Chiefs WR Skyy Moore Returns To Practice
Skyy Moore could be activated to the 53-man roster just in time for the Super Bowl. The Chiefs announced that the wide receiver has been designated to return from IR and was a limited participant at today’s practice.
Moore landed on injured reserve back in October thanks to a core muscle injury. Even with Marquise Brown and Rashee Rice sidelined, Moore struggled to carve out a role on the 2024 Chiefs prior to his injury. In six games, the wideout only garnered three targets without a catch.
At one point, Moore was expected to be a major part of Kansas City’s post-Tyreek Hill solution. He was limited to only 22 catches as a rookie, although he showed some promise in the postseason when he hauled in five receptions and a touchdown. He saw a somewhat larger role as a sophomore, appearing in more than half of the Chiefs’ offensive snaps in 14 games. Still, Moore was limited to only 21 catches while getting lapped by the likes of Rice, Justin Watson, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling on the depth chart.
Following a lost 2024 campaign, Moore’s future in Kansas City is very much in doubt. The team added Xavier Worthy to their wide receivers room this past offseason, and while many of the team’s veteran WRs are set to hit free agency (including Brown, Watson, DeAndre Hopkins, and JuJu Smith-Schuster), their initial acquisitions were already an indictment on Moore.
With Brown having made a return from injury in time for the playoffs, the Chiefs current depth chart is pretty much full. Considering how much time Moore has missed, he’ll face an uphill battle to garner a Super Bowl roster spot.
Chuck Pagano Coming Out Of Retirement To Join Ravens Staff
Chuck Pagano is heading back to Baltimore. The veteran coach is coming out of retirement to join the Ravens as their senior secondary coach, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
“It is exciting to add coach Chuck Pagano to our defensive staff and continue to develop and grow our young and talent secondary,” coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. “Chuck brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and coaching talent to our team. He has deep ties to the program and is excited to get to work.”
The 64-year-old was a member of Harbaugh‘s first staff in Baltimore, where Pagano served as the secondary coach for three seasons before earning a promotion to defensive coordinator in 2011. He parlayed that job into a head coaching gig with the Colts, where he went 53-43 across six seasons.
Pagano was canned by the Colts following the 2018 campaign, and after serving as a consultant for a season, he spent two years as the Bears defensive coordinator. He retired following the 2021 campaign, stating a desire to spend more time with his family. In the last few years, he could be seen making appearances on The Pat McAfee Show.
Pagano will also reunite with Dean Pees, who succeeded him as defensive coordinator for six seasons before the first of his three retirements. Pees came out of his third retirement last fall to join Zach Orr‘s staff as an advisor and will remain with the Ravens in 2025, per ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. However, he will be a consultant rather than continuing in the full-time role he held this past season.
Inside linebackers coach Mark DeLeone, who succeeded Orr after he was promoted to DC, will not be returning to Harbaugh’s staff in 2025, per KRPC2’s Aaron Wilson. After both Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen made the Pro Bowl in 2023, the unit took a step back in 2024 with early struggles from Smith and inconsistent contributions from 2023 third-rounder Trenton Simpson.
As of now, though, Harbaugh is poised to retain much more of his staff than last offseason, which saw several coaches earn promotions with other teams. Among them was Dennard Wilson, the Ravens’ defensive backs coach in 2022 and 2023. He took a defensive coordinator job with the Titans, who, despite their struggles virtually everywhere else, finished second in passing yards allowed in 2024.
The Ravens, meanwhile, allowed the second-most passing yards last year, something Pagano will be looking to remedy in his new role. He has a long history of coaching talented players in the secondary, starting with Ed Reed in Baltimore. Pagano’s defenses in Indianapolis struggled at times, but he coached Vontae Davis and Mike Adams to Pro Bowls in 2014 and 2015. He was more successful in Chicago, especially in 2019 with a top-five pass defense led by Pro Bowlers Kyle Fuller and recent ex-Raven Eddie Jackson.
No Ravens from Pagano’s first stint in Baltimore remain on the roster, but he will reunite with Smith and Brent Urban, who he coached in Chicago.
Nikhil Mehta also contributed to this article.
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.