Browns Owner Jimmy Haslam Declines Meeting With Myles Garrett
Myles Garrett‘s trade request came about in the wake of discussions over the Browns’ future. A renewed attempt to speak about the situation has led to the All-Pro meeting a roadblock. 
Garrett recently requested to meet in person with Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, who declined to do so, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. Haslam instead deferred to general manager Andrew Berry, with whom Garrett has spoken on several occasions. To no surprise, Pelissero’s report confirms both parties remain firm in their respective stances.
Garrett remains intent on engineering a change of scenery, as he is not interested in signing a Browns extension (something the team is prepared to authorize). Cleveland’s perspective, meanwhile, has not changed in the time since Garrett went public with his desire to be moved. Haslam, Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski have remained consistent in their bid to present a united front in not giving thought to a trade. That is clearly still the case given Haslam’s decision, although Pelissero notes Garrett is – at this point, at least – willing to miss games if it helps bring about a swap.
The 2023 Defensive Player of the Year played through a number of ailments this past season, appearing in all 17 games and recording 14 sacks. Garrett has earned a first-team All-Pro nod in four of the past five seasons, securing second-team honors in 2022. His decorated career has included a total of only three playoff games across two different years, however, and a path to immediate contention does not appear to be in place. Questions at the quarterback position in particular linger for the Browns.
As expected, the team has worked out another restructure of Deshaun Watson‘s contract. The controversial trade which brought him to Cleveland has not panned out, and the fully guaranteed nature of his pact has created financial issues for the Browns. A low-cost veteran addition could be in store soon as a result, and the No. 2 pick in April’s draft could bring about a new franchise signal-caller. In spite of the opportunities at the position, Garrett is eyeing a fresh start as prepares for his age-30 season.
Teams are reportedly prepared to offer packages including at least one first-round pick, and the Lions have been interested dating back to the 2024 trade deadline. In the event the Browns do begin contemplating a deal, the Eagles will be a team to watch closely. Cleveland did not speak with Garrett or his camp during the Combine, so it remains to be seen when any movement in this situation will take place. Given this latest development, both parties could continue waiting for a lengthy period as the EDGE market takes shape around them.
Kirk Cousins Pushing For Falcons Release
Contrary to what most expected coming out of the 2024 season, Falcons GM Terry Fontenot has held the line on keeping Kirk Cousins as a backup. This would mean taking on another $10MM (via a roster bonus due in less than two weeks) on a player due a fully guaranteed $27.5MM base salary.
Michael Penix Jr. has established himself as the clear-cut starter in Atlanta going into the offseason, after the team had prepared for Cousins to start two years before a baton pass. Considering how quickly teams throw first-round picks into the fire, that long-term plan never appeared realistic. And Cousins’ poor play down the stretch prompted Raheem Morris to pull the plug early. Rumors about a Cousins release emerged soon after, but he remains a Falcon days before free agency.
Cousins appears to be pushing the Falcons to cut him. The 36-year-old QB sought a meeting with Arthur Blank and received it, per SI.com’s Albert Breer, who reports the benched passer is seeking a 2025 destination in which he could end up a starter. Blank did not give Cousins any assurances, as Breer adds the owner will attempt to “do what’s best for the team at QB.” The meeting occurred Wednesday night.
Holding a no-trade clause, Cousins does not appear a realistic trade candidate. The roster bonus and $27.5MM base salary would probably be a non-starter, considering how Cousins deteriorated down the stretch. Yet, some teams did leave the Combine believing the Falcons would actually hang onto the high-priced passer, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler adds. Cousins suitors are still being told he will not be released, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini tweets. Teams have only contacted the Falcons about a potential release, with Russini adding no trade talks are ongoing.
Fontenot has said on multiple occasions this offseason he indeed views Cousins as the team’s 2025 backup. Understandably, Cousins is not onboard with that arrangement.
Cousins signed a four-year, $180MM deal to start for the Falcons; $90MM came guaranteed at signing. Another $10MM, which is due soon, was viewed as a practical guarantee since it was assumed the Falcons would not cut Cousins after one season. Some around the league did wonder if Cousins would be traded, with the 49ers (as a Brock Purdy contingency plan) coming up. But Cousins’ benching — after a rough stretch of games that helped sink the Falcons — certainly tanked his trade value. During his final five starts, Cousins sported a 1-9 TD-INT ratio.
