Week In Review News & Rumors

Midway through August, teams around the NFL are preparing for final roster cuts. Contract matters are still front of mind in certain cases, though, and some notable developments have recently taken place on that front (and others). In case you missed any of the top stories from the past week, here is a quick recap:

• Bills, Cook Reach Extension Agreement: The 2025 offseason has seen a slew of extensions worked out in the case of the Bills. Running back James Cook represented an outlier with no deal coming together by the start of training camp. After a brief hold-in, though, the two-time Pro Bowler suited up for practice one day before news of his new contract broke. Cook landed a four-year pact which averages $11.5MM per year and includes $15.28MM guaranteed at signing. The former second-rounder now sits seventh in the NFL in per-year running back compensation. On the books through 2029, Cook will look to retain his efficiency for years to come with an increased workload potentially being in store down the road.
• Heyward Holding In At Steelers’ Camp: Cameron Heyward recently emerged (alongside kicker Chris Boswell) as a member of the Steelers seeking a contract adjustment. The All-Pro defensive tackle enjoyed a return to form in 2024 and is seeking a raise as a result while avoiding team drills in practice. When speaking publicly on the matter, Heyward hinted at the possibility of sitting out regular season games in the absence of a new arrangement. Last offseason, the 36-year-old signed an extension through 2026; the Steelers have a policy of not negotiating deals with more than one year remaining. It will be interesting to see if a compromise of some kind can be reached in the coming weeks to ensure Heyward ends his hold-in.
• Hearing Scheduled For Chiefs’ Rice: It remains to be seen if (and for how long) Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice will be suspended in 2025. His March 2024 hit-and-run incident resulted in felony charges, but a conclusion to his legal case turned attention to the question of league discipline. After the NFL, NFLPA and Rice’s camp were unable to agree to a suspension length, the matter will proceed to a hearing. Former judge Sue L. Robinson will oversee the case on September 30, leaving Rice available for the first four games of the season. The outlook for Kansas City’s projected No. 1 receiver beyond that point is uncertain, though.
• Commanders Not Close To McLaurin Extension: As expected, the Commanders do not intend to trade Terry McLaurin. The Pro Bowl wideout continues to seek an extension, and a gap remains between team and player on finances. Washington is leery of a long-term commitment given McLaurin’s age (30 in September) and the threat of a drop-off in production. The five-time 1,000-yard producer has been connected to an asking price in the low-$30MM range regarding annual compensation. McLaurin’s activation from the active/PUP list is separate from his ongoing contract situation, which still has no end in sight. Time remains for an agreement to be reached, but considerable progress will need to be made shortly if a pact is to be in place by Week 1.
• Browns Rookie Judkins Not Facing Charges: Quinshon Judkins remained the NFL’s only unsigned 2025 draft pick well into the summer while his legal situation remained unclear. The Browns running back is now in position to join the team, however, since his domestic violence case has ended without charges being pursued. Judkins, taken in the second round of this year’s draft, is expected to sign his rookie pact and be available for the start of the season. The Ohio State product could carve out a role fairly early as part of a Cleveland backfield which no longer includes Nick Chubb, although the NFL’s investigation into the case will continue.

Preseason is in full swing around the NFL. As the countdown to Week 1 continues, key developments on a number of fronts have taken place recently. In case you missed any of this week’s top stories, here is a quick recap:

