HEADLINES

Athleticwear for the Modern Athlete (Sponsored)

June 18th, 2025 at 8:53am CST by Tim Dierkes

This is a sponsored post from Greatness Wins.

When it comes to shopping for new apparel, understandably the market is overwhelming and saturated. One question that keeps popping into the minds of consumers: “What happened to the ‘sport’ in sportswear?”

Quality and durability are questionable with many athletic brands, while the focus of athleisure is more on fashion than fitness.

Greatness Wins saw the need for something better. All athletes deserve something better, and they’ve stepped up to the plate.

Derek Jeter and e-commerce entrepreneur and UNTUCKit Founder Chris Riccobono have joined forces with American Ballet Theatre Principal Dancer Misty Copeland, to introduce Greatness Wins: athleticwear for the modern athlete.

Their performance activewear has an ideal combination of weight, fit, and feel. So, no matter the activity you’re doing this summer – whether running, golf, or pickleball – there is a product for you.

Now through July 21st, Trade Rumors readers can get an exclusive 20% off their first order.

Visit the website here for more info.

Here are some products to choose from:

Core Tech Hoodie

Perfect for lifting, light running, walking, cross training, layering, warm-ups and cool downs. Moisture wicking, quick dry, anti odor, breathable, UPF 40, optimal range of motion, front pouch pockets, cinched drawcord on hood.

Core Tech Quarter Zip

Made from Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified recycled polyester, derived from plastic bottles. Recycled and reduces the need to extract new raw materials.

Great for lifting, light running, walking, cross training, yoga, soccer practice, tennis, cycling.

Golf Shop

Get your golf game fit in check this summer with Greatness Wins’ vast array of golf-related gear. Polos, clubhouse pants/shorts, and even golf accessories like gloves are great options to improve play. And they also make a great gift for the golf fanatic in your life.

Click this link here for an exclusive 20% off your first order!

No matter what kind of athlete you are, Greatness Wins has a solution for you.

Packers Not Expected To Extend Matt LaFleur, Brian Gutekunst In 2025

June 17th, 2025 at 10:16pm CST by Ben Levine

It’s unlikely that extensions are coming for Packers leadership. Incoming Packers president/CEO Ed Policy said he won’t be signing head coach Matt LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst to extensions in 2025, per ESPN’s Rob Demovsky.

Both LaFleur and Gutekunst still have two years remaining on their contracts, and since they’re not in lame-duck status, Policy refuses to give the duo new deals. The same goes for executive vice president/director of football operations Russ Ball, and Demovsky notes that all three decision makers will report directly to their new team president.

“All three of them [are] under multi-year contracts,” Policy said (via Demovsky). “None of them are up at the end of this year. We won’t be doing anything going into this season.”

With Mark Murphy retiring, Policy will officially take over as the franchise’s boss in the middle of July. The timing of the move has nothing to do with the president’s refusal to hand out extensions; in fact, Policy has worked with the Packers for more than a decade and was involved in the interviews with both LaFleur and Gutekunst. Rather, Policy’s decision appears to come down to personal preference.

However, the executive did admit that he doesn’t like having head coaches or GMs operating as impending free agents.

“I’m generally opposed — I’d never say never — [but] I’m generally opposed to a coach or GM going into the last year of their contract,” Policy said. “That creates a lot of issues. I think normally you have a pretty good idea of where that relationship is going when you have two years left — not always, but normally.

“So I think generally speaking I would avoid lame-duck status. It’s oftentimes difficult on everybody involved. But there are certain situations that probably call for it, so I would not say never.”

As Demovsky notes, that sentiment would make the 2025 campaign especially important for the head coach/GM duo. The Packers would seemingly have to be a major disappointment next season for the team to not extend LaFleur and Gutekunst. The head coach won 13 games in each of his first three seasons at the helm (Gutekunst was hired as GM a year before LaFleur caught on), and the Packers have made the playoffs in five of the past six seasons.