While Cousins’ value has cratered, many teams need 2025 starting QBs ahead of a draft not replete with options. The Browns and Jets have been connected early; Cousins has played for Kevin Stefanski before and negotiated with the Jets as a free agent in 2018. Cousins is running out of chances, after the Falcons partnership went south so quickly, but if released he might fit in as a Russell Wilson-like option on a minimum salary. Offset language appears in Cousins’ Falcons deal, so his next contract would subtract from the dead money that would appear on the Falcons’ cap sheet.
If Cousins does secure a release, he would join a market featuring younger starter options (Sam Darnold, Justin Fields, Daniel Jones) and veterans (Wilson, Aaron Rodgers). Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders may need bridge players, however, and this lot of QBs would be jockeying for spots, as no other surefire starting QBs have made themselves known in this draft pool just yet. Cousins can pitch to teams that he will be nearly two years past his October 2023 Achilles tear, as that may do plenty of work since selling his 2024 season would not be a good starting point.
Outside Suitors To Push Steelers For Justin Fields; QB’s 2024 Benching Remains Factor?
As a lukewarm quarterback draft class awaits, several teams need 2025 starters — either for bridge or longer-term purposes. Holding the No. 21 overall pick, the Steelers profile as a team interested in a veteran to keep the reins beyond next season, and it would appear they have a clear preference.
Several reports have pegged the Steelers as ready to retain Justin Fields and separate from Russell Wilson. Only beginning negotiations this offseason (due to a long-held Steelers rule against in-season talks), the team has been in contact with both players.
Unlike other QB-needy teams, steady reports tying the Steelers to outside free agents have not emerged. An either/or plan with Wilson and Fields has long been in place. Fields is more than 10 years younger than the player he primarily backed up last season, but being a clear-cut backup to becoming the same team’s preferred starter option is a somewhat strange arc for a fifth-year quarterback.
Fields, however, has also been connected to other teams. The Colts, Giants, Jets and Raiders have come up as suitors looking into the former first-round pick, and CBS Sports’ Aditi Kinkhabwala indicates the Fields market appears to be rising. PFR’s No. 8 free agent in this class, Fields could have an option to venture to a team willing to pay more than the Steelers. Though, Pittsburgh could be left scrambling in that scenario. Fields’ market is about to put the Steelers to a test, as it may take more than the team initially planned to keep the 2024 trade acquisition.
Fields has spoken highly of the Steelers, per Kinkhabwala, but the veteran reporter also notes an issue may remain between the young quarterback and Mike Tomlin. Support from players and some assistants existed to keep Fields in the starting lineup after Wilson’s calf healed last year, but Tomlin overruled them, confirming he “acted alone” when it came to giving Wilson his job back. We have heard for several months about the support Fields has gained in the organization, but Kinkhabwala refers to potential “distrust” when assessing Fields’ 2024 Steelers season.
After benching Fields once Wilson recovered by Week 7, Tomlin never turned back to him save for a few package plays. The veteran HC preferred Wilson’s superior passing skills. For a while, he was proven right; the Steelers, though, lost their final five games.
This component would seem to be significant, especially if Fields’ market proves to be robust. Indianapolis, Las Vegas and both New York teams join Cleveland and Tennessee in needing at least a bridge quarterback. The Titans have been connected to Sam Darnold, joining the rest of this lot — save for the Colts — but Fields is two years younger and has three-plus years of starter experience.
While he did not exactly wow as a passer in Pittsburgh, reminding of his Chicago tenure, the Ohio State product is one of the best runners the position has ever seen. Although the Steelers will need to see more from Fields as a passer, he stands out on this year’s FA market due to his age. Darnold, Wilson, Aaron Rodgers and perhaps Kirk Cousins will be available, with Daniel Jones also in the mix. The Steelers could pivot to another QB, but they are in need of some stability — after their Kenny Pickett plan failed — moving forward.
The perennial contender would not be securing immediate access to having an upper-echelon QB if it re-signs Fields, as the Steelers will be viewed as a low-ceiling team until they prove otherwise. But options are limited regarding young players with upside in this market. Fields’ eventual landing spot and his price will be one of this free agency period’s top storylines.
Buccaneers To Re-Sign LB Lavonte David
Like Bobby Wagner, Lavonte David is coming back for a 14th season. The Buccaneers are re-signing their standout linebacker, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler reports.
Tampa Bay and David are in agreement on another one-year deal; this one will be worth $10MM, per Fowler. The all-time Bucs great will see $9MM guaranteed on this deal. Unlike Wagner, David has been a one-team player. The Bucs will again ensure he stays in Tampa to lead their defensive second level.
