Week In Review News & Rumors

This past week has seen the annual NFL Combine take place in Indianapolis. The event is always an interesting one to follow based on the developments which take place as teams prepare for the new league year. In case you missed any the top stories from the past seven days, here is a quick recap:

• Cowboys Tag Pickens: Well in advance of the deadline for applying the franchise tag, the Cowboys took the expected route of tagging George Pickens. The fifth-year wideout had long been mentioned as a tag candidate, and the non-exclusive tender was applied. That leaves Pickens free to negotiate with other teams, but he is on course to play for Dallas in 2026. Whether or not a long-term pact – something both sides have expressed an openness for – can be worked out by July 15 will now become a storyline to watch closely. A new deal will very likely cost more on an annual basis than the value of the tag ($27.3MM), adding further to the cost of Dallas’ high-octane offense.
• Jets, Titans Agree To Trade: Once the new league year begins in mid-March, the Jets and Titans will finalize a one-for-one player swap. Edge rusher Jermaine Johnson will head to Tennessee, while New York will acquire defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat in return. Scheme changes brought on by the hires of both teams played a role in the deal being agreed to. Johnson is set to play out his fifth-year option, so his level of play upon reuniting with Robert Saleh in Tennessee will go a long way in determining his value for next offseason. Sweat’s rookie contract runs through 2027, and he will look to carve out a run-stopping role with the Jets as they contemplate further trades this spring.
• Pitts Receives Falcons Tag: The other franchise tag decision made so far concerns Kyle Pitts. The Falcons placed the tag on him and by doing so ensured he will play at least a sixth season in Atlanta. The former No. 4 pick will collect $15.05MM next year in the absence of a long-term pact being agreed to. Pitts has seen his production vary quite a bit from one year to the next, but he is coming off a strong campaign. With a completely new group of decision-makers in place for Atlanta, it will be interesting to see if a strong push is made to keep Pitts, 25, in place beyond 2026 or if he again spends the year as a pending free agent.
• Browns Planning QB Competition: New head coach Todd Monken will oversee a quarterback competition during his first year leading the Browns. Cleveland still has Deshaun Watson under contract, and 2025 draftees Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel remain in the fold as well. Outside options (via free agency and/or the draft) will receive consideration as well, though, while Gabriel has been mentioned as a trade candidate. The Watson trade has proven to be a disaster for Cleveland, while Sanders’ NFL ceiling remains to be seen. Major improvement will be needed on offense in 2026, but that could include a signal-caller not currently on the roster.
• NFLPA Exec. Director Finalists Emerge: Since Lloyd Howell‘s resignation, the NFL Players Association has operated with David White as its interim executive director. White is one of three finalists for the full-time position. The list also contains J.C. Tretter – who previously worked as the union’s president and chief strategy officer before himself resigning under controversial circumstances – and American Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti. March will see the NFLPA’s annual meeting for its 32 player reps take place. At that point, further clarity will emerge regarding who has the best odds of leading the embattled organization and when a final vote will take place.

With the countdown to free agency ongoing, teams will increasingly need to make a number of critical roster moves over the coming weeks. Several have already taken place, though. Here is a quick recap of the past week around the NFL:

• Dolphins Begin Cost Shedding: The Dolphins were among the teams set to approach the new league year in the worst shape financially. As such, several cost-cutting moves were due to be made by new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. Monday brought about several, with wideout Tyreek Hill and edge rusher Bradley Chubb among the players being released. Neither move came as much of a surprise, but they confirmed a major roster overhaul is being undertaken under Sullivan and first-year head coach Jeff Hafley. Hill’s NFL future has been the subject of speculation for several months, but like Chubb he intends to continue playing in 2026. Meanwhile, attention will now increasingly turn to the matter of how Miami proceeds with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. 
• Evans To Play 13th Season: Pending free agent Mike Evans is known to be nearing the end of his career. However, the Buccaneers icon will play in 2026. This past season was the first in which Evans was unable to reach 1,000 receiving yards, and the injuries which limited him to just eight games will no doubt hinder his market value. Nevertheless, the six-time Pro Bowler could be one of the top wideouts in the upcoming free agent class. A Tampa Bay departure seemed like a possibility the last time Evans was in this situation, and it will be interesting to see if he seriously explores other opportunities in March. At the age of 32, is next Bucs pact – if one is to be worked out – could very well be his last.
• Seahawks On The Market: As expected, the Seahawks will have new ownership in the relatively near future. The Super Bowl LX champions have begun the process of being sold, falling in line with estate requirements of the late Paul Allen. The sale of Allen’s other franchise – the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers – has already been worked out. That produced a price of roughly $4.2 billion, which is a far lower figure than what the Seahawks will fetch. A sale price easily eclipsing the $6.05 billion the Commanders were sold for in 2023 is expected, although no known suitors have emerged so far. That could change over the coming months.
• Williams Lands New Cowboys Deal: Signing with the Cowboys in 2025 allowed Javonte Williams to enjoy a standout season. Instead of testing the open market this time around, the veteran back agreed to a three-year, $24MM deal to remain in Dallas. Williams secured $16MM guaranteed, a healthy bump in pay compared to his first Cowboys pact. The former second-rounder signed for just one year and $3MM last spring, a deal which proved to be quite team-friendly. Williams, 25, set new career highs across the board with Dallas, thriving as part of the team’s high-end offense. He will be expected to do the same with the most lucrative contract of his career in hand.
• Moore Dies At 25: Saturday brought about the tragic news of Rondale Moore‘s passing. The 25-year-old was found dead in a garage of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana. Moore spent his first three NFL seasons with the Cardinals before being traded to the Falcons. A major knee injury kept him sidelined for the entire 2024 season, leading the Purdue product to free agency for the first time in his career. A one-year Vikings contract was worked out, but during his first preseason action with Minnesota Moore once again suffered a season-ending knee injury. In all, he made 40 combined regular and postseason appearances in the NFL.

