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Ravens Rumors: Jackson, Flowers, Armour-Davis, Mitchell

June 6th, 2025 at 10:01pm CST by Ely Allen

We mentioned recently that, following the extension of wide receiver Rashod Bateman, an extension for quarterback Lamar Jackson would be at the forefront of the Ravens’ priorities for the remainder of the offseason. Well, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the plan was always for the two-time MVP to get a revised deal around this time.

Though Jackson became the highest-paid player in NFL history only two years ago, so many other quarterbacks have gotten new deals that he currently sits at 10th in the league in average annual value. Jackson and the team anticipated the inflating contract values when they formed his first extension, putting obscene cap hits starting in the third year of his contract to force both parties to return to the table. Jackson’s $43.5MM cap hit in 2025 in the fourth highest in the NFL this year. That cap hit jumps to $74.5MM in 2026 and 2027, giving him the third highest and highest cap hits in those respective years.

A return to the table would benefit both parties as a new contract would likely mean a raise for Jackson and some short-term cap savings for Baltimore. If Jackson once again becomes the highest-paid quarterback (per AAV) in the league, he will become the first player in NFL history to eclipse $60MM per year, and according to Rapoport, head coach John Harbaugh seemed to acknowledge at league meetings that Jackson could certainly be bound for that as of yet uncharted territory.

Rapoport predicts, too, that, paired with Bateman’s extension, the cap relief of a Jackson extension could help the team with another extension that’s likely on the docket for tight end Isaiah Likely.

Here are a few other rumors coming out of Charm City:

  • After an impressive sophomore campaign that earned him the honor of being the Ravens’ first Pro Bowl wide receiver in franchise history, Zay Flowers second season came to an early end with a knee sprain in the regular season finale. The injury held him out of the team’s two playoff contests but, luckily, didn’t require surgery. According to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, Flowers’ knee is already 100 percent. “No limits,” the 24-year-old told the media. As Jackson’s favorite target in 2024, Flowers became just the 10th receiver or tight end in franchise history to catch for 1,000 yards in a single season. Back to full health, he’ll look to become just the second to do so in back-to-back seasons (Derrick Mason did so in three straight years from 2007-09). A big part of that will be Flowers’ ability to reconnect with Jackson, something he began doing as soon as he completed his rehabilitation. Aside from the regular offseason practices in Baltimore, Flowers and Jackson have been working together in private workouts in Florida.
  • Since getting drafted in the fourth-round of 2022, cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis has had a disappointing start to his career. It seems as if offseason rumors pump him up every summer just for injuries to curtail his success in the fall. In three years, he’s only played in 19 games, and with a deeper cornerbacks group in 2025, his path to playing time has grown even longer. According to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, Armour-Davis could find time as a safety. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr is reportedly cross-training the 25-year-old, and he’s seen as one of the smartest defensive backs in the building. If this experiment fails to pay dividends, though, Armour-Davis’ continued struggles to make an impact could result in his getting waived.
  • After a torn ACL ended an impressive rookie campaign in 2023, running back Keaton Mitchell had to wait until Week 10 to debut in his sophomore season, at which point it was difficult to work him into the offense. The team did find some special teams use for him as a kickoff returner in 2024, though, and per Zrebiec, Mitchell wants to be the primary returner for the team this year, as well. Mitchell should still be able to find some time in the offense in 2025; Derrick Henry will be the primary ball carrier, while Justice Hill functions as a third-down, receiving back, but Mitchell’s incredible speed will continue to be an excellent complement to both rushers. With fewer playing opportunities available on offense, though, Mitchell will look to utilize that speed in the open field on kickoff returns.

S Ifeatu Melifonwu Could Start In Miami

June 6th, 2025 at 8:50pm CST by Ely Allen

The Dolphins watched both starting safeties — Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer — walk in free agency this offseason and reloaded at the position with some free agent signings of their own. Unfortunately, all three safeties the Dolphins signed lack full-time starting experience, but it sounds like Ifeatu Melifonwu has taken an early lead on one of the two starting positions, per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

A former third-round pick out of Syracuse, Melifonwu was drafted by the Lions in large part due to the versatility he brought to the secondary. As a rookie, he started four of seven game appearances at both cornerback and safety. He likely would’ve started even more games, but a thigh injury led to a stint on injured reserve. His health issues lingered into his sophomore season, but he played in each of the final eight games that year, making one start in 10 appearances.