Predating the Tom Brady era by nearly a decade, David began his Bucs career when Josh Freeman was still calling signals. David will match Derrick Brooks for Bucs career duration by playing a 14th season. While David does not have the Hall of Famer’s accolades (partially because of an antiquated Pro Bowl formula involving linebackers), he has been an anchor for the Bucs’ defense. The former second-round pick continues to play at a high level well into his 30s.
This will mark a raise for David, who played the 2024 season for $8.5MM after being at just $4.5MM in 2023. The Bucs have seen David outlast nearly all of his LB peers, and the team that separated from a much younger talent (Devin White) will continue to employ a 35-year-old at the position.
David, who turned 35 in January, has now agreed to six Bucs contracts. He had signed a five-year extension in 2015 and a two-year deal as part of the Bucs’ mass retention effort in 2021. The Nebraska alum is now in a year-to-year phase, having contemplated retirement before his 2024 deal. David was viewed as truly on the fence about playing in 2025, but he met with the Bucs last month and has found common ground. Outside interest was believed to exist for David, but it is certainly not surprising he will stay in Tampa.
David’s one career Pro Bowl is among the oft-changed all-star game’s biggest indictments. Since the Pro Bowl grouped 4-3 outside linebackers with their pass-rushing peers, little room existed for David honors during his 20s. Todd Bowles shifted the Bucs to a 3-4 scheme in 2019 and has been able to count on David, even as the Bucs have seen their other ILB spot change in that span. Last season, David started 17 games and registered 122 tackles to go with 5.5 sacks — his most since the 2013 season.
Tampa Bay’s linebacking great does have three All-Pro nods on his resume, the most recent coming during the Bucs’ Super Bowl-winning season, and has run his career sack total — despite never being a true rush linebacker — to 39. The Bucs have K.J. Britt due for free agency, but David will remain as a linchpin of a defense still housing first- and third-level mainstays in Vita Vea and Antoine Winfield Jr. Moving into third place in Bucs history with 198 games played with the team, David trails only Ronde Barber and Brooks for games played by a Buccaneer.
WR Michael Gallup Eyeing Comeback From Retirement
Less than eight months after announcing his retirement from the NFL, veteran wide receiver Michael Gallup is looking to make a return, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. He had signed to the Raiders before being placed on the reserve/retired list, so his rights were in Las Vegas, but the team made the move to release him from that list today, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2. 
The 2018 third-round pick out of Colorado State quickly established himself as a foundational piece in Dallas, finishing his sophomore campaign with 66 catches for 1,107 yards and six touchdowns. Despite the team’s addition of first-round WR CeeDee Lamb in 2020, Gallup still managed to top 800 receiving yards on a depth chart that also featured Amari Cooper. Trouble started for Gallup in 2021, when he missed the first chunk of the season thanks to a calf injury. He was limited to a then-career-low 12.7 yards per reception that season on 35 catches before suffering a torn ACL in the regular season finale.
Not to be deterred by the injuries, the Cowboys handed Gallup a five-year, $62.5MM extension before trading Cooper days later. To Gallup’s credit, he returned for 14 games in 2022, but he clearly wasn’t the same player. While Dak Prescott‘s absence partly played into Gallup’s drop in production, the wide receiver was still limited to only about 30 yards per game. He managed to get into all 17 games in 2023, but his stats continued to drop, with the 28-year-old compiling only 34 catches for 418 yards and two scores.
Dallas gave Gallup permission to seek a trade before ultimately cutting him before a $4MM salary guarantee was due last year. Gallup signed with the Raiders on a one-year, prove-it deal about a month and a half later. There was some hope that the veteran could soak up the snaps vacated by a Hunter Renfrow release and work in the WR3 spot behind Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers, but his retirement put an end to that plan.
Fortunately, Gallup won’t be the only veteran wideout in free agency this offseason. Unfortunately for Gallup, those other likely veteran free agents — Chris Godwin, Stefon Diggs, Keenan Allen, DeAndre Hopkins, Amari Cooper — all have a few more accolades in their careers. Still, Gallup feels that he has something left in the tank to provide for a team in need of a depth option at wide receiver.
RFA/ERFA Tender Decisions: 3/7/25
More teams made tender/non-tender decisions on restricted and exclusive rights free agents today. Here are the latest updates:
RFAs
Tendered:
- Panthers: C Cade Mays
Non-tendered:
- Browns: OLB James Houston
Carolina has tendered Mays with an original-round tender worth $3.26MM. A former sixth-round draft pick, the third-year center will be able field offers from the rest of the league. If an offer comes in, the Panthers would have the chance to match it or let the team sign Mays in exchange for a sixth-round pick. Mays started eight games in 11 appearances last year.
