HEADLINES

Broncos Promote Reed Burckhardt To Assistant GM

May 16th, 2025 at 12:21pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Broncos’ front office has seen a few notable departures this offseason. That includes Darren Mougey taking over as the Jets’ new general manager, a move which ended his tenure in Denver.

The Broncos are going internal to replace Mougey as their assistant GM. Reed Burckhardt is being promoted to that role, as first reported by Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated. The move is now official, per a team announcement. Burckhardt’s most recent title was director of player personnel.

Burckhardt spent 13 years with the Vikings prior to his arrival in the Mile High City. When he joined the Broncos in 2022, he represented a familiar face to general manager George Paton based on their shared time in Minnesota. At that point, Mougey had just been promoted to AGM, and Burckhardt took over his former role leading the player personnel department.

As a result, it comes as no surprise Paton has tapped Burckhardt for a promotion to Mougey’s old gig. Continuity will be in place in the front office for 2025, a year in which the Broncos will aim to build off their playoff run from last season. The Vikings aimed to keep Burckhardt when he left for Denver, an illustration of the fact he is held in high regard. Expectations will no doubt reflect that as he takes on a new gig.

In addition to losing Mougey, the Broncos have also seen Mark Thewes and Brian Stark make an intra-divisional move to the Raiders this offseason. The latter became Vegas’ new assistant general manager shortly after the draft as part of the various front office alterations which take part around the league during this part of the offseason. As Denver looks to replace Thewes and Stark, Paton will have a familiar face operating as his top lieutenant moving forward.

Giants OLB Victor Dimukeje Suffers Torn Pec

May 16th, 2025 at 9:27am CST by Nikhil Mehta

Giants outside linebacker Victor Dimukeje sustained a torn pectoral during offseason workouts with the team, per ESPN’s Jordan Raanan.

The 2021 sixth-rounder will have to spend the summer rehabbing the injury, though he could be healthy by the start of the regular season. Dimukeje recorded 4.0 sacks in 2023 for the Cardinals, but went sack-less in his other three seasons in Arizona. He signed a one-year, $1.34MM contract with the Giants this offseason that contains just under $170k in guaranteed money.

Missing time during training camp will negatively impact Dimukeje’s chances of making the 53-man roster. The Giants have three potential starting edge rushers in Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and No. 3 pick Abdul Carter, but their depth is questionable. Free agent signing Chauncey Golston broke out with 5.5 sacks last year but has little experience playing as a 3-4 outside linebacker as required in Shane Bowen‘s defense. The ex-Cowboy profiles more as a designated pass-rusher, which would leave Dimukeje and Tomon Fox competing for the OLB4 roster spot. Both have been unproductive in their careers thus far.

The Giants also signed undrafted rookie Trace Ford, an athletic edge-rusher out of Oklahoma who recorded 7.5 sacks in two college seasons before a 2021 injury and just 2.5 since. He tested well at his pro day and could make his case for a roster spot while Dimukeje is recovering.

Lions Tried To Trade Up For Edge Rusher

May 16th, 2025 at 8:48am CST by Nikhil Mehta

Despite needing some depth on the edge, the Lions waited until the sixth round to address the position in last month’s draft.

That wasn’t for a lack of trying. Detroit traded up twice on Day 2, but general manager Brad Holmes said that he made several more attempts to move up throughout the draft. One of those potential trades was targeting an edge rusher in the first round, per ESPN’s Dan Graziano, though the deal fell through and the Lions stayed at No. 28 to take Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams.

It’s unclear who Holmes’ exact target would have been. The draft’s top edge rusher, Abdul Carter, was taken with the third overall pick by the Giants, far out of the Lions’ range. Mykel Williams, Jalon Walker, and Shemar Stewart were all selected between the 11th and 17th picks, and the Falcons leaped the Lions – and a dozen other teams – to snag James Pearce Jr. at No. 26.

More discernible is why Holmes didn’t pull the trigger on a deal. Trading into the teens would’ve likely cost at least a second-rounder; a pick in the early 20s would have a more reasonable price. It’s also possible that Detroit couldn’t outbid Atlanta for the 26th pick. The Falcons have picked in the top 10 in four of the last five drafts and gave up a future first-rounder in their deal with the Rams.