• Chargers Reunite With Allen, Lose Slater: Shortly after taking a free agent visit with the Chargers, Keenan Allen agreed to return to his original team. While playing out the 2024 season in Chicago, the six-time Pro Bowler remained a productive starter and expressed a willingness to remain with the Bears or return to Los Angeles. By taking the latter route, Allen will continue adding to his decorated Bolts tenure in a receiver room which lost Mike Williams to retirement this summer. In unwanted news for the team, left tackle Rashawn Slater suffered a torn patellar tendon in practice. The recently-extended Pro Bowler will miss the season as a result. Joe Alt represents an enviable contingency option on the blindside, but losing Slater marks a massive blow for the Chargers’ offense.
• Sieler Lands Dolphins Raise: Over the course of his Dolphins career, defensive tackle Zach Sieler has emerged as one of the team’s most important defenders. The 29-year-old represented an extension candidate this offseason as a reflection of his high-end production, and one was in fact worked out. Team and player agreed to a three-year, $67.75MM pact despite the fact Sieler still had two years remaining on his previous contract. The former seventh-round pick has notched 10 sacks in each of the past two seasons, and with $34MM in cashflow covering 2025 and ’26 he will be expected to remain one of the league’s standout interior defenders for years to come.
• NFLPA Taps White As Interim Leader: The NFLPA has sought stability in the wake of Lloyd Howell and, shortly thereafter, J.C. Tretter, resigning from their respective positions. A search for Howell’s interim replacement as executive director resulted in David White being hired for the role. White was the runner-up to Howell during the hiring process in 2023, and he will now get the opportunity to lead the union on at least a short-term basis. Numerous scandals led to an abrupt end for Howell and Tretter, and White will be tasked with restoring trust from the NFLPA’s members while at the helm. The search for a full-time executive director will begin shortly and include each team’s player representative along with the union’s senior committee members.
• Rams Extend Williams: Throughout the 2025 offseason, signs pointed to an extension being worked out between running back Kyren Williams and the Rams. To no surprise, then, an agreement was reached with plenty of time before Week 1. Williams landed a three-year, $33MM pact containing $23MM in guaranteed money. Los Angles’ lead back is under contract through 2028 as a result, and he is thus positioned to remain a focal point on offense for years to come. Williams, 24, received 260 offensive touches in 2023 and 350 last season. He will be counted on to continue in a workhorse role while attempting to return to his previous mark in terms of efficiency. Now seventh in the position’s pecking order for average annual value, Williams is set to serve as a core member of the Rams’ offense for the foreseeable future.
• McGary, Falcons Agree To Extension: The Falcons extended left tackle Jake Matthews in March, and they did the same with right tackle Kaleb McGary ahead of his seventh Atlanta campaign. The latter took a two-year, $30MM deal to remain in place through 2027. McGary has emerged as one of the league’s top run blockers and has been a mainstay up front for the Falcons throughout his tenure. The former first-rounder secured a raise in terms of AAV on his third career contract, and his ongoing presence will allow for continuity along Atlanta’s O-line. It will be interesting to see if the team’s notable investments in the unit will help allow for a playoff berth in 2025.

The past few days have seen the NFL’s preseason get underway along with a number of high-profile developments. In case you missed the top stories from this week, here is a quick recap:

• Slater Signs Record-Breaking Chargers Extension: The left tackle (and thus offensive line) market has a new leader from a financial standpoint. Rashawn Slater inked a Chargers extension which is worth $114MM over four years. The pact carries an annual average value of $28.5MM, which surpasses the figure from Penei Sewell and Tristan Wirfs‘ 2024 deals. $92MM in guarantees are present, and Slater, 26, will receive a record-breaking cashflow for O-linemen over one, two and four years while playing out this accord (which keeps him on the books through 2029). Slater earned a second Pro Bowl nod in 2024, and he will be counted on to remain an anchor up front for Los Angeles through the foreseeable future on this contract.
• Allen, Sutton Land New Broncos Deals: Defensive lineman Zach Allen and wideout Courtland Sutton have long loomed as two of the Broncos’ top extension candidates this offseason. Within a matter of days, both have new deals in place. Allen will collect $44.25MM fully guaranteed on his new, four-year pact. The former Cardinal earned second-team All-Pro acclaim with a career-best 8.5 sacks last season, and he has been rewarded with a $102MM accord. Sutton, meanwhile, will continue his lengthy Denver tenure thanks to a four-year, $92MM extension. The 29-year-old will receive $27MM in new guaranteed money and he is on the books through 2029 to reprise his role as the Broncos’ No. 1 receiver.
• Parsons, McLaurin Submit Trade Requests: This time of the year always contains drama associated with extension talks (particularly those which do not go smoothly). Micah Parsons (Cowboys) and Terry McLaurin (Commanders) have been embroiled in negotiations which have yet to produce a deal, and both have issued a trade request as a result. Such a move is commonplace amongst players looking to increase pressure on their teams to finalize a new pact, and in both cases consideration is not being given to a trade. Parsons is a strong candidate to reset the edge rush market – which would require a pact averaging more than $41MM per year on his second contract. McLaurin, meanwhile, is reported to be seeking a third Washington pact with an AAV at or around $33MM. Both players are pending 2026 free agents.
• Seahawks To Extend Schneider: The 2024 season was the first in which John Schneider had final say on roster moves for the Seahawks. Seattle was unable to reach the playoffs to begin the post-Pete Carroll era, but coming off a 10-win campaign and a busy offseason Schneider has agreed to an extension which keeps him in place through 2030. The 15-year GM’s resume includes the Seahawks’ lone Super Bowl title, and he will be expected to engineer future contenders as the organization’s top decision-maker. As head coach Mike Macdonald prepares for Year 2 in his position, Schneider will enter the campaign with a lengthy track record as well as long-term security.
• Colts, Raimann Agree To Extension: Talks on a new deal between Bernhard Raimann and the Colts left a gap between the parties at first. Common ground was reached with time to spare for the start of the season, however. Indianapolis’ left tackle landed a four-year, $100MM extension including $60MM in guarantees. The 27-year-old Austrian has handled blindside duties for nearly all of his three-year career so far, and remaining one of the top blockers in the league will be critical for the team’s O-line. A free agent departure next spring would have left a major vacancy up front for the Colts, but Raimann is now on the books for the foreseeable future.

