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Teams Unlikely To Trade Much In First Round of Draft

April 10th, 2025 at 7:40pm CST by Ely Allen

We’ve seen a common refrain bouncing around with several teams in the leadup to the 2025 NFL Draft: (input team here) is a likely candidate to trade down. The reason for this stems from a view that this year’s draft class lacks elite, top-end talent but boasts enough starting-caliber players to last well into the third round. Because of this, teams don’t seem to be valuing early draft picks as much, instead looking to acquire as many picks as possible.

Unfortunately, though, when so many teams are looking to trade down, it makes it harder to do so. That lack of elite, top-end players in the first round is going to make it difficult to find suitors to trade up with. Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht was quoted today saying that “he doesn’t foresee…many teams wanting to trade up across the league,” per the PewterReport X account. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport seemed to agree, claiming that “not a lot of teams are trying to move up.”

This doesn’t mean that no teams are going to trade up. A couple teams may fall in love with a certain player enough to chase him up the draft board. More likely, though, in the back half of the first round, teams targeting specific positions are going to want to trade into the first round to take players at those positions, especially if those teams currently reside at the top of the second round. Specifically, positions with the most expensive contracts, like quarterbacks and offensive tackles, could see prospects targeted by trading back into the first round.

This is because first-round picks are granted a fifth-year option that the rest of the draft class doesn’t get in its contracts. Passers and bookend blockers can be expensive to retain on second contracts, so having an extra year to work out contract extensions can be crucial. Similarly, quarterbacks and tackles are often the most likely candidates to be asked to sit and develop in the early years of their contracts. Having that fifth-year option gives teams an extra year to help determine if they want to keep a developing player long-term.

ESPN enlisted the help of multiple beat reporters to give some intel into what they’re hearing about their respective teams, and four of them fell into this group mentioned in the last paragraph. Jordan Reid believed the Browns and Giants could both trade back into the first round for a passer after using their Nos. 2 & 3 picks on Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter. Other teams could trade up for different positions but for the same reason. Matt Miller claimed that the Titans could trade up for a wide receiver at the end of the first round and that the Bears could do the same for a pass rusher.

There are several teams with a limited number of picks — Cardinals (6), Vikings (4), and Commanders (5) — that Reid and Miller identify as teams who could be easy targets to trade up with for the four teams mentioned above. Those teams should have their pick of the litter with so many others wanting to trade back, but with Arizona, Minnesota, and Washington so lacking in picks, teams looking to trade up may get more bang for their buck from that trio.

Steelers Remain Optimistic About Aaron Rodgers Deal; Latest On Vikings’ Interest

April 7th, 2025 at 10:00pm CST by Adam La Rose

During the recent league meetings, Steelers owner Art Rooney II confirmed signs continue to point to Aaron Rodgers signing with the team. The future Hall of Fame quarterback has yet to make a decision on his future, but Pittsburgh continues to loom as his likeliest destination.

[RELATED: Titans Did Not Pursue Rodgers]

The Giants are out of the running having signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston; the former operated as Pittsburgh’s starter for much of last season. Backup Justin Fields was known to be a priority for the Steelers, but early in free agency he took a two-year pact with the Jets. That led to a pivot on Pittsburgh’s part, and the team’s reunion with Mason Rudolph has him atop the QB depth chart for the time being.

The Steelers made an offer early in free agency, and with a clear lack of other suitors in play it has not yet been increased. Pittsburgh is prepared to wait for a unknown period of time, but the draft looms as a logical deadline for an agreement to be reached. As the NFL world continues to wait on this front, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports the Steelers are still “optimistic” about a Rodgers signing taking place (h/t Bleacher Report). He adds, though, that no movement has taken place since Rooney’s remarks pointed to a contract being on the horizon.

Retirement looms as a possibility for Rodgers, although the 41-year-old preferred to remain with the Jets for at least the 2025 campaign. Hanging up his cleats was mentioned as an option for the four-time MVP at the time the Vikings were a possible landing spot, something which technically remains the case at this point. Even though Rodgers made it known to the team Minnesota was his preferred destination, Fowler confirms the Vikings are out of the running unless the parties circle back to one another in the summer.

