The NFL’s Longest-Tenured Head Coaches
By the end of the 2024 regular season, the Bears, Jets and Saints had already moved on from their head coaches. Those teams were joined by Cowboys, Jaguars, Raiders and Patriots in making a change on the sidelines. 
After their midseason terminations, Matt Eberflus, Robert Saleh and Dennis Allen each landed defensive coordinator gigs during the 2025 hiring cycle. The staffers who remained in place through the end of the campaign have yet to line up their next NFL opportunity, however. Mike McCarthy withdrew from the Saints’ search, setting the 61-year-old for at least one year out of coaching (just like the pause between his Packers and Cowboys stints).
Meanwhile, Doug Pederson was unable to parlay interest in an offensive coordinator position into a hire this spring. The former Super Bowl winner is thus set to be out of coaching for 2025. The same will also be true of Antonio Pierce and Jerod Mayo after their one-and-done stints as full-time head coaches did not go as planned.
While recent months have brought about the latest round of changes, many of the longest-tenured head coaches around the league remain in place. McCarthy was the only staffer within the top 10 on last year’s list in that regard who has been replaced. In all, nine head coaches hired at the beginning of this decade (or earlier) will carry on with their respective teams in 2025.
Six of those reside in the AFC, with Mike Tomlin – who became the league’s longest-tenured head coach last year in the wake of Bill Belichick’s Patriots departure – once again leading the way, albeit with questions about his future beyond this season present. The NFC will include Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan and Matt LaFleur handling their familiar roles in 2025, although the latter (who has two years left on his deal) will not receive an early extension.
Here is a look at how the league’s head coaches shape up entering the 2025 campaign:
- Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh Steelers): January 27, 2007; extended through 2027
- John Harbaugh (Baltimore Ravens): January 19, 2008; extended through 2028
- Andy Reid (Kansas City Chiefs): January 4, 2013; extended through 2029
- Sean McDermott (Buffalo Bills): January 11, 2017; extended through 2027
- Sean McVay (Los Angeles Rams): January 12, 2017; extended through 2027
- Kyle Shanahan (San Francisco 49ers): February 6, 2017; extended through 2027
- Matt LaFleur (Green Bay Packers): January 8, 2019: extended through 2026
- Zac Taylor (Cincinnati Bengals): February 4, 2019; extended through 2026
- Kevin Stefanski (Cleveland Browns): January 13, 2020; signed extension in June 2024
- Dan Campbell (Detroit Lions): January 20, 2021; extended through 2027
- Nick Sirianni (Philadelphia Eagles): January 21, 2021; signed offseason extension
- Brian Daboll (New York Giants): January 28, 2022
- Kevin O’Connell (Minnesota Vikings): February 2, 2022; signed offseason extension
- Mike McDaniel (Miami Dolphins): February 6, 2022; extended through 2028
- Todd Bowles (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): March 30, 2022; extended through 2028
- Sean Payton (Denver Broncos): January 31, 2023
- DeMeco Ryans (Houston Texans): January 31, 2023
- Shane Steichen (Indianapolis Colts): February 14, 2023
- Jonathan Gannon (Arizona Cardinals): February 14, 2023
- Brian Callahan (Tennessee Titans): January 22, 2024
- Jim Harbaugh (Los Angeles Chargers): January 24, 2024
- Dave Canales (Carolina Panthers): January 25, 2024
- Raheem Morris (Atlanta Falcons): January 25, 2024
- Mike Macdonald (Seattle Seahawks): January 31, 2024
- Dan Quinn (Washington Commanders): February 1, 2024
- Mike Vrabel (New England Patriots): January 12, 2025
- Ben Johnson (Chicago Bears): January 20, 2025
- Aaron Glenn (New York Jets): January 22, 2025
- Liam Coen (Jacksonville Jaguars): January 23, 2025
- Pete Carroll (Las Vegas Raiders): January 24, 2025
- Brian Schottenheimer (Dallas Cowboys): January 24, 2025
- Kellen Moore (New Orleans Saints): February 11, 2025
Largest 2025 Cap Hits: Offense
Last offseason brought about a record-breaking jump in the salary cap. This year, the ceiling rose to $279.2MM, another notable spike. The market at a number of positions will benefit from the ongoing surge in spending power available to teams, with quarterbacks obviously the largest standout in that respect.