While speaking with the media, Policy revealed a handful of ways he may operate differently than his predecessor. The executive noted that he’ll “increase the amount and the time of formal meetings with football leadership” in an attempt to remove any silos between his top decision makers. However, Policy was quick to clarify that he’ll let his top leaders do their jobs.

“I’d stay out of their business,” Policy said. “I would not meddle in what they do. I would communicate very frequently and openly and directly with them on all things, but certainly no team needs two head coaches or two GMs. Not a lot of change in the way Mark had done that.”

James Gladstone: Jaguars Undecided On Travis Hunter’s Gameday Workload

June 17th, 2025 at 10:09pm CST by Adam La Rose

Travis Hunter made no secret about his intentions of playing both ways in the NFL after doing so during his decorated college career. The Heisman winner remains on track to do just that during his rookie campaign with the Jaguars.

Shortly after Jacksonville moved up to No. 2 to select Hunter, general manager James Gladstone said the majority of his work during the spring would come at the receiver position. Over time, though, the acclimation period included time and on-field work with both the offense and defense. During OTAs and minicamp, Hunter began taking reps as a corner in addition to his WR work.

During his most recent comments on the matter – an interview with Andrew Siciliano on SiriusXM radio – Gladstone clarified that Hunter was more comfortable at corner upon entry into the league, something which informed the team’s decision to focus on the receiver position at first. As the 22-year-old becomes more at ease in both capacities, though, training camp will see him continue to his expand his workload. With respect to gameday usage during the season, Gladstone confirmed a notable workload on offense and defense can be expected.

“He does not tire,” the rookie general manager said of Hunter (audio link). “He’s got a spark, he’s got the energy, the capacity from a physical standpoint to be able to be able to do it is certainly there. Certain game plans might dictate usage differently. Putting a number on [a snap count] at this stage is premature.”

Indeed, plenty of time remains for the Jaguars to finalize their depth chart at receiver and in the secondary. That process will be key in determining how much Hunter is relied upon during his rookie season. Jacksonville’s receiver room has undergone several changes this offseason and he could occupy a key role in tandem with Brian Thomas Jr. for years to come. On the other hand, Montaric Brown, Tyson Campbell and Jarrian Jones are all in place after leading the team in cornerback snaps last season. Hunter could be comparatively eased into playing time on defense as a result.

In any case, the way Jacksonville uses him will make for one of the team’s most interesting storylines over the course of the campaign. Hunter’s workload could shift from one week to the next, and his success in balancing two-way duties will no doubt be a key factor in the team’s performance.

Cordarrelle Patterson Unlikely To Make Steelers’ Roster?

June 17th, 2025 at 9:10pm CST by Ben Levine

The first season of Cordarrelle Patterson‘s two-year deal with the Steelers didn’t necessarily go as planned. The veteran offensive weapon still remains on Pittsburgh’s roster, but it’s seeming increasingly likely that he won’t be sticking around for Week 1.

Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly writes that there’s “no place where [Patterson] can slot in” into the roster, and the reporter expresses skepticism that the veteran will be on the roster for the start of the 2025 season. Kaboly also wonders if the team may be holding out for a potential trade suitor.

Kaboly notes that Patterson barely had a role during OTAs. The former All-Pro was spotted “mingling in the locker room,” but that ultimately proved to be “the extent of his participation.”

With Najee Harris no longer around, the Steelers would appear to have some leftover reps at the RB position. Jaylen Warren is preparing for a starter’s workload, but Patterson could compete for backup reps with rookie third-round pick Kaleb Johnson and veteran acquisitions like Kenneth Gainwell, Trey Sermon, and Evan Hull. Considering Patterson’s versatility, the Steelers could also look to keep him around for WR reps and special teams contributions, although it sounds like the team may just prefer to roll with a younger option in those spots.

Patterson’s Swiss Army Knife profile will always make him an alluring option for teams, but it’s uncertain how many more chances the 34-year-old will get. He finished last season with only 215 yards from scrimmage, which was his worst showing since the 2015 campaign. He also pitched in a team-leading 11 kickoff returns, although it only resulted in 240 yards.

