Bears C Drew Dalman To Retire
With free agency approaching, the Bears are suddenly in need of a center. Drew Dalman has informed the team he is retiring at the age of 27, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Dalman joined the Bears on a three-year, $42MM contract in free agency last March. The fact that he is walking away from the game 12 months later comes as a shock. Dalman’s retirement could save the Bears upward of $10MM in cap room, Courtney Cronin of ESPN notes, but it’s a brutal blow to their offensive line.
Dalman started all 17 games for the NFC North champions last season. He earned a Pro Bowl nod for the first time and ranked as Pro Football Focus’ seventh-best center out of 37 qualifiers.
Dalman’s agreement with Chicago came after he spent the first four years of his career in Atlanta. The 2021 fourth-round pick from Stanford spent his rookie year as a backup and played just 68 offensive snaps in 17 games. Dalman turned into a full-time starter in his second year and never looked back. Injuries limited him to 23 games from 2023-24, including just nine in the second of those seasons. That didn’t deter Chicago from making Dalman one of the game’s highest-paid centers. Before deciding to hang up his cleats, Dalman ranked top five at his position in total value, yearly salary and guarantees ($28MM).
The Dalman signing was just part of an offseason O-line makeover for the Bears. They also acquired guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson in trades and spent a second-round pick on tackle Ozzy Trapilo. Dalman, Thuney and Jackson joined right tackle Darnell Wright as full-time starters on what PFF ranked as the league’s third-best unit in 2025. Trapilo took the starting left tackle job from Theo Benedet in Week 12, though the rookie went on to suffer a torn patellar tendon in a wild-card round win over the Packers.
After undergoing surgery, Trapilo is expected to miss a sizable chunk of next season. Between Dalman’s retirement and Trapilo’s recovery, the Bears now have serious work to do up front for the second straight offseason.
The Bears may already have a potential Dalman replacement in mind in free agent Tyler Biadasz. The former Cowboy and Commander has lined up a visit with the Bears, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. A one-time Pro Bowler, the 28-year-old has started in 84 of 92 games since the Cowboys used a fourth-rounder on him in 2020. Biadasz started in all 31 appearances with the Commanders over the previous two seasons, but they cut him on Feb. 26. PFF graded Biadasz a respectable 12th at his position last season.
Biadasz is a credible starting option on the open market, but the Ravens’ Tyler Linderbaum is the prize among pending free agent centers. While the Ravens have already made Linderbaum a market-topping offer, he is inching closer to the March 9 legal tampering period without a deal. The Bills’ Connor McGovern and the Panthers’ Cade Mays are likely next in the pecking order of unsigned centers. Any of them could land on the radar of Bears general manager Ryan Poles, who unexpectedly needs a starting center heading into the new league year.
Jets Place Franchise Tag On Breece Hall
Hours before the tag deadline, the Jets have made their call with respect to Breece Hall. The franchise tag will be applied, as first reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The Jets have since announced the news, with the non-exclusive tag being used. 
Conversations on a long-term deal were ongoing, and today’s move will buy time for further negotiations to take place. The transition tag had been floated as a potential route for the Jets to take in this case, but SNY’s Connor Hughes reports multiple teams made it clear at last week’s Combine they would be prepared to move forward with an offer sheet in that event. To prevent such a scenario, the franchise tag will be used instead.
As a result, Hall is now on course to collect $14.29MM in 2026. That figure will be fully guaranteed, and it will match the 24-year-old’s cap charge for next season. Hughes reports the Jets expect Hall to play on the tag, but there are now several months of runway for team and player to work out an extension.
A report from earlier today indicated an agreement on that front was not close, pointing toward the tag being used. GM Darren Mougey had already made it clear New York would be tagging Hall in one fashion or another, and choosing the more common option ensures he will remain in place. Attention will now turn to the progress of extension talks through the spring. July 15 is the deadline for all tagged players to work out a long-term agreement with their respective teams.
This is the first time the Jets have used the franchise tag since 2021 when they did so with safety Marcus Maye. No multiyear accord wound up being agreed to in that case, and Maye departed the following year. Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn have shown a willingness to trade away players they inherited upon arrival in 2024, and more moves in that regard could be coming. Hall did not find himself in position to land an extension last spring, but today’s news confirms he is still at least in New York’s short-term plans.
