Jets To Interview Ron Rivera
The Jets’ decision to move on from Joe Douglas created a vacancy for the general manager position. The team moved quickly in bringing in Mike Tannenbaum and Rick Spielman to lead the way in the search for his replacement along with a new head coach. 
Several candidates for the GM position have already emerged, but the Jets are also set to begin looking into head coaching options. Only those not currently under contract with another NFL club can meet with the team at this point in the year, and a notable name in that regard has emerged. Ron Rivera will interview with the Jets this week, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
[RELATED: Rex Ryan Expecting Jets Interview]
New York is looking for experience in both the head coach and general manager positions, and Rivera would certainly qualify in that regard. The 62-year-0ld’s NFL coaching tenure dates back 20 years, and he spent a total of six seasons as defensive coordinator of the Bears and Chargers. That was followed by a nine-year run at the helm of the Panthers, one which was highlighted by a Super Bowl appearance. Rivera’s time in Carolina came to an end with a midseason firing in 2019, but he took charge of the Commanders the following year.
In his debut campaign in the nation’s capital, Rivera guided the team to the postseason (despite managing a record of only 7-9). After that year’s wild-card defeat, seven- and eight-win seasons followed, and a lack of postseason appearances and questions at the quarterback spot lingered entering last year. Sam Howell was leaned on to handle QB1 duties, and his struggles in that role (along with a poor defensive outing especially after edge rushers Chase Young and Montez Sweat were traded away) resulted in a 4-13 campaign. After a one-year observation period from owner Josh Harris, Rivera was fired in a move which came as little surprise.
The longtime staffer has not held a position at the pro or college levels this year, but he made it clear last winter he did not intend to retire. Rivera added a willingness to return to a defensive coordinator position in his next gig, and he drew notable interest in that respect. The Cowboys, Rams and Eagles each interviewed him for their respective DC openings, although all three teams went in a different direction. Rivera could once again be a name to watch on the coordinator front in this year’s hiring cycle.
Of course, that could also be true with respect to another head coaching opportunity. The Bears and Saints are also in need of a full-time coach for 2025, and more vacancies are expected in the near future. The Jets’ interest will produce at least one interview, though, and it will be interesting to see if more are soon to follow.
Bengals Place DT Sheldon Rankins On NFI List
The Bengals are going to attempt to make the playoffs next Saturday with a win over the Steelers and some help from a couple other teams. Much like they have throughout the closing stretch of the season, though, they’ll be doing it all without veteran defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins. Rankins has been placed on the reserve/non-football illness list today, according to Ian Rapoport, ending his season, barring a Super Bowl appearance by Cincinnati. 
Rankins battled through a hamstring injury that cost him three games early in the season, coming back to make five straight starts midseason. Ever since Week 10, though, Rankins has been ruled out with an illness designation on the injury reports. Since last appearing in a game on November 7, Rankins hasn’t even been a practice participant due to this illness.
After missing that much time, many have questioned why he’s just now being placed on an injured list. Per Jay Morrison of Sports Illustrated, “no one expected it to last this long.” Rankins has been “self-reporting symptoms” of an illness that has kept him out for nearly two months, and the Bengals’ hands have been tied in regard to his ability to play.
Rankins came to Cincinnati on a two-year, $24.5MM deal coming off a strong year in Houston. After spending the first five years of his career in New Orleans, Rankins had two productive years with the Jets before signing a one-year contract with the Texans. He’s had injury issues in the past but has appeared in double-digit games in every year since only playing nine his rookie season. He only played seven games for the Bengals this year.
Morrison also insinuates that with today’s designation comes the assumption that Rankins will not be returning to Cincinnati next season. Morrison claims that Rankins will “be playing for his fourth team in four years in 2025” and that the Bengals will end up saving $7.5MM by cutting him. His claim references the $2MM of dead money and $9.5MM of cap savings tied to Rankins’ contract should he be cut after only one year.
As an insider with Cincinnati, Morrison’s reporting delivers the sentiment that there is lots of frustration with Rankins in the building. There seems to be a feeling that Rankins has forced the team’s hand, and his actions will cost him a roster spot next season.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/30/24
Monday’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Claimed off waivers (from Buccaneers): LB Vi Jones
- Placed on IR: S Joey Blount
Baltimore Ravens
- Designated to return from IR: TE Charlie Kolar
Detroit Lions
- Activated from IR: LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin
- Elevated: RB Jermar Jefferson, DE Chris Smith
New York Jets
- Claimed off waivers (from Vikings): LB Jamin Davis
- Waived: K Anders Carlson
- Placed on IR: S Chuck Clark
San Francisco 49ers
- Activated from IR: LB Tatum Bethune
- Claimed off waivers (from Titans): CB Tre Avery
- Elevated: DE Alex Barrett, G Drake Nugent
- Placed on IR: G Aaron Banks
Tennessee Titans
- Waived: K Matthew Wright
By claiming Jones, the Cardinals reunite him with his brother, wide receiver Zay Jones, for the final week of the regular season.