Patterson has managed to contribute in a variety of roles throughout his career. He earned All-Pro nods for his special teams ability, and he’s the NFL’s all-time leader in kickoff return touchdowns (nine). While he mostly served as a backup offensive option for the first nine seasons of his career, he showed his ability while with the Falcons in 2021, finishing with 1,166 yards from scrimmage and 11 scores. He had another 800-plus yards and eight touchdowns in 2022, but he’s been limited to only 434 yards across the past two years.

Falcons Sign RB Jashaun Corbin

June 17th, 2025 at 8:15pm CST by Ben Levine

The Falcons have added a UFL standout. The team announced today that they’ve signed running back Jashaun Corbin.

The running back put himself on the NFL map following two strong seasons at Florida State, where he compiled 1,547 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns. He went undrafted in the 2022 draft and has bounced around the NFL a bit in recent years. He’s had a pair of stints with the Giants and spent an offseason with the Panthers, and he’s been limited to six total NFL appearances (all coming with New York in 2023).

Corbin caught on with the San Antonio Brahmas of the United Football League in late 2024 and proceeded to have a league-leading performance. He paced the UFL in rushing yards that season (514), and he also added another 138 yards on 18 receptions.

Now he’ll be catching on with a Falcons squad that could have an opening for an end-of-the-depth-chart RB. Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier will continue to lead the position, but Corbin will have a chance to compete for one of the remaining spots in the RBs room. The team’s other options include former or current UDFAs like Carlos Washington, Elijah Dotson, and Nathan Carter.

In a corresponding move, the Falcons cut RB Jase McClellan. The 2024 sixth-round pick got 13 carries in two games as a rookie, and he’ll now look to resume his NFL career elsewhere.

NFL Minor Transactions: 6/17/25

June 17th, 2025 at 7:10pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor moves:

Cleveland Browns

  • Waived from IR: WR Ja’Seem Reed

Los Angeles Chargers

Elijah Ellis went undrafted after starting all 13 games for Marshall last season. The offensive lineman played a major role in his team’s top-20 rushing attack, and there’s hope he can use his six-foot-four, 336-pound frame to succeed in the NFL. He’ll be replacing Tyler McLellan, who joined the Chargers as a UDFA last year.

Trey Smith, Travis Kelce In Attendance For Chiefs Minicamp

June 17th, 2025 at 5:32pm CST by Ben Levine

A pair of notable Chiefs veterans showed up for the start of mandatory minicamp today. According to Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com, offensive lineman Trey Smith was in attendance for today’s practice. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler notes that tight end Travis Kelce also showed up for minicamp. Both players were absent from voluntary OTAs.

Smith’s absence was likely contract related, as the veteran is pushing for a long-term extension after being slapped with the franchise tag. The guard already inked his tender, locking him into a guaranteed $23.4MM salary for the 2025 campaign, but he still flexed the little leverage he had in pursuit of a new contract.

We heard back in April that the Chiefs front office was planning to pivot to a Smith extension after the draft. That’s the last we heard about a potential deal, and it appears that the two sides have made little progress since. There is a bit of urgency when it comes to an extension, as the Chiefs and Smith only have until the middle of July to agree to a new deal. Otherwise, the lineman will be forced to play out the upcoming season on the franchise tag.

The former sixth-round pick has emerged as a mainstay on Kansas City’s offensive line, missing only a single regular season game over the past four years. Pro Football Focus has consistently graded Smith as a top-15 offensive guard, including a 2024 campaign where he finished 14th among 77 qualifiers. Smith’s franchise tag currently puts him atop his position from an AAV standpoint, and an extension would presumably come in around $20MM annually.

It’s uncertain why Kelce no-showed voluntary practices, although his absence could be related to his flirtation with retirement. Notably, the veteran tight end showed up today 25 pounds lighter than 2024, per Fowler. Kelce is coming off one of the least productive seasons of his career; other than his one-game rookie campaign, the tight end’s 824 receiving yards in 2024 represented a new career-low.