The Iowa State product set a new career high in rushing yards this past season, topping 1,000 for the first time. Hall has remained a focal point on offense since recovering from an ACL tear in his rookie campaign, handling between 266 and 299 touches each of the past three seasons. Even if the Jets manage to make needed improvements on offense this spring, Hall figures to once again be a major presence for the unit. Another strong showing would boost his market value for 2027 (if applicable).
The Jets entered Tuesday with nearly $88MM in cap space, so absorbing the cap hit of this tag will not be difficult even if no long-term agreement winds up being finalized. Aside from Hall negotiations, New York’s attention will turn to the matter of finding a new starting quarterback. Despite owning the second overall pick in April’s draft (along with another first-rounder), bringing in a rookie capable of handling QB1 duties right away may not be feasible. As such, at least one veteran addition when free agency opens next week will be something to watch for.
Only three running back contracts currently carry an average annual value higher than the price of Hall’s tag. It will be interesting to see if he manages to land security beyond 2026 as negotiations continue or if he will enter next season as a pending free agent.
Lions To Trade RB David Montgomery To Texans
The Texans are not finished on the trade front. A much-anticipated running back addition is now being lined up, with another member of their offensive line set to play elsewhere. 
David Montgomery is heading from Detroit to Houston, as first reported by Tom Pelissero, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. In return, the Lions will acquire offensive lineman Juice Scruggs, along with fourth- and seventh-round picks (h/t Pelissero). The seventh-round selection is for the 2027 draft, ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes.
Houston was Montgomery’s preferred destination, Garafolo adds. He will now take on a prominent role in the backfield as the Texans look for improvements on the ground in 2026. Schefter’s colleague Dan Graziano recently named Houston as one of the teams likely to be active in March with respect to running back additions, so today’s news comes as no surprise. Montgomery in particular is a logical target in the Texans’ case given the fact he was seeking a fresh start.
Since the end of the 2025 campaign, a Montgomery trade has been a distinct possibility. Detroit has Jahmyr Gibbs in place, and his fifth-year option is likely to be exercised. That would ensure at least two more years in the Motor City, but a long-term extension at or near the top of the RB market is expected to be pursued. Keeping Gibbs and Montgomery on lucrative deals would not have been feasible given the Lions’ other financial commitments.
Instead, Montgomery will prepare to play for a third career team in anticipation of a heavy workload. The former third-rounder averaged fewer than 12 attempts per game for the first time in his career last season. 2025 was also the first season in which he fell short of 1,000 scrimmage yards. That could soon change with the Texans set to see Nick Chubb reach free agency next week. Fellow veteran Joe Mixon missed all of 2025 through injury and has since undergone surgery. A release in his case should be expected as a result.
Woody Marks has three years remaining on his rookie contract, but bringing in a veteran to split carries with him has long been expected. Montgomery, who turns 29 in June, will be tasked with doing so. He is owed a base salary of $5.49MM in 2026 with a scheduled cap hit of $6MM. Montgomery’s pact runs through 2027, but whether or not he lands a new commitment by that point will of course depend on his performance in Houston.
The Texans’ offensive line will certainly look much different next season. Houston agreed to trade Tytus Howard to the Browns earlier today, creating a vacancy in the starting lineup. Scruggs was not a first-team presence in 2025, but losing him will ensure Houston’s depth along the interior will be altered when next season begins. One year remains on Scruggs’ rookie contract.
The former second-rounder will now look to compete for playing time in Detroit. The Lions were known to be in the market for additions at the left tackle spot but also on the inside. Scruggs, 26, has primarily played at left guard during his career but he saw notable time at center as well in 2024. The future of Graham Glasgow is uncertain at this point, and a release or retirement in his case could open to door to playing time for Scruggs ahead of free agency.
The Lions will look to improve up front in 2026 knowing a stronger O-line will go a long way in helping their offense (a unit which finished fourth in scoring this past year) become even more effective. A running back addition of some kind will be required as well, though, with Gibbs now in need of a new backfield partner.
Browns To Acquire Tytus Howard From Texans; OL Agrees To Cleveland Extension
The Browns are taking the first of what will be many steps aimed at improving their offensive line this offseason. A trade agreement with the Texans has been reached. 
