Jadeveon Clowney Intends to Play in 2026, Interested In Re-Signing With Cowboys
After the Panthers released Jadeveon Clowney last May, the veteran pass rusher’s stay in free agency dragged into the regular season. He finally agreed to a one-year, $3.5MM deal with the Cowboys after Week 2, which enabled the 32-year-old to avoid the rigors of training camp.
The Cowboys’ 30th-ranked defense has struggled enough that coordinator Matt Eberflus is in serious jeopardy of losing his job, but Clowney has been a bright spot. The former No. 1 overall pick has recorded 35 tackles, 34 pressures, eight TFL, seven QB hits and 5.5 sacks in 12 games (five starts). Pro Football Focus ranks Clowney’s performance this year an impressive 20th among 112 qualifying edge rushers. He has offered strong work as a pass rusher and a run defender.
Clowney chipped in 1.5 sacks in the Cowboys’ win over the Commanders on Christmas Day. Afterward, he told Patrik Walker of DallasCowboys.com that he intends to play in 2026. He also has interest in continuing with the Cowboys.
“Oh yeah, [I’d re-sign in Dallas] if they’re willing to bring me back, but, yeah, I’m pretty sure I’m definitely gonna play,” Clowney said.
The nomadic Clowney, who began his career with the Texans in 2014, is on his seventh NFL team. Other than spending his first five years in Houston, where he earned three Pro Bowl nods, he hasn’t lasted more than two seasons with any of those clubs. Clowney has signed five one-year contracts since he first reached free agency in 2020. Three of those pacts – a 2020 deal with the Titans, a 2023 accord with the Ravens and his current agreement with the Cowboys – came together deep into the summer. Clowney missed camp in those instances, but that’s not something he’s aiming for in 2026.
“I got a lot left in the tank. I ain’t gonna go sit on my couch,” he said. “I’m gonna stay ready. Maybe sign a little bit earlier, and I’m trying to go to camp next year so I can get the rust off me and get going. I’m looking forward to it.”
Clowney’s willingness to sign early should only add to his appeal around the league. Although Clowney hasn’t lived up to the hype he received coming out of South Carolina, he has been productive at almost every NFL stop. He’ll head into Week 18 with 63.5 sacks on his resume.
Latest On Bengals, Joe Burrow
Nearing the end of an injury-wrecked 2025 campaign, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will miss out on postseason play for the third year in a row. It’s not what he or the Bengals envisioned when they won the AFC in 2021 and followed it up with a second straight conference title game appearance the next season.
A toe injury kept Burrow out for nine games earlier this season. Since he returned in Week 13, questions about Burrow’s future in Cincinnati have persisted.
Burrow shut down the possibility of an Andrew Luck-esque early retirement or a trade request a couple of weeks ago. The 29-year-old added last week that he expects to remain with the Bengals in 2026. Indeed, there’s no indication Burrow wants out of Cincinnati, per Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
“I truly think he wants to be here,” a team source told Fowler.
Assuming that’s the case, the Bengals will hope for a healthier season from Burrow in 2026. That alone would give them a far better chance to contend, but it may not be enough without significant improvements elsewhere. Consider that in 2024, Burrow’s lone 17-game season to date, the Bengals only managed nine wins despite brilliant production from the two-time Pro Bowler.
The Bengals are 4-2 in Burrow’s starts this year, but he reportedly believes the team has to “play perfect” to win. A defense that ranks last in the NFL in points allowed and 31st in yardage surrendered has been a major problem. The expected departure of defensive end Trey Hendrickson in free agency would only add to the Bengals’ issues on that side of the ball.
Burrow endorsed a Hendrickson extension last spring, but a multiyear pact didn’t come together. After a contentious battle, the Bengals agreed to increase Hendrickson’s 2025 salary from $16MM to $30MM. He only played seven games this year before undergoing season-ending core muscle surgery.
The Bengals are on track to enter the offseason with a projected $110MM in cap space (via Zak Koeppel of NFL.com). That could help the team retain Hendrickson if the two sides are open to continuing their relationship. Regardless, the Bengals will have plenty of money and a high first-round draft pick to play with as they aim to better their roster around their franchise signal-caller.