It was learned last week Rodgers reached out to Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell to relay his interest in playing for Minnesota. Several conversations took between the two, and Fowler’s colleague Kevin Seifert notes a number of players – including projected 2025 starter J.J. McCarthy – were made aware of those talks. O’Connell also spoke with the likes of wideout Justin Jefferson and right tackle Brian O’Neill about the prospect of signing Rodgers. Such a move had support from some in the organization, but it would now come as a surprise if it were to take place.

On the topic of retirement, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports it should be considered unlikely at this point (video link). He confirms no progress toward a Rodgers-Steelers agreement appears to have been made over the coming days, although Rodgers’ recent throwing session with trade acquisition D.K. Metcalf has continued to fuel the belief one will come into play at some point this offseason. If that proves to be the case, Pittsburgh’s short-term setup at the QB spot will be secure, while the Vikings will continue to be in the market for a veteran insurance option.

Minor NFL Transactions: 4/7/25

April 7th, 2025 at 7:51pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor moves:

Chicago Bears

Cleveland Browns

Denver Broncos

Green Bay Packers

Las Vegas Raiders

Minnesota Vikings

NFC North Notes: Watson, Lions, Vikings

April 4th, 2025 at 4:35pm CST by Sam Robinson

An ill-timed ACL tear could prove costly for Christian Watson. Not only is the Packers wide receiver entering a contract year, his injury occurring in January has been expected to keep him off the field into next season. A tentative timetable has emerged, with The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman pointing to a likelihood of at least a half-season absence taking place. Brian Gutekunst offered support for a potential return earlier but did not provide specifics, and the Packers are generally cautious with injury returns. Gutekunst had already confirmed Watson would miss time in 2025, which represents a key window for the injury-prone North Dakota State alum to impress ahead of a potential free agency run. His history of hamstring injuries preceding this ACL tear could well lead to a “prove it” deal taking place come 2026.

Here is the latest from the NFC North:

  • The Lions lost Kevin Zeitler to the Titans, and GM Brad Holmes said (via Detroit Football’s Justin Rogers) a veteran guard addition and/or a rookie move is still in play. Graham Glasgow is set as a starter, while 2024 sixth-round pick Christian Mahogany appears the top internal option — barring a veteran addition or early-round draft choice. Holmes called Mahogany’s 2024 work (75 offensive snaps, one start) encourating.
  • The Eagles stood down on Isaiah Rodgers, after aiming to re-sign their post-suspension flier, after the Vikings made him a two-year, $11.1MM deal that came with $7.99MM guaranteed. Rodgers will play a regular role defensively, as Kevin O’Connell referred to the 2024 Philly rotational CB as a player ticketed for an every-down role. This would point to Rodgers having a clear runway to earn the starting job opposite re-signed CB Byron Murphy. When Murphy shifts into the slot, Jeff Okudah would be set to come off the bench and man a perimeter post, O’Connell added (via the Minneapolis Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling).
  • Minnesota lost Camryn Bynum to Indianapolis but reached an agreement to retain Harrison Smith for a 14th season, after the latter had considered retirement. Smith (192 career games) can move into third place for Vikings defender longevity with nine more games played; he is back on a one-year, $10.25MM deal that (per Goessling) comes with $8MM fully guaranteed. There are $750K in playing-time incentives, per Goessling, who adds Smith can collect additional $500K bonuses by reaching the four-INT and three-sack benchmarks. A $1MM bump would come if Smith lands a first-team All-Pro nod; that number drops to $500K for a second-team accolade. Smith, 36, last earned All-Pro honors in 2018. The Vikings are again using void years, meaning a Smith departure in 2026 would bring a $12MM dead money hit.
  • Jonathan Allen‘s three-year, $51MM Minnesota deal includes snap- and sack-based incentives. The longtime Washington DT can earn $3MM if he plays 70% of Minnesota’s defensive snaps; that tiered structure begins with a $500K payout by reaching 50% usage. Allen played between 68-82% of Washington’s snaps from 2018-23 but came in at 59% during an injury-altered 2024. The soon-to-be 30-year-old lineman can earn $500K with five sacks, another $1MM with seven and another $1.5MM with 10, Goessling tweets.
  • While Allen, Will Fries (tibia fracture) and Javon Hargrave (triceps tear) are expected to be ready for Vikes camp, O’Connell stopped short of guaranteeing Rondale Moore will be. Moore suffered an unspecified knee injury during Falcons camp last year, and O’Connell said he wants to see how the $2MM investment looks in his first weeks with the team before making a determination on camp.
  • Jordan Addison‘s DUI case continues. The Vikings wideout took part in a pretrial hearing last month, and ESPN.com’s Kevin Seifert indicates a pretrial conference is set for April 10. This matter, stemming from an August 2024 arrest, puts the former first-round pick in play to serve a 2025 suspension.
  • Lastly, the Vikes are hiring former QB Charlie Frye as a defensive assistant. This interesting role, for a 23-start QB, comes after a two-year run as Florida Atlantic’s OC. Frye, 43, was also the Dolphins’ QBs coach in 2021 under current Vikings DC Brian Flores. That represents the ex-Browns starter’s only previous NFL coaching work.