Houston is sending Tytus Howard to Cleveland, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. A fifth-round pick is heading the other way. This is the selection the Browns acquired from the Raiders in the Kenny Pickett trade in August, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer adds. Howard was set to enter the final year of his contract, but this trade is bringing with it a new deal.
Per Rapoport, a $63MM extension has been agreed to by Howard and the Browns with $45MM in new money being committed. As a result, the seven-year veteran will now be on the books through 2028. It remains to be seen if he will be used as a guard or tackle in Cleveland, but in any case Howard will aim to offer the Browns with stability somewhere up front as they renovate their offensive line.
“I wasn’t surprised,” the former first-rounder said in an interview with KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson following the news. “They’re trying to get younger and pay some guys. I ain’t mad. I kind of knew it was going to happen.”
Houston’s financial planning needs to take into account a pending extension for edge rusher Will Anderson. A long-term pact for C.J. Stroud may not be coming this offseason, but his 2027 fifth-year option is set to be exercised. A reset along the offensive line will be a key priority, Wilson notes, after the Texans struggled to protect Stroud once again during the 2025 campaign.
Last offseason, Houston traded away left tackle Laremy Tunsil. This Howard move is another one aimed at bringing about a notable change up front as the team seeks out improved play from its O-line. Howard, 30 in May, spent each of his first seven NFL seasons with the Texans. He started all 93 of his regular-season appearances and each of his four playoff contests over that span.
The Browns will thus be adding plenty of experience with this move. Wyatt Teller has made it clear he will not be retuning, while fellow longtime guard Joel Bitonio is once again a strong candidate to retire. Howard could step into either guard spot, something which would be familiar based on his extensive LG experience in Houston. Alternatively, the right tackle position could be his landing spot in Cleveland depending on how Dawand Jones is used in 2026.
Howard secured an $18.67MM AAV on his first extension, signed in 2023. This two-year Browns top-up is worth $22.5MM per season, and expectations will be high upon arrival. Once the trade is finalized, Cleveland will still have nine selection in April’s draft (including its own fifth-rounder). The Texans, meanwhile, will increase their total to 10 draft picks in 2026. At least some of that capital will no doubt be used on offensive line additions, with the same also being true of the team’s free agent resources.
Cowboys Place Non-Exclusive Franchise Tag On George Pickens
Time still remained for the Cowboys to place the franchise tag on wideout George Pickens. Nevertheless, Friday has proven to be the day for the tender’s application. 
Pickens has officially been tagged, per a team announcement. A number of reports from Friday morning pointed to today being the point at which the move would take place. Dallas has taken the expected route of the non-exclusive franchise tag in this case, ESPN’s Todd Archer reports.
“My relationship with GP doesn’t change,” head coach Brian Schottenheimer said about Pickens when speaking about the looming tag application. “Just like it didn’t change with CeeDee [Lamb] or Dak [Prescott] when those guys were going through certain things. It’s all part of the process. It’s the business side of it… This is going to play out the way it’s supposed to play out.”
The receiver tag is worth $27.298MM in 2026, the league announced Friday. Although Dallas is an estimated $56MM over the salary cap (per OverTheCap), the team has long been willing to apply the tag to keep Pickens off the market with free agency approaching. Pickens is free to speak with interested teams given the nature of the tag used in this case, but the chances of an outside suitor working out a deal and parting with two first-round picks to facilitate it are extremely low. Attention will instead turn to the matter of contract talks between the Cowboys and their productive 2025 trade acquisition.
As Archer notes, Pickens and his camp were informed of the tag decision yesterday. He adds that “general” conversations took place between the Cowboys and Pickens’ representatives at the ongoing NFL Combine. Progress with respect to detailed negotiations will be worth watching for as this situation unfolds. If no long-term agreement can be reached by July 15, Pickens will be required to play on the tag next season. He may sit out if a deal does not come together, according to Clarence Hill Jr. of All City DLLS.
The Cowboys already have huge money tied up in Lamb, whom they signed to a four-year, $136MM extension in 2024. Lamb ranks third at his position in value, AAV and guarantees ($100MM). He has a better overall track record than Pickens, but with the cap continuing to rise, the latter might be in line for a similar contract. Executives across the league are expecting at least $30MM per year for Pickens, Jori Epstein of Yahoo Sports reports. There is even a possibility the soon-to-be 25-year-old Pickens’ next pact will surpass Lamb’s.
