Giants LT Andrew Thomas Tied To Lengthy Return Timetable
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
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
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.
Raiders Considering Free Agent Additions
The Raiders moved quickly in making a free agent addition earlier this month. Shortly after Germaine Pratt was released by the Bengals, the veteran linebacker agreed to a one-year Vegas deal. 
For the most part, free agency around the NFL has quieted down with the break between spring practices and training camp looming. The Raiders find themselves near the top of the league in terms of cap space at the moment, however, so further additions could be in store. Head coach Pete Carroll recently spoke on that point.
“You’re either competing or you’re not,” Carroll said (via ESPN’s Ryan McFadden). “We ain’t letting up now. There’s no time to turn away from having a chance to get a little bit better. So, we’ll be on it.”
The cap impact of the Pratt deal is not yet official, but it will of course not hinder Vegas’ ability to make other moves on the open market. The Raiders currently have just over $36MM in cap space, once again finding themselves in position to make multiple moves deep into the offseason. In years past, they have avoided doing so; Carroll’s comments certainly leave the door open to a different approach, though.
As McFadden notes, cornerback would represent a clear target in the event the Raiders were to pursue a signing. The team has plenty of uncertainty in the secondary at this point, with starting spots and depth roles up for grabs at the cornerback spot. Vegas recently hosted Shaquill Griffin on a visit, a sign of interest between team and player. Adding Griffin would give the Raiders a veteran of 82 starts and a contender to handle a large workload in 2025.
In addition to Griffin, the likes of Jaire Alexander, Rasul Douglas and Asante Samuel Jr. are unsigned at this point. Fellow corner Jalen Ramsey remains a high-profile trade target, although no Vegas links have emerged on that front. Nevertheless, the team will have the financial wherewithal to make one or more notable additions at that position or others this summer.
Ravens CBs Chidobe Awuzie, T.J. Tampa To Compete For Starting Spot
Four-time Pro Bowler Marlon Humphrey and 2024 first-round pick Nate Wiggins are slated to occupy starting roles at the cornerback spot for the Ravens this season. Aside from those two, however, there is plenty of uncertainty on the depth chart. 
Baltimore lost veteran Brandon Stephens as well as trade acquisition Tre’Davious White during free agency. Neither of those developments came as a surprise, but their departures created a first-team vacancy on the perimeter (provided Humphrey primarily works in the slot moving forward). Chidobe Awuzie represents a candidate to fill in as a starter.
The former Cowboy, Bengal and Titan took a one-year Ravens pact shortly after being released by Tennessee. Awuzie has 94 appearances and 81 starts to his name, giving his latest team a highly experienced option in the secondary. Injuries have been an issue for the 30-year-old, however, and after taking a deal worth $1.26MM he is far from a lock with respect to first-team action.
As a result, training camp will feature competition for a starting gig. Awuzie is obviously a strong contender in that regard, but Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic writes T.J. Tampa can be seen as his primary challenger for the CB3 role (subscription required). The latter was a fourth-round pick in last year’s draft, but injuries limited him to only seven games played. When on the field, Tampa played almost exclusively on special teams and logged just 18 defensive snaps.
Given that lack of experience, the 23-year-old would require a strong showing this summer to play his way into a starting spot. As Zrebiec notes, though, Tampa impressed during spring practices and he could carry that momentum into training camp and the preseason. Baltimore’s pass defense improved dramatically during the second half of last season, but on the whole the unit ranked 31st in yards allowed; needles to say, improving on that figure will be a key goal in 2025.
The Ravens also have Jalyn Armour-Davis on their CB depth chart, although the fourth-year defensive back may be in line for a transition to safety this summer. Baltimore added a pair of rookies during this year’s draft in the form of Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam, but those sixth-rounders will of course face modest expectations in 2025. As a result, the play of Awuzie and Tampa through training camp will be worth watching closely.
Khalil Mack Addresses Decision To Re-Sign With Chargers
The Chargers’ edge rush group will be different in 2025 with Joey Bosa no longer in place. Khalil Mack is still in the fold, though, given his decision to re-sign on a one-year, $18MM deal. 
That pact is guaranteed in full and ensures Mack will spend a fourth season in Los Angeles. The 34-year-old loomed as a candidate to retire at one point before it appeared he would test his value on the open market. The Bears and Buccaneers emerged as potential landing spots in the event Mack departed. Instead, he opted to remain in place for 2025.