In 2024, a pair of signal-callers surpassed the $50MM mark in terms of cap charges for the season. That will not be the case this time around, but to little surprise quarterbacks once again lead the way in terms of representing the largest share of many teams’ financial commitments for 2025. Positions such as receiver and offensive tackle have also generally not reached the same peak in terms of cap commitments as last year.
Leading up to training camp, are the NFL’s top 25 cap charges for offensive players:
- Dak Prescott, QB (Cowboys): $50.52MM
- Matthew Stafford, QB (Rams): $47.47MM
- Joe Burrow, QB (Bengals): $46MM
- Lamar Jackson, QB (Ravens): $43.5MM
- Kyler Murray, QB (Cardinals): $43.33MM
- Kirk Cousins, QB (Falcons): $40MM
- Geno Smith, QB (Raiders): $40MM
- Tua Tagovailoa, QB (Dolphins): $39.18MM
- Justin Herbert, QB (Chargers): $37.35MM
- Josh Allen, QB (Bills): $36.34MM
- Deshaun Watson, QB (Browns): $35.97MM
- Jared Goff, QB (Lions): $32.6MM
- Taylor Moton, RT (Panthers): $31.35MM
- Jordan Love, QB (Packers): $29.69MM
- Patrick Mahomes, QB (Chiefs): $28.06MM
- Calvin Ridley, WR (Titans): $28MM
- Tyreek Hill, WR (Dolphins): $27.7MM
- Jawaan Taylor, RT (Chiefs): $27.39MM
- Baker Mayfield, QB (Buccaneers): $26.48MM
- Terry McLaurin, WR (Commanders): $25.5MM
- Mike Evans, WR (Buccaneers): $25.36MM
- D.J. Moore, WR (Bears): $24.9MM
- Tee Higgins, WR (Bengals): $24.06MM
- Ja’Marr Chase, WR (Bengals): $23.57MM
- Trey Smith, RG (Chiefs): $23.4MM
Prescott’s last-minute 2024 Cowboys extension made him the first player in NFL history to carry an AAV of $60MM. That pact will have lasting impacts well beyond the coming campaign, as the team looks to also fit in the big-ticket extension CeeDee Lamb inked last summer and the one Micah Parsons is in position to sign at some point before Week 1. 
Once again, Stafford and the Rams entered the spring with plenty of uncertainty. Retirement was a consideration quickly done away with in the case of the 37-year-old, but it remained to be seen if he would remain in Los Angeles. Trade offers came in from numerous suitors, and the chance existed for Stafford to land a more lucrative deal elsewhere. In the end, though, team and player reached agreement on another reworked pact. Stafford is now in line to receive $84MM over the next two years, including guaranteed money in 2026. A bit of continuity will thus be in place under center for the Rams.
2020 draft classmates Burrow, Tagovailoa and Herbert are understandable top-10 players on this list given their respective deals. All three are on the books for years to come as they look to unseat the Chiefs atop the AFC. Burrow spoke about restructuring his pact to create the cap space necessary for the Bengals to retain or extend each of their key in-house players this offseason. That has yet to take place, and it will be interesting to see if a reworking is explored while talks on the Trey Hendrickson front continue.
The Ravens have worked out a few extensions on offense already (Derrick Henry, Rashod Bateman) but Jackson looms as a candidate for a new deal. Three years remain on his pact, but starting in 2026 his cap charge is scheduled so spike well past its current figure. The two-time MVP has discussed a new arrangement this offseason, and a bump in guarantees and overall compensation similar to what the Bills did with Allen would come as no surprise.
Cousins’ figure stands out, of course, given the fact he is slated to operate as Atlanta’s backup this season. With no release coming and no trade imminent, the four-time Pro Bowler is set to stay in place behind Michael Penix Jr. Cousins has made progress in his rehab from shoulder and ankle injuries suffered prior to his benching midway through his debut Atlanta season. With $10MM already guaranteed for next year, it will be interesting to see if a trade market develops in the coming months in his case.