The Ravens are looking to return their third tight end to the fold after Kolar broke his arm a month ago. When ready, he’ll be back to close out the regular season and prepare for the playoffs behind Baltimore’s other two strong tight ends.
The Jets will be finishing the season without their starting safety in Clark. Clark, who battled back from injury earlier this season, was placed on injured reserve for an undisclosed reason today.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/30/24
Today’s practice squad transactions:
Arizona Cardinals
- Activated from commissioners/suspended list: LB Markus Bailey
Indianapolis Colts
- Released from practice squad injured list: DT Trysten Hill
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed: LB Blake Lynch
- Released: WR Montrell Washington
Jets Claim Phidarian Mathis; Three Other Teams Attempted To Add DT
Washington broke up its Alabama trio at defensive tackle over the weekend, activating Jonathan Allen from IR and cutting Phidarian Mathis. This decision generated interest around the league.
Mathis did not make it far down the waiver wire, with NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reporting the young D-lineman is heading to the Jets. They are far from the only team to make a play for the former second-round pick, who has another season remaining on his rookie contract.
The Bengals, Lions and Texans also stepped in with waiver claims for Mathis, Rapoport adds. Sitting at 4-12, the Jets held the top waiver spot here and will almost certainly take the 2025 offseason to further assess Mathis, who came off the board early during the 2022 draft. He just has yet to justify that Commanders investment.
Despite this Washington regime change leading many Ron Rivera investments off the roster this offseason, Mathis played a career-high 34% of the playoff-bound team’s defensive snaps this year. He played in 12 Washington games but did not make much of a statistical impact, totaling only 17 tackles (two for loss). Mathis deflected a pass as well. He has yet to start an NFL game. Pro Football Focus has Mathis graded as the worst D-tackle regular (123rd overall) this season.
When Washington drafted Mathis 47th overall, questions about Daron Payne‘s long-term future loomed. Payne was set to play out his fifth-year option season; that year going well for the 2018 first-rounder led to a 2023 franchise tag and subsequent extension. With Allen signed long term and no strong consideration being given to trading the 2017 first-round pick, the Commanders’ youngest Alabama-produced DT lingered as a rotational player. Mathis also missed 16 games as a rookie due to suffering a season-ending injury in Week 1.
It is interesting the Jets have made this claim, seeing as they are without a GM and likely in the final days with interim HC Jeff Ulbrich. Mathis is set to carry a $1.8MM 2025 base salary. That price looks to have been fine for a few other teams to submit claims, but the next Jets regime will take a look at the 26-year-old defender.
Mike Vrabel Rumored As Potential Raiders Frontrunner; Saints On Radar
With the 2025 coaching carousel not viewed as especially deep, the chances of Mike Vrabel slipping through the cracks for a second straight year appear slim. Vrabel joins Lions HC Ben Johnson as the top candidates in this year’s pool, and multiple teams are being tied to the former Titans leader.
The Raiders have not fired Antonio Pierce, but that will be considered. If the team pulls the plug on Pierce after one season as full-time HC, Vrabel should be considered on the radar. Plenty around the NFL believe Vrabel would be the Las Vegas frontrunner if the team did fire Pierce, SI.com’s Albert Breer notes. Considering Vrabel and Tom Brady‘s past, it would not surprise if this became a landing spot to closely monitor.
For a minority owner, Brady appears set to hold substantial power in Vegas — both with regards to the team’s HC and QB searches — despite his role as a broadcaster. While Brady’s announcing gig could cause issues ahead of Super Bowl LIX, Mark Davis is prepared to lean on the all-time QB great during a pivotal offseason. Brady and Vrabel played together in New England for eight years, and Breer adds the ex-quarterback’s appearance at a Raiders practice late last season — when he was not yet a part-owner — signaled to some Vrabel would be on the team’s radar for the 2024 season.