As players begin reporting to training camp, activity has picked up around the league. A number of contract situations remain unresolved at this point, but several have been taken care of in time for summer practices. In case you missed any of this week’s top developments, here is a quick recap:

• Steelers Extend Watt: After T.J. Watt skipped minicamp in June, it appeared he could be on course to engage in a training camp hold-in like he did during extension talks with the Steelers in 2021. That will not be the case this time around, however, as team and player agreed to a three-year, $123MM deal. The pact keeps Watt in place through 2028 and carries an AAV of $41MM, which is the new watermark for non-quarterbacks. Once again, the former Defensive Player of the Year holds the title of top earner outside the QB spot (for now, at least) and with $108MM fully guaranteed his Pittsburgh tenure is assured for the foreseeable future.
• Wilson, Gardner Ink New Jets Deals: The new Jets regime was clear this spring that extending receiver Garrett Wilson and cornerback Sauce Gardner was a priority; in consecutive days, both deals were taken care of. Wilson secured $130MM (including $90MM in total guarantees) on a deal which has him under contract for the next six years counting the term remaining on his rookie pact. His $32.5MM AAV ranks fifth amongst receivers. Gardner, meanwhile, also signed a four-year extension and his average annual value of $30.1MM represents a new benchmark for corners. The two-time first-team All-Pro fell just short of Derek Stingley Jr. in terms of total guarantees with $85.65MM but he joins Wilson as a foundational player for New York through the remainder of his 20s.
• Smith, Karlaftis Land Chiefs Extensions: Hours before the deadline to do so, the Chiefs finalized a long-term deal with franchise tag recipient Trey Smith. The four-year extension is worth $94MM, and his AAV of $23.5MM has reset the guard market. While Smith, 26, secured less in full guarantees ($46.75MM) than he would have received on consecutive tags, his future is assured beyond the next two years. Expectations will remain high given his durability (one missed game in four years) and status as a 2024 Pro Bowler. Kansas City has also taken care of a major extension in the form of edge rusher George Karlaftis. His four-year deal has a base value of $88MM and keeps him in place through 2030. With Smith and Karlaftis signed for the long term, the Chiefs will have continuity on both sides of the line of scrimmage.
• Howell, Tretter Resign Amidst NFLPA Scrutiny: Recent weeks have seen pressure mount on Lloyd Howell with clarity emerging regarding the NFLPA’s role in burying the findings of its collusion case against the NFL. Issues related to a conflict of interest soon followed stemming from Howell’s role as a consultant for one of the private equity firms eligible to purchase an ownership stake in a team. While the union initially offered a statement supporting him, Howell decided to resign his position as executive director days later. The search for his replacement has begun, but at the early stages of that process chief strategy officer J.C. Tretter decided to resign as well. As such, veteran NFLPA executive Don Davis and union general counsel Tom DePaso are among the early names to watch regarding Howell’s successor on an interim or full-time basis.
• Williams Retires After Eight Seasons: 2025 was set to mark Mike Williams’ return to the Chargers. Instead, his NFL career came to an abrupt end when he elected to retire after eight seasons in the league. The first seven of those came as a member of the Bolts and included a pair of 1,000-yard campaigns. Williams, 30, battled injuries during his career but he did not miss any time last year during his tenure with the Jets and Steelers. His decision (along with its timing just ahead of training camp) thus comes as a surprise. Receiver will be a position to watch before Week 1 if Los Angeles deems an outside addition necessary to replace Williams.