With the exception of Watson – whose second Achilles tear is set to sideline him for most or all of the coming campaign – the remaining quarterbacks on the list are positioned to serve as starters for their respective teams. Only Geno Smith will be suiting up for a new organization after he was traded from the Seahawks to the Raiders. That swap was followed up by a two-year, $75MM extension and allowed him to reunite with head coach Pete Carroll. A short-term upgrade under center will be key as Vegas looks to find stability on the sidelines and in the front office.
Moton’s cap figure was a talking point earlier this offseason, but the Panthers are content to avoid a fourth restructure in his case. The pending free agent hopes to finish his career in Carolina, but an extension would have helped ensure that while lowering his immediate cap charge. In the absence of such an agreement, it will be interesting to see if Moton, 30, can deliver another strong showing in 2025.
Ridley is perhaps a surprising figure to lead the way in terms of cap charges at the receiver spot. He will operate as a key member of the Titans’ offense, a unit whose success will of course depend in large part on the play of rookie Cam Ward. Ridley has two more years left on his deal beyond 2025, but with limited guarantees owed over that span his Tennessee future could be greatly impacted by who this season plays out. 
The likes of Hill, Evans and Moore are not currently the subject of speculation regarding their future. McLaurin, however, was absent from much of the Commanders’ spring practices with little progress being made at the negotiating table. Plenty of work is still required at this point to avoid a potential free agent departure next spring. Coming off a career-high in touchdowns while thriving alongside Jayden Daniels, the two-time Pro Bowler is in line for a raise which will likely lower his cap hit this season.
Chase and Higgins inked their deals simultaneously, putting an end to questions regarding where the latter in particular would play on his second contract. Those two, together with Burrow, will serve as foundational players for years to come in Cincinnati. It will be interesting to see how long Chase (with an AAV of $40.25MM) remains the league’s top earner in that respect for non-quarterbacks.
Kansas City’s offensive line faces questions entering the season. Despite his big-ticket contract, Taylor is not a lock to remain a starter at this point. With no guaranteed left on the final year of his deal (2026), a parting of ways could be in store next spring if a backup gig ensues. Trey Smith, meanwhile, remains attached to the franchise tag although an extension is among the team’s remaining offseason priorities.
Titans CB L’Jarius Sneed Fully Healthy
L’Jarius Sneed was limited to just five games in 2024, his debut campaign with the Titans. While the most recent update on his health status suggested a lengthy wait would be in store for his return to the field, that may not wind up being the case. 
“I’m healthy, I’m healthy as I’ve been,” the veteran corner said in an interview with NBC6 (video link). “I’m ready to get back on the field, that’s my life, that’s what I do for a living. I missed the whole year and I have to remind everybody who L’Jarius Sneed is.”
After four years with the Chiefs – most of which was spent as a full-time starter – Sneed received the franchise tag last spring. In keeping with organizational policy, a long-term cornerback investment was not a high of a priority as other roster moves, and a trade to the Titans was ultimately worked out. Tennessee sent Kansas City a second- and third-round pick to acquire the 28-year-old.
That swap was followed by a four-year, $76.4MM extension being worked out. Expectations were high in Sneed’s case as a result, but prior to suffering his quad injury the Louisiana Tech product struggled in coverage without managing to demonstrate the ball skills he showcased with the Chiefs. Sneed wound up on injured reserve to close out the campaign, and one month ago the fall was floated as a potential point at which he could return to full health.
Now, however, it appears the former fourth-rounder could receive full clearance in time for next month’s training camp. That would be a welcomed development given his status as a key member of the secondary. Sneed is owed $19MM fully guaranteed for 2025, meaning a trade or release is not feasible. The final two years of his pact could very well be impacted by his performance this season, though.
Without locked in money (at the moment) in 2026 or ’27, Sneed will need to remain healthy this season to avoid a potential pay cut or a parting of ways next spring. It now appears he will be in position to do so well in advance of Week 1.
Latest On Titans CB L’Jarius Sneed
Things have not gone according to plan with Tennessee in the case of L’Jarius Sneed. The high-priced trade acquisition played just five games during his debut Titans campaign and is still not fully healthy. 
An October quad injury initially did not appear to be severe enough to keep Sneed sidelined through the remainder of the campaign. In the end, though, he landed on season-ending injure reserve. The 28-year-old has not managed to receive clearance for full participation this offseason, leading to a limited workload during spring practices.