Finally seeming healthy, Melifonwu began his 2023 campaign as a reserve defender on special teams. An early-season injury to Kerby Joseph allowed him some starting minutes, but he reverted back to the bench when Joseph returned. Eventually, Detroit would bench Tracy Walker, and Melifonwu would start the final five games of the season, logging two interceptions and seven passes defensed in that span.

Last year, the Lions were looking to come into the season with a rotatable three-headed monster of Joseph, Brian Branch, and Melifonwu, but a training camp ankle injury kept the latter of the three off the field to start the year. He was placed on IR once again, and when his 21-day practice window opened, and he began to practice again, Melifonwu suffered a dislocated finger. The team activated him so that he would not be reverted to season-ending IR but returned him right back to IR for the third time in his career. He didn’t make it back to the field until the team’s final three games of the regular season.

Melifonwu is competing with Ashtyn Davis and re-signed Dolphin Elijah Campbell for the starting roles. While Jackson notes that Melifonwu is a front-runner for one of the starting jobs, Davis is probably the most likely to earn the other starting spot next to him. A former third-round pick out of Cal for the Jets, Davis looked like he had the makings of a full-time starter, logging 16 starts in 23 games his first two years. After that, though, the Jets seemed to lose faith as he started six games over the next three seasons.

Campbell has been in Miami for the last four years. He’s made three starts over that time and seen some reserve snaps off the bench, as well. He and rookie fifth-round pick Dante Trader will attempt to challenge the favorites, Melifonwu and Davis, for playing time as the offseason progresses.

NFL Draft Pick Signings: 6/6/25

June 6th, 2025 at 7:16pm CST by Ely Allen

We saw another 2025 NFL Draft pick sign their rookie contract today:

Tennessee Titans

Dike was the first of three rookie wideouts that the Titans brought in for their No. 1 overall pick. Despite Dike having lower receiving numbers than both of the other rookie receivers, a 4.34-second 40-yard dash and a strong interview helped inform the Titans’ decision to take him as the first pick on Day 3 of the draft.

NFL Minor Transactions: 6/6/25

June 6th, 2025 at 6:38pm CST by Ely Allen

Here are today’s minor moves to close out the week:

Buffalo Bills

Philadelphia Eagles

Robinson was a surprising presence on the waiver wire after Jacksonville drafted him in fifth round of last year’s draft. A career backup running back at Alabama and Texas, Robinson was likely drafted for his special teams potential. He spent his last two collegiate years as the Longhorns’ primary kickoff returner but only appeared in six games and returned two kicks as a rookie in Duval.

Former WR Jared Bernhardt To Begin Lacrosse Career

June 6th, 2025 at 3:45pm CST by Adam La Rose

In 2021, Jared Bernhardt won the Tewaaraton Award as the country’s top collegiate lacrosse player. He turned his attention toward a professional football career afterwards, but that proved to be a short-lived effort.

In 2022, Bernhardt joined the Falcons as an undrafted free agent. He would up making a pair of regular season appearances as a rookie before landing on injured reserve in October. Those two contests proved to be the only action of Bernhardt’s NFL career, and in May 2023 he was placed on the reserve/retired list by Atlanta. One year later, the 27-year-old attended a workout with the Giants, but it did not produce a deal allowing for an NFL comeback.

With his football days over, Bernhardt will officially transition back to lacrosse. ESPN’s Field Yates recently noted the Maryland product spoke with each team in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) while aiming to immediately join a team. Earlier this week, he made his decision by signing with the Denver Outlaws (h/t Yates). As a result of that move, Bernhardt is set to make his debut tonight.

The PLL was founded in 2018 with its first season taking place one year later. The league began as a competitor to Major League Lacrosse, but the two wound up merging in 2020. As a result, the PLL – which currently has eight franchises – now operates as a rival to the decades-old National Lacrosse League (NLL). The latter’s latest season recently ended, and the 2025 PLL campaign begins tonight.