If the Bengals are in a similar spot a year from now, Burrow’s frustration could grow, but league executives Fowler has spoken with don’t expect them to ever consider trading him. As things stand, Burrow is in line to remain in Cincinnati through 2029 on the five-year, $275MM extension he signed in 2023.
Bears Hopeful Rome Odunze, Kyler Gordon Will Return This Season
DECEMBER 26: Odunze has officially been ruled out for Week 17, meaning the Bears will once again be shorthanded at the receiver spot on Sunday. Attention will now turn to a return for the regular season finale or the opening week of the playoffs.
DECEMBER 25: No matter what happens over the last two weeks of the regular season, the 11-4 Bears are heading for the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Like most successful teams, they’ve had to overcome injuries to important contributors. Wide receiver Rome Odunze and cornerback Kyler Gordon are among key Bears who have missed time this year. Both players could return in the coming weeks.
Chicago has gone three straight games without Odunze, who’s dealing with a stress fracture in his foot. Odunze is trending toward missing this Sunday’s high-stakes meeting with the 49ers, another contender for the No. 1 seed in the NFC, per Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times.
The Bears have considered placing Odunze on injured reserve, but doing so now would render him ineligible for two playoff games (if the team advances that far). Head coach Ben Johnson still believes Odunze is “going to be able to help us this year” (via Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune).
Perhaps Odunze will be ready for a Week 18 matchup against Detroit. If not, an immediate postseason return appears realistic.
With 44 catches, 661 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games, Odunze led all Bears receivers in those categories before his absence. The Bears have won two of three without him, though, with D.J. Moore and two rookies – first-round tight end Colston Loveland and second-round receiver Luther Burden – serving as quarterback Caleb Williams‘ most reliable targets for a large portion of that stretch.
Burden missed a thrilling Week 16 win over the Packers with an ankle injury, but he combined for 10 receptions and 151 yards in the previous two weeks. After returning to practice on a limited basis Wednesday, it’s possible Burden will reenter the lineup on Sunday.
While Odunze has avoided a stint on IR, Gordon hasn’t been as fortunate. Gordon’s regular season came to an early end when a groin injury forced him to IR on Dec. 13. The standout nickel corner was previously on IR this season with groin and calf issues. He also missed the Bears’ first four games with a hamstring malady. Gordon has played just three games during an injury-ravaged 2025, though Johnson said he’s “hopeful” the 26-year-old will come back in the playoffs (via Scott Bair of Marquee Sports Network). He’ll be eligible for activation in the first round.
The late-October free agent addition of C.J. Gardner-Johnson has helped cover for Gordon’s health struggles this year. In eight games with the Bears, Gardner-Johnson has put up 40 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions. He was on the field for 78% of defensive snaps against Green Bay before departing with a knee injury. With Gardner-Johnson a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, there’s hope he’ll be available against the surging 49ers.
Eagles’ Jalen Carter Expected To Return In Week 17; Latest On Lane Johnson
Having already clinched the NFC East, the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles are getting healthier ahead of another potential title run. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter is expected to return in Week 17 in Buffalo, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. The same goes for right tackle Lane Johnson, per Schefter. However, his status is murkier after he did not participate in practice on Thursday.
Carter fully practiced on Thursday, a sign he’s set to come back after a three-game absence. The third-year star did enough over his first 10 games this season to earn his second straight Pro Bowl nod, but shoulder problems have kept him out for all of December.
Carter received multiple shots in both shoulders earlier this month. His shoulders have bothered him since last spring, and the 6-foot-3, 314-pounder may not bounce back to 100% this season. It’s something he’s likely to address in the offseason, according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer).
In the meantime, Philadelphia should benefit from Carter’s return. Even though he hasn’t played at full strength this year, Carter has totaled 32 tackles, 11 QB hits, six passes defensed and two sacks.