The fall was loosely targeted as a time for Sneed to potentially be back at 100%, but in the absence of a firm timeline it is still unclear when he will next be available. The latest update on the matter – courtesy of team reporter Jim Wyatt – is not an encouraging one, however. Wyatt writes getting the former Chiefs standout back in the fold “kind of feels like [it would] be a bonus at this point.”
The Titans inked Sneed to a four-year, $76.4MM extension after a trade with Kansas City was worked out. That pact obviously brought about high expectations, but the Louisiana Tech product struggled when on the field in 2024. A return to health – and thus a starting spot in the secondary – will give him the opportunity to rebound, but Wyatt’s framing of the situation certainly suggests more time spent on the sidelines should be expected through training camp in the lead-up to the regular season.
Sneed is owed $19MM this season, and that figure is guaranteed in full. To no surprise, then, Wyatt confirms the former fourth-rounder will not be released or traded. Still, missing considerable time again in 2025 would of course be a major disappointment for team and player. It would also signal a parting of ways (or at least a notable pay cut) being likely ahead of the final two years of Sneed’s pact.
Tennessee still has Roger McCreary and Jarvis Brownlee in place as starting options at the cornerback spot. The team signed veteran Amani Oruwariye in free agency and selected Marcus Harris in the sixth round of the draft, and they will look to carve out roles during training camp and the preseason. It will be interesting to see if Sneed manages to take part in padded practices on a full-time basis or if he finds himself in position to once again miss regular season time.
Titans Make Front Office Changes
Earlier this month, the Titans announced several changes to their front office staff. The team’s senior writer/editor Jim Wyatt detailed a number of promotions and new hires that pertain to the areas of staff that we cover.
To start, we already reported on Tennessee’s hiring of former Pitt director of college scouting Alex Kline, but at that time, we were unaware of what role on staff he would end up playing. Wyatt tells us that Kline will serve the Titans as a scouting assistant in 2025. He’ll be joined in the position with fellow new hire Geo Leins. Leins also originally came out of college with recruiting roles at Campbell, UCLA, Wake Forest, and NC State. He debuted in the NFL in 2023 as a scouting assistant with the Dolphins but heads now to Nashville.
The only other new hire in the scouting department is Jack Turner. After operations internships with Wake Forest and the Chiefs, Turner found an operations job at Davidson College. He left for a recruiting internship, again with the Demon Deacons, before getting a recruiting analyst job at Michigan. He’ll work his first full-time job in the NFL as an NFS scout for the Titans.
The scouting department also saw five promotions with Tennessee elevating Jon Salge to director of player personnel, Kevin Turks to director of pro personnel, Mike Boni to assistant director of college scouting, Kalan Reed to college scout, and Keenan Agnew to pro scout.
Salge is entering his 20th season with the Titans. Starting with the team as a scouting assistant, he’s worked his way up through the ranks as a college scout before eventually being named director of college scouting, a role he’s held for the past eight seasons. Turks joined the team in 2015 as a pro scout following time in Chicago as a scout and director of pro personnel. He was promoted after three years to assistant director of pro personnel in Tennessee and was invited to participate in the league’s Front Office & General Manager Accelerator program in 2023.
Boni, like Salge, also has 19 years of NFL experience but only has eight with the Titans. After coaching attempts at the high school and Division III college levels, Boni turned to scouting in 2006 spending a year as pro personnel administrator and a year as college scouting administrator with the Bills. In 2008, Boni departed for Arizona, working as an NFS scout to start for two years before seven as an east area scout. He started with the Titans in 2018 as a college scout before moving up to national scout in 2019, a role he held for five years before being named senior national scout last year.
Reed is a former cornerback whom the Titans actually made Mr. Irrelevant in 2016. A career-ending neck injury brought his playing career to a close, but in 2023, he joined the team that drafted him as a personnel scout after an NFL Legends fellowship. Agnew joined the team last year as a scouting assistant following the conclusion of his playing career at Southern Illinois. He’s the son of Lions assistant general manager Ray Agnew and the brother of Jets pro scout Ray Agnew III.
