Potential Trade Suitors Monitoring A.J. Brown Situation
The A.J. Brown rumors are starting to heat up. Last week, we heard that the receiver was frustrated with his role in the Eagles offense, and that report was accompanied by a highly publicized meeting between Brown, Jalen Hurts, and Saquon Barkley. Following a second-straight Eagles loss, it sounds like the frustrations aren’t letting up.
While the Eagles have continually stated that they won’t trade Brown, multiple NFL executives told Dianna Russini of The Athletic that they believe the receiver will eventually be on the move. One source noted the player’s apparent indifference, which could be especially worrisome for a team that’s looking to go on a deep playoff run. Another source was more to the point, opining that the Eagles will ultimately deal the wideout because GM Howie Roseman “likes deals, especially if a player’s value overrides how Brown is being used.”
Brown actually had one of his most productive outings of the season in Week 6, finishing with six catches for 80 yards. After the loss, the veteran denied reports of a discussion with his offensive teammates, noting that he didn’t “recall a meeting” (per EJ Smith of PHLY Sports). Russini added more context, with sources claiming that the meeting wasn’t formal and was simply a “quick, honest check-in.” That could surely be taken as semantics, but either way, Brown didn’t seem particularly interested in discussing his chat.
Russini isn’t the only one noting that rival teams have their eye on the wideout. While Albert Breer of the MMQB acknowledges that this is just part of Philly’s plight while dealing with a “mercurial receiver,” he says there are teams currently monitoring the situation. One exec from an AFC contender said they expect Brown to be discussed in trade talks leading up to the deadline, especially since there doesn’t seem to be any resolution in sight.
On the flip side, Breer is skeptical if a trade will ever reach the finish line. The reporter believes the situation is manageable, at least for the 2025 campaign. Plus, teams may be a bit wary of acquiring the receiver considering his past knee issues and his hefty $29MM in guaranteed money for the 2026 season. Zach Berman of The Athletic echoes this sentiment, as the reporter expressed skepticism that Brown will ultimately be on the move. Berman notes that Roseman prefers to acquire players of Brown’s caliber, not trade them away. Plus, there’s optimism that Nick Sirianni will be able to manage all of the personalities.
In other words, it’s uncertain how this situation will ultimately play out. Either way, it will surely be a story to watch as we inch closer to the November 4th trade deadline.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/14/25
Today’s practice squad moves:
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: NT Josh Tupou
Buffalo Bills
- Released: CB Jalen Kimber
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: LB Eugene Asante, DL Simeon Barrow
- Released: OT Joshua Miles
Denver Broncos
- Signed: G Karsen Barnhart, LB Garrett Nelson
Green Bay Packers
- Released: K Mark McNamee
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: OT Bayron Matos, QB Brett Rypien
- Released: OT Marcellus Johnson
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: G McClendon Curtis
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: RB Jaret Patterson
- Released: LB Clelin Ferrell
New England Patriots
- Signed: TE Marshall Lang
- Released: DB Tyron Herring, TE Gee Scott Jr.
Philadelphia Eagles
- Released: WR Javon Baker, RB Audric Estime
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: OL Isaac Alarcon, DL Robert Beal Jr.
- Released: OL Bruce Hector
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: RB Michael Wiley
- Released: TE Caden Prieskorn
Washington Commanders
- Released: G Tyler Cooper
With Anthony Richardson heading to injured reserve with an eye injury, the Colts are set to add some QB depth in veteran Brett Rypien, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The 29-year-old brings four games of starting experience to Indy, with his most recent start coming with the Rams in 2023. In total, Rypien has completed 58.3 percent of his career passes for 950 yards, four touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Riley Leonard will temporarily be the QB2 behind Daniel Jones, but there’s a chance Rypien eventually works his way up to the active roster.
The Chargers moved on from a notable edge defender today in Clelin Ferrell. The former Raiders first-round pick started all 17 games for the 49ers just two years ago, with the edge rusher finishing that campaign with 3.5 sacks and 13 QB hits. He started 10 of his 14 appearances with the Commanders in 2024, adding another 3.5 sacks to his resume. After being among Washington’s final preseason cuts, Ferrell caught on with the Chargers practice squad and ended up getting into one game with the big-league club.