The Lions’ newfound success means they’re unlikely to be drafting so high next year, making it hard to match the Falcons’ offer even if they wanted to. Concerns about Pierce’s drive and attitude also made him a questionable fit under Dan Campbell. Detroit then drafted Boise State’s Ahmed Hassanein in the seventh round (No. 196) and signed undrafted free agent Keith Cooper Jr. out of Houston to bolster their edge room, though they could still use another reliable veteran.

Caleb Williams’ Camp Tried To Avoid Bears In 2024 Draft

May 15th, 2025 at 10:20pm CST by Ben Levine

With Caleb Williams slated to go first-overall to the Bears in the 2024 draft, the quarterback’s camp considered some unconventional options in an attempt to avoid Chicago. In Seth Wickersham’s upcoming book, “American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback,” there are some notable anecdotes (via ESPN.com) surrounding Williams’ wariness of going to the Bears.

The player’s father, Carl Williams, described Chicago as “the place quarterbacks go to die,” with the QB himself questioning his ability to succeed in then-offensive coordinator Shane Waldron‘s system. Williams’ camp went as far as considering circumventing the draft altogether, consulting with lawyers about ways they could get “around the league’s collective bargaining agreement.” One of the considered options would have seen Williams signing with the United Football League.

Carl Williams plainly stated to agents that he didn’t want his son playing for the Bears. Specifically, the quarterback’s camp cited the franchise’s lack of recent success at the position, as well as the Bears’ stadium uncertainty and tepid performance under then-head coach Matt Eberflus.

As Williams’ camp looked for ways for the prospect to choose his own landing spot, Carl Williams consulted with Archie Manning, who helped Eli Manning avoid the Chargers in favor of the Giants in 2004. In addition to his overall concern about Chicago, Carl Williams also had issues with the league’s rookie-wage scale and the fact that any franchise could effectively prevent first-round picks from hitting free agency for eight years.

A conversation with Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell had the quarterback clamoring for a way to play in Minnesota. After Bears GM Ryan Poles “stood firm” and refused to trade the first-overall pick, the player’s camp considered making the situation untenable by attacking both the organization and the city of Chicago. Ultimately, a pre-draft visit to the Bears facilities stopped Williams and his family from making any public protests, and he ended up landing in Chicago with the first-overall pick.

Of course, since Williams was drafted, the Bears have already seen some significant changes to leadership. Waldron was the first casualty from the Bears’ underwhelming start to the season, and Eberflus also didn’t make it through the entirety of the QB’s first NFL campaign (before that happened, Wickersham passes along a story where Williams studied film alone, without instruction from coaches). The team has since hired former Lions OC Ben Johnson to guide the squad, and the new head coach said he doesn’t have any concerns about today’s report.

“I see a chance for greatness here for him,” Johnson said during an appearance today on The Herd. “He’s been communicated that way and he feels the same way. I don’t know what’s gone on prior to him joining the organization, but he is very proud to be a Chicago Bear. That’s what our conversations have included. He’s really excited to get to work right now and be the best version of himself for 2025.”

Aaron Rodgers Still In Steelers’ QB Plans

May 15th, 2025 at 10:02pm CST by Adam La Rose

The 2025 draft came and went without any clarity emerging on the Aaron Rodgers front, leading to further questions regarding where (if at all) he will play this year. If the future Hall of Famer suits up, Pittsburgh remains the likeliest destination.

The Steelers are still “optimistic” Rodgers will sign, ESPN’s Dan Graziano reports. Team and player have remained in contact well after meeting in person during free agency, but the 41-year-old’s most recent public comments on his situation made it clear personal matters are the top priority for now. A starting gig would await Rodgers upon arrival in Pittsburgh, especially if his stated willingness to take a one-year pact for as little as $10MM holds true.

Mason Rudolph returned to the organization after a one-year absence, and the Steelers have repeatedly expressed confidence in his ability to handle QB1 duties for at least the 2025 campaign. As Graziano writes, Pittsburgh’s stance on the quarterback situation is more positive internally than it is viewed from the outside. Skylar Thompson and sixth-round rookie Will Howard round out the depth chart at this point.