Giants LT Andrew Thomas Tied To Lengthy Return Timetable

June 17th, 2025 at 5:02pm CST by Sam Robinson

Andrew Thomas‘ injury trouble has hamstrung the Giants’ offensive line over the past two seasons. Since signing a big-ticket extension in summer 2023, Thomas has missed 18 games.

The latest batch of absences came as a result of a Lisfranc injury the former second-team All-Pro suffered in October. Thomas underwent surgery to repair the issue, ending his season, but this recovery timetable looks to have been delayed.

Initial expectations for Thomas pointed to a return to full strength by OTAs, according to the New York Daily News’ Pat Leonard, but the sixth-year blocker has not participated in the Giants’ offseason program. However, the team does not appear too worried about this hold-up. Adjusted expectations have led to a cautious approach, Leonard adds, one that produced a revised timetable for a buildup during the offseason program and a return in training camp.

Brian Daboll did not, however, confirm Thomas would be ready by the start of camp. Considering the injury occurred in Week 6 last season, it would be a key storyline were Thomas not ready to go next month. The Giants not viewing their top O-lineman as ready would lead to a stay on the active/PUP list to start camp. Thus far, no signs indicating Thomas would need to miss regular-season time have emerged. But the Giants have seen the former top-five pick’s injury trouble intervene on a few occasions.

Thomas has also endured setbacks while recovering from a previous injury. He needed to restart hamstring rehab after a setback occurred during an early-season recovery in 2023. That hiccup led to Thomas missing seven games. This came after the Georgia alum needed two ankle surgeries earlier in his career.

The Giants then allowed the second-most sacks in a season (85) since team sacks-allowed data had been charted in the early 1960s. Although the team gave Jon Runyan Jr. a $10MM-per-year deal in free agency in 2024, its other O-line pillars have not stepped up. Evan Neal has proven to be a bust, and has since been shifted to guard in a last-ditch effort to salvage value, while 2023 second-round center John Michael Schmitz has not panned out yet. This has highlighted Thomas’ injury trouble, as Pro Football Focus ranked last year’s Giants O-line 23rd as a group.

Big Blue has used James Hudson as the first-string tackle during the offseason program, Leonard adds. The Giants gave Hudson a two-year, $12MM deal to be their swing tackle. That certainly represents upper-crust backup money for an O-lineman, but after Thomas’ past two seasons, such a move was probably necessary. The team also drafted Purdue’s Marcus Mbow in Round 5, using the former Big Ten standout — who drew guard buzz during the pre-draft process — at both tackle spots during the offseason program. While insurance measures are in place, the Giants’ viability as a reliable O-line — in a season that will likely feature some Jaxson Dart starts — hinges on Thomas’ return.

Extra Points: Hill, Lyles, Bolts, Bears, UFL

June 17th, 2025 at 4:20pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Tyreek Hill-Noah Lyles race will not happen, after all, this year. The Olympic 100-meter champion and three-time 200-meter world champion said the event was slated to take place this coming weekend in Times Square, a setup that would have come not long after a boxing event in the same location. But the race is off, per Lyles, due to unspecified complications and personal reasons. A high school track standout who was a sprinter at Oklahoma State before being kicked off the football and track teams (following a much-discussed domestic violence arrest), Hill made a return to the sport last week. The All-Pro wideout clocked a 10.15-second 100-meter dash at a meet in Sherman Oaks, Calif. (This time marked a personal best, as Hill clocked a 10.19 in high school.) Although Hill had run a 60-meter dash since joining the Dolphins, this was his first 100 since becoming an NFLer.

“We were very deep into creating the event,” Lyles said, Instagram link via the New York Post. “Unfortunately, there were some things, complications, personal reasons that it just didn’t come to pass, but we were full on. We were gonna have a big event, we were going to shut down New York Times Square and everything. We were gonna have all the billboards for the event; it was going to be a lot of fun.”