The Eagles’ defense, tied for third in points per game allowed, relied on Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo and Byron Young while Carter was on the shelf. Defensive end Brandon Graham has also seen action along the interior in recent weeks. With three sacks over the past two games, the 37-year-old Graham has turned back the clock.
Like Graham, the 35-year-old Johnson remains a valuable contributor despite his age. Johnson has started in all 10 appearances this season, but the six-time Pro Bowler and potential Hall of Famer hasn’t played since suffering a Lisfranc injury in his right foot in Week 11. Although Johnson has missed five games in a row, the Eagles opted against placing him on injured reserve.
In the event Lane Johnson’s absence drags into Sunday, Fred Johnson will continue filling in for him on the right side. The seventh-year man would make a career-high seventh start in that scenario.
Titans, Others Have Done Research On Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman
With two weeks left in the regular season, it won’t be long before NFL teams begin making head coaching changes. The Giants and Titans got started early when they dismissed their head coaches in the fall. At least a few other teams are sure to join them in the first half of January.
It’s likely the vast majority of HC candidates will bring some NFL coaching experience to the table. Although Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman doesn’t check that box, his name has come up in regards to NFL jobs on a couple of occasions in recent weeks. No team has made an official request to speak with Freeman yet, but he is expected to receive opportunities, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports.
Multiple clubs – including the Titans – have done research on the 39-year-old Freeman, per Fowler. Add Freeman to a growing list of possibilities for the Titans, who fired Brian Callahan on Oct. 13. Now 3-12, Tennessee will finish the season with interim head coach Mike McCoy before potentially turning to Freeman.
Briefly an NFL linebacker, Freeman began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Ohio State, in 2010. Later an assistant at Kent State, Purdue and Cincinnati, he took over as Notre Dame’s sideline leader in late 2021. The Fighting Irish have gone 43-12 since then. Pro organizations seem likely to come calling as a result, though multiple coaches with ties to Freeman told Fowler they don’t expect him to make the jump. Freeman, one of college football’s highest-paid HCs, may be content to stay in South Bend, Ind.
If Freeman does entertain a leap to the next level, the Giants figure to have interest, according to Fowler. That jibes with previous reports, though Albert Breer of SI.com doesn’t regard Freeman as a “runaway front-runner” for the job. The Giants are in the market after cutting ties with Brian Daboll on Nov. 10. They’ve since fallen to 2-13 with five straight losses under interim choice Mike Kafka, making it likely their next HC will come from outside the organization.
While Freeman to New York looks like a possibility, Breer “wouldn’t bet” on him moving to the NFL yet. If that proves true, the Titans, Giants and any other franchises that may have interest in Freeman will have to look elsewhere during the upcoming hiring cycle.
Washington WR Denzel Boston To Enter 2026 NFL Draft
After a second consecutive standout season, Washington Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston is turning pro. Boston announced that he’ll forgo his final season of eligibility and enter the 2026 NFL Draft.
Stuck behind future NFLers Rome Odunze, Ja’Lynn Polk and Jalen McMillan on the depth chart from 2022-23, Boston wasn’t a factor in Washington’s offense during his first two seasons. With just seven catches during that 18-game span, Boston barely worked with future first-round Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Odunze, Polk, McMillan and Penix were all gone in 2024, Boston’s breakout campaign. The 6-foot-4, 210-pounder posted 63 receptions, 834 yards and nine touchdowns in 13 games. While Boston underwent cleanup surgery for a double sports hernia after last season, he showed no ill effects this year in putting up a 62-881-11 statline in 12 contests.
Boston, who earned third-team All-Big Ten honors in 2025, ended his college career with a huge showing in the LA Bowl. He picked up six catches for 126 yards and a TD in a 38-10 win over Boise State.
Odunze, Polk and McMillan each came off the board in the first three rounds of the draft. A similar fate awaits Boston, who could follow in Odunze’s footsteps as a first-rounder. With the combine still several weeks away, both Dane Brugler of The Athletic and Mel Kiper of ESPN regard Boston as a top 25 prospect.