The Eagles moved on from a pair of skill players today. Audric Estime was a fifth-round pick by the Broncos last year, with the running back compiling 337 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 81 touches. He was waived by Denver back in August and landed on Philly’s practice squad. Javon Baker was a fourth-round pick by the Patriots in last year’s draft, but he was limited to a single catch in 11 games.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/13/25
Here are the latest practice squad moves from around the NFL:
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: TE Jordan Akins
- Released: TE Qadir Ismail
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: CB Tariq Castro-Fields
- Released: CB Eli Ricks
San Francisco 49ers
- Released: OL Kilian Zierer
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/13/25
Here are the latest moves from around the NFL,including practice squad elevations for all four teams playing on Monday Night Football:
Atlanta Falcons
- Elevated: CB Keith Taylor, WR Deven Thompkins
Buffalo Bills
- Elevated: S Jordan Poyer, DT Jordan Phillips
Chicago Bears
- Elevated: DT Jonathan Ford, K Jake Moody
Cleveland Browns
- Waived: OT Thayer Munford Jr.
Denver Broncos
- Signed off Ravens’ practice squad: S J.T. Gray
Indianapolis Colts
- Claimed off waivers (from Ravens): S Reuben Lowery
Kansas City Chiefs
- Waived: CB Jason Brownlee
New England Patriots
- Waived from IR: G Layden Robinson
Philadelphia Eagles
- Placed on reserve/retired list: DE Za’Darius Smith (story)
San Francisco 49ers
- Waived: OL Isaac Alarcon
Washington Commanders
- Elevated: WR Ja’Corey Brooks, WR Tay Martin
The Bears elevated Moody to kick in their Monday night matchup with the Commanders with Cairo Santos sidelined by a quad injury.
Eagles DE Za’Darius Smith Retires
Za’Darius Smith has taken part in five of the Eagles’ six games this season, but his time with Philadelphia is abruptly coming to an end. The veteran pass rush announced on Instagram Monday that he is retiring. 
“Who would’ve thought that a kid from Greenville, Alabama, with just one year of high school football experience, would go on to play professional football in the NFL for 11 incredible years,” Smith’s announcement reads in part. “Football has transformed my life and my family’s lives forever – and for that, I’m forever grateful.”
Smith has served as a starter for much of his career, and he notched four sacks upon arriving via trade in Detroit last season. In spite of that, the three-time Pro Bowler remained unsigned through training camp. One day after opening the campaign, the Eagles signed Smith to a one-year deal. He has played in all five of the team’s games since then, logging a 38% snap share.
Today’s announcement comes as quite the surprise as a result, as Smith was in position to continue handling a rotational role with his latest team. Instead, his NFL career has come to an end. This decision is a personal one and not tied to his playing time in Philadelphia, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports. Nevertheless, an Eagles team which entered the campaign with questions about pass rush production will be shorthanded moving forward. This news could steer the team toward a trade for an edge rusher in the near future.
Smith entered the league as a fourth-round pick of the Ravens in 2015. He flashed potential with 5.5 sacks as a rookie, and after developing into a regular on defense posted 8.5 sacks in the final year of his rookie contract. That resulted in a big-ticket free agent deal with the Packers, the first of three NFC North teams Smith wound up playing for in his career.
Following his 2022 release from Green Bay, Smith seemed to have a Ravens reunion lined up. In the end, however, he signed with the Vikings. That did not lead to a lengthy tenure in Minnesota, as the Kentucky alum was traded to the Browns after one season. Smith was limited to just one game in 2021, but across his healthy campaigns with Green Bay and Minnesota he amassed 36 sacks. Expectations remained high for continued production with the Browns.
Smith was unable to establish himself as a long-term complement to Myles Garrett with a downturn in sack totals during his one full Cleveland campaign. After Aidan Hutchinson suffered a season-ending injury last year, Smith was named as a candidate to be dealt to the Lions. That took place as expected, and during this past offseason Smith remained in contact with Detroit even after being released in a cost-shedding move.
With no deal being worked out on that front, though, Smith eventually took a pact with the Eagles. The defending Super Bowl champions have lost two straight but they sit at 4-2 on the year and could again find themselves in contention for a deep postseason run in 2025. The team’s plans ahead of the deadline could now include the pursuit of a Smith replacement.
Smith will now turn his attention to his post-playing days at the age of 33. He exits the NFL with 154 combined regular and postseason appearances and nearly $91MM in career earnings.
Eagles Activate LB Nakobe Dean From PUP
The Eagles officially activated Nakobe Dean from the physically unable to perform list, per a team announcement, setting up the fourth-year linebacker to make his 2025 debut on Thursday night against the Giants.