The Cowboys acquired Pickens and a 2027 sixth-round pick from the Steelers for a 2026 third-rounder and a ’27 fifth-rounder last spring. At that point, Pickens had established himself as a good (far from elite) receiver who came with some off-field baggage. The former second-rounder from Georgia had issues with punctuality over his first three years in Pittsburgh. Toward the end of Pickens’ last year with the Steelers, Mike Tomlin said the wideout needed to “grow up.”
The change of scenery worked wonders for Pickens overall. One of the few hiccups came when Schottenheimer benched him (and Lamb) for the opening series in a Week 11 win over the Raiders. The two star receivers missed curfew the night before, but that quickly blew over. Pickens went on to finish a 17-game season with across-the-board career highs in catches (93), receiving yards (1,429) and touchdowns (nine). He easily would have been the most desirable pass catcher on the open market had he gotten there.
Depending on how talks with the Jerry Jones-led Cowboys go, Pickens could still change hands via trade. Jones and Pickens’ agent, David Mulugheta, did not see eye to eye in extension negotiations with superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons last year. After a contentious battle, Jones dealt Parsons to the Packers in a late-August blockbuster.
Jones and Mulugheta will aim for more harmonious talks in this case. If they reach an agreement, Pickens would follow former Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant in inking an extension after receiving the tag. The Cowboys tagged Bryant back in 2015, but they shook hands on a five-year, $70MM deal before the mid-July deadline.
Connor Byrne contributed to this post.
Jets To Trade Jermaine Johnson To Titans For T’Vondre Sweat
Jermaine Johnson is the latest defender to see his Jets tenure come to an end under the team’s new regime. The fifth-year edge rusher is on the move. 
Johnson is being traded by the Jets to the Titans, as first reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat is heading to New York in return. Like all trades, the final agreement is pending a physical for both players. This swap will not be finalized until after the new league year begins, Dianna Russini of The Athletic notes.
[RELATED: Johnson Aimed To Be Traded; More Jets Available?]
This swap will allow for Johnson to reunite with Robert Saleh. The two were previously together on the Jets, and after a one-year stint as San Francisco’s defensive coordinator Saleh was hired last month to take charge of the Titans. Adding along the edge has been seen as a critical need in Tennessee’s case, and before free agency has even begun the team has already lined up a move on that front.
Saleh’s arrival brought about a change in scheme, something which Russini notes made Sweat more of a trade chip. In two Tennessee seasons, the former second-rounder has posted 85 stops and eight tackles for loss. Sweat, who will turn 25 in July, has two years remaining on his rookie contract. He will look to provide New York with a starting presence along the interior and by doing so help fill the vacancy created by the Quinnen Williams deal.
Williams and cornerback Sauce Gardner were each traded away at the 2025 deadline. The Jets’ new decision-making tandem of general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn received considerable interest in Johnson as well, but no deal was worked out in his case. New York rejected an offer including a third-round pick at the time, but that did not ensure Johnson would remain in place for 2026.
A December report indicated it was highly unlikely Johnson would work out an extension with the Jets. The 27-year-old will play out his fifth-year option in 2026, but he will do so on a new team. Johnson is due $13.41MM and will carry the same cap charge on Tennessee, a team which can comfortably afford an increase in costs along the defensive front. The same is also true of the Jets, of course, so it will be interesting to see how they proceed in the pass-rush department this spring.
New York owns the second overall pick in April’s draft. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza is universally expected to be selected first overall, which will leave the Jets in line to add at a different position. That could result in a pass rusher such as hybrid linebacker/EDGE Arvell Reese hearing his name called at the No. 2 slot. Free agency will also present the Jets with a number of options to add options on the edge.
Johnson had a quiet rookie season but earned a Pro Bowl nod based on his strong play in 2023. The Florida State product notched 7.5 sacks and 25 QB pressures, leading to high expectations for a strong follow-up campaign. However, an Achilles tear limited Johnson to just two games in 2024. He managed to make 14 appearances this past season, but in that time Johnson only recorded three sacks. A turnaround in Tennessee would go a long way in shaping his financial future.