Houston flashed early, particularly when he tallied eight sacks in seven games (only two starts) for the Lions as a rookie. Since then, injuries and inconsistency have kept him from sticking in Detroit or Cleveland.
ERFAs
Tendered:
- Buccaneers: S Kaevon Merriweather
- Chiefs: P Matt Araiza, G Mike Caliendo
- Commanders: RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.
- Giants: LB Tomon Fox
- Jets: WR Irvin Charles, OL Xavier Newman-Johnson
- Packers: WR Bo Melton, RB Emanuel Wilson
- Panthers: DT LaBryan Ray
- Raiders: DE Charles Snowden
- Seahawks: TE Brady Russell
- Titans: DT Keondre Coburn, LB Otis Reese
Non-tendered:
- Dolphins: LB Quinton Bell
- Ravens: CB Christian Matthew
Minor NFL Transactions: 3/7/25
Friday’s minor NFL moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Re-sign: S Joey Blount, LS Aaron Brewer
Cincinnati Bengals
- Extended: TE Tanner Hudson
Detroit Lions
- Extended: LB Zeke Turner
San Francisco 49ers
- Claimed off waivers (from Rams): CB Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed ERFA tender: S Kaevon Merriweather
Tennessee Titans
- Signed ERFA tender: DT Keondre Coburn, LB Otis Reese
Chargers Releasing RB Gus Edwards
The reunion between running back Gus Edwards and Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman was a short-lived one as the team informed Edwards today that he would be released, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This leaves Los Angeles without its top two rushers from 2024 as J.K. Dobbins‘s one-year deal expires next week. 
A seven-year veteran who spent eight years in Baltimore after signing as an undrafted free agent, Edwards had the least-productive season of his career with the Chargers in 2024, aside from 2021, when he missed the entire year because of injury. He struggled with injury this season, as well, missing six games with an ankle issue.
Edwards spent most of his career benefitting from a read-option offense in Baltimore that rewarded his downhill running style with plenty of dive plays and goal line touches. This culminated in a huge 2023 campaign that saw him reach career highs in rushing yards (810) and rushing touchdowns (13). Edwards entered last year as the Chargers lead back over Dobbins before quickly losing that role by Week 3 of the season. Combined with a stint on injured reserve because of his ankle injury, Edwards continued in a smaller role until Dobbins found his own way to IR.
Edwards finds himself in a pretty talented group of free agent backs, led by Aaron Jones, Dobbins, and Najee Harris. After that, Edwards is likely among the group that follows, which includes Nick Chubb, Javonte Williams, and Rico Dowdle. After seeing the difference in success from Baltimore to LA, Edwards would be wise to focus on the correct fit in free agency.
As for the Chargers, with Dobbins and Edwards becoming free agents, only Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins remain under contract in the running backs room. As a sixth-round rookie, Vidal only amassed 155 yards on 43 carries last year. Haskins only totaled 89 yards in 2024 but did record three total touchdowns.
This should put running back fairly high on the list of offseason needs for Roman’s offense. The free agents listed above are one option, as is the potential re-signing of Dobbins, but the 2025 NFL Draft is also loaded with talented options at running back. With prospects like Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton, Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson, Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo, Miami’s Damien Martinez, and several more, the Chargers could add one or multiple backs in the first three or four rounds of the draft.
Edwards, though, seeing his two-year deal cut short, will be moving on in hopes of finding a room in which he fits better. A short-yardage role could be in cards as Edwards will be 30 years old by the time the 2025 season begins.
Seahawks Pursuing QB Sam Darnold After Trading Geno Smith
With today’s decision to trade veteran quarterback Geno Smith to Las Vegas, the Seahawks have shifted their focus at the quarterback position. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Vikings pending free agent passer Sam Darnold is the new target to lead the offense in Seattle in 2025. 
Darnold’s market has been a rollercoaster so far this offseason. After a 2024 season in which Darnold stepped into the starting role in Minnesota and led the Vikings to competition for the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC with a 14-3 record, recording career highs in passing yards (4,319) and touchdowns (35) while only throwing 12 picks, Darnold’s career performance in a contract year presumably set him up for a lucrative venture into free agency. With Darnold and the Vikings becoming the surprise of the season last year, the expectation was that his value as a free agent would skyrocket as a result.