Aaron Rodgers Contacted Kevin O’Connell On Vikings Interest

April 3rd, 2025 at 10:00pm CST by Sam Robinson

Although the Steelers continue to express confidence Aaron Rodgers will eventually become their next starting quarterback, the four-time MVP is moving toward a fourth week as a free agent. Rodgers threw passes to D.K. Metcalf recently, which would represent a good sign for Pittsburgh’s prospects to close this market. But uncertainty remains.

A report late last month indicated Rodgers communicated to the Vikings they were his preferred landing spot, and some in the organization backed a deal. The team’s plan remains to deploy J.J. McCarthy as the starter, and ESPN.com’s Kevin Seifert notes this aim influenced both Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones‘ decisions to leave Minnesota. It has not deterred Rodgers just yet.

Kevin O’Connell confirmed Rodgers reached out to him during his free agency, and Seifert indicates the two spoke multiple times this offseason. Relaying those discussions up the chain with the Vikings, O’Connell is still preparing to develop McCarthy into a Week 1 starter this year. Though, the party line in Minnesota has not locked in this status for last year’s No. 10 overall pick.

“Aaron and I have had a relationship for a long time,” O’Connell said this week. “He initially reached out and we were able to have some conversations. We were on the hunt to always improve our football team and put our football team in the best possible chance to win. … He happened to be at a point in time in his career where he was free to have some real dialogue about what his future may look like. And we happened to be one of those teams that he reached out to.”

Rodgers, 41, and O’Connell, 39, did not play together during the latter’s time touring the league attempting to catch on as a backup. O’Connell enjoyed stints with the Patriots, Lions, Jets, Dolphins and Chargers from 2008-12. O’Connell also never coached in Green Bay, so citing a relationship is certainly interesting — especially pertaining to a potential alliance in Minnesota. It might take a while, however, before the Vikings consider circling back.

Minnesota’s minicamp will run from June 10-12. Teams regularly reevaluate rosters between minicamp and training camp, though quarterback additions — especially starter-caliber QBs — are obviously rare. The Vikings do have a history of late-arriving starters, having traded for Sam Bradford — after Teddy Bridgewater‘s severe 2016 knee injury — and signed Brett Favre during training camp. The Steelers, who have met with Rodgers and confirmed their offer (made early in free agency) is still on the table, should not be expected to wait that long for an answer. It will be interesting if Rodgers does not inform the AFC North team of his plans by the draft.

Rodgers has not seen the Steelers increase their offer, though it stands to reason the team might if he holds out longer, and the Washington Post’s Jason La Canfora indicates the future first-ballot Hall of Famer may have a hard time adjusting to his new market. The Giants were believed to have offered Rodgers the most money; they eventually pivoted to Russell Wilson on a one-year, $10.5MM deal. Rodgers should not be expected to come close to his Packers or Jets salaries, and while the 20-year veteran is prioritizing fit, it would stand to reason money is a factor here.