Dean’s activation completes an impressive recovery from a torn patellar tendon suffered in January. He started the season on the PUP list but worked hard to return to practice as soon as he was eligible in Week 5. Dean quickly progressed to full participation and was expected to be ready for the Eagles’ Week 6 appearance on Thursday Night Football despite the short week.
Indeed, the Eagles are confident enough in Dean’s recovery and practice performance that he will play in New York, though the team’s depth at linebacker will not force him into a heavy workload right away. In fact, Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell have played almost every defensive snap for Philadelphia this year, so there may not be much playing time available for a third off-ball linebacker given how often the Eagles use five or more defensive backs. Dean’s return could allow defensive coordinator Vic Fangio to use Campbell as a pass rusher more often.
The Eagles also elevated defensive tackle Gabe Hall from the practice squad for Thursday night’s contest, which is notable because Jalen Carter was a late addition to the injury report with a heel injury, per Dan Duggan of The Athletic. Hall’s elevation indicates that Philadelphia is unsure of Carter will be available for the game.
Traded Draft Picks For 2026
Many months remain before teams know where they are picking in the 2026 draft, but many clubs have made moves to acquire 2026 draft capital. Headlined by the Browns, Rams and Cowboys’ efforts, here are the 2026 picks to have changed hands thus far. When more deals involving picks are made (or conditions on moves already completed become known), that information will be added.
Round 1
- Browns hold Jaguars‘ first, after agreeing to move down from No. 2 to No. 5 in swap for WR/CB Travis Hunter
- Rams acquired Falcons‘ top pick, sliding down from No. 26 to 46 in deal that sent OLB James Pearce Jr. to Atlanta
- Cowboys obtained Packers‘ first in trade sending DE Micah Parsons to Green Bay
- Jets added Colts‘ first in trade for CB Sauce Gardner
Round 2
- Texans added Commanders‘ second, obtaining it in four-pick package that re-routed LT Laremy Tunsil to Washington
Round 3
- Eagles picked up Jets‘ third in March 2024 deal that sent OLB Haason Reddick to New York
- Serving as gateway on QB Jaxson Dart‘s New York path (at No. 25 overall), Texans acquired Giants‘ third
- Jaguars hold Lions‘ third due to Detroit climbing 32 spots (to No. 70) for WR Isaac TeSlaa
- Dolphins acquired third from Texans, who moved pick in package for No. 116 (RB Woody Marks)
- Trade for WR George Pickens sent Steelers Cowboys‘ third in deal involving three draft choices between 2026 and ’27
- Dolphins added Eagles third in trade for OLB Jaelan Phillips
Round 4
- October 2024 trade for LT Cam Robinson sent Jaguars conditional fourth-rounder from Vikings
- Chiefs added Bears‘ fourth in swap that sent G Joe Thuney to Chicago
- Patriots snagged selection from Chiefs in deal that gave Kansas City No. 85 (CB Nohl Williams)
- Tunsil trade also sent Texans fourth from Commanders
- Bears snared Rams‘ fourth in deal that gave Los Angeles No. 148 (DL Ty Hamilton)
- Broncos added Saints‘ fourth, sending WR Devaughn Vele to New Orleans
- Raiders obtained higher of Jaguars‘ two fourths in trade involving WR Jakobi Meyers
- Saints acquired Seahawks fourth in trade for WR Rashid Shaheed
Round 5
- August 2024 Ernest Jones trade — the first of the two swaps involving the LB last year — sent Rams pick from Titans
- Titans obtained Rams fifth in trade involving CB Roger McCreary
- In deal that sent G Kenyon Green to Eagles and S C.J. Gardner-Johnson to Texans, Philadelphia obtained Houston’s fifth
- Eagles acquired Falcons fifth by dealing No. 96 to Atlanta (S Xavier Watts)
- Ravens added Jets fifth by moving out of No. 176 (DE Tyler Baron)
- Titans obtained Ravens pick in trade for OLB Dre’Mont Jones
- Pick could upgrade to fourth-rounder
- Titans obtained Ravens pick in trade for OLB Dre’Mont Jones
- Trade for DE Bryce Huff positioned to send Eagles conditional fifth from 49ers
- Pick could upgrade to fourth-rounder based on performance
- Vikings acquired Eagles fifth in trade involving QB Sam Howell
- Browns collected Raiders fifth in trade involving QB Kenny Pickett