The Raiders had made it known, after failing to acquire Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford via trade, that they were only willing to shell out serious cash for Stafford, dashing any hopes that Darnold may find his way there as a high-paid free agent. Any potential that the Raiders may backtrack on that decision was squashed with the acquisition of Smith out of Seattle. With the Titans and Giants trending towards quarterback prospects Cam Ward of Miami and Shedeur Sanders of Colorado and the Vikings seemingly fully ready for J.J. McCarthy to take the reins, Darnold’s options were looking slim. A new vacancy at the position in Seattle opens the door for a new potential destination for Darnold in 2025.
Darnold has a connection to Seattle in the form of new Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. Though the 2023 season was one of Darnold’s least active, the campaign saw the backup quarterback work in the same offense as Kubiak in San Francisco, where the latter served the year as passing game coordinator. A familiar face on the coaching staff may be enough help Darnold find his way to Seattle.
Something that may make Seattle slightly less attractive as a destination is the recent departure of veteran receiver Tyler Lockett combined with D.K. Metcalf‘s recent trade request. The receiving corps is still home to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who broke out in his sophomore campaign last year, but behind Smith-Njigba, the top returning receivers are Jake Bobo and, likely, Cody White, a pending exclusive rights free agent.
What’s likely to become the deciding factor for a move to land Darnold will be Seattle’s willingness to take him on with a multi-year deal. Per Russini, Darnold is seeking some modest commitment with a three-year contract. If the Seahawks are willing to meet that demand, it could be an easy decision for both sides.
Raiders Lukewarm On Free Agent QBs, Still Looking Into Trades
An aggressive Matthew Stafford push did not land the Raiders the Super Bowl-winning quarterback, putting them in a similar position to a handful of teams entering free agency. The Raiders need a 2025 starter, and they do not appear overly eager to pay one in free agency.
The Raiders were deep in talks with the Rams signal-caller about a deal that would have paid him at least $90MM guaranteed. Considering Stafford’s age, that pursuit both reflects the Raiders’ view of his talent and their lukewarm assessment of this year’s free agent class. Indeed, the Raiders are not believed to be high on Sam Darnold or the rest of the free agent QBs, The Athletic’s Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed report (subscription required).
Although the Raiders came up short on Stafford, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini notes they are still talking to teams about QBs via trade. There are not many starters who could conceivably be had, though two have ties to the Raiders. The Seahawks have started Geno Smith extension talks; the QB’s price will dictate how eager the team is to complete a deal. Smith, of course, played five seasons for Pete Carroll and started the final two. The Saints are planning to keep Derek Carr, but he did come up as a potential trade chip earlier this offseason.
A Carr trade back to Las Vegas would be shocking. Still, there are not many other names who would make sense as a trade chip. The Cardinals’ current regime has praised Kyler Murray consistently, even as it did not authorize his current contract, and Trevor Lawrence-Steelers buzz was roundly debunked. The Raiders, who hold the No. 6 pick and have been mentioned as a Cam Ward suitor (via trade-up), may well need to acquire their bridge in free agency.
Vegas has been tied to Darnold, Justin Fields and Russell Wilson thus far this offseason. Wilson created a Hall of Fame case while playing for Carroll, and while the former Pro Bowler reportedly tried to have Carroll fired from his post in 2022, the sides have mended fences. The gap between Stafford’s talent and this group is substantial, though, and an Aaron Rodgers partnership — rumored in the past — would occur when the QB is near the end.
As expected, Tom Brady is “heavily involved” in the Raiders’ offseason so far, Reed tweets. His ski meeting with Stafford certainly signaled the new Raiders part-owner was running point on this effort, as Mark Davis said he would. Brady was also in the building when Maxx Crosby signed his extension, Reed adds. Brady’s fingerprints figure to be on the Raiders’ free agency effort soon. That process may well send a QB to Vegas, but the draft will loom as an avenue the team will thoroughly explore (once again) as well.
One name to monitor for the Raiders is Jalen Milroe, as the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Vincent Bonsignore indicates the team remains intrigued with the Alabama product. Milroe is viewed as a player who could be available in the second round. Milroe’s 2024 season checked in worse than his 2023 output.
Daniel Jeremiah’s NFL.com big board does not include him, and ESPN’s Scouts Inc. ranks the two-year Crimson Tide starter 66th overall — as the No. 5 QB in this class. A bridge to Milroe would almost definitely be required, and it could be a full-season effort if the Raiders again fail to come out of a first round with a passer.