HEADLINES

Steelers Sign Aaron Rodgers

June 6th, 2025 at 8:40am CST by Adam La Rose

JUNE 6, 8:40am: Rodgers has insisted that money is not his primary motivator and suggested that he would be willing to take $10MM – his lowest salary since his rookie contract – to play in Pittsburgh. The base value of his deal with the Steelers is expected to be in that neighborhood, per Rapoport, with the potential for more money via incentives.

JUNE 5, 10:08pm: The Steelers have officially announced the one-year deal (pending physical).

JUNE 5, 2:15pm: The Aaron Rodgers saga is nearing its expected conclusion. The future Hall of Famer has informed the Steelers he will sign with them, Tom Pelissero, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network report.

To no surprise, Rapoport adds this will be a one-year deal. Rodgers will fly to Pittsburgh tomorrow, allowing him to sign ahead of next week’s minicamp. The four-time MVP will thus handle starting duties for 2025 as the Steelers look to upgrade their play under center on a short-term basis.

Uncertainty has clouded this situation throughout the offseason, but for quite some time signs have exclusively pointed to this arrangement taking place. Pittsburgh’s initial intention was to keep one of Russell Wilson or Justin Fields in place as a holdover from the team’s 2024 QB setup. Instead, Fields left for the Jets in free agency while Wilson (preferring not to wait for Rodgers to make his decision) will handle starting duties for the Giants.

Since losing both of their quarterbacks from the previous campaign, the Steelers have been connected to Rodgers. After two years with the Jets – one which ended after four snaps due to an Achilles tear and one which was marred by inconsistent play and turmoil in the organization – he was released. The manner in which Rodgers was informed of the decision by the new Jets regime was not well-received, but a first career foray into free agency brought with it conversations with a number of teams. The Giants were among them, although the team’s preference was to use the 2025 draft as a means of finding a long-term solution under center.

The Vikings represented a potential destination as well, with Rodgers informing them they were his preferred landing spot. After allowing Sam Darnold to depart in free agency, though, Minnesota is prepared to move forward with 2024 first-rounder J.J. McCarthy under center. In mid-March, the possibility was raised that Rodgers would either sign with the Vikings or retire. Neither route has been taken.

Shortly after that report emerged, a free agent visit took place in which Rodgers went to the Steelers’ facility. That did not produce an agreement, but a contract offer was made. While continuing to weigh the option of hanging up his cleats – and focusing his attention on a personal matter – the longtime Packers star mainly remained quiet with respect to public comments on his future. Clearly, Rodgers’ off-the-field situation has now reached a point where he is committed to suiting up for a 21st season in the NFL.

The Steelers have Skylar Thompson on their quarterback depth chart, and the team reunited with Mason Rudolph in free agency. The latter (who totaled 21 appearances and 13 starts across his first Pittsburgh stint) was made aware before signing of the possibility a deal such as this was a distinct possibility. The team aimed to have a firm Rodgers answer before April’s draft took place, but even without one Pittsburgh operated as though he would eventually arrive. Indeed, owner Art Rooney II expressed optimism on that front multiple times while the Steelers’ only rookie addition came in the form of sixth-rounder Will Howard.

Late last month, Rodgers hinted further that he would spend the 2025 campaign in Pittsburgh. The 41-year-old has already worked out with trade acquisition D.K. Metcalf this offseason while remaining in constant contact with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin (whom ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes was a key factor in Rodgers’ decision). No firm timeline was ever established for a deal to be worked out, and missed reps at OTAs are certainly far from ideal. Realistically, though, upcoming minicamp represented a logical deadline for Rodgers to report to the team and begin acclimating to OC Arthur Smith‘s scheme.

Since Ben Roethlisberger‘s retirement following the 2021 campaign, the Steelers have been unable to find an effective replacement under center. Given Rodgers’ age, he will of course not be seen as a long-term solution at the position. Next year’s draft – which will take place in Pittsburgh, no less – looms as one to watch with respect to another notable rookie investment on the team’s part.

In the meantime, another postseason berth will be the goal for Tomlin and Co. The Steelers have never posted a sub-.500 record during his tenure, but playoff success has proven hard to come by dating back to the waning stages of Roethlisberger’s decorated career. If healthy, Rodgers could give the team’s offense its highest floor in years. Considering his age, declining mobility and production since the start of the 2022 season, however, it very much remains to be seen how effective his debut Steelers season will be.