As it turned out, no one hired Vrabel this year. Though, the Chargers are believed to have viewed him as their Jim Harbaugh backup plan. Vrabel, 49, closed out his consulting run with the Browns on Monday. His Cleveland contract expired, per ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter, freeing him up for HC interviews before season’s end. Vrabel’s contract having this particular expiration date certainly points to the free agent coaching candidate wanting to explore an NFL return, and although a return to Ohio State surfaced recently, the former linebacker’s alma mater may well not have a job opening at season’s end.
Regardless, Breer adds Vrabel is leaving the Browns on good terms, as the sides separating now would allow Vrabel to conduct in-person interviews for HC positions before his competition. All coaches who are tied to other teams must wait until divisional-round week to begin meeting with teams, but unattached coaches can begin interviews for vacant jobs at any point. The Raiders do not have a vacancy presently, but other teams who do figure to be interested in Vrabel.
The Saints are one of three teams who can interview coaches now, having fired Dennis Allen weeks ago, and Breer adds Vrabel is on Mickey Loomis‘ radar. The 23rd-year GM is believed to be safe and free to run another coaching search. The Saints went with an in-house option to succeed Sean Payton, though the latter had not previously worked with Loomis when he was hired in 2006. Considering Allen’s struggles, Loomis casting a wider net this time around makes sense.
While interim HC Darren Rizzi is well-liked, it would be rather surprising if the Saints went with a second straight in-house promotion given the issues they have had since Payton left. Joe Brady having worked as a Payton assistant for two late-2010s seasons could be of note if the Saints prefer familiarity again, but the second-year Bills OC may have options as well. Lions DC Aaron Glenn, who coached the Saints’ DBs before heading to Detroit, is expected to factor into the team’s HC search prominently as well.
Saints S Tyrann Mathieu Wants To Play In 2025
Tyrann Mathieu agreed to a new Saints deal this past offseason, signaling that he will continue playing past the current campaign. The All-Pro safety is uncertain of when his career will end, but he intends to suit up for 2025 at a minimum. 
Mathieu said on Monday (via ESPN’s Katherine Terrell) he wants to play next season. Provided that proves to be the case, 2025 will represent his 13th campaign in the NFL and his fourth with his hometown team. The 32-year-old has remained a full-time starter during his New Orleans stint, playing every game to date.
After entering the league as a third-rounder, Mathieu spent his first five years with the Cardinals before a single campaign as a Texan. During that span, the LSU product earned his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods, and he added to both totals during his three-year run in Kansas City. His Chiefs tenure also included a Super Bowl title, but once his contract expired Mathieu did not receive an offer.
That paved the way for his first Saints deal, a three-year, $27MM pact. Mathieu totaled seven interceptions and 17 pass deflections during his first two New Orleans campaigns, and in March he agreed to an extension keeping him in place through 2025. That contract calls for a base salary of $6.25MM in 2025, and Terrell notes $2.5MM of that total is guaranteed (provided Mathieu does not retire). The 2010s All-Decade Team member’s continued presence will be welcomed on a Saints team which once again faces a number of cap-related decisions in the near future.
Mathieu has recorded three interceptions, seven pass deflections and a pair of forced fumbles but his PFF evaluation has taken a notable step back in 2024. After being graded as a top-10 safety each of the past two years, he has fallen to 70th out of 96 qualifying players at the position this season. Still, it would come as a surprise if he were to serve in anything but a first-team capacity next year. Given the Saints’ history of cap gymnastics, Mathieu is among the players who could have their contracts adjusted this offseason. Regardless of what happens on the financial front, he can be expected to suit up for at least one more year.
Titans To Play Mason Rudolph, Will Levis In Week 18
Will Levis entered 2024 as the Titans’ starting quarterback, retaining that title after returning from an AC joint sprain earlier in the year. He has been surpassed on the depth chart by Mason Rudolph, but both signal-callers will receive the opportunity to play in the season finale. 
“I’ll let those guys both have a chance to play, some opportunities,” head coach Brian Callahan said on Monday (via the team’s website). “I’ll let you know by the end of the week, [who’s] the starter and all of that. But I think both guys should play some football at the end of the year.”
Levis took over as Tennessee’s starter midway through last year, and his development for 2024 was a key organizational priority. Callahan’s hire (making him a first-time head coach) was aimed at guiding the 25-year-old, but he has not produced the desired results this season. The Titans sit at 3-13 on the year, making them one of four teams sporting that record entering Week 18. As things stand, Tennessee holds the No. 2 pick in the draft.
A loss against the Texans would therefore be highly beneficial to the team’s 2025 outlook, but Levis seeing time would be notable given his uncertain future. Last year’s 33rd overall pick has two years remaining on his rookie contract, but considering his struggles this season it would come as no surprise if the Titans were to add competition under center during the offseason. Rudolph is a pending free agent, and the longtime Steeler could again be on the move depending on how his market takes shape.