The Vikings may also not know if McCarthy is truly ready — after two meniscus surgeries — until he begins to face competition during 11-on-11 settings, at the very least. That would not happen until training camp. That timeline obviously affects the Steelers, even if they have effectively pushed the Giants out of this race. It is worth wondering how big the gap between Rodgers’ views of the Vikings and Steelers are. The bigger the difference in the QB’s opinion of these teams, the longer it would make sense for him to wait.

The Steelers continue to express patience, but if Rodgers does not sign, they will need to either seriously consider Mason Rudolph as a bridge or look into another veteran. Mike Tomlin said his 2023 playoff starter could still serve as a starter, but that is certainly not the organization’s goal. Joe Flacco remains in free agency, and Kirk Cousins is a trade candidate. Pittsburgh continues to do homework on draft prospects, but holding the No. 21 overall pick in a draft not flooded with high-level QB prospects, this reminds of the Kenny Pickett year.

Vikings, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah Negotiating Extension

March 29th, 2025 at 10:00pm CST by Adam La Rose

To little surprise, the Vikings have already worked out an extension with head coach Kevin O’Connell this offseason. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has been in place for three years alongside him, and their partnership could continue beyond 2025.

One year remains on Adofo-Mensah‘s current deal, and teams often look to avoid ‘lame-duck’ situations with coaches and GMs. Just like how O’Connell is on the books beyond the coming campaign, the same could soon be true of Adofo-Mensah. The 43-year-old said (via ESPN’s Kevin Seifert) extension talks are ongoing between his agent and owners Zygi and Mark Wilf.

“It’s probably on me that it’s not going quicker because I wake up every morning focused on the things that I need to focus on to get this team to where they want to go,” Adofo-Mensah said. “I know the Wilfs value me, the things I bring to this organization. I know I love it here. We’ve been able to accomplish a lot of different things.”

The Vikings have transitioned to a young core at many positions over the past three years, and the team’s 14-3 run last season is cause for high expectations moving forward. The quarterback situation is of course a question mark with J.J. McCarthy having missed his entire rookie season, but the 2024 first-rounder is on track to handle starting duties next season (depending on the nature of the likely veteran addition under center which is still to come). Adofo-Mensah will be tasked with overseeing Minnesota’s new era at the position, especially if he lands a new deal.

The NFC North sent three teams to the playoffs in 2024, and the division figures to remain among the toughest in the NFL moving forward. Continuity on the sidelines with the reigning Coach of the Year will be key; it would also come as no surprise if ownership elected to make a renewed commitment in the front office given Adofo-Mensah’s track record so far.

In the wake of the Vikings’ wild-card loss (the second of the O’Connell-Adofo-Mensah regime), it was confirmed extension talks for both would take place. The team already has one of those taken care of, and plenty of time still remains this offseason for the other to come into place.

Vikings Sign WR Rondale Moore

March 28th, 2025 at 8:26am CST by Ben Levine

MARCH 28: The Vikings are bringing in Moore on a one-year deal worth $2MM, per the Minneapolis Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling. While Moore’s attached to a $1.1MM base salary, the Vikings only guaranteed him $250K. After a full-season absence, Moore will still have to earn a roster spot. But a market did form for the slot receiver this offseason.

MARCH 19: After drawing interest from a number of suitors, Rondale Moore has chosen his next team. The Vikings announced that they’ve agreed to terms with the free agent wide receiver.

Moore’s free agency tour kicked off in Minnesota last week. The wideout later took meetings with the Bears, Jets, and the Titans, with that latter visit taking place today. Ultimately, Moore decided to head to the Vikings to resume his NFL career.

The former second-round pick suffered a season-ending injury during Falcons training camp last year. Despite the extended absence, Moore clearly didn’t lack for suitors, and he’ll ultimately beat higher-profile names like Stefon Diggs, Amari Cooper, Keenan Allen and Tyler Lockett to the transaction log.