The Jets ranked 29th against the run last season. Improving on that figure will be a key priority, and Sweat will be tasked with helping out on early downs in particular. The 6-4, 366-pounder was one of many Tennessee players who drew interest on the trade front this past fall, and his stock in the organization was not believed to be particularly high heading into the offseason. A change of scenery could prove to be beneficial to all parties.
After this swap becomes official, the Titans and Jets will still be among the league leaders in cap flexibility. Both teams also have considerable draft capital at the moment, so several more moves could be coming soon.
Falcons Place Franchise Tag On TE Kyle Pitts
FEBRUARY 24: The Falcons have officially applied the tag to Pitts, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
FEBRUARY 23: Kyle Pitts is set to spend a sixth season in Atlanta. The veteran tight end is in position to receive the franchise tag, as first reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. 
Pitts will not reach the market based on today’s news. Instead of testing free agency for the first time in his career, Pitts will remain with the Falcons for 2026. The tight end tag is projected to cost $16.32MM, and the team will carry that cost on its cap sheet unless a long-term deal is worked out.
[RELATED: NFL Franchise Tag Recipients Since 2010]
The possibility of the franchise tag has steadily increased in this case, with Pitts enjoying a strong 2025 season and boosting his market value along the way. The former No. 4 pick set a new career high in receptions (88) and touchdowns (five) this past year, bouncing back from a highly underwhelming 2022-24 stretch. Pitts has expressed interest in playing in new head coach Kevin Stefanski‘s offense, and he will be able to do so for at least one year. Many around the NFL expected a tag in this instance, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler confirms.
As a rookie, Pitts earned a Pro Bowl nod and topped 1,000 yards. The Florida alum was unable to match expectations beyond that point until his 2025 bounce-back campaign. Questions about inconsistency have been raised, and it will be interesting to see if a long-term commitment winds up being made by Atlanta. New president of football operations Matt Ryan was once Pitts’ teammate, putting him and the Falcons’ revamped group of decision-makers in an interesting position.
Atlanta is currently slated to have roughly $26.5MM in cap space, with a number of other priorities on offense to be sorted out this spring. A Kirk Cousins release is among them, while wideout Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson are each eligible for extensions. Keeping those two in the fold well beyond 2026 will be costly, especially if a multi-year commitment winds up being made to Pitts. At the age of 25, the second-team All-Pro could command a lucrative pact from Atlanta this year or outside suitors in 2027 in the event he reaches free agency.
Stefanski’s ability to improve an offense which ranked just 19th in scoring in 2025 will be key. Pitts figures to play a large role in that effort regardless of whether or not he agrees to a new Falcons pact over the coming months. July 15 represents the deadline for franchise-tagged players to work out a long-term pact with their respective teams.
Cowboys, Javonte Williams Agree To Deal
The Cowboys will keep pending free agent running back Javonte Williams from hitting the open market. The two sides have agreed to a three-year, $24MM contract, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports. The deal includes $16MM in guarantees, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Williams will also receive a $6MM signing bonus, Todd Archer of ESPN relays.
Williams’ new pact easily trumps the one-year, $3MM agreement he reached with the Cowboys in free agency last March. The former Bronco settled for a prove-it deal after a dip in rushing production over the previous couple of seasons.
As a 2021 second-round pick from North Carolina, Williams made a quick impact with 1,219 total yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie. He rushed for 903 yards on 4.4 per carry that year, but suffering ACL and LCL tears in Week 4 of his second season temporarily threw his career off course. While the 5-foot-10, 220-pounder returned to play in 33 of of 34 games from 2023-24, he averaged a lackluster 3.7 yards per carry on a combined 356 attempts.
The move to Dallas led to a renaissance for Williams, who emerged as a key cog in the NFL’s second-ranked scoring offense. Playing his age-25 season, Williams started in all 16 appearances and logged career highs in carries (252), yards (1,201), YPC (4.8) and touchdowns (13; 11 rushing, two receiving). A three-time 40-catch back in Denver, Williams chipped in 35 more last season, though he averaged just 3.9 yards per grab.