Today marks the first Sunday of the NFL offseason. The coming months will see plenty of notable changes, though, and recent days have also produced a number of headlines. Here is a quick recap of the past week:

• Raiders Hire Kubiak, Promote Leonard: As Klint Kubiak oversaw Seattle’s offense during the Super Bowl, it was widely known he would be departing for a head coaching gig. Indeed, the one-year Seahawks offensive coordinator was officially hired as the new head coach of the Raiders shortly after the big game. Kubiak’s stock has risen in recent years, but the 38-year-old has never been a head coach at any level. He will play a leading role in leading Vegas’ rebuild, one which will no doubt soon include the selection of quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick of the draft. Kubiak has elected to promote from within by tapping Rob Leonard as defensive coordinator; meanwhile, veteran staffer Joe DeCamillis will serve as his special teams coordinator.
• Carr Contemplating Comeback: Last spring, Derek Carr ended his Saints tenure by announcing his retirement. His injured throwing shoulder left an in-season return unfeasible, but things could be different now. Carr’s shoulder has healed, and he is open to resuming his career under the right circumstances. The four-time Pro Bowler is, to no surprise, interested in joining a Super Bowl-caliber team and will thus be picky when considering his options. Carr, 34, is a veteran of 11 seasons and 169 starts in the NFL. During an offseason where demand will again outweigh supply at the QB spot, Carr could be seen as a viable free agent option for at least some suitors.
• Rams’ Havenstein Retires: Throughout his 11 years with the Rams, Rob Havenstein operated as the team’s starting right tackle. That streak will not continue into 2026, however, with the veteran announcing his retirement. Injuries were present through much of Havenstein’s NFL tenure (which included time in St. Louis and Los Angeles), and he was limited to just seven games in 2025. Instead of testing the open market this spring, the 33-year-old will turn his attention to his post-playing days. The Rams will need to find a replacement starter at the right tackle spot, and the team will of course hope for a sustained run of play at the level Havenstein provided.
• Taylor Promoted To Bears OC: The Bears saw Declan Doyle depart to join the Ravens as their new offensive coordinator as part of this year’s hiring cycle. That left Chicago in need of a new OC for head coach Ben Johnson‘s second season at the helm. Instead of going outside the organization, the Bears have promoted Press Taylor to the offensive coordinator role. Zac Taylor‘s brother has OC experience at the NFL level, having held that title for three seasons during his tenure in Jacksonville. Taylor will not call plays, as Johnson will retain those responsibilities for 2026. Nevertheless, he will occupy a key role as the Bears aim to duplicate their 2025 success.
• Seahawks Could Produce Record-Breaking Sale: The Seahawks continue to celebrate their Super Bowl victory, but this offseason could prove to be busy on a number of fronts. One of those could be a sale of the franchise, and that process is expected to begin shortly. Once Jody Allen has completed the process of lining up a buyer, a new record in terms of valuation is expected. The Seahawks could generate a price tag between $9 and $11 billion, something which would shatter the record regarding the sale of a North American sports franchise. The Commanders sold for just over $6 billion in 2023, but the ongoing surge in values for NFL teams could easily see that figure eclipsed. The league is looking to get the sales process underway shortly, and next month’s league meetings could see further developments emerge.

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.