Moore established himself as a versatile offensive option during his time in Arizona. He averaged 45 receptions per season between 2021 and 2023, and he also garnered 52 total carries (for 249 yards) over that span. He even got an extended look as a returner during his rookie campaign, so the veteran could fill a number of holes for his new squad.

The Vikings are set to return their top three wide receivers in 2025, with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jalen Nailor leading the depth chart. There’s room for reps behind that trio, and considering Moore had the entire 2024 campaign to recover, he should be ready to compete for a WR spot.

J.J. McCarthy Fully Healed; Latest On Vikings’ QB Plans

March 27th, 2025 at 10:15pm CST by Adam La Rose

Aaron Rodgers has yet to make his final decision for the 2025 season, but it appears his preferred choice of signing with the Vikings will not come to fruition. Minnesota will still likely be in the market for a veteran passer even with J.J. McCarthy currently atop the depth chart, though.

The No. 10 pick in last year’s draft missed his entire rookie campaign due to a meniscus tear, but his rehab has gone well. McCarthy went as far as to say during his recent Up And Adams appearance that he is 100% healthy (video link). As a result, he is positioned to handle a heavy workload during the spring in anticipation of training camp and the 2025 campaign.

With Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones each departing in free agency, though, Minnesota needs to add at least one depth passer. Only McCarthy and Brett Rypien are on the roster as things stand, a factor which helps explain the fact Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has not fully closed the door to a Rodgers signing. The four-time MVP continues to be linked most closely with the Steelers, and an agreement on that front would leave Minnesota with a short list of veteran signal-callers to choose from.

“At every checkpoint, whether it been the draft process or practice until the injury and really the offseason now, he’s met the bar,” Adofo-Mensah said when speaking about McCarthy’s rehab and development (via ESPN’s Kevin Seifert). “He’s exceeded our expectations at every point. So I don’t have the ability to tell you what the future is, but I can tell you what I expect to be the outcome this offseason from the competition.

“But it’s also our job to set up a quarterback room that’s going to have to… provide insurance in case somebody needs to come in for a couple of games. And that’s our job as a personnel department to look at all the options out there and make sure we’re setting ourselves up for the best case we can.”

Adofo-Mensah added the Vikings could wait until after the draft before making any moves under center. Free agents signed past April 29 do not count against the compensatory pick formula, and as such movement could pick up after that date. Veterans like Joe Flacco, Carson Wentz and Drew Lock are unsigned at this point; if that remains the case after the draft – by which point Rodgers’ future will likely be clear – Minnesota could pursue one of them as McCarthy insurance.

The Vikings sport an offense with an upgraded O-line, a skill-position group led by wideout Justin Jefferson and reigning Coach of the Year Kevin O’Connell. Expectations will be high for the unit regardless of who is in place as quarterback for 2025, and McCarthy remains on track to handle those duties without serious offseason competition.

Aaron Rodgers Informed Vikings They Are His Preferred Team

March 25th, 2025 at 10:06pm CST by Sam Robinson

Although Steelers confidence re: Aaron Rodgers has emerged, the allure of a Vikings landing spot persists. Minnesota is standing down on Rodgers for the time being. The team intends to give J.J. McCarthy the first crack at starter reps during its offseason program.

This places Rodgers in a bit of a bind, and it also could stall the Steelers and Giants and potentially force one or both teams to blink as this holding pattern continues. Rodgers has gone as far as, per ESPN.com’s Kevin Seifert, informing the Vikings they are his preferred destination.

Rodgers, 41, has been careful not to rule out teams; doing so would decrease his leverage. He views the Giants as a viable option, even though New York’s offer — one believed to be the best the future Hall of Famer has received this offseason — is unlikely to produce a deal. The Steelers hosted Rodgers on a visit Friday, but they have not upped their offer made at the beginning of free agency. Nevertheless, some around the league view it as a safe bet the Steelers will end up with Rodgers. Though, he may well continue to wait on Minnesota rather than force a Pittsburgh fit.

