July 4, 2025
Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Dallas Cowboys running back
Miles Sanders split first-team work during mandatory minicamp with backfield mate
Javonte Williams. Dallas is projected to have one of the worst RB rooms in the league this season, headlined by Sanders, Williams, and fifth-round rookie
Jaydon Blue. Blue has apparently taken to the NFL quickly, but one of the veterans projects to begin the season as Dallas' lead back. It seems more likely that this backfield is destined for a running-back-by-committee approach, which would obviously dent the value of all three participants. For now, expect a primary split between the two vets, with Sanders handling passing situations and the Cowboys turning to Williams more often than not for short-yardage work.
--Alex CiullaSource: Nick Harris
July 4, 2025
AtoZSports.com's Easton Freeze reports that the Tennessee Titans may alter the role that rookie wide receiver
Chimere Dike played on the field during his time at college. The 23-year-old has speed for days and was deployed on a steady diet of nine routes during his tenure at the collegiate level. Rightfully so, when you consider he averaged a whopping 18.6 yards per reception -- good for a top-20 mark in the FBS. However, Freeze notes that Tennessee could opt to use him as a big-slot asset and that it wouldn't be surprising to see him garner a role early on in the offense due to his versatility. Dike's athleticism makes him an enticing option, and the Titans' lack of legitimate receiving weapons only furthers the intrigue. The rookie's playing time could be sparse to start, but he should get a decent chance at snaps eventually. He's an interesting dynasty dart-throw.
--Alex CiullaSource: Easton Freeze
July 4, 2025
Per Jason Reed of BoltBeat.com, Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver
Keandre Lambert-Smith is not guaranteed a spot on the team's 53-man roster. Reed reports that the fifth-round pick in April's draft is currently in a roster battle with four other wideouts for, presumably, the final spot in LA's WR corps. Lambert-Smith profiles as more of a developmental prospect, never having eclipsed 53 receptions or 1,000 yards across five years at two schools (Penn State, Auburn). However, he carries a leg up on fellow pass-catchers
Jalen Reagor and
Brenden Rice due to his status as a rookie. Reed notes the Chargers could decide to carry seven wide receivers on their active roster, though that'd be a rare occurrence. For now, the 23-year-old will have to show out during training camp to ensure his spot with Los Angeles.
--Alex CiullaSource: Jason Reed
July 4, 2025
Seattle Seahawks offensive guard Anthony Bradford is a big, powerful blocker who doesn't seem like an ideal fit for an outside zone scheme that suits more athletic linemen. However, ESPN's Brady Henderson writes that Bradford looked trimmer this offseason and shared first-team reps with Christian Haynes at OTAs and minicamp this offseason as he looks to win back the starting job at right guard. "A.B.'s done a great job this spring," head coach Mike Macdonald said. "His body comp has really improved, which speaks to his work ethic. I think he's made strides ... It's time to go prove it consistently. He knows that, but he's right in the thick of it with the battle at right guard." The 24-year-old suffered an ankle injury in Week 12 that sent him to Injured Reserve after he started 11 games to open up the season. If he can stay healthy, he should have a good shot to regain his starting gig on the O-line.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson
July 4, 2025
Despite the fact that Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Byron Young has already had two strong seasons in the NFL with 15.5 sacks, outside linebackers coach Joe Coniglio said he's noticed how "intentional" Young has been going into his third season in the NFL. Coniglio said he's challenged the former third-rounder to continue to work on his "consistency," because "when he's at his best, it's a lot of fun to watch." "I think he's going to take another step forward in regards to his game, his ability to affect games, his ability to disrupt offenses and be the player that he's capable of being," Coniglio said. The 27-year-old has 123 tackles (76 solo), 15.5 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, 32 QB hits, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 34 games (32 starts) in his first two years. Young is one of the Rams' key young pass-rushers.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Sarah Barshop
July 4, 2025
Arizona Cardinals rookie fourth-round inside linebacker Cody Simon has caught the attention of head coach Jonathan Gannon in a short amount of time this offseason, according to ESPN's Josh Weinfuss. "He's definitely flashed here," Gannon said. "We got him playing a couple different spots, so that's good. He is playing on fourth down right now, so he is learning all that. He's eager to learn. He doesn't make mistakes twice and he's got juice. He's physical, just like all those guys. Long way to go. But I like where he is at." The 23-year-old has also taken on the responsibility of wearing the green dot, which has added to the steep learning curve heading into his first year in the NFL. The Ohio State product was plenty productive on college for the Buckeyes, but even though he's flashed during the offseason program, he might have to wait for a full-time role in Arizona.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Josh Weinfuss
July 4, 2025
ESPN's Jenna Laine writes that Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker SirVocea Dennis had one of the most impressive offseasons of any defender on the team. "First day of OTAs, made one of the best plays I've ever seen a linebacker make," linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. said. "He's special, man. Very cerebral and knows the game very well. Can really do everything on the field as a pass dropper, a blitzer and a run defender." Dennis only played in four games in 2024 due to a season-ending shoulder injury that he suffered in Week 4, and the middle of Tampa's defense was more vulnerable as a result. The 25-year-old was selected in the fifth round (153rd overall) in 2023 out of Pittsburgh. He looked like he was on his way toward a breakout season last year before his injury, as he had 22 tackles (14 solo) and a sack in essentially only three games.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jenna Laine
July 4, 2025