One of the impacts of today’s news is the fact Pittsburgh will no longer be in the market for Kirk Cousins. The Falcons have consistently stated their preference to keep him as a backup, but the four-time Pro Bowler has aimed for a change of scenery all offseason. The Steelers were keeping tabs on a potential trade while awaiting word from Rodgers, their preferred target for a short-term addition. Now, Cousins can essentially be locked into remaining with Atlanta unless a starting quarterback is injured this summer.

Rodgers’ legacy will be dictated in large part by the success of his Packers stint. To say the least, though, things did not go according to plan during his Jets tenure. How this third chapter of his career plays out will be one of the league’s more interesting storylines.

Extension Talks Ongoing Between Ravens, Lamar Jackson

June 5th, 2025 at 9:50pm CST by Adam La Rose

In March, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said internal conversations have taken place about a Lamar Jackson extension. Talks on that front have also been had with the two-time MVP.

“We’ve had some conversations before the draft, after the draft, in person last week,” general manager Eric DeCosta said about Jackson during an appearance on the BMore Baseball Podcast (video link). “I think we’re in the introductory sort of stage of looking at what an extension might look like.”

Three years remain on Jackson’s contract. That five-year, $260MM pact contained $185MM in guarantees and plenty of locked-in compensation remains to be paid out. $21MM in base salary is guaranteed for the coming season, and another $29MM in base pay for 2026 vested in March.

Team and player could elect to wait until next offseason to work out a third contract, especially since that’d provide the front office an opportunity to navigate the QB’s increased cap hit. Assuming that deal comes to fruition, it will likely once again reset the quarterback market, something that Harbaugh has already alluded to.

Dak Prescott‘s extension with the Cowboys made him the highest-paid NFL player of all time from an annual standpoint, as the QB’s AAV comes in at $60MM. Patrick Mahomes‘ $450MM in total value still paces the position, while Josh Allen earned a position-leading $250MM in guaranteed money. It’s unlikely that Jackson will be able to top all of those categories; at the very least, he should see a significant (and potentially record-breaking) jump on the $52MM AAV he’s currently attached to.

Jackson had one of the most productive showings of his career during his age-27 season. He tossed a career-high 41 touchdowns vs. only four interceptions, and he topped 900 rushing yards for the first time since the 2020 campaign. Thanks to that showing, Jackson finished second in MVP voting.

Ben Levine contributed to this post.

Ravens Extend WR Rashod Bateman

June 5th, 2025 at 9:36pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Ravens have worked out another extension on the offensive side of the ball. Wideout Rashod Bateman has a new deal in place, per a team announcement.

Providing details on the extension, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports this is a three-year, $36.75MM pact. $20MM in guarantees are present in the contract. Bateman is now on the books through the 2029 campaign. When speaking to the media on Thursday, Bateman noted extension talks took place since the end of the season (h/t Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic). This news marks the first time in franchise history a drafted receiver has signed multiple extensions with the Ravens.

One year ago, team and player worked out a short-term extension. That two-year deal came about during unusual circumstances, as Bateman briefly found himself on the reserve/did not report list at the start of training camp. By rule, that made him ineligible to have his fifth-year option picked up and hastened the need for a second contract to be worked out. Doing so provided the former first-rounder with a raise, something which paved the way for today’s new agreement.

Injuries proved to be a hindrance during the beginning of Bateman’s career. The Minnesota product had not lived up to expectations through his first three years in Baltimore, but he parlayed an uptick in usage into increased production in 2024. Logging a 69% snap share – in line with his workload from his rookie season but a notable spike compared to the two following years – Bateman comfortably set a new career high in yards (756) and touchdowns (nine). His 16.8 yards per catch average ranked third in the NFL. Those figures, along with a full slate of games, have driven the Ravens to make an even longer commitment in this case.

Bateman, 25, did not anticipate his 2024 extension. Similarly, today’s agreement was not preceded by reports of extension talks taking place. The only news surrounding him this offseason was the revelation that Dallas pursued Bateman in a trade. The Cowboys’ WR efforts ultimately resulted their George Pickens acquisition, leaving Baltimore’s No. 2 at the position in place. Bateman’s future for the remainder of his prime is now assured, and he will stay in place while operating in a tandem with fellow former first-rounder Zay Flowers.

The top of the receiver market now sits at over $40MM per year. Bateman has not come close to matching the production of Ja’Marr Chase or the seven other wideouts attached to an AAV of at least $30MM, but this can be seen as a team-friendly deal given the recent surges in value seen at the position. At $12.25MM per year, this pact essentially doubles Bateman’s yearly earnings compared to last year’s extension, but considering his age a commitment of this kind will keep him under team control at a rate well below the cost of other ascending wideouts (especially given the expectation that the salary cap will continue rising in the coming years).