The build-up to NFL training camps continues, and the offseason’s quiet period has nearly come to an end as a result. The past few days have nonetheless seen a few notable developments. In case you missed any of them, here is a quick recap:

• Bears, Poles Agree To Extension: The 2025 offseason has seen plenty of changes on the sidelines in the case of the Bears, but they will have continuity in the front office. As expected, general manager Ryan Poles has agreed to an extension which keeps him under contract through 2029 (just like new head coach Ben Johnson). Poles – in place since 2022 – led the coaching search this winter as he looks to guide the team to a step forward from his first three years at the helm. Chicago has gone just 15-36 over that span, but expectations for quarterback Caleb Williams will be high ahead of Year 2 in the league. Poles has been busy attempting to fortify Chicago’s offensive and defensive lines this spring, but even if those moves do not produce the desired results his future should be secure.
• NFLPA Planning Collusion Case Appeal: For several months, the arbitration ruling on the NFLPA’s collusion case against the NFL were kept secret. Two weeks after the findings became public, however, the union now intends to appeal the decision made by arbitrator Christopher Droney. The January ruling stated the NFL did not engage in collusion following Deshaun Watson‘s fully guaranteed contract, but also noted how the league “urged” teams to limit guaranteed spending on player contracts. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen if NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell will oversee the appeal since he is facing scrutiny based on his role in suppressing the ruling from players and conflict of interest concerns stemming from his consultant role with a private equity firm. For now, at least, Howell does not intend to resign.
• Cousins Speaks Out On Falcons’ Free Agent Approach: Last March, Kirk Cousins ended his six-year Vikings tenure by signing with the Falcons in free agency. That four-year deal included full guarantees for 2024 and ’25, suggesting he would remain atop the QB depth chart during that time. Atlanta then drafted Michael Penix Jr. in the first round, though, and the rookie took over for Cousins late last season. Cousins has spoken on the topic in Netflix’s Quarterback series, stating his free agent approach would have been different had he known the Falcons would draft a passer. The 36-year-old’s preference, in hindsight, was to stay in Minnesota knowing both the Vikings and Falcons would select a first-round quarterback. Cousins is set to handle backup duties in Atlanta moving forward.
• Holdout Possible For Bengals’ Hendrickson: Several notable pass rushers have yet to sort out their financial situations, and that includes Trey Hendrickson. A new round of extension talks with the Bengals is taking place, but the 2024 sack leader remains willing to stretch his holdout through not only training camp but also into the regular season. As one might expect given the nature of negotiations so far, no agreement is expected before camp begins. One year remains on Hendrickson’s current pact, and he is owed $16MM as things stand. The 30-year-old is aiming for a multi-year extension whereas the Bengals prefer a single year being added to his contract. The stalemate in this case could persist for quite some time.
• Bucs’ Wirfs To Miss Time In 2025: A sprained MCL proved to be a lingering issue for Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs. The All-Pro left tackle missed time during the spring while struggling to recover in full from the injury. As a result, arthroscopic surgery was deemed the best course of action, and Wirfs will miss the beginning of the regular season while rehabbing. Veteran Charlie Heck is in line to handle starting duties on the blindside as things stand, but regardless of who fills in Tampa’s offensive line will be notably shorthanded until Wirfs is back in the fold.