The Cowboys, who identified Williams as a priority free agent early in the offseason, now have him under wraps for reasonable money. Williams’ new contract places him 13th among running backs in total money, 14th in guarantees and 16th in average annual value. Had Williams become a free agent for the second straight year, he could have joined Breece Hall, Kenneth Walker III and Travis Etienne among the top RBs available. With Williams off the board, teams in need of an upgrade in the backfield now have one fewer starting-caliber option to consider.
Locking up Williams checks off one important offseason task for the Cowboys, who feature arguably the game’s best soon-to-be free agent in wide receiver George Pickens. The Cowboys are expected to place the franchise tag on Pickens by March 3. The question is whether he’ll follow Williams in landing a multiyear deal this offseason.
Vikings WR Rondale Moore Dies At 25
10:05pm: As noted by Jay Skeeba of WHAS11, the Coroner’s Office in Floyd County, Indiana has autopsy has been scheduled for tomorrow. New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey said Moore was found dead in a garage of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound.
8:07pm: Rondale Moore passed away on Saturday, a Vikings source confirmed to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. The receiver was 25 years old. At this time, the team is in the process of gathering details surrounding Moore’s death. 
A second-round pick of the Cardinals in 2021, Moore entered the league coming off a college career which showcased plenty of potential. As a freshman at Purdue, he earned All-American honors while delivering strong production as a receiver and a returner. Moore only played another seven games in college, but his draft stock remained high.
Across three seasons in Arizona, Moore saw his playing time fluctuate. His production remained relatively consistent as he operated as a secondary option in the passing game while also seeing time as a runner. In March of 2024, Moore was traded to the Falcons in a straight swap for quarterback Desmond Ridder.
That set him up for a new chapter in his NFL career, but it did not prove to be possible. Moore suffered a season-ending knee injury mere months after being dealt to the Falcons. His rookie contract expired before having the opportunity to play for the team. Moore’s first trip to free agency generated interest and resulted in a one-year Vikings agreement.
While making his preseason debut for Minnesota, however, Moore suffered another major knee injury. That one also resulted in a season-long absence. After rehabbing the latest ailment, Moore was on track to test the market once again in March. In total, Moore played 40 combined regular and postseason games.
Rams To Promote Nate Scheelhaase To OC
The Rams will take the expected route of promoting from within to fill the offensive coordinator spot. Nate Scheelhaase is in position to take on an elevated role in 2026. 
Scheelhaase is being promoted to the role of offensive coordinator, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. He will serve as Mike LaFleur‘s replacement as a result. Schefter adds that quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone will maintain his current role while also having co-offensive coordinator added to his title.
During a head coaching hiring cycle dominated by staffers with a defensive background, Scheelhaase stood out. The 35-year-old has seen his stock rise considerably during a brief period. Only in place with the Rams since 2024 – his first foray into coaching at the NFL level – Scheelhaase was one of the most popular targets for HC interviews around the league last month.
After starting out at Illinois in 2015, Scheelhaase worked his way up the ladder at the NCAA level. He spent six years at Iowa State, working as the team’s offensive coordinator and QBs coach in 2023. That was followed by an arrival on Sean McVay‘s staff, something which has quickly resulted in an OC gig in the NFL. McVay will no doubt retain play-calling duties moving forward, but Scheelhaase will take on added responsibilities for 2026. He will look to become the latest member of the McVay coaching tree to elevate his standing around the league and land the opportunity to lead a staff elsewhere.
Ragone had been the only coach connected to the Rams’ OC vacancy since LaFleur departed to take charge of the Cardinals. After three years as the Falcons’ offensive coordinator under Arthur Smith, Ragone joined the Rams as their quarterbacks coach. He has played a key role in Matthew Stafford‘s ability to remain highly productive deep into his career, including an MVP campaign in 2025. The two will continue working together for at least one more year, but Ragone, 46, will also take on OC responsibilities for the first time since 2023.
The Rams averaged 30.5 points per game this season, good for first in the NFL. With Stafford set to return – likely on another reworked contract – expectations will remain very high for the unit. Continued efficiency would go a long way in setting Los Angeles up for another deep playoff run, and it would help Scheelhaase’s stock rise even further. A strong year with the title of offensive coordinator would no doubt lead to another wave of HC interest during the 2027 hiring cycle.