This may end up boosting Hill’s stock as an all-time NFL speedster, as Lyles (27 in July) would have been a heavy favorite in a race. While Hill’s 10.15-second sprint is certainly impressive at 31, it is tied for 121st in the world this year. Lyles’ personal-best time is 9.79. Not confused with Usain Bolt in terms of dominance in the 100, the Team USA superstar has 24 sub-10-second 100-meter clockings (including 11 sub-9.9-second performances) in his career.

The Dolphins are likely not too disappointed about this race’s cancellation, as Hill is coming off an injury-plagued 2024. The 10th-year veteran, who had dropped early 15 pounds this offseason, is coming off two offseason wrist surgery and will now focus on a fourth Dolphins training camp. Here is the latest from around the pro football world:

  • Jim Harbaugh needed to leave the sideline during a Chargers-Broncos game last October, enduring a heart episode. An atrial flutter, an arrhythmia that leads to an accelerated heart rate, led to the brief exit. Harbaugh returned to coach in that game but underwent heart surgery this offseason. The second-year Bolts HC said (via ESPN.com’s Kris Rhim) he underwent a cardiac ablation procedure, along with a hip replacement surgery, this year.
  • The Bears drafted tackles on Day 2 in each of the past two years, following their Kiran Amegadjie third-round choice with a second-round selection of Ozzy Trapilo. In the meantime, contract-year left tackle Braxton Jones is recovering from an ankle surgery expected to sideline him into training camp. Chicago could move Darnell Wright, who split time at left and right tackle at Tennessee before becoming entrenched at RT with the Bears, to the blind side. But Ben Johnson threw cold water on an extended LT look for Wright. The Bears HC said (via ESPN.com’s Courtney Cronin) the team is “pretty comfortable” keeping Wright at RT. Chosen 56th overall out of Boston College, Trapilo has worked with the Bears’ first-stringers at LT, per Cronin. Naturally, this will be a storyline to monitor as Jones — a three-year LT starter — enters a walk year.
  • The UFL wrapped its second season Saturday, and the spring/summer league does not appear in danger of folding. In fact, an expansion could commence. The league trademarked four names — the Oakland Invaders, the Philadelphia Stars, the New Jersey Generals, and the Tampa Bay Bandits, all part of the original USFL in the mid-1980s — according to UFLNewshub.com. Combining XFL 3.0 and USFL 2.0 franchises, the UFL features eight teams. It would be interesting to see expansion become a legitimate topic, as the XFL twice folded and then merged with a rival league. Attendance and viewership for the minor-league product of sorts was down this season, per SportsBusinessJournal.com’s Ben Fischer, who indicates ratings dropped by 20% from 2024. Attendance declined 5% from Year 1.

Rams Re-Sign CB Derion Kendrick

June 17th, 2025 at 12:59pm CST by Adam La Rose

Last week, the Rams waived Derion Kendrick. That move appeared to set the fourth-year cornerback up for a move to a new team late in free agency, but he will instead remain in Los Angeles.

Kendrick has been re-signed, ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes. The 24-year-old missed all of last season after suffering an ACL tear in training camp. During his two healthy seasons, though, Kendrick totaled 32 appearances and 18 starts.

The former sixth-rounder recorded 14 pass deflections during his first two years with Los Angeles, and in 2022 he notched his first career interception. A notable workload would have likely been in store once again last year if not for the injury, one which left Kendrick’s roster spot in danger this summer. One year remained on his rookie contract prior to last week’s decision, but now a new arrangement (no doubt on a short-term accord) is in place.

Cobie Durant and Ahkello Witherspoon remain in the fold as key figures at the cornerback spot for Los Angeles entering 2025. The team also has former first-rounder Emmanuel Forbes and special teamer Shaun Jolly on the books ahead of training camp. Kendrick’s quick re-signing is certainly a positive indication regarding his health, and he should be able to carve out at least a rotational defensive role provided he can avoid a repeat of last year’s injury.

The Rams have long been connected to a trade for Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey. The All-Pro played under Sean McVay from 2019-22, and a reunion remains something to watch for as the summer plays out. Some thought the decision to part ways with Kendrick was a sign a Ramsey trade could be in store; instead, the former is now back in place while the latter continues to await his future.

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