With the calendar having flipped to July, training camps are not far away around the NFL. The past few days have fallen within what is traditionally the slowest part of the offseason, but they have not been shy on trade action. In case you missed any of the top developments from the past week, here is a quick recap:

• Dolphins, Steelers Complete DB Blockbuster: The Dolphins remained committed to moving on from cornerback Jalen Ramsey this offseason, and a trade partner was found in the form of the Steelers. Pittsburgh appeared to be out of the running to acquire the All-Pro cover man, but a deal was ultimately struck. Ramsey was dealt to the Steelers as part of a swap involving safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, meaning the latter will return to Miami after beginning his career there. The trade marked the first time since 2002 players with five-plus Pro Bowl nods were dealt for each other. Both players have term left on their contracts, and Ramsey could be in store for a hybrid role within the Steelers’ secondary for 2025 and beyond.
• Smith Inks Steelers Extension Upon Arrival: The other main element of the Ramsey-for-Fitzpatrick swap was the inclusion of tight end Jonnu Smith. Extension talks with Miami came up short, something which opened the door to a trade after only one Dolphins campaign. Smith was dealt to the Steelers and will therefore reunite once again with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. The Pro Bowler inked a one-year, $12MM extension upon arrival in Pittsburgh, meaning he is now under contract through 2026. Coming off a career year (88-884-8 statline), Smith will look to serve as a productive option alongside Pat Freiermuth in Pittsburgh’s new-look offense.
• Waller To Resume Career In Miami: In the wake of trading away Smith, the Dolphins were understandably linked to a tight end acquisition. They took an unexpected route to find a replacement, however, by working out a trade with the Giants to land Darren Waller. The 32-year-old retired last summer, but he will resume his career with Miami by reuniting with Frank Smith, the Raiders’ tight ends coach during Waller’s time in Vegas who is now the Dolphins’ offensive coordinator. Under contract for one season, Waller will look to post a healthy campaign and in doing so provide his latest team with a pass-catching option at the tight end spot after Smith posted a franchise record-breaking year at that position in 2024.
• Steelers Extend Khan: Since 2022, Omar Khan has been in place as the Steelers’ general manager. Kevin Colbert’s successor has maintained some longstanding organizational traditions (such as an avoidance of in-season extension talks), but deviated from standard practice in other respects. The 2025 offseason has served as an example, and in the wake of moves like the Aaron Rodgers signing, the D.K. Metcalf acquisition and the recent trade with the Dolphins, Khan has landed a three-year extension. He is under contract through 2028 as a result. The quarterback spot (beyond 2025) remains a question mark as Khan’s previous moves have not yielded a long-term answer. He will be counted on to fill that vacancy and end the team’s playoff drought regardless of how this offseason’s moves play out, though.
• Watson Expected To Miss 2025 Season: Since his second Achilles tear, the expectation has remained that Deshaun Watson will not be available in 2025. Indeed, signs point to the Browns placing the high-priced passer on the reserve/PUP list to begin the campaign, sidelining him for at least four weeks. Activation after that point is not expected, something which will add further to the extent his acquisition has backfired for Cleveland. Still attached to his fully guaranteed deal for another two years, Watson has only played 19 games with the Browns to date. That figure is highly unlikely to increase in 2025.

The past week has seen developments take place on a wide range of fronts around the NFL. In case you missed any of the top stories from recent days, here is a quick recap:

• Bucs Extend Bowles, Licht: The Buccaneers have been the class of the NFC South for several years now, and the regime overseeing the team will remain in place moving forward. Head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Jason Licht have each received extensions, with Bowles’ deal running through 2028. Licht has been in his position since 2014, and Bowles took over from Bruce Arians in 2022 after three years as Tampa Bay’s defensive coordinator. The two have handled the transition from Tom Brady to Baker Mayfield at quarterback while helping to keep several core players in place through re-signings and extensions. The Buccaneers will seek their fourth straight division title in 2025 and expectations will remain high this year and beyond for the team’s top decision-makers.
• Rodgers Likely To Retire After 2025: Aaron Rodgers is, as expected, in position to handle starting quarterback duties for the Steelers this season. Retirement this spring loomed as a possibility, though, and to no surprise the future Hall of Famer sees 2025 as his final NFL campaign. Rodgers, 41, never represented a long-term answer under center for Pittsburgh but he could raise the team’s offensive floor. A strong season would also mark a rebound from his largely underwhelming Jets tenure over the past two years. The Steelers, meanwhile, remain on track to target a first-round passer in next year’s draft with Rodgers likely to hang up his cleats.
• Jones Leading Colts’ QB Competition: The Colts entered the offseason targeting a veteran signal-caller capable of winning the starter’s job in 2025. Incumbent Anthony Richardson missed minicamp as a result of his latest shoulder issue, but he is in line to return ahead of training camp. Nevertheless, the former No. 4 pick’s struggles and inability to stay healthy have opened the door to Daniel Jones taking the lead in the competition. Jones holds a “significant” edge as things stand. After signing a one-year deal containing $14MM in base pay, the former Giants starter could help his market value with a strong 2025 showing. For now, at least, he is in position to begin the season atop Indianapolis’ depth chart.
• Ruling On Collusion Case Revealed: An arbitrator’s 61-page decision regarding a grievance filed by the NFLPA against the league over fully guaranteed contracts became public after it was originally concealed by both parties. Among the findings was the conclusion the NFL “encouraged” its clubs to reduce the locked in compensation on player contracts at the 2022 league meeting. The union’s case did not fully result in its collusion allegation being proven, per the ruling, but it illuminated details on several fronts (including direct communication between the Cardinals’ and Chargers’ owners on the subject of QB extensions and specifics of the Ravens-Lamar Jackson negotiations). 594 unnamed players were reportedly involved in the case, leaving them (and others) with an unclear path regarding future legal action.
• Tucker Receives 10-Game Suspension: Shortly after the draft, Justin Tucker‘s decorated stint with the Ravens came to an end. The All-Pro kicker was released in a decision which was framed by the team as a football-related move, but it came against the backdrop of sexual misconduct allegations from a total of 16 massage therapists. Tucker was the subject of an NFL investigation, and it concluded with a 10-game suspension being issued. Unsigned at the moment, he will serve his suspension regardless of if he signs with a team in the interim. Tucker, 35, is coming off the least accurate season of his career and this ban has added further uncertainty to his NFL future.

As the wait for the opening of training camps around the league begins, a number of high-profile situations remain unresolved. That will likely remain the case for several weeks, but one major free agent move defined the past few days. In case you missed any of the top developments from this week, here is a quick recap:

• Alexander Chooses Ravens: With no trade or pay cut agreement being reached with the Packers, Jaire Alexander hit the open market upon being released. The two-time Pro Bowler drew immediate interest to no surprise, and in short order he decided on his second career team. Alexander had not been heavily linked to the Ravens upon becoming a free agent, but not long after former Louisville teammate Lamar Jackson publicly endorsed adding him, Baltimore did just that. Alexander will play on a one-year, $4MM pact with another $2MM available via incentives – a far cry from what he was originally owed but a deal which allows him to test the market next spring. The oft-injured cover man’s preference appeared to be a reworked Packers agreement, but in the absence of guarantees on a pay cut he elected to start over on a new team.
• Ramsey Landing Spots Becoming Clearer? Jalen Ramsey is still with the Dolphins at this point, but nothing has changed with respect to a trade being expected. The list of teams not pursuing him continues to grow, something which is bringing his potential landing spots into greater focus. The Rams have long been known as an interested party in this situation, and they are joined by the Chargers as a team to watch. A Friday report stated Ramsey would prefer being dealt to the West Coast, with the two Los Angeles franchise being listed as destinations. The Bolts had not previously been linked to the 30-year-old, but it will be interesting to see if they partake in a bidding war with the Rams during trade talks with the Dolphins.
• Guarantees Holding Up Steelers’ Watt Negotiations? Along with a number of other notable edge rushers, T.J. Watt is in talks for a new deal. He and the Steelers have a mutual desire to remain together past 2025, but a raise is in store on a third contract. To little surprise, it appears the matter of guarantees are a sticking point in negotiations. Making another massive investment regarding locked in compensation for Watt, 30, could be a trickier decision on Pittsburgh’s part now compared to when the team made him the league’s highest-paid pass rusher in 2021. That negotiation process took well into the summer, whereas this time around an agreement in time for training camp is the goal.
• Mosley Retires: On his 33rd birthday, C.J. Mosley announced his retirement from the NFL. A Butkis Award winner and two-time national champion at Alabama, the linebacker entered the league with high expectations. Mosley enjoyed a productive five-year stint with the Ravens, collecting four Pro Bowl nods. He then reset the LB market with an $85MM Jets deal, a pact which did originally yield the desired results (with only two games played from 2019-20). Mosley was a productive starter when healthy in New York, but few were surprised when he was released this offseason. The five-time second-team All-Pro intended to continue his career, but his attention will now turn to his post-playing days.
• Second-Round Rookies Seeking Fully Guaranteed Deals: Players selected in the first round of the NFL draft have long seen their four-year pacts guaranteed in full. A new precedent was set this offseason when the No. 33 (Carson Schwesinger, Browns) and 34 (Jayden Higgins, Texans) selections received full guarantees for every year of their respective deals. Fellow round two draftees are understandably waiting to sign in the hopes of receiving the same terms. That includes Saints quarterback Tyler Shough, who came off the board 40th overall. Locking in all of his contract would mark a notable jump compared to last year’s selection in that slot. Nearly every other member of the 2025 draft class is on the books by now, but it could take until training camp (or longer) for agreements covering the remaining rookies to be worked out. A resolution to the second-round stalemates will be key in that regard.