The Steelers fully intend to bring four signal-callers to training camp, per usual. As a result, an addition of some kind will need to be made, and Kirk Cousins looms as the other notable veteran who could be obtained (albeit via trade, and in a manner which would no doubt require a more lucrative financial commitment than a Rodgers signing). The Vikings are – in all likelihood – no longer in the market for an addition under center, taking Rodgers’ preferred team out of the running.

Shedeur Sanders loomed as an option for the Steelers at pick No. 21 last month, but the team was split on drafting the Colorado product. Pittsburgh waited until much later to add a developmental rookie, with owner Art Rooney II saying in between that Rodgers wants to play for his team in 2025. A short-term arrangement would leave open the possibility of adding a starting-caliber rookie next year, thus meeting Pittsburgh’s goal of acquiring a long-term passer within the 2025 or ’26 drafts.

Rudolph helped lead the Steelers to the postseason in 2023 upon taking over from Kenny Pickett. The latter was unable to deliver on expectations as a Ben Roethlisberger successor, something Rodgers will of course not be viewed as even in the event he signs. An agreement on that front would nevertheless add intrigue to the prospects for a team whose regular season schedule begins with a Jets matchup and includes a Week 8 Sunday night contest in Green Bay.

NFL To Vote On Olympic Participation During Upcoming League Meeting

May 15th, 2025 at 10:00pm CST by Adam La Rose

10:00pm: Providing clarity on today’s resolution, NFL EVP Jeff Miller said (via Tashan Reed of The Athletic) the proposal in place would allow for one player per team, per country to take place (i.e. NFL teams could in fact have multiple representatives).

ESPN’s Kevin Seifert notes the resolution being considered would see league-wide insurance policies purchased as injury protection for players taking part in the Olympics. Salary cap credits would be in place for teams in the event of injury.

10:35am: During his most recent comments on the subject, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell expressed optimism many of the logistical issues pertaining to Olympic participation in 2028 would be sorted out in the near future. Another step toward allowing NFL players to take part in the debut of flag football could take place later this month.

A resolution has been drafted on the topic, as noted by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The proposal in place would see each NFL team send up to one player to the Los Angeles Olympics; players granted an international roster exemption would also be eligible to participate. The resolution will be voted on at the upcoming league meetings.

Unlike the March version of that summit, where coaches and general managers were in attendance, only owners will be present next week. A split between the league and owners is believed to be in place on the topic of Olympic participation. Injury risks in a non-NFL environment represents a natural cause for concern, and the timing of the Games (July 14-30) means NFL training camp schedules may need to be adjusted. Discussions between the league and union date back to at least last February, and further negotiations on this matter will continue into the future.

The NFL played a central role in making flag football an Olympic event, and having active players take part would obviously help the league’s goal of expanding its footprint on a global scale. Overcoming owners’ concerns and the legal roadblocks to non-NFL football activities will be key, though, and the NFLPA will be involved in any arrangement which comes about. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk notes the union is likely to side with the NFL in supporting Olympic participation, something active players like Tyreek Hill and Mike Evans have publicly endorsed.

A new round of discussions about the Olympics took place in March, and those talks no doubt weighed heavily on the drafting of this resolution. It will be interesting to see if enough support amongst owners will exist for it to pass or if a different approach will prove necessary.

49ers, Chargers Requesting Approval On Sales Of Minority Stakes

May 15th, 2025 at 8:57pm CST by Ben Levine

Yet two more NFL teams are on the brink of selling a minority ownership stake to a private equity firm. According to Daniel Popper of The Athletic, the Chargers have requested approval to sell an eight-percent stake in their franchise to private investment firm Arctos. Meanwhile, the 49ers are making three deals with Bay Area families worth a total of six percent of the franchise (per ESPN’s Nick Wagoner).

Both sales are pending approval during this month’s league meetings. According to Popper, the deal would still leave Dean Spanos and his family with club control and an approximately 61-percent stake in the Chargers. 49ers owner Jed York will be left with 91-percent ownership, according to Wagoner.