Lastly, the analytics department also saw two promotions as Rob Riederer was named director of game management & strategic initiatives and Erin Psajdl Davis was named football research & development coordinator.
After his collegiate playing career, Riederer started with the Titans as a scouting assistant, working his way up to pro scouting coordinator at one point. Last year saw a shift in focus as Riederer was named assistant director of football strategy. His newfound career in analytics has paid off with this promotion. Psajdl Davis joined the team last year as a data analyst. She started in the NFL in the same role with the Texans for two years before spending the 2023 season as a data scientist with the Chiefs. Unlike her first two position changes, this move up will keep Psajdl Davis with the same team.
Titans’ Treylon Burks Ahead Of Schedule; Lloyd Cushenberry Targeting Week 1 Return
Treylon Burks faces this year’s training camp as a pending free agent. The former first-rounder expectedly had his fifth-year option declined this spring, a move which came about in no small part due to his injury history. 
Burks is rehabbing an ACL tear, the latest ailment to leave him sidelined in his career. After suffering the injury in October, it was eventually determined surgery would be required. The timing of the procedure led to questions about Burks’ availability for the offseason and the start of the 2025 campaign.
When speaking about the progress made so far in rehab, though, head coach Brian Callahan offered an encouraging update. Burks is ahead of schedule, Callahan said during this week’s minicamp (via team reporter Jim Wyatt). He added the 25-year-old is essentially at 80% right now, preventing him from participating in on-field work in a full capacity.
Callahan said he is hopeful Burks will be cleared in time for training camp next month. That would be a critical development for the Arkansas product, who might not be considered a roster lock at this point. Burks has played just 27 games to date, and his rookie campaign (33-444-1 statline) has been his most productive so far. Acquired to replace – at least in part – A.J. Brown, he has been unable to do so. A healthy camp could at least allow for Burks to carve out a role alongside the likes of Calvin Ridley and free agent pickup Tyler Lockett.
In other injury news, center Lloyd Cushenberry is making steady progress in his own rehab. A November Achilles tear ended the veteran center’s debut campaign in Tennessee and began a lengthy road to recovery. Cushenberry is aiming to be available in time for Week 1 of the 2025 season, though.
“I feel good, man,” the former Broncos starter said (via Wyatt). “I am close to being back, cleared and healthy and ready to go. The offseason has been good, I am locking in on my diet, getting in the best shape as I can. I am doing well.”
Cushenberry will reprise his role atop the center depth chart when he is cleared. Improved play up front will be a target for the Titans in 2025 after the team added left tackle Dan Moore Jr. and right guard Kevin Zeitler in free agency. Getting Cushenberry – who signed a four-year, $50MM pact last March – back in the fold would be key for Tennessee’s offense. It will be interesting to see if he manages to receive clearance in time to participate in training camp on at least a part-time basis.
NFL Draft Pick Signings: 6/6/25
We saw another 2025 NFL Draft pick sign their rookie contract today:
Tennessee Titans
- WR Chimere Dike (fourth round, Florida)
Dike was the first of three rookie wideouts that the Titans brought in for their No. 1 overall pick. Despite Dike having lower receiving numbers than both of the other rookie receivers, a 4.34-second 40-yard dash and a strong interview helped inform the Titans’ decision to take him as the first pick on Day 3 of the draft.
2025 NFL Cap Space, By Team
This week started with a point on the NFL calendar that has been important for decades. Although teams have not needed to wait until June to make their most expensive cuts in many years, they do not see the funds from post-June 1 designations until that point.