Bernhardt’s presence will be notable for the Outlaws in particular and the league in general given his pedigree dating back to his college career. Regardless of how his pro lacrosse endeavors play out, though, an attempt at an NFL return should obviously not be expected.

Texans LB Christian Harris Expected To Return By Training Camp

June 6th, 2025 at 2:59pm CST by Adam La Rose

A calf injury suffered last summer led to an extended absence for Texans linebacker Christian Harris. After returning to the field in time for the final five combined regular and postseason games of the 2024 campaign, an ankle injury cost him time this offseason.

Harris has been recovering during voluntary workouts and OTAs. He is not expected to participate in on-field work during Houston’s upcoming minicamp, but KPCR2′ Aaron Wilson reports “steady progress” is being made in his recovery. As a result, the 24-year-old is set to receive full clearance in time for training camp.

“Yeah, he’s been here working, like he always is,” defensive coordinator Matt Burke said (via Wilson) when speaking about Harris’ situation. “Christian has been doing his thing. All the guys are on different plans and routines. The goal is to get all these guys ready for camp, and he’s on track to be there for us.”

Harris was limited to 12 games as a rookie, but he flashed considerable potential while handling a heavy defensive workload. The former third-rounder saw a drop in snap share (to 71%) the following season but he remained a productive contributor on the team’s defense with 101 stops, seven tackles for loss and a pair of sacks. Expectations were high entering the 2024 campaign as a result, but the calf stain cost Harris much of the regular season.

The Alabama product’s ability to return to full health this year will be key for team and player. Harris will look to earn a first-team gig while competing with incumbent Henry To’oTo’o and free agent addition E.J. Speed for playin time during camp. In any combination, the second level of Houston’s defense will be counted on to remain strong in 2025. Harris playing a big role in that respect would set him up well in free agency.

The coming season represents the final one of his rookie contract. A productive campaign would boost Harris’ stock on a second Texans pact or one sending him to a new team, and he should be at full strength well in advance of Week 1.

Bears S Jaquan Brisker Has Not Considered Retirement

June 6th, 2025 at 12:38pm CST by Adam La Rose

Concussions have been one of the defining aspects of Jaquan Brisker‘s NFL career to date. The fourth-year Bears safety has recovered from his latest one, and he has not given thought to retirement.

Brisker is committed to resuming his career in 2025. The coming campaign will be key for team and player in this case. Chicago’s secondary is aiming for a rebound compared to its performance last season, while the 26-year-old is a pending 2026 free agent. No changes in playing style are being planned by Brisker either.

“No, I’m not,” the Penn State product said while speaking to the media when asked if was giving thought to retirement or focusing on his concussion history (via 670 The Score). “I’m not. I’m good. I’m past that point. I’m really moving on. I’m just focused on playing ball. I’m going to continue to play the same way.”

Brisker has served as a full-time starter throughout his time with the Bears. He has missed time every season due to a concussion, though, and in 2024 he was only available for five games. A healthy slate from the former second-rounder would be crucial to Chicago’s defense while also making it easier to commit to him beyond the coming campaign. Brisker topped 100 tackles during his first two seasons, and he has amassed three interceptions and 13 pass deflections to date.

A trend of missed time through injury – particularly concussions – often gives teams pause when they contemplate re-signing or extending players. Brisker has made it clear his long-term brain health is not seen as a concern at this point, however, so he should be able to play his way into a lucrative second contract with a strong season in 2025. His ability to remain available for a full campaign will be an interesting storyline to follow.

Cowboys’ DeMarvion Overshown Ahead Of Schedule In Recovery; Sam Williams Returns To Practice

June 6th, 2025 at 11:09am CST by Adam La Rose

DeMarvion Overshown missed his entire rookie season due to an ACL tear. He managed to return to the Cowboys’ lineup in time for the start of last season, handling a starting role when on the field.

A productive campaign came to a premature end in December, however. The former third-round linebacker suffered another ACL tear with the same damage also being done to his MCL and PCL. As a result, Overshown is once again in the midst of a lengthy recovery process. Encouragingly, he is ahead of schedule at this point.