The New Orleans Saints didn't pick up offensive lineman Trevor Penning's fifth-year option, but they clearly believe in him enough after moving him to left guard, writes ESPN's Katherine Terrell. Penning came into the league with the expectation that he'd be a left tackle after being taken 19th overall in 2022 out of Northern Iowa, but he was benched in 2023 and moved to right tackle in 2024. He was the starting left guard throughout OTAs and minicamp this offseason, which is a sign that he could find his footing in a new role in 2025 with the Saints. The 26-year-old started just six games in his first two seasons in the NFL before making 17 starts at right tackle while receiving poor grades for pass protection. The Saints will be hoping he'll be more effective on the interior this year.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Katherine Terrell
July 4, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro pass-rusher T.J. Watt is due to around $21 million in the last year of his current contract, but the question for the Steelers is whether they are willing to pay a player that will turn 31 this fall upwards of $40 million per year on a new extension. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero believes that the two sides will get something done before either training camp or the start of the 2025 regular season, and when it is done, it will reset the edge-rush market. Watt has made the Pro Bowl each of the last seven seasons and has been an All-Pro four times in his career while leading the NFL in sacks in three of the last five years. The downside is he has an extensive injury history and dropped to 11.5 sacks in 17 regular-season starts a year ago. The Steelers and Watt are currently in a stalemate, but with Pittsburgh all-in on 2025, it's highly unlikely that Watt will be traded.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
July 3, 2025
NFL.com's Coral Smith reports that the Pittsburgh Steelers have signed general manager Omar Khan to a new three-year contract on Thursday. The financial details were not noted. Khan has been a member of the Steelers' organization since 2001, but took over his current role in 2022 from predecessor Kevin Colbert. The 48-year-old, known for his aggressive offseason moves, has undoubtedly been entertaining as the team's GM. However, despite continuing the franchise's winning ways, playoff wins -- particularly deep playoff runs -- have been the issue. The hope is that will change in 2025, with a revamped wide receiver room led by
DK Metcalf, veteran signal-caller
Aaron Rodgers at the helm, and the recent acquisition of tight end
Jonnu Smith. Still, they share a division with two of the more brutal AFC squads (Bengals, Ravens). Pittsburgh hasn't won more than ten games or sat atop the AFC North since 2020, but they're pushing their chips all-in ahead of the upcoming campaign.
--Alex CiullaSource: Coral Smith
July 3, 2025
ESPN's David Newton writes that it was obvious to teammates that Carolina Panthers second-year linebacker Chau Smith-Wade had a stellar offseason and will be a factor for the team in 2025. "Man, I think he's been the most impressive player," Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn said. "Chau took advantage of an opportunity," head coach Dave Canales said. "He made tackles. He had an opportunity on an interception, and he made it." Newton adds that Smith-Wade's ability to play corner, nickel and safety makes him even more valuable to a young defense that finished last in the NFL in 2024. The 22-year-old ended his rookie campaign on Injured Reserve in December due to an illness. The former fifth-rounder finished 2024 with 39 tackles (24 solo) an interception and a forced fumble in 14 games (four starts). Smith-Wade had taken over the slot role before his illness sidelined him.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - David Newton
July 3, 2025
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris thinks that linebacker Divine Deablo is capable of wearing the green dot as essentially the quarterback of the defense in 2025, according to ESPN's Marc Raimondi. Morris has been impressed with Deablo's size (6-foot-3), length and speed, and he has a realistic shot at winning a starting job at inside linebacker next to Kaden Elliss. The 26-year-old former third-rounder (80th overall) by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021 out of Virginia Tech had just 63 tackles (35 solo) and one sack in 14 starts in his fourth year with the Raiders in 2024, which was his lowest tackle output since his rookie season. It sound like Deablo will have a great chance for a bounce-back season in his first year with the Falcons, but he's probably not going to be on the fantasy radar in IDP leagues. Deablo has 100-plus tackles just once in his four years in the NFL.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Marc Raimondi
July 3, 2025
ESPN's Kevin Seifert writes that Minnesota Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers showed playmaking ability while also showing off his speed as a kickoff returner during offseason workouts, demonstrating why the Vikings think he's a likely starter for them despite being a relatively obscure player since the Indianapolis Colts took him in the sixth round back in 2020. "He's been a great addition," defensive coordinator Brian Flores said. "He's got great football IQ and acumen." Flores said he's been tracking Rodgers since he played at the University of Massachusetts. The 27-year-old signed a two-year, $15 million contract this offseason. He was suspended for all of 2023 due to gambling but played in 15 regular-season games for the Eagles in 2024 and had 26 tackles (17 solo) and a forced fumble in 15 regular-season games (three starts). He should have a bigger role in Minnesota.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert
July 3, 2025
With Green Bay Packers center Elgton Jenkins skipping the entire offseason program, second-year center Jacob Monk got the bulk of the work with the starters, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky. "He's done a nice job," head coach Matt LaFleur said of the 2024 fifth-round pick. "He's a lot more comfortable and confident in terms of going out there and knowing what to do. And for him it's just going to come down to those live reps." Jenkins is going to be the team's starter at center when games start, but Monk got some important time this offseason to show that he's a valuable backup. The 24-year-old was selected in the fifth round in 2024 out of Duke. He also has experience at guard and tackle, giving the Packers key depth and versatility on the offensive line.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
July 3, 2025
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said he sees new defensive back Avonte Maddox as a guy who will "fit right in with us" after evaluating him during the offseason program, according to ESPN's Eric Woodyard. Maddox is a Detroit native and looked good during offseason workouts. The former fourth-rounder brings a lot of experience to help Detroit's secondary as a Super Bowl champion and veteran player that spent the last seven years with the Philadelphia Eagles. The 29