two years coaching Dak Prescott and the Cowboys quarterbacks.
More coaching notes from around the NFL…
- Carlos Polk lost out on the Cowboys ST coordinator gig, but he’ll still land in Dallas as the team’s assistant special teams coach under Nick Sorensen, per Archer. Polk held this same role with the Cowboys in 2019, and he’s since held that title with the Jaguars (2021) and Bears (2022-2024). The former NFL linebacker has also had coaching stints with the Chargers and Buccaneers.
- After losing Nick Caley to Houston, the Rams have found their new tight ends coach. The team has hired Scott Huff to lead the position grouping, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Huff had coaching stints at the University of Washington and Boise State before catching on with the Seahawks, where he spent last season coaching the offensive line. In Los Angeles, the coach will be responsible for a depth chart that’s currently led by Tyler Higbee and Colby Parkinson.
- The Giants have added Chad Hall to their staff as an assistant quarterbacks coach, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Hall will reunite with Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen, as the trio worked alongside each other during their stints in Buffalo. A former NFL wide receiver, Hall coached that position with the Bills and Jaguars, but after eight years working up the ranks, he is now pivoting to the quarterbacks room.
- Adam Morris has accepted a job as the Browns assistant defensive line coach, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. This is the coach’s first foray into the NFL, as he previously held jobs at Ball State, Eastern Illinois, and (most recently) the University at Buffalo. In that latter stop, Morris served as the defensive line coach/run game coordinator.
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.”