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QB Derek Carr: ‘I Wouldn’t Say Never’ To NFL Return

September 12th, 2025 at 9:46am CST by Adam La Rose

Speculation about how Derek Carr‘s future would play out under a new Saints coaching staff came to an end when he retired in May. That decision came about after options outside of New Orleans were explored.

Instead of undergoing shoulder surgery, Carr elected to hang up his cleats as part of an arrangement which saw him forego his guaranteed base salary for 2025. Once the 34-year-old’s retirement had been processed, it appeared a comeback would not receive consideration. Nothing is imminent with respect to an NFL return, but Carr did recently leave the door open to one.

“I wouldn’t say never,” the four-time Pro Bowler said about a comeback during an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show (video link). “Because I’ve learned that when I say never, it usually happens. I think we’ve all probably learned that. For me, I’m training because I love to train. That’s going to be the rest of my life.

“I throw a football every now and then with my kids and to my buddy for fun because it’s part of my rehab for my shoulder… I don’t want to go out there and not be ready. I’ll be ready, but I’m not coming back. Right now, today, I’m not coming back.”

Considering the fact Carr is currently unable to play due to his shoulder injury, he is of course not a candidate to see game time in 2025 regardless of his intentions. The former Raiders starter could receive interest once healthy, however, something which has proven to be the case on a number of occasions with other quarterbacks after they retire. It will be interesting to see if that takes place in Carr’s situation.

The Fresno State product amassed over $205MM in career earnings, so finances will not be a motivating factor in the event a comeback is to be considered. Carr was part of the YouTube TV broadcast of the Chiefs-Chargers game in Week 1, and a media career could await him if he wishes to pursue one. For the time being, though, the possibility of suiting up in the future has not been completely ruled out.

Jamel Dean Addresses Buccaneers Pay Cut

September 12th, 2025 at 8:58am CST by Adam La Rose

Earlier this week, it was learned Jamel Dean and the Buccaneers worked out a restructure. The veteran corner accepted a substantial pay cut for 2025 while the final year of his pact was removed. Jamel Dean (vertical)

Dean’s scheduled compensation for 2026 was not guaranteed, meaning a release could have been highly likely anyway. The 28-year-old is nevertheless a pending free agent, and Tampa Bay’s other cornerback moves strongly point to a parting of ways next spring. Instead of being cut (or at least benched) this year, Dean is now on course to collect $4.25MM in base pay as a result of his pay cut agreement, something he recently spoke about.

“It was just more like I’m comfortable here,” Dean said about remaining in place with the Buccaneers (via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times). “So it’s just really not about the money anymore. I’m not in the mood to try to figure out a whole new team and city and go through all I went through my rookie year. So just to save me a headache.”

The seven-year veteran logged 74 defensive snaps in Week 1, working alongside Zyon McCollum and Jacob Parrish as a starter in the secondary. Parrish was selected in the third round of this year’s draft, while McCollum recently signed a big-ticket extension. Both of their futures are assured for years to come, and the same is also true of second-round rookie Benjamin Morrison.

Morrison did not play in Week 1, but head coach Todd Bowles said (via Stroud) he is expected to suit up on Monday night. A special teams role will await him, although Bowles added Morrison could also see part-time usage on defense. Dean can be expected to remain a first-team presence for at least the time being, but he could be in danger of being surpassed on the depth chart over time.

The Auburn product has been a mainstay throughout his Tampa Bay tenure, totaling 64 starts to date. Dean has totaled just one interception since the start of the 2023 season, however, and his coverage statistics over recent years have marked a downturn from the beginning of his career. Especially given the recent adjustments to his contract, a trip to free agency after the current campaign would thus come as no surprise. For now, though, Dean is content to remain with the only NFL team he has played for.

Adrian Martinez To Serve As 49ers’ Backup In Week 2; 49ers Exploring QB Options

September 11th, 2025 at 10:39pm CST by Adam La Rose

As the 49ers prepare for at least one game – but quite possibly more – without Brock Purdy available, their quarterback setup will be worth watching closely. Mac Jones is set to handle starting duties, and an internal option will be relied on to back him up.

San Francisco hosted Mike White this week knowing depth will be needed in the wake of Purdy’s turf toe injury. That ailment has produced a reported recovery timeline of two to five weeks, so Jones will likely be needed beyond Sunday’s game against the Saints. White is not being signed as a backup at this time, however. Instead, Adrian Martinez is set to handle QB2 duties for at least Week 2.

“While Mike has been in our system in the past, Adrian’s been here the last few weeks and he has a good understanding of what we do and how we do it,” general manager John Lynch said (via Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle) when discussing the team’s short-term quarterback plans.

White has spent time with ex-49ers staffers Mike LaFleur (Jets) and Mike McDaniel (Dolphins), making him a familiar target in terms of head coach Kyle Shanahan‘s scheme. In spite of that, Martinez will get the first chance at serving as the team’s backup. The 2023 UDFA has not yet made a regular season appearance, and this summer he was unable to carve out the third-string role with the Jets. That resulted in Martinez being waived shortly before final roster cuts.