“It really couldn’t be any better,” Overshown said when speaking about his health status (via Jon Machota of The Athletic). “Where I’m at in my rehab and my process is where I’m supposed to be plus some… There’s no need to rush the process. I’m gonna come back when I’m 100 percent. When I’m ready, when I know I can touch the field and not look down and worry about my knee.”

The 24-year-old posted 90 tackles, five sacks and four pass deflections last season. A return to that level of production would be welcomed on a Cowboys defense in need of improvement in 2025. A firm timeline is not in place for a return to action, and it would come as no surprise if Overshown began the campaign on the PUP list. November was mentioned last month as a possible point at which he could suit up, but since the Texas product is ahead of schedule he may manage to do so slightly earlier.

In other Cowboys injury news, Sam Williams has recently reached a key milestone in his own rehab process stemming from a major knee injury. The former second-round defensive end missed all of last season after tearing his ACL and suffering a partial MCL tear during training camp. The 26-year-old recently took part in individual drills for the first time this offseason, though, as noted by the Dallas Morning News’ Calvin Watkins.

That news comes as little surprise, since owner Jerry Jones said one month ago Williams had nearly healed in full. Still, having the latter back in the fold will be key for a pass rush group which lost DeMarcus Lawrence in free agency. Williams has yet to start a game in the NFL, but he could be in line for a spike in usage as a complement to Micah Parsons along the edge. A strong showing would be key since Williams is a pending 2026 free agent.

Dallas ranked 31st in the NFL in points allowed last season. Better health from the likes of Overshown and Williams will help the team’s efforts to improve in that respect, and both should be available for at least most of the coming campaign.

Chuck Pagano Not Eyeing Another HC Job

June 6th, 2025 at 10:23am CST by Nikhil Mehta

Longtime coach Chuck Pagano returned to the Ravens as a senior defensive assistant this year, but he has no ambition to take another head coaching job in the NFL.

Pagano’s success as a secondary coach and defensive coordinator during his first stint in Baltimore helped him line up a promotion to head coach with the Colts in 2012. He missed a large chunk of his first season in Indianapolis while undergoing treatment for leukemia, but the team still went 33-15 with three playoff berths across Pagano’s first three years in charge.

The 64-year-old said (via a team transcript) on Thursday that Colts owner Jim Irsay, who passed away last week, supported him through the health scare in 2012, but added that “nobody has any idea until you sit in that seat.”

Pagano could not maintain the Colts’ performance through repeated injuries to Andrew Luck and was fired in 2017 after missing the postseason for a third year in a row. He then replaced Vic Fangio as the Bears’ defensive coordinator in 2019 and retired after the 2020 season.

Pagano needed a break after COVID (“probably like everybody else in the world”) and said that rejoining John Harbaugh‘s staff was “probably the only opportunity that would get me off the couch.” He cited the media obligations of a head coach and his desire to spend more time connecting with his players as reasons to stay in an assistant role.

Kenny Clark Underwent Offseason Foot Surgery

June 6th, 2025 at 9:40am CST by Nikhil Mehta

Packers defensive tackle Kenny Clark is only participating in individual drills during OTAs as he recovers from surgery, according to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky.

Clark said he went under the knife in January to correct issues with his right toe, specifically a bunion and bone spurs that hampered him throughout the season. The 29-year-old’s foot got caught on the turf at Arena Corinthians in Brazil, where the Packers opened the regular season. He still started every game, but he was not the same disruptive force that earned two Pro Bowl nods in the preceding three seasons.

After Week 1, Clark blasted the field conditions in Brazil, per Demovsky, complaining about “holes in the ground” and calling it a “tough surface to play on.” He held back when asked about the same topic on Tuesday after receiving backlash for his September comments.

“I ain’t going to answer that question,” Clark said. “I got all the Brazilians on me.”

Despite dealing with a toe injury all year, Clark led the Packers defensive line in snaps, though his 63% snap share was his lowest since his rookie year. So was his production; his 37 total tackles and one sack were career-lows outside of his 2016 rookie year.

Clark admitted that the injury hindered him last season – “you’re taking every step and your toe is busted,” he said (via USA Today’s Ryan Wood) – but expressed optimism about a return to form in 2025.

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