In 2024 – the second season with Todd Monken in place as Baltimore’s offensive coordinator – the team ranked seventh in the NFL in passing yards. The Ravens’ only key change at the WR spot this offseason was signing DeAndre Hopkins to replace Nelson Agholor, so expectations will be high for a repeat of that success with many familiar faces in place. Baltimore has already extended running back Derrick Henry, preventing him from entering the 2025 campaign as a pending free agent.

That move has now been followed up by a new Bateman pact. Remaining extension priorities include a second contract for center Tyler Linderbaum and a cap-related deal for quarterback Lamar Jackson no later than next offseason. Regardless of what happens on those fronts, the Ravens will have stability atop the receiver depth chart with Bateman and Flowers for years to come.

Colts QB Anthony Richardson To Miss Time With Shoulder Injury

June 5th, 2025 at 9:22pm CST by Adam La Rose

Anthony Richardson has encountered another injury setback. The third-year Colts quarterback is dealing with a shoulder injury which will keep him out of minicamp, head coach Shane Steichen announced on Thursday.

The affected shoulder – which recently experienced soreness – is the same one in which Richardson suffered an AC joint sprain in 2023, as noted by ESPN’s Stephen Holder. That injury ended his rookie campaign after just four games and cost the former No. 4 pick development time. The same is now true in this case.

No surgery will be required this time around, but Richardson will nevertheless miss valuable spring reps during his bid to earn the starting gig. Steichen added (via James Boyd of The Athletic) no timeline is in place for a return but noted he hopes Richardson will be back at some point during during training camp. The latter entered this offseason in an open competition with Daniel Jones for the QB1 spot based on his missed time and underwhelming play when healthy. This latest setback will give Jones additional first-team reps.

After his Giants tenure came to an end, Jones finished the 2024 season in Minnesota. Just like Sam Darnold, though, he departed in free agency. The 28-year-old took a contract with a base value of $14MM this spring and in doing so became an option to see considerable time atop the Colts’ depth chart this season. Steichen has previously made it clear Richardson and Jones would evenly split first-team reps during OTAs, a plan indicating the extent to which the position was unsettled based on how things transpired last year.

Richardson avoided a major injury during his second season in Indianapolis, but he still missed some time for that reason. The Florida product also found himself benched in favor of Joe Flacco at one point while posting a completion percentage of just 47.7% and a negative touchdown-to-interception ratio (8:12) on the year. Major improvement will be needed if Richardson is to solidify himself as an NFL starter.

Next spring, the Colts will need to decide on Richardson’s 2027 fifth-year option. That call will depend in large part on how he performs this season, something which will of course require winning the competition with Jones. For the time being, though, only the latter will be available for on-field work.

Patriots LB Jahlani Tavai Out Until Training Camp

June 5th, 2025 at 8:56pm CST by Ben Levine

After bringing in former defensive stalwart Mike Vrabel as head coach and investing much of their cap room to the defensive side of the ball, the Patriots are clearly hoping to take a major step forward on that side of the ball in 2025. Unfortunately, they may have to prepare for the upcoming campaign without one of the key holdovers.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported earlier this week that linebacker Jahlani Tavai suffered a calf injury during Monday’s OTAs that will sideline him until at least training camp. This was actually a promising development, as many reporters assumed the worst when the linebacker had to be helped off the practice field after teammates “showed their concern” (per ESPN’s Mike Reiss).

A former second-round pick by the Lions, Tavai has found a home in New England in recent seasons. He became one of the team’s only standout players in 2023 and 2024, when he compiled a combined 225 tackles and two sacks in 34 appearances. The former Hawaii star inked a three-year, $15MM extension with the organization during the 2024 offseason.

Tavai is likely eyeing another significant role in 2025, although the Patriots aren’t nearly as reliant on the veteran as they once were. Free agent acquisition Robert Spillane is expected to soak up many of the reps at inside linebacker, although there’s an open competition for the other ILB spot. With Tavai temporarily off the practice field, the likes of Christian Elliss and/or Jack Gibbens could climb the depth chart.

The Patriots were traditionally in a 3-3-5 nickel defensive grouping when led by Bill Belichick and Jerod Mayo. Vrabel played most of his career in that same system, so it’s been assumed the organization may maintain status quo on that side of the ball. However, Vrabel often leaned on four-down defensive linemen during his time with the Titans, and the team’s improved DL depth (and suddenly shaky ILB depth) means they could turn to that configuration. The Patriots’ current DL depth consists of Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Keion White, Harold Landry, and K’Lavon Chaisson.