Most teams around the league have completed their minicamps, ending their offseason programs. Plenty of unanswered questions remain with respect to extensions and the fate of two high-profile corners at this point on the calendar, though. In case you missed any of the top developments from this week, here is a quick recap:

• Packers Release Alexander: After an offseason filled with uncertainty over his Packers future, Jaire Alexander has been let go. The two-time Pro Bowler was the subject of trade discussions multiple times this spring, but the two lucrative years remaining on his contract proved too cumbersome for suitors. Green Bay attempted to work out a restructure agreement, but with that falling short the team proceeded with a release. Alexander, 28, will count just over $17MM against the cap this season and then come off the books in 2026. The oft-injured corner has drawn immediate free agent interest and it will be interesting to see where he lands. A one-year deal should be in store but Alexander could prove to be an impactful summer addition on his next team.
• Cousins Preparing For Second Falcons Season: Once the Aaron Rodgers domino fell, no obvious suitors remained for a quarterback addition. As a result, Kirk Cousins appears set to handle backup duties with the Falcons despite his long-running efforts to find a new opportunity. Michael Penix Jr. enters 2025 as Atlanta’s starter, but the team is set to move forward with Cousins as an expensive backup. The Falcons have made clear their willingness to keep the 36-year-old in the fold, turning aside trade offers and declining to retain any notable portion of the guaranteed money he is owed to facilitate a deal. Cousins said during minicamp his attention has turned to managing his situation, one which will see him spend a second season in Atlanta barring an unforeseen development.
• Parsons Aims To Become Highest-Paid Non-QB: The top of the EDGE market currently sits at $40MM per year, but the likes of Trey Hendrickson and especially T.J. Watt could move the benchmark even higher. If/when that takes place, Micah Parsons is positioned to move to the top of the pecking order on his Cowboys extension. With little to no traction being gained since an informal agreement was reached with owner Jerry Jones, Parsons is intent to become the league’s top earner among non-quarterbacks. That would involve an AAV above $40.25MM at this point, but the two-time All-Pro anticipates his asking price rising in relation to Watt’s in particular. Jones has developed a reputation for waiting too long during high-profile negotiations, and this situation could be another illustration of that point. Parsons, 26, will attend training camp but does not plan on participating without a deal in hand.
• Texans Add Chubb: As expected, Nick Chubb will not be back with the Browns in 2025. With his productive Cleveland tenure in the rearview, the Pro Bowl back endured a lengthy free agent spell before agreeing to join the Texans. Chubb will play in Houston on a one-year, $2.5MM pact with the potential to double his earnings via incentives. Uncertainty lingers over how well the 29-year-old will be able to return to his previous form, given the underwhelming nature of his play when healthy last season. Joe Mixon is positioned to once again lead Houston’s backfield, but Chubb could earn himself a strong payday next spring with an effective showing as part of a tandem.
• Ramsey Still Awaiting Dolphins Departure: It has long been understood Jalen Ramsey will not play for the Dolphins again, but he is still in the organization. The seven-time Pro Bowler was an excused absence from Miami’s minicamp while a trade continues to be sought out. Ramsey’s relationship with head coach Mike McDaniel has been a talking point, and members of Miami’s staff have confirmed the parting of ways is not based on performance. At the age of 30, continuing to perform at an All-Pro level may not be expected by an acquiring team, although expectations will be high given the term and money (including $24.24MM in guaranteed salary) left on his deal.