The 2024 UFL MVP was signed to the Seahawks’ practice squad shortly thereafter, but he then joined the 49ers’ taxi squad. Martinez is therefore in position to be promoted to the active roster over the coming days; failing that, he will be one of San Francisco’s gameday elevations for Week 2. In the meantime, the 49ers will continue to explore the market for additions amongst available passers.

“We’ll continue to put ourselves in the best possible situation looking at various opportunities for people,” Lynch added. “But right now, that’s where we’re at.”

Giants Could Play Jaxson Dart ‘Sooner Than Later’

September 11th, 2025 at 9:58pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Russell Wilson‘s Week 1 struggles have naturally led to calls for the Giants to start first-round pick Jaxson Dart in Week 2.

Head coach Brian Daboll reaffirmed Wilson’s starting status for Week 2 with the goal of keeping him under center for the foreseeable future. However, repeated poor performances will only intensify the pressure to let Dart take over the offense.

The Giants seemed poised to resist, for now. They made it clear throughout the offseason that they didn’t feel the need to start Dart right away. Instead, Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka have prioritized his long-term development by keeping him on the sidelines until the coaches are satisfied with is progress, per ESPN’s Dan Graziano.

A strong preseason from Dart may have “expedited the process,” according to Graziano’s colleague, Jeremy Fowler, making it likely that the rookie plays “sooner than later.” The Giants named Dart the backup quarterback to enter the season, signaling their comfort with putting him on the field on game days if needed. Daboll and Kafka also installed a specific package of offensive plays for Dart, though none were used in Week 1.

As a result, it seems more likely that New York would give Dart a chance before going to Jameis Winston. Winston was designated as the team’s emergency third quarterback in Week 1, meaning that Wilson and Dart would both have to get hurt for him to enter the game.

The Giants may also be cautious of playing Dart behind a Giants offensive line that allow pressure on 48.9% of Wilson’s Week 1 dropbacks, per Next Gen Stats (subscription required). Left tackle Andrew Thomas is still working his way back to full health, so the team may not want to throw Dart to the wolves until Thomas is ready to protect his blind side.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/11/25

September 11th, 2025 at 9:26pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Here are today’s practice squad moves:

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

  • Signed: G Jack Conley
  • Released: G Mehki Butler

Philadelphia Eagles

  • Signed: DT Gabe Hall
  • Released: DT Jacob Sykes

Seattle Seahawks

Funderburk and Takitaki earned practice squad spots in Minnesota after a successful tryout. Other players who worked out for the Vikings on Thursday include cornerbacks Shemar Bartholomew and Brandon Crossley and linebackers Jamin Davis and Ty Summers, according to KRPC2’s Aaron Wilson.

The Seahawks released White from their 53-man roster on Thursday to make room for Shaquill Griffin, who was promoted from the practice squad. White, a vested veteran, did not need to pass through waivers and immediately re-signed to the Vikings’ practice squad.

Minor NFL Transactions: 9/11/25

September 11th, 2025 at 7:57pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Here are Thursday’s minor moves from around the league:

Green Bay Packers

  • Elevated from practice squad: OT Brant Banks, CB Micah Robinson
  • Placed on injured reserve: DL Brenton Cox

Minnesota Vikings

New York Giants

Seattle Seahawks

Washington Commanders

Gipson was waived by the Jets after a costly fumble in Week 1, but will not need to switch states (or even home stadiums) when joining the Giants. The 24-year-old will serve as a depth receiver for his new team and could also contribute as a returner.

The NFL also issued a three-game suspension for free agency safety Qwuantrezz Knight, per KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson. Knight appeared in six games for the Cardinals in 2023.

NFL Injury Updates: Wharton, Lions, Colts

September 11th, 2025 at 7:21pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton suffered a hamstring injury in his Panthers debut and will miss time as a result.

Head coach Dave Canales said (via team reporter Darin Gantt) that Wharton’s absence would be “somewhere in the two- to four-week range.” That could preclude a move to injured reserve, as Wharton would be sidelined for a mandatory four week after his placement. Given the nature of his injury, the Panthers likely want to get him back on the practice field sooner as he ramps up to game readiness.

Wharton, 27, signed in Carolina this offseason for $15MM per year with the hopes of combining with Derrick Brown and A’Shawn Robinson to upgrade the Panthers’ interior pass rush. The former Chief put up a career-high 6.5 sacks in 2024 and added two more in the playoffs.

Until Wharton returns to the field, the Panthers will lean on a backups Bobby Brown and Jaden Crumedy. Rookie Cam Jackson should also get more opportunities after sitting as a healthy scratch in Week 1.

Here are several other injury updates from around the NFL:

Giants LB Micah McFadden To Undergo Foot Surgery

September 11th, 2025 at 3:41pm CST by Adam La Rose

Micah McFadden suffered a foot injury during the Giants’ season opener. The fourth-year linebacker is facing a lengthy absence as a result.