After the NFL started allowing private equity firms to purchase limited shares of franchises, we’ve seen a number of organizations looking to deal. The Eagles, Dolphins and Bills all worked out agreements to divest to new owners, while the Giants were recently exploring the idea of a partial sale.

While private equity firms are allowed to purchase shares of NFL franchises, they are not permitted to take on a controlling stake. This explains the generally sub-10-perecent stakes, and with the Chargers and 49ers now joining the fray, we’ll surely see even more teams consider or consummate deals in the coming months.

The most notable part of these sales will be the valuation. Notably, this impending 49ers sale will lead to a record $8.5 billion valuation, according to Wagoner. The Eagles recently made a pair of deals that valued the franchise around $8.2 billion, and the Chargers will surely come in close to this mark. The last majority sale of a franchise came in 2023, when the Josh Harris-led group bought the Commanders for $6.05 billion.

Minor NFL Transactions: 5/15/25

May 15th, 2025 at 7:53pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor transactions:

Indianapolis Colts

  • Claimed off waivers (from Patriots): DT Eric Johnson II
  • Waived: S Marcel Dabo

Jacksonville Jaguars

  • Waived: TE Patrick Murtagh

Kansas City Chiefs

Today’s move by the Colts is a bit of a reunion, as Eric Johnson II was a fifth-round pick by the Colts in 2022. He spent his first two seasons in Indy, appearing in 28 games while compiling 18 tackles and one sack. He was waived at the end of the 2024 preseason and landed in New England, where he proceeded to get into 11 games for his new squad.

While Johnson has been buried on the depth chart and occasionally stuck on special teams throughout his career, he has gotten some run on defense. He got into a career-high 265 defensive snaps in 2023, although that dropped to 178 defensive snaps during his time with the Patriots.

NFL Draft Pick Signings: 5/15/25

May 15th, 2025 at 7:22pm CST by Ben Levine

Just one draft pick signing to pass along:

Philadelphia Eagles

Robinson got into 47 games across his first five seasons at Nebraska, collecting five total sacks over that span. He put himself firmly on the NFL map with a breakout 2024 campaign, as the defensive lineman compiled 37 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. This performance ultimately led to him being selected by the Eagles in the fourth round of the draft.

In Philly, he’ll be joining a relatively deep defensive lineman grouping, although he could carve out some playing time as a traditional defensive end. At the moment, his only competition at the position is former seventh-round pick Moro Ojomo, although the team could always get creative with former first-round picks Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis.

With the signing, the Eagles have now signed seven of their 10 draft picks. Among the unsigned rookies include first-round linebacker Jihaad Campbell and second-round safety Andrew Mukuba.

Patriots’ Christian Barmore Cleared For Football Activities

May 15th, 2025 at 5:21pm CST by Ben Levine

After missing most of last season with recurring symptoms from blood clots, Christian Barmore continues to hit some major milestones in his rehab. The Patriots defensive lineman revealed today that he’s been fully cleared for football activity.

Barmore was a limited participant during the team’s first iteration of offseason workouts last month, and the defensive tackle told reporters that he’ll be a full participant when voluntary organized team activities begin next week. These are all major steps in Barmore’s goal of playing in Week 1, and the lineman still believes he’s on track to play in the season opener.

“Yeah. That’s the goal,” Barmore said (via ESPN’s Mike Reiss). “I just have to keep following the medical team, but everything is looking really well.”

A former second-round pick, Barmore’s last full season saw him compile 8.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and 16 QB hits. That performance earned him a four-year, $92MM extension ($41.8MM guaranteed) last offseason, but he proceeded to miss the first 10 games of 2024 campaign after being diagnosed with blood clots.

Barmore managed to return to the field for a handful of games, but he was eventually shut down after experiencing recurring blood clot symptoms. Fortunately, all offseason reports out of New England have been positive, and it sounds like the 25-year-old should be ready to go by the time the regular season comes around.

The Patriots are hoping Barmore can form a fearsome interior DL tandem with Milton Williams, who inked a four-year, $104MM deal with New England this offseason. Williams is just one of the several additions to Mike Vrabel‘s new-look defense, and Barmore will represent one of the only holdovers from the previous regime(s).

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