- Jaguars obtained Eagles conditional fifth in trade involving RB Tank Bigsby; pick could upgrade to fourth if 49ers DE Bryce Huff meets certain conditions in 2025
- Browns added Bengals fifth in trade for QB Joe Flacco
- Ravens collected Chargers fifth in trade involving OLB Odafe Oweh, S Alohi Gilman
- Shaheed trade sent Saints fifth from Seahawks
Round 6
- Trade involving DL John Franklin-Myers, agreed to on Day 3 of 2024 draft, sent Jets sixth from Broncos
- Vikings acquired Jets sixth in deal involving DL Harrison Phillips
- Eagles added Vikings sixth in trade for Sam Howell
- Ravens obtained Eagles sixth in trade involving CB Jaire Alexander
- Eagles added Vikings sixth in trade for Sam Howell
- Vikings acquired Jets sixth in deal involving DL Harrison Phillips
- Rams obtained pick from Texans in swap that sent WR Ben Skowronek to Houston
- Seahawks added sixth from Browns in deal that sent C Nick Harris back to Cleveland
- Jaguars added pick from Seahawks in October 2024 deal for DL Roy Robertson-Harris
- Intra-NFC East swap involving DT Jordan Phillips brought Giants sixth from Cowboys
- Phillips being on Cowboys’ gameday roster for two games finalized trade
- Intra-AFC East deal for CB Brandon Codrington, Jets received sixth from Bills
- Texans added sixth from Vikings in October 2024 RB Cam Akers swap
- Vikings reacquired choice from Texans in deal for G Ed Ingram
- Pick-swap deal centered around RB Jordan Mason sent sixth to 49ers
- Vikings reacquired choice from Texans in deal for G Ed Ingram
- October trade for DE Josh Uche sent Patriots sixth from Chiefs
- Deadline deal involving OLB Za’Darius Smith gave Browns sixth from Lions
- Bengals obtain Browns sixth in deal for QB Joe Flacco
- Trade involving Gardner-Johnson and Green sent Texans sixth from Eagles
- Lions obtained sixth from Jaguars in pick-swap deal for Isaac TeSlaa
- Trade-up move involving K Tyler Loop (at No. 186) sent Jets sixth from Ravens
- Giants acquired sixth from Dolphins in exchange for retired TE Darren Waller‘s rights
- Texans obtained sixth, TE Harrison Bryant from Eagles in exchange for WR John Metchie, 2025 fifth
- Browns added sixth from Jets, trading DT Jowon Briggs to New York
- Jaguars obtained sixth from Browns in trade involving CBs Tyson Campbell, Greg Newsome
- Raiders added Jaguars sixth in Jakobi Meyers swap
- Jaguars obtained sixth from Browns in trade involving CBs Tyson Campbell, Greg Newsome
- Commanders nabbed 49ers sixth in exchange for RB Brian Robinson
- Vikings collected Colts sixth in deal for CB Mekhi Blackmon
- Lions added Jaguars sixth in deal for WR Tim Patrick
- Tank Bigsby trade sent Jaguars sixth from Eagles
- Titans obtained Jets sixth in trade involving CB Jarvis Brownlee
- Rams added Titans sixth in trade involving CB Roger McCreary
- Patriots netted 49ers sixth in trade involving DE Keion White
- Patriots landed Steelers sixth in trade that sent S Kyle Dugger to Pittsburgh
- Browns acquired sixth from Bears in trade for DE Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
Round 7
- May 2023 trade gave Jaguars conditional seventh from Lions in exchange for K Riley Patterson
- Nick Harris trade sent Browns seventh from Seahawks
- Cowboys added seventh from Giants in Jordan Phillips trade
- Cowboys collected conditional seventh from Chiefs for Peyton Hendershot
- Brandon Codrington trade sent Bills seventh from Jets
- Titans obtained seventh from Chargers in exchange for DB Elijah Molden
- Browns–Bills‘ trade involving WR Amari Cooper sent Cleveland seventh
- Za’Darius Smith pick-swap trade brought Lions seventh from Browns
- Rams acquired seventh from Ravens in Tre’Davious White deadline deal
- Deadline deal involving DT Khalil Davis gave Texans seventh from 49ers
- Jaguars collected seventh from Texans — originally the Rams’ Ben Skowronek pick — in trade for WR Christian Kirk
- Patriots acquired seventh from Saints in deal involving DT Davon Godchaux
- Bills snagged seventh from Cowboys in exchange for CB Kaiir Elam
- In Jowon Briggs trade, Jets added seventh from Browns
- Vikings collected Jets seventh in deal sending DL Harrison Phillips to New York
- Jaguars snared seventh from Eagles in deal sending T Fred Johnson back to Philadelphia
- Browns obtained pick from Jaguars in Greg Newsome trade
- Bears pried pick from Browns in Joe Tryon-Shoyinka swap