McFadden is set to miss a “significant” portion of the 2025 campaign, as first reported by Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Surgery is now on tap, ESPN’s Jordan Raanan adds. McFadden is considered likely to return at some point this season, per Raanan.

Even so, losing the 25-year-old will deal a blow to New York’s defense. McFadden played a rotational role during his rookie season before becoming a full-time starter the following year. His snap share jumped once more in 2024, reaching 75%. Another impactful campaign was expected in McFadden’s case for this season, the final one of his rookie contract.

As a pending free agent, the timing of McFadden’s injury is particularly troublesome. The former fifth-rounder’s market value will be dictated in large part by his play in 2025, but that will prove to be a small sample size. In McFadden’s absence, Darius Muasau – selected in the sixth round of last year’s draft – took over as a starter on defense in Week 1. That could continue moving forward, although other options will be explored at the second level of the Giants’ defense.

When speaking to the media on Thursday, defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said (via Raanan) the team has “got to consider” using Abdul Carter as a weakside linebacker in the wake of losing McFadden. Carter, this year’s No. 3 overall pick, worked exclusively as an edge rusher last season and thrived in that capacity. The Penn State product previously saw time as a linebacker, however, so at least a part-time role in that regard could be feasible.

The Giants have Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux in place as starters along the edge, something which led to questions entering the season about Carter’s workload. He handled a 50% snap share in Week 1, and Bowen noted that will change on a week-to-week basis. Given McFadden’s absence for the foreseeable future, it will be interesting to see if Carter’s rookie campaign winds up including responsibilities at more than one position.

Vikings Place LB Blake Cashman, RB Ty Chandler On IR

September 11th, 2025 at 2:14pm CST by Adam La Rose

Blake Cashman‘s Week 1 hamstring injury made him a candidate for injured reserve. A month-long absence (if not longer) is indeed now in store for the veteran linebacker.

Cashman was placed on IR Thursday, per a team announcement. As a result, he is now set to miss at least the next four games. Minnesota also placed running back and kick returner Ty Chandler on injured reserve.

Cashman split his first five seasons between the Jets and Texans, becoming a full-time starter in 2023. The Eden Prairie native then signed with his hometown team last offseason and again operated as a first-team regular, setting new career highs in several categories along the way. Cashman handled 43 defensive snaps before getting injured on Monday.

The Minnesota product is in line to remain a key figure at the second level of Brian Flores’ defense when healthy. That will not be the case until at least Week 7, however, given the timing of the Vikings’ bye. In the meantime, the team will move forward with veteran Eric Wilson as a fill-in starter. Cashman is on the books through 2026, although none of his salary for that year is guaranteed.

A quick return to action will therefore be key in that situation, and the same is also true of Chandler. The former fifth-rounder has seen sparse usage on offense over the course of his Vikings tenure, but he has been an important special teams contributor. That includes his work in the return game; on Monday, Chandler ran back three kickoffs for a total of 84 yards. The 27-year-old is a pending free agent.

The Vikings’ fourth-quarter comeback in Week 1 led to a win. They will aim to improve to 2-0 against the Falcons on Sunday night, but Cashman and Chandler’s absence will be felt.

Commanders Rework LT Laremy Tunsil’s Deal

September 11th, 2025 at 12:44pm CST by Adam La Rose

Laremy Tunsil‘s contract has been reworked early in the campaign. The Commanders restructured their new left tackle’s contract on Thursday, per Spotrac.

$18MM of compensation which was scheduled to be paid out as a base salary has been converted into a signing bonus. As a result, the Commanders have created $14.4MM in cap space for the 2025 season. Three void years were added to Tunsil’s pact, which is set to expire after the 2026 campaign.

None of the five-time Pro Bowler’s base pay for that year ($21.35MM) is guaranteed, even after today’s restructure. Tunsil’s level of play on his third career team over the coming months will thus be critical in determining his future. Washington acquired the 31-year-old via trade this offseason in an effort to bring about improvements up front during quarterback Jayden Daniels‘ second season.

Tunsil has started each of his 126 appearances in the NFL, and that will continue tonight against the Packers. The former Dolphin and Texan is expected to deliver high-end play on the blindside for 2025, and doing so would allow for 2024 left tackle Brandon Coleman to sustain his new spot at left guard. The Commanders’ top pick in this year’s draft – Josh Conerly Jr. – is currently handling right tackle duties but the Oregon product is seen as an option for the LT gig in the future.

Moving on from Tunsil next offseason would pave the way for Conerly to take on the left tackle role for 2026 and beyond. Such a decision has not been made any more difficult since today’s move did not add any new (real) years to Tunsil’s pact or include any future guarantees. Meanwhile, the Commanders entered Thursday fourth in the NFL in cap space, and they will move up to second with roughly $45.2MM in available funds once this Tunsil restructure is taken into account.

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