With the calendar having flipped to September, the regular season has nearly arrived. The past seven days saw plenty of roster movement with roster cutdowns taking place, along with a number of developments with respect to contract situations being resolved before Week 1. In case you missed any of this week’s top stories, here is a quick recap:

• Lamb Signs Cowboys Extension: CeeDee Lamb held out of Cowboys training camp while negotiations on an extension took place. Dallas’ offers increased incrementally over time, and the sides ultimately reached agreement on a four-year deal. Lamb is now on the books through 2028 and he is attached to an AAV of $34MM, the second-highest mark for receivers. The All-Pro had a career year in 2023, delivering the most productive season from a Cowboys wideout in franchise history. That (coupled with the surging WR market) helped his bargaining power and produced a deal meeting his targeted terms. Dallas typically prefers longer extensions with in-house stars, but Lamb’s camp managed to secure favorable conditions regarding length and annual compensation (along with $100MM guaranteed), not moving off the $34MM mark during talks. Work still needs to be done on the Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons fronts, but the Cowboys have one major extension taken care of.
• Aiyuk Saga Ends With 49ers Extension: Not long after the Lamb deal was signed, Brandon Aiyuk and the 49ers worked out the league’s next big-ticket receiver deal. The long-running saga concerning Aiyuk’s future ended with an extension averaging $30MM per season and including $76MM in total guarantees being worked out. A trade with the Steelers never came to pass, although recent signs pointed to that outcome being less likely than a San Francisco resolution. The Broncos’ denial of an offer which would have seen Courtland Sutton head to the Bay Area after an Aiyuk-to-Pittsburgh trade offers another layer of intrigue to a scenario which nevertheless produced the expected outcome. While Aiyuk is in place long term, the 49ers’ receiving corps received a considerable scare when first-round rookie Ricky Pearsall suffered a gunshot wound to the chest as the victim of an attempted robbery on Saturday. Pearsall, fortunately, has since been discharged from hospital.
• Dolphins Extend McDaniel: After two seasons at the helm of the Dolphins, Mike McDaniel landed an extension which will keep him in his head coaching post through 2028. The 41-year-old took over Miami’s staff in 2022 amidst high expectations based on his reputation as one of the league’s top up-and-coming offensive minds. He has helped quarterback Tua Tagovailoa develop, and the former first-rounder’s performance when heathy helped him earn the NFL’s fourth-most lucrative extension in terms of AAV this offseason. McDaniel’s Dolphins reached the playoffs in each of his two seasons on the sideline, bowing out in the wild-card round both times. Improvement in that regard will be targeted moving forward, but the team has made an early long-term investment banking on the chances of that taking place.
• Rams Deal Jones To Titans: Linebacker Ernest Jones served as a key contributor on the Rams’ defense over the past two years in particular. His production made him a logical extension candidate, but it became increasingly clear during a matter of days that no long-term deal would come from Los Angeles and that, as such, a trade could be worked out. The team spoke with interested suitors not long before a deal was worked out sending the 24-year-old to the Titans. The Rams attached a sixth-round pick to the trade, one which will see them receive a fifth-round selection in return. Jones – whose trade value was compromised by the fact he is a pending free agent – will step into a first-team role in Tennessee as he looks to duplicate his 2023 production. The South Carolina alum racked up 145 tackles and 4.5 sacks last year, both career highs. Another strong campaign could set him up for a lucrative deal next spring unless a Titans extension is worked out before that point.
• Wilson Tapped As Steelers’ Starter: Once Russell Wilson arrived in Pittsburgh, he was the favorite for the QB1 gig. Trade acquisition Justin Fields worked with the first-team offense for much of training camp while Wilson was injured, though, and the former Bears first-rounder had support in the building to earn the starter’s role. Instead, it will be Wilson, 35, atop the depth chart to begin the campaign. The former Seahawks Super Bowl winner’s time in Denver did not go according to plan, and as a pending free agent he has plenty to prove on his third career team. Fields is also on track to hit the open market next spring, so his performance (if he sees any game action) will be worth watching closely as well. Pittsburgh’s QB situation is unsettled beyond 2024, but for the time being the team will lean on its most experienced option under center.