With June 1 coming and going, a fourth of the league has seen the savings from post-June 1 releases arrive. That has affected the NFL’s cap-space hierarchy. Here is how every team stands (via OverTheCap) following June 2 changes:
- New England Patriots: $67.34MM
- San Francisco 49ers: $53.49MM
- Detroit Lions: $40.12MM
- New York Jets: $39.8MM
- Las Vegas Raiders: $36.16MM
- Arizona Cardinals: $32.11MM
- Dallas Cowboys: $32.11MM
- Pittsburgh Steelers: $31.88MM
- Seattle Seahawks: $31.21MM
- Tennessee Titans: $30.16MM
- Green Bay Packers: $28.94MM
- Cincinnati Bengals: $27.08MM
- Los Angeles Chargers: $26.83MM
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $26.63MM
- Jacksonville Jaguars: $26.54MM
- Philadelphia Eagles: $25.79MM
- New Orleans Saints: $22.62MM
- Washington Commanders: $21.13MM
- Indianapolis Colts: $20.09MM
- Los Angeles Rams: $19.44MM
- Baltimore Ravens: $18.95MM
- Carolina Panthers: $18.69MM
- Minnesota Vikings: $18.49MM
- Cleveland Browns: $18.2MM
- Houston Texans: $16.3MM
- Denver Broncos: $16.23MM
- Chicago Bears: $14.76MM
- Miami Dolphins: $13.81MM
- Kansas City Chiefs: $10.75MM
- Atlanta Falcons: $5.02MM
- New York Giants: $3.82MM
- Buffalo Bills: $1.69MM
The Jets saw their situation change the most from post-June 1 designations, as $13.5MM became available to the team after its Aaron Rodgers and C.J. Mosley cuts. Teams have up to two post-June 1 designations at their disposals. Five clubs — the Jets, Browns, Ravens, Eagles and 49ers — used both slots. Only three other teams made a post-June 1 cut before that seminal date. The eight that made these moves will have dead money split between 2025 and 2026.
Baltimore used the cost-defraying option to release Marcus Williams and Justin Tucker, while Cleveland — in Year 4 of the regrettable Deshaun Watson partnership — used it to move on from Juan Thornhill and Dalvin Tomlinson. As the Eagles’ option bonus-heavy payroll included two hefty bonus numbers for Darius Slay and James Bradberry, the reigning Super Bowl champions released both 30-something cornerbacks. Together, Slay and Bradberry will count more than $20MM on Philadelphia’s 2026 cap sheet. As for this year, though, the Browns, Eagles, Ravens and 49ers respectively saved $9.85MM, $9.4MM, $6.3MM, $6.4MM and $5.6MM, according to Spotrac.
The Jaguars made a mid-offseason decision to release Gabe Davis, doing so not long after trading up to draft Travis Hunter — with the plan to primarily play him at wide receiver — at No. 2 overall. Off-field issues, coupled with a down 2024 season, made Tucker expendable — after the Ravens drafted Tyler Loop in Round 6. The Vikings moved off Garrett Bradbury‘s contract and will replace him with free agency addition Ryan Kelly, while Mason lasted two seasons paired with C.J. Stroud‘s rookie deal. The 49ers made it known early they were moving on from Javon Hargrave, while 2024 trade addition Maliek Collins also exited the team’s D-tackle room.
Derek Carr‘s retirement being processed Tuesday also changed the Saints’ funding. The team will spread the dead money ($50.13MM) across two years. Even with the number being reduced this year, the Saints will be hit with the second-highest single-player dead money hit (behind only the Broncos’ Russell Wilson separation) in NFL history as a result of the Carr exit. The Saints will only be responsible for $19.21MM of that total in 2025. As they did with Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox‘s retirements last year, the Eagles will also process Brandon Graham‘s hit this way.
Eight of this year’s post-June 1 releases remain in free agency. The Patriots added Bradbury to replace the now-retired David Andrews, while the Vikings scooped up Hargrave. As the Steelers await Rodgers’ decision, they added two other post-June 1 releases in Slay and Thornhill. Tomlinson joined the Cardinals not long after his Browns release.
Titans Sign RB Tyrion Davis-Price
5:00pm: In a corresponding move to the Davis-Price addition, Bernard has been waived. In the likely event he clears waivers tomorrow, the latter will be free to sign with a new team at any time.
9:44am: Tyrion Davis-Price has lined up his next NFL opportunity. The former 49ers and Eagles running back has agreed to a two-year deal with the Titans, per his agent (h/t NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport). 
A third-round pick of San Francisco in 2022, Davis-Price made just six appearances during his rookie campaign. He saw even less in the way of usage the following season, and in December of 2023 the 49ers moved on by waiving him. Davis-Price finished out the season on the team’s practice squad.