NFL Minor Transactions: 6/5/25

June 5th, 2025 at 8:03pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor moves:

Denver Broncos

Detroit Lions

Jacksonville Jaguars

Pittsburgh Steelers

With the Steelers adding S Quindell Johnson yesterday, the team ended up moving on from one of their other defensive backs. The choice was Bledsoe, a former sixth-round pick by the Patriots. The Missouri product got into four games during his two seasons in New England. Following a brief stint in the UFL, Bledsoe caught on with the Steelers’ offseason roster back in January.

No Timeline For Patriots DC Terrell Williams’ Return

June 5th, 2025 at 7:45pm CST by Ben Levine

Terrell Williams remains away from the Patriots after suffering a “health scare” in May. Still, the Patriots new defensive coordinator remains as connected to the organization as he can possibly be.

Inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr has been leading the defense throughout OTAs, and the coach addressed the uncertain situation with reporters yesterday. Most notably, Kuhr revealed that there’s no timeline for Williams’ return, although he said the coordinator checks in on his staff and players daily via video conference.

Kuhr also addressed his evolving role, noting that he’s simply an extension of Williams and head coach MikeVrabel. Before working with Vrabel for several years in Tennessee, Kuhr had a long stay in college football, with the majority of his work actually coming on the offensive side of the ball (including a stint as offensive coordinator at Texas State). The coach cited that experience as he explained his evolving responsibilities in New England.

“I’ve been a coordinator before,” Kuhr said (via ESPN’s Mike Reiss). “I know it was at the college level [offensive coordinator] but I’ve been in front of a unit before and run meetings. I wouldn’t say it’s anything too new … it’s helped to have a guy like [assistant] Vinny DePalma in there; he has taken a lot of lifting off my shoulders [with inside linebackers]. He’s going to be a great coach.”

As Kuhr navigates the uncertain situation, he hasn’t only leaned on his fellow coaches. The fill-in DC said he’s also relied on free agent acquisition Robert Spillane, who has provided a “coach-like presence on the field” (per Reiss). Specifically, Spillane has been relaying calls from Kuhr to his teammates, and the coach has empowered the veteran to communicate the play call in his own way.

The 36-year-old coach will continue to be in the spotlight, at least until Williams returns to practice. If the defensive coordinator doesn’t make a return, it sounds like the Patriots are more than comfortable rolling with their fill-in. As Reiss writes, Williams previously described Kuhr as a “superstar” in the making, and it sounds like that sentiment is held by other members of the staff.

Kyle Pitts Sidelined With Foot Injury

June 5th, 2025 at 6:43pm CST by Ben Levine

While Kyle Pitts‘ future in Atlanta remains uncertain, his absence from OTA practices has nothing to do with the persistent trade rumblings. Rather, the Falcons tight end is currently sidelined with a strained muscle in his foot, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

[RELATED: Kyle Pitts Drawing Trade Interest]

While plenty of pundits and fans have criticized the former fourth-overall pick’s production, that hasn’t been because of a lack of availability. Besides a 2022 campaign where Pitts was limited to 10 games thanks to a torn MCL, the tight end otherwise hasn’t missed a game during his NFL career. A strained muscle in the foot shouldn’t do much to impact Pitts’ availability for the start of the 2025 campaign, although it could give trade suitors some pause.

We heard earlier this week that multiple teams have reached out to the Falcons about Pitts’ availability. The tight end was described as “relatively available” throughout the offseason, although a deal wasn’t said to be imminent. The team quickly clarified that they weren’t actively shopping Pitts but could be open to the possibility of a trade. It sounded like Pitts had similar feelings about moving on; while the tight end hasn’t requested a trade, he’s reportedly open to a fresh start elsewhere.

Pitts has struggled to live up to his lofty draft stock and subsequent expectations. The Florida product did manage to top 1,000 receiving yards as a rookie, but he hasn’t come close to that mark over the past three years. That includes a 2024 campaign where Pitts finished with 47 receptions for 602 yards, which was his worst showing in any of his three healthy campaigns.

The Falcons picked up Pitts’ fifth-year option, so the tight end is locked in for one more year. As a result, it’s unlikely that teams would view the trade target as anything more than a rental, and the assumed underwhelming offers probably wouldn’t be enough to convince Falcons brass to move on from the starter. In other words, it’s hard to see a true path to a trade.

While Pitts is sidelined with his foot injury, the Falcons will have an opportunity to see what a non-Pitts-led tight ends room will look like. Charlie Woerner is back for another season as a primary backup, although the veteran is more known for his blocking ability. The team was active adding to the position this offseason, acquiring Teagan Quitoriano, Feleipe Franks, Nikola Kalinic, and UDFA Joshua Simon. Those four players should have an extended opportunity to show what they’ve got while Pitts is out of practice.