Browns Undecided On Kevin Stefanski; Bill Belichick Not Under Consideration
10:45pm: Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer also writes Haslam has likely yet to make a firm decision on Stefanski. He adds, however, that a parting of ways in this case could appeal to all involved. As the season winds down, the Browns will be worth watching closely with major changes receiving consideration.
8:59am: Kevin Stefanski is a two-time Coach of the Year, but past accomplishments may not earn him a seventh season in Cleveland in 2026. With the current campaign nearing an end, the Browns have not made a decision on Stefanski’s future, according to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
The Browns sandwiched two sub-.500 seasons between a pair of 11-win efforts during Stefanski’s first four years at the helm. Since a late-season Joe Flacco revival helped them to a playoff berth in 2023, the Stefanski-coached Browns have gone a horrid 6-26. They’ll need to win one of their last two games to avoid a second straight 3-14 season.
Stefanski lost an in-house advocate when chief strategy officer Paul DePodesta switched sports to take over as the Colorado Rockies’ president of baseball operations in early November. DePodesta “influenced” the Browns’ decision to hire Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry, Rapoport and Pelissero note. The futures of Stefanski and Berry have come into question since DePodesta’s departure.
The Browns’ inability to find a post-Baker Mayfield answer at quarterback has been a hindrance for the offensive-minded Stefanski. After Mayfield failed to carry a strong 2020 performance into the next season, Cleveland traded him to Carolina in July 2022. Mayfield’s exit came a few months after the Browns’ ill-fated Deshaun Watson trade and contract extension, two moves that have set the franchise back years.
The Browns surrendered a package that included three first-round picks for Watson, who was under fire as sexual misconduct allegations against him piled up, and then gave him a guaranteed $230MM. Watson, a healthy inactive his entire last season in Houston, served an 11-game suspension to begin his Browns tenure. Injuries, including two Achilles ruptures since last October, have limited him to 19 starts in a disastrous Cleveland stint. The Browns have gone 9-10 with Watson, who won’t play this season as a result of his latest injury.
With Watson largely unavailable, the Browns have cycled through several different starters during the Stefanski era. They’ve used three – Flacco (now a Bengal), third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel, and fifth-round rookie Shedeur Sanders – this year.
Gabriel, who took over for Flacco in Week 6, was unimpressive before suffering a concussion in Week 11. Sanders grabbed the reins after that, and he has shown enough to finish the season as the starter.
It’s unclear if Sanders will remain the team’s No. 1 option in 2026, especially with Watson likely to return. Regardless, the current coaching staff’s handling of Sanders over the next few weeks will factor into owner Jimmy Haslam‘s evaluation, per Rapoport and Pelissero.
If Haslam doesn’t believe Stefanski is the right fit to groom a young QB, whether it’s Gabriel, Sanders, or a potential high pick next April, the Browns may go in another direction. In the event that happens, it doesn’t appear Haslam would choose North Carolina coach Bill Belichick to succeed Stefanski.
The possibility of Belichick returning to his old stomping grounds in Cleveland came up last week, but the Browns have no interest in the 73-year-old, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com reports. Before winning six Super Bowls with the Patriots, Belichick began his head coaching career with the Browns. Belichick led an Art Modell-owned Cleveland team from 1991-95, its last five years there before it relocated to Baltimore. The second iteration of the Browns began play in 1999. Almost three decades later, a Cleveland-Belichick reunion isn’t under consideration.
Raiders Place Brock Bowers, Jeremy Chinn On IR
The 2025 season is ending early for Raiders tight end Brock Bowers and safety Jeremy Chinn. Both players are going on injured reserve, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL.com. Bowers has a knee injury, while Chinn has recently dealt with a back issue.
After starring at Georgia, Bowers entered the NFL as the 13th overall pick in the 2024 draft. He immediately became the Raiders’ best offensive weapon during a prolific rookie campaign. Bowers amassed 112 receptions, 1,194 yards, and five touchdowns en route to first-team All-Pro honors.