- Browns obtained pick from Jaguars in Greg Newsome trade
- Jets added Titans seventh in Jarvis Brownlee trade
- 49ers collected Patriots seventh in pick-swap deal for Keion White
- Steelers acquired Patriots seventh in trade involving Kyle Dugger
- Bengals added seventh from Cowboys in trade involving LB Logan Wilson
NFC East Notes: Cowboys, Lawrence, Eagles
Jerry Jones is optimistic the Cowboys will have most of their injured players back in the next couple of weeks. The Cowboys are without starters CeeDee Lamb and Tyler Booker on offense, but neither is on IR. That duo will be set to return soon, while cornerback Caelen Carson is in the IR-return window. Rookie running back Phil Mafah will also be an option to come off IR. Jones expressed more hesitancy during a 105.3 The Fan appearance (via The Athletic’s Jon Machota) regarding DeMarvion Overshown and Cooper Beebe. The longtime owner/GM said he does not expect either to return until after the Cowboys’ Week 10 bye. Though, Jones did inject some optimism here by mentioning he does not expect the linebacker or center to miss much (if any) time beyond that point.
Overshown is recovering from a severe knee injury, which resulted in ACL, MCL and PCL tears. A September report pointed to October as a possible early return window; Jones’ latest offering pours cold water on that. Overshown, who missed his entire 2023 rookie season due to an ACL tear, looks likelier to come back at some point in November. Beebe has missed the past three Cowboys contests with a lateral ankle sprain and fractured foot. A return shortly after Dallas’ Week 10 bye would be in line with the initial recovery timetable provided.
Here is the latest from the NFC East:
- The Cowboys benched Kaiir Elam in Week 5, doing so after he started the team’s first four games. DaRon Bland had already returned in time for Week 4, complementing Trevon Diggs after the duo had barely played together since Diggs’ September 2023 ACL tear. Elam still played 35 defensive snaps in a rotational role during a blowout win over the Jets, but via Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Reddy Steward lined up in the slot alongside Diggs and Bland. Elam has worked as an outside corner but has not shown much improvement from his Bills days. The Cowboys did not pick up the 2022 first-rounder’s fifth-year option in May.
- Dexter Lawrence has seen some less accomplished defensive tackles pass him over since he signed his Giants extension (four years, $90MM) in May 2023. The Giants gave him an incentive package in July, and The Athletic’s Dan Duggan details those markers. Lawrence can earn $1.5MM in playing time-based incentives, with $500K escalators in place for 51%, 60% and 70% of the Giants’ defensive snaps this season. An additional $1.5MM in performance incentives are present, with those benchmarks including separate $500K bumps for five-, six- and seven-sack seasons. With the same three-tiered setup in place for the performance marks, Lawrence must become a first- or second-team All-Pro — and see the Giants improve on either total yardage, yards per carry or yards per pass from 2024 — to cash in on any of the $500K levels.
- The Commanders benched Brandon Coleman last month, turning to fourth-year option Chris Paul at left guard. This was part of a multi-guard changeover, with Andrew Wylie replacing ex-Chiefs teammate Nick Allegretti at RG (while Sam Cosmi finishes his ACL rehab). Coleman’s health contributed to the benching, per Kliff Kingsbury, who said (via NBC4Sports’ JP Finlay) nagging injuries partially contributed to the demotion. Coleman, who started 12 games as a rookie, has not played since Week 2.
- Landon Dickerson made it back from preseason meniscus surgery to play in Week 1, but he will be sidelined for the Eagles‘ Thursday-night matchup against the Giants. Dickerson sustained an ankle injury against the Broncos and has been ruled out for Week 6, with the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane indicating a two-game absence is likely in play for the Pro Bowl guard. Brett Toth replaced Dickerson at LG. Elsewhere on the Eagle injury front, long snapper Charley Hughlett underwent successful core muscle surgery, per his agent. Placed on IR last week, Hughlett is expected to miss multiple months.