No Extension Agreement Imminent Between Commanders, Terry McLaurin

June 5th, 2025 at 5:00pm CST by Adam La Rose

5:00pm: Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer predicts an agreement will be reached on this front no later than the start of training camp (video link). He adds the value of a new contract could range between $30MM and $35MM annually given the current nature of the receiver market. In any case, an arrangement on a third contract (or at least progress toward one) will presumably be sought out in the near future by the Commanders.

12:31pm: Terry McLaurin is among the veteran players around the NFL absent from OTAs while seeking an extension. It appears progress at the negotiating table has been hard to come by in his case.

McLaurin has informed the Commanders he is “frustrated” by the status of extension talks, Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reports. The two-time Pro Bowler has one year remaining on his contract, but it has long been known he is aiming for a new pact. An extension has also been a team priority for some time now.

As a result, many expected an agreement to be worked out between team and player. McLaurin’s importance to Washington’s offense cannot be understated, and he remained a consistent producer during the years leading up the arrival of quarterback Jayden Daniels. With the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year in place, McLaurin topped 1,000 receiving yards for the fifth straight year while reaching a new career high with 13 touchdowns.

The 29-year-old has already been paid out a $2.8MM roster bonus, and he is owed a $15.5MM base salary for the coming campaign. McLaurin is set to carry a cap charge of $25.5MM in 2025, and an extension (even by means of a raise) could lower that figure. The top of the receiver market has surpassed $40MM this offseason, and a total of eight wideouts average at least $30MM per year. The AAV of McLaurin’s existing deal checks in at $23.2MM.

Adding an established pass-catcher was an understandable offseason goal for the Commanders. To no surprise, then, the team brought in Deebo Samuel via trade. His pact was restructured upon arrival, but the former 49er joins McLaurin as a pending 2026 free agent. Ensuring at least the latter remains in place beyond the coming season – and thus through the remainder of Daniels’ rookie contract – would be a sound approach for general manager Adam Peters and Co. Work still needs to take place for that to be possible, however.

As Schultz notes, McLaurin departed the team during earlier voluntary work as an indication of his dissatisfaction. It will be interesting to see if he skips mandatory minicamp (set for June 10-12) or engages in a hold-in while extension talks continue.

Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown Recovering From Knee Surgery; LB Malcolm Rodriguez To Miss Regular Season Time

June 5th, 2025 at 4:23pm CST by Adam La Rose

Thursday brought about a pair of notable injury updates for the Lions. One of them came from All-Pro wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown. 

St. Brown said (via ESPN’s Eric Woodyard) he underwent knee surgery shortly after the 2024 season ended. He will miss the remainder of spring workouts as his recovery continues. The 25-year-old added, though, that he expects to be cleared in time for training camp.

St. Brown’s health will of course be critical for the Lions in 2025 as the team once again aims for a Super Bowl. He has topped 1,000 yards during each of the past three seasons, earning a Pro Bowl nod every time during that stretch. The former fourth-rounder will again operate as Detroit’s No. 1 receiver this season, and expectations will be high for another year of standout production.

Last offseason, St. Brown agreed to a four-year extension worth just over $120MM. That agreement made him one of the league’s highest-paid receivers and ensured the USC product will remain in the Motor City for years to come. An offense still featuring quarterback Jared Goff, running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, fellow wideout Jameson Williams and tight end Sam LaPorta will be expected to remain one of the league’s best in 2025 even without OC Ben Johnson in place anymore. St. Brown will have a critical role to play in the unit’s success, so being back to 100% by July would be a welcomed development.

In other injury news, head coach Dan Campbell spoke on linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (video link). He confirmed Rodriguez will miss the beginning of the 2025 season, which comes as no surprise. The 26-year-old suffered an ACL tear on Thanksgiving, making him one of several key defenders who missed time for Detroit in 2024. Campbell said a return to action could take place sometime in November in Rodriguez’s case.

Managing to return to full strength will be key for the former sixth-rounder. Rodriguez is a pending 2026 free agent, so his value will be dictated in large part by his level of play once he is healthy. He has totaled 24 starts during his Lions tenure, and at least a part-time defensive role should await him upon returning to the field. A productive run to close out the campaign could boost his stock and add depth to the second level of the team’s defense.

Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes are in place as returnees at the linebacker spot for Detroit. Alex Anzalone is on the books as well, but he has remained away from the team during voluntary workouts. While the team looks to sort out a potential extension on that front, Zach Cunningham recently joined as experienced option for the initial roster. Rodriguez missing Week 1 will help Cunningham’s chances of surviving roster cutdowns at the end of training camp.

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