Bowers mostly worked with quarterbacks Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell during his first season. The Raiders added a new starter in Geno Smith last offseason, but he hasn’t carried his Seattle success to Las Vegas. It hasn’t helped Smith that Bowers hasn’t been fully healthy. His knee has been a problem since Week 1. Bowers, who missed three games earlier in the season, will wrap up 2025 with 64 catches, 860 yards, and seven scores in 12 contests.
Chinn, a former Panther and Commander, joined the Raiders on a two-year deal worth up to $16MM last offseason. He wound up starting in all 15 of his games this year and missing just one defensive snap out of 997. The 27-year-old notched 114 tackles, two forced fumbles, two passes defensed, and a sack. Pro Football Focus ranks Chinn a solid 31st among 100 qualifying safeties.
The Raiders went a miserable 2-13 with Bowers and Chinn available for most or all of that stretch. With those two done for the season, the Raiders’ odds of landing the No. 1 pick in the draft will likely increase. The Raiders will enter Week 17 on track to pick second, but they’ll face the Giants, who own the No. 1 selection as of now. The loser of that game will go into the season finale in the driver’s seat for the first choice in 2026.
Panthers Designate Robert Hunt For Return From IR
Carolina has gone through most of 2025 without starting right guard Robert Hunt, but a late-season return from IR is on the table. The Panthers opened his 21-day practice window on Wednesday, per Darin Gantt of the team’s website.
After spending his first four NFL seasons with the Dolphins, Hunt joined the Panthers in March 2024 on a five-year, $100MM agreement. Hunt, who became the fourth guard in history to sign for $20MM-plus per year, started in 16 games and earned his first Pro Bowl nod last season.
This year has been a lost campaign for Hunt, who hasn’t played since suffering a torn biceps in Week 2. The Panthers have still managed an 8-7 record, and they’re holding a slim lead over the Buccaneers in the NFC South with two games left. Carolina won the first meeting between the two teams last Sunday. A rematch in Week 18 could decide the division. It’s unclear whether Hunt will be ready by then.
Hunt’s injury has led to the Panthers using several different options at right guard. Chandler Zavala, Jake Curhan, Brady Christensen, and Austin Corbett have all seen time there in Hunt’s absence. Zavala is now on IR with a knee injury, while Christensen tore his Achilles in late October.
Although Hunt is considered a better run blocker than pass blocker, Carolina ranks a respectable 11th in rushing. Lead back Rico Dowdle has already eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark, but his production has declined since early November. Hunt’s return would aid his cause and perhaps boost the Panthers’ chances of winning the division and making noise in the playoffs.
Buccaneers Open Calijah Kancey’s Practice Window
Having lost six of seven, the once-thriving Buccaneers are sitting at 7-8 and out of the playoff picture. Still with a chance to win the NFC South, the Buccaneers may welcome defensive tackle Calijah Kancey back from IR soon. They opened his 21-day practice window on Wednesday, per Scott Smith of the team’s website.
Kancey, the 19th overall pick in the 2023 draft, started in all 26 appearances in his first two seasons. He hoped to build on a 7.5-sack showing from 2024, but a pectoral tear has limited him to two games. Kancey underwent surgery after Week 2, his most recent appearance.
While Kancey missed five games last year, he still finished second among Buccaneers defensive linemen in snaps. Standout nose tackle Vita Vea led the way then, and that remains the case this season.
With Kancey out of commission for most of 2025, Logan Hall, Elijah Roberts, and Greg Gaines have logged the most playing time alongside Vea. Those three have combined for just 4.5 sacks, three fewer than Kancey posted a year ago.
The Bucs rank a respectable 11th in total defense, but they’re 16th in sacks and 24th in points allowed. A potential Kancey return, whether in the regular season or playoffs, should improve the unit. However, it may not happen until next season if Tampa Bay doesn’t rally for a playoff berth.
With a 23-20 loss to Carolina last week, the Buccaneers fell behind the 8-7 Panthers in the division race. Nevertheless, Tampa Bay still controls its own destiny. If the Bucs beat the Dolphins this Sunday and defeat the Panthers in a Week 18 rematch, they’ll win the NFC South for the fifth straight year.