Nakobe Dean Expected To Make Season Debut On Thursday
Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean is on the verge of making his 2025 debut. He’s expected to play on Thursday against the NFC East rival Giants, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. The Eagles placed Dean on the reserve/PUP list in August, and he sat out their first five games while recovering from a knee injury. He returned to practice last week.
A third-round pick in 2022, Dean finally broke through last season before suffering a torn patellar tendon during a wild-card round win over the Packers. The former Georgia standout set new career highs with 15 starts, 128 tackles, three sacks, and an interception, helping the Eagles to a 14-3 record and a division championship. However, Dean’s knee injury shelved him for the Eagles’ final three playoff games, including a 40-22 rout of the Chiefs in the Super Bowl.
The Eagles have made a couple of notable transactions at linebacker since last season ended, calling Dean’s future with the organization into question. The team locked up 2024 breakout star Zack Baun to a three-year, $51MM contract in March and then selected Jihaad Campbell in the first round (31st overall) of the draft. Baun has opened this season playing 100 percent of defensive snaps during the Eagles’ 4-1 start, while Campbell isn’t far behind (95.5).
While Baun committed a costly unnecessary roughness penalty in the fourth quarter of a loss to the Broncos last Sunday, he has enjoyed another terrific year. Meanwhile, Campbell has made a seamless transition from Alabama to Philadelphia. As a result, Dean may not see as much playing time in coordinator Vic Fangio’s defense as he did a year ago, when he ranked fourth among Eagles defenders in snaps.
A drop in snaps wouldn’t be ideal for Dean, who’s due to reach free agency in the offseason, but he’ll nonetheless give Philadelphia another quality defender upon his return. Having faced quarterbacks Dak Prescott, Patrick Mahomes, Matthew Stafford, Baker Mayfield, and Bo Nix over the first five weeks of the season, the Eagles’ defense ranks a middling 16th in points per game allowed and 20th in yards. The Eagles could have an easier time this week against Giants rookie Jaxson Dart, and Dean’s presence should help their cause.
49ers, Rams, Seahawks, Bills, Patriots, Jaguars, Eagles Seen As Possible Buyers At Trade Deadline
We are a month away from the November 4 trade deadline, and the league’s contingent of buyers and sellers is starting to take shape. Eric D. Williams of Fox Sports identifies a handful of teams that league sources believe could be active buyers.
That includes a trio of NFC West clubs: the 49ers, Rams, and Seahawks. All three of those teams currently sport winning records, and even the division’s fourth-place outfit, the Cardinals, are 2-2 (their two losses have come by a combined four points). It therefore stands to reason that the combatants in what could be a tightly-contested division will be seeking any possible advantage at the deadline.
Moving over to the AFC East, Williams’ sources name the Bills and Patriots as potential buyers. The Bills, who have become a perennial contender in the Josh Allen era, are just one of two undefeated teams left after the first four weeks of the campaign, and Buffalo may be on the lookout for upgrades as it tries to break through to the Super Bowl after a number of recent postseason heartbreaks.
New England, at 2-2, was not necessarily expected to contend this year. New head coach Mike Vrabel and second-year quarterback Drake Maye presented reasons for optimism in Foxborough, but the general consensus was that the club — which underwent more than 50% roster turnover from 2024-25 and which entered the regular season as the league’s fifth-youngest team (h/t ESPN’s Mike Reiss) — was still at least a year away from true competitiveness.
And that still may be the case. After all, much can change between now and the first week of November, and even tonight’s matchup with the division-rival Bills could go a long way towards solidifying the Pats’ status as legitimate contender or otherwise.
After a last-second loss to the Bengals in Week 2, the Jaguars bounced back with victories over the Texans and Niners to improve their record to 3-1. As Williams notes, the rookie GM/HC duo of James Gladstone and Liam Coen both cut their NFL teeth with the Rams, whose Les Snead/Sean McVay operation has developed a reputation for making bold strikes.
Ditto Eagles GM Howie Roseman, and Philadelphia – the league’s other undefeated club – is unsurprisingly named by Williams’ sources as another team that could look to acquire talent in advance of the deadline. Per OverTheCap.com, the Eagles also have just shy of $12MM in cap space, so they should have the flexibility to make a move or two.
The Patriots, 49ers, and Seahawks are all in the top-five in terms of cap room as of the time of this writing, and the Rams are just outside the top-10. The Bills, with just $2.57MM of space, could have a harder time making a splash acquisition.