That was followed by a futures contract with the Eagles, one which offered the opportunity to compete for a larger workload. Davis-Price was nevertheless waived during roster cutdowns, although he immediately re-joined the team on the practice squad. The 24-year-old made only one appearance during the campaign – a Week 17 game in which he received three carries – but was again retained via a futures deal following the Eagles’ Super Bowl win. One month ago, however, Davis-Price was waived.
As expected, no team put in a claim, making him a free agent. No known suitors had emerged prior to today’s news, which comes as no surprise given Davis-Price’s sparse NFL production to date. This Titans pact will allow him to join the team well in advance of training camp and thus allow him to compete for a role on his third career team.
Tennessee still has starter Tony Pollard in place at the running back spot, and the team’s backfield will once again include Tyjae Spears in 2025. The Titans also have Julius Chestnut, 2025 sixth-round selection Kalel Mullings and undrafted rookie Micah Bernard in the fold. Those three will be joined by Davis-Price this summer as they compete for a depth spot on the team’s Week 1 roster.
The Titans ranked 19th in rushing last season, but a number of changes have taken place on offense since then. Multiple new starters up front, along with No. 1 pick Cam Ward at quarterback, will raise expectations for the unit. Davis-Price will of course not be expected to elevate Tennessee’s running game to any notable extent, but he could carve out a role with his latest team over the coming months.
AFC South Notes: WRs, Anderson, Sneed
Three receivers in the AFC South are facing big seasons for different reasons in 2025, according to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe. Titans wide receivers Calvin Ridley and Treylon Burks and Texans wideout John Metchie all are looking to have impactful 2025 campaigns in order to improve their prospects for the future.
Ridley returns to Tennessee as the team’s leading receiver from 2024, but he’ll be in a much-improved receiving corps this season. He’s been joined by veterans Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson and rookies Elic Ayomanor, Chimere Dike, and Xavier Restrepo as targets for No. 1 overall draft pick Cam Ward. Volin argues that, with Ridley being 30 years old, the Titans may feel comfortable moving on from Ridley in favor of their several other options in the future. Even with a post-June 1 designation, cutting Ridley would not save them any cap space this year, but if Ridley can’t prove to be a worthy asset in 2025, his contract provides a potential out that could limit his dead money to $8.02MM and increase the team’s cap savings to $18.73 for 2026, should they cut him.
After Tennessee made the decision to decline Burks’ fifth-year option, it’s certain that the 25-year-old will be headed into the final year of his rookie contract. Through three seasons, Burks has struggled mightily with injuries, missing 24 of a possible 51 games. It doesn’t come as much of a surprise, then, that he may not make it through the offseason. With the lack of production, the influx of new talent, and only $2.66MM in cash owed to him this year, Burks could face long odds of making the roster in 2025.
Metchie, unfortunately, faces similar challenges. Metchie’s health issues stem, initially, from a surprising diagnosis of leukemia that halted his rookie season before it even began. In two years since returning to the team, though, Metchie has failed to make much of an impact, despite injuries to his teammates providing plenty of opportunities for him to do so. Like Burks, Metchie is now heading into the final year of his rookie contract and dealing with an influx of new talent like veteran Christian Kirk and Day 2 rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. Metchie, a Day 2 pick himself, will need to tap into the potential that got him drafted that high in order to ensure his roster status for the 2025 NFL season.
Here are a couple other rumors from around the AFC South:
- Former No. 3 overall pick Will Anderson Jr. is not yet eligible for an extension, but that hasn’t stopped him from thinking about it. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2, the 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year told reporters recently that he “most definitely” wants to remain in Houston for the rest of his career. With 18.0 sacks, 26 tackles for loss, and 41 quarterback hits through two seasons, one would imagine that the feeling is mutual. The Texans will have to wait until he completes his third season of NFL play, though, until they can extend their young pass rusher with the contract that he desires.
- Two days ago, we reported that Titans cornerback L’Jarius Sneed was progressing well in his rehabilitation but noted that there wasn’t yet a timeline for his return. There doesn’t appear to have been any new information, but Titans senior writer/editor Jim Wyatt told fans in a mailbag yesterday that “the plan is to have him ready to go for the fall.” So, it seems Sneed will continue his recovery work for the remainder of the summer with plans to be back, hopefully, in time for training camp.