If Rodgers waits, more comparisons to his Packers predecessor will undoubtedly emerge. After the Jets relinquished Brett Favre‘s rights — due to a poison-pill provision in the Packers-Jets trade from 2008 — in 2009, Favre spent more than three months in free agency. The Vikings added him on August 18, 2009. The Vikings did not receive word Favre would unretire for a third time until August 18, 2010. The Giants and Steelers will almost definitely not wait that long on Rodgers this offseason, but the Vikings may be willing to hold here due to the McCarthy onramp they are creating.

McCarthy did stop short of confirming the Vikings guaranteed him the starting job, telling Kay Adams he has not been told he will begin the season as the starter. With no veteran on the roster — despite organizational support for adding Rodgers after a 14-3 season — and a No. 10 overall pick invested, it is safe to say McCarthy is in the driver’s seat to be the NFC North team’s Week 1 signal-caller. Minnesota did make an offer to Daniel Jones, which would have removed the team from the Rodgers market, but the bridge option opted to sign with Indianapolis instead.

“And I’m happy they didn’t, because I try to earn it every single day,” McCarthy said of the starting job (during an Up & Adams appearance) And I never want that to be given to me. it’s such a privilege and opportunity to give me that chance, and I’m just going to make the most of it every single day.”

The Vikings have left open the prospect of signing Rodgers this summer, Seifert adds, presumably after looking at McCarthy during OTAs and minicamp. This would leave roughly seven weeks for the Vikes to reconsider Rodgers, though he may already have a new home by then.

Then again, a Vikings-or-retirement rumor surfaced during this saga. It is not a lock Rodgers would play in Pittsburgh or New York, but it certainly appears the Steelers believe he would delay retirement to play for them. Doing so would preempt a partnership with his top option, however. That could cause Rodgers to keep waiting, even though the Steelers — as of now, at least — will present a better chance for him to start throughout the 2025 season.

Vikings Have Discussed Deal With QB Ryan Tannehill

March 21st, 2025 at 11:35pm CST by Ely Allen

Ryan Tannehill did not play in the NFL last year, but he could be nearing a return for the 2025 season. The Vikings have reportedly reached out to Tannehill to discuss a potential deal, per FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz, though no signing is imminent at this time.

Minnesota needs some experience at quarterback after Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones signed with other teams. Though the Vikings should receive compensatory picks in 2026 as a result of those departures, they now only have two quarterbacks under contract for the 2025 season: J.J. McCarthy and Brett Rypien. McCarthy missed his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus, and Rypien has started just four games in his four-year career.

The Vikings explored signing Aaron Rodgers but ultimately opted not to submit an offer to the mercurial 41-year-old. The team’s quarterback situation has recently seen Minnesota affirming McCarthy as the heir apparent for the job moving forward. The 10th overall pick last year was not seen as a first-round option for much of the 2023 season, but his national championship-winning season with the Wolverines, combined with quite a few desperate teams looking for rookie passers, resulted in McCarthy hearing his name on Day 1.

While it was initially thought that McCarthy would need to sit and learn for a year, a lack of serious candidates for competition led McCarthy into a battle with Darnold to replace Kirk Cousins as the starter in Minnesota, a battle that Darnold was gifted following McCarthy’s surgery. Now, with Darnold having moved on and McCarthy having sat for the year, it’s presumed that McCarthy should now be ready to take hold of the starting role.

With Rodgers out of the picture, Tannehill enters as a new option to pair with McCarthy. The 36-year-old is a less accomplished passer than Rodgers, but he’s also five years younger with significantly less off-field baggage. He also fits better as a potential backup and mentor to McCarthy, the likely future of the position in Minnesota.

Tannehill is one of several veteran backup options who were available in free agency like Joe Flacco and Jameis Winston. Flacco, who was also an option the Vikings looked at, is also in play for Pittsburgh and Cleveland, while Winston recently signed a two-year deal with the Giants.

Nikhil Mehta contributed to this post.

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