“I had to be fair in the approach to things and not making it about just finances and all the different things,” the three-time All-Pro said when reflecting on his decision (via ESPN’s Kris Rhim). “I tried to make it more so just about winning ball games.”
The Chargers have reached the playoffs twice in Mack’s three years with the team. During that span, he has racked up 31 regular season sacks – including a career-high 17 in 2023 – en route to a Pro Bowl nod in each campaign. The 2010s All-Decade team member saw his sack total drop to just six last year, one in which he played through a groin injury. A repeat of the form shown during Los Angeles’ wild-card loss (two sacks, five QB pressures) over the course of the 2025 campaign would be a welcomed development for team and player in this case.
Mack has lost all five of his playoff appearances, so making a postseason run will be a central goal for his 12th NFL season. The former Defensive Player of the Year will remain in the AFC West, a division which sent three teams to the postseason last year and may very well do so again in 2025. If the Bolts are to enjoy a successful campaign, Mack will no doubt play a leading role along the edge.
Los Angeles has fellow veteran Bud Dupree in the fold, but especially with Bosa gone Tuli Tuipulotu will be counted on to provide consistent pass rush production. The latter upped his sack total from 4.5 to 8.5 in 2023, and a strong Year 3 could set him up for a notable extension next spring. In any case, Mack’s decision to remain with the Bolts will likely prove to be a key factor in determining their success this year.
Steelers, S DeShon Elliott Agree To Extension
Following one of the most productive seasons of his career, DeShon Elliott is sticking in Pittsburgh for the next few years. The safety has agreed to a two-year, $12.5MM extension with the Steelers, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The deal includes $9.21MM in guaranteed money.
Elliott inked a two-year, $6MM deal with the organization last offseason. He’ll now be under contract through the 2027 season, and Pittsburgh will now owe him $15.5MM over the next three years.
The free agent acquisition quickly leaped Damontae Kazee on the depth chart last preseason, earning the starting strong safety role opposite Minkah Fitzpatrick. Elliott proceeded to start 14 of his 15 appearances in 2024, finishing with a career-high 108 tackles to go along with one interception, a pair of forced fumbles, and six passes defended. For his efforts, Pro Football Focus ranked him 27th among 98 qualifying safeties.
A former sixth-round pick, Elliott was limited to six games through his first two years in the NFL. He emerged as a starter with the Ravens in 2020 and 2021, but his injury woes continued. When his stint in Baltimore came to an end, he bounced between the Lions and Dolphins, although he served as a starter in both spots.
The Steelers have seemingly saved the safety from journeyman status, as Elliott should stick with the organization for the next few years. Fitzpatrick is still on his near-position-leading contract through 2026, providing the organization with some continuity at the top of their safeties corps.
Kazee is no longer in the picture, so the team will be relying on some new-look depth in 2025. This grouping includes free agent acquisition Juan Thornhill and Miles Killebrew, a veteran special teamer who got into nine defensive snaps with Pittsburgh in 2024.
Steelers, Mike Tomlin Operating On Year-To-Year Arrangement
Every offseason brings a new wave of speculation surrounding Mike Tomlin‘s future in Pittsburgh. While his eventual exit from the organization doesn’t appear to be imminent, it sounds like the two sides also don’t have a definitive future game plan. During an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero acknowledged that Tomlin and the Steelers are operating on a year-to-year arrangement.
Pelissero also noted that when the time comes for an exit, it’ll most likely be Tomlin’s decision. The reporter cautioned that the coach isn’t necessarily attached to consistent one-year deals; in fact, Pelissero said Tomlin is currently in the midst of a multi-year contract and isn’t an impending free agent.
In other words, Tomlin will continue to be the head coach of the Steelers for as long as he wants. Art Rooney is following his father’s tradition of not moving a head coach unless they have lost the locker room. Tomlin continues to command respect, and even if he somehow didn’t, Pelissero still finds it unlikely that ownership would fire or trade their iconic head coach. Rather, an exit would likely be initiated by Tomlin himself.
Pelissero is unsure when or why the coach would ever exit the franchise. The reporter notes that rival teams often check in on Tomlin’s availability, but it’s hard to envision him leaving after spending nearly two decades in Pittsburgh. Pelissero hints that the coach could eventually pursue a career in broadcasting, although it doesn’t sound like that move is imminent.