If the Patriots wind up securing and retaining the No. 1 pick, the door would be open for the holder of the second selection to have their choice of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 class. Depending on how the final slate of games shakes out, Tennessee could therefore be within range of at least one of Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, and selecting either would constitute a move in a new direction at the quarterback spot. Levis will get one more look before a decision on that front will be made, though.
Rex Ryan Expects To Interview With Jets
The Jets have one head coaching interview lined up, and another could soon follow. Rex Ryan said on Monday he anticipates receiving the opportunity to interview for the gig. 
“I believe I will,” Ryan said during an appearance on ESPN morning radio when asked if he will speak with the team about the HC position (via ESPN’s Rich Cimini). “We’ll see what happens once the season’s over.”
Ryan added no conversations have taken place at this point with owner Woody Johnson or the personnel leading the Jets’ search for a new general manager and head coach. The 33rd Team has been contracted to organize that process, with Rick Spielman and Mike Tannenbaum in particular running point. Of course, the latter was in place as GM when Ryan was hired in 2009, so a longstanding personal relationship exists between the two.
In each of Ryan’s first two seasons in New York, the team reached the AFC title game. The most recent of those campaigns remains the franchise’s last postseason appearance, in part because of its struggles during the remainder of Ryan’s tenure. From 2011-14, the Jets went 26-38, posting a .500 winning percentage twice in that span. Ryan then went on to coach the Bills for the better part of two seasons, during which time he also failed to reach the playoffs or generate a winning record.
The 62-year-old has been an analyst with ESPN for several years, but he has not shied away from the opportunity to return to the coaching ranks. Last offseason, Ryan was strongly linked to the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator position until it ultimately went to Mike Zimmer. More recently, he has openly campaigned for the opportunity to reprise his role as head coach of the Jets.
The Jets are still in the early stages of their GM search, one which has seen a number of names emerge as candidates. Experience for that position as well as that of head coach is a priority, and Ryan would meet that criteria if he were to land the position. He is free to interview at any time (whereas interviews with coaches currently under contract with other teams cannot take place at this point), so it will be interesting to see if a sit-down is arranged soon. Especially if that turns out to be the case, Ryan’s name will be one to watch closely during the opening stages of the hiring cycle.
Updated 2025 NFL Draft Order
Plenty of changes took place regarding the projected draft order on Sunday. Most notably, the Giants’ first home win of the year took them out of the top spot and greatly lowered their chances of securing the No. 1 pick.
Instead, the Patriots are now in pole position to select first in April. New England already has Drake Maye in place, so adding another Day 1 passer would be out of the picture. With Travis Hunter being seen as the top overall prospect in the class, the Heisman winner could be a suitable target as a key figure in New England’s rebuilding process.
Meanwhile, a number of teams which could be in the market for a first-round passer are near the top of the order. That includes the Browns and Raiders, teams which each face uncertainty under center for 2025 despite already having a number of quarterbacks under contract beyond this season. Bringing in Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders would provide another short-term option for next year along with a potential long-term answer at the position. Plenty could still change in the order over Week 18, though, and the evaluation process of both of the top signal-callers in the class obviously has a long way to go.
For non-playoff teams, the draft order will be determined by the inverted 2024 standings — plus a series of tiebreakers, starting with strength of schedule — with playoff squads being slotted by their postseason outcome and regular-season record. Here is an updated look at the current draft order:
- New England Patriots (3-13)
- Tennessee Titans (3-13)
- Cleveland Browns (3-13)
- New York Giants (3-13)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12)
- Carolina Panthers (4-12)
- New York Jets (4-12)
- Las Vegas Raiders (4-12)
- Chicago Bears (4-12)
- New Orleans Saints (5-11)
- San Francisco 49ers (6-9)
- Indianapolis Colts (7-9)
- Dallas Cowboys (7-9)
- Arizona Cardinals (7-9)
- Miami Dolphins (8-8)
- Cincinnati Bengals (8-8)
- Atlanta Falcons (8-8)
- Seattle Seahawks (9-7)
- Houston Texans (9-7)
- Denver Broncos (9-7)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)
- Los Angeles Chargers (10-6)
- Los Angeles Rams (10-6)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
- Green Bay Packers (11-5)
- Washington Commanders (11-5)
- Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (13-3)
- Buffalo Bills (13-3)
- Detroit Lions (13-2)
- Minnesota Vikings (14-2)
- Kansas City Chiefs (15-1)