Since joining the Steelers in 2007, Tomlin has famously never had a losing season. While the Steelers only have a single Super Bowl win under their head coach, Tomlin has still helped guide the organization to 12 playoff appearances. The 53-year-old has also been granted more and more influence over the franchise, especially with personnel moves. Pelissero points to the recent Aaron Rodgers signing as another transaction that had Tomlin’s fingerprints all over it.
Outside of Bill Belichick, it’s basically unprecedented in the modern NFL for a coach to stick with one team in a two-decade span. If things continue as they have been, it sounds like Tomlin will stick with the Steelers for as long as he wants.
Extension Talks Ongoing Between Dolphins, TE Jonnu Smith
It remains to be seen if Jonnu Smith will play for the Dolphins in 2025. If the veteran tight end does stay in Miami, it may well be on a new deal. 
Smith’s preference is to stay in place for the coming campaign, which doubles as the final year of his current pact. The 29-year-old is coming off a record-breaking season for Dolphins tight ends, however, and he is aiming to parlay that into a raise compared to the $4.09MM he is currently owed. A potential trade to the Steelers – and thus a reunion with Pittsburgh OC Arthur Smith – has come up on multiple occasions, but it would come as a surprise if such a deal were to be worked out given Pittsburgh’s TE depth chart.
Nevertheless, Smith was absent from minicamp last week with his future undecided. Against the backdrop of a possible trade, extension talks have also taken place. That process is ongoing and it is clear nothing is certain regarding Smith’s future.
During his weekly appearance on WSVN-7 yesterday, agent Drew Rosenhaus said (via Isaiah Smalls II of the Miami Herald) contract talks with Smith and the Dolphins are “still fluid.” With no resolution in place, it is still unclear whether or not this relationship will continue in 2025. During his debut campaign in Miami, Smith set new career highs in catches (88), yards (884) and touchdowns (eight). That production marked the best single-season output in franchise history at the position, and trading away the Pro Bowler would create a notable vacancy late in the offseason for the Dolphins.
On the other hand, Smith’s modest production in many of his previous seven seasons could make it challenging to quantify his value on a multi-year Dolphins pact. The former third-rounder failed to reach 500 yards in a season until 2023, his lone campaign working with Smith in Atlanta (after the two were also together in Tennessee from 2017-20). Aside from the Steelers, other suitors could emerge if they are prepared to make a lucrative investment in this case.
That will only become relevant, though, if no agreement can be reached with the Dolphins. Miami is among the teams currently projected to be over the cap next year, and making further long-term commitments on offense in addition to those already accounted for could be challenging. With plenty of time remaining until training camp, this situation could linger for several weeks without a final resolution.
John Lynch: 49ers Not Seeking WR Addition
The rehab process for Brandon Aiyuk continues. As the 49ers’ top receiver recovers from an ACL tear, the wait is ongoing with respect to when he will be cleared to return. 
That could take place early in the 2025 season, but Aiyuk’s absence and the decision to trade away Deebo Samuel have left some wondering if further moves at the WR spot will be made this summer. At this point, though, general manager John Lynch does not plan on adding another pass-catcher.
[RELATED: 49ers Place Trent Taylor On IR]
In addition to Aiyuk, San Francisco has fifth-year veteran Jauan Jennings, 2024 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall and free agent addition Demarcus Robinson on the depth chart. That group is in position to enter training camp next month without future competition as things stand. The 49ers have plenty of spending power, but a free agent or trade pursuit would come as a surprise based on Lynch’s stance.
“We always keep a look for what’s out there, but we do like our group,” Lynch said during an interview with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco (via David Bonilla of 49ers Webzone). “I think, first of all, you start with Jauan. Jauan had a tremendous season last year. He’s been a tremendous competitor, player for us since he’s been here… Ricky is a really ascending player we’re excited about. Just scratched the surface of who he could be. And Ricky’s going to play well for us this year. I’m confident in that.
“So, in total, there’s opportunity out there, and then we’ll have a gift when [Aiyuk] comes back, whenever that is. But these guys, we’re comfortable and confident in their ability to get the job done until that time.”
Jennings benefitted from injuries elsewhere on offense and posted a career-best statline (77-975-6) in 2024. Another strong showing this year would help the pending free agent’s market value considerably. Pearsall averaged 12.9 yards per catch in limited action as a rookie, but he could take a step forward in Year 2. The 24-year-old is dealing with a hamstring issue which cost him time during the spring, although a return by training camp is expected. An impressive showing when healthy would help confirm the 49ers’ plan of relying on their in-house options especially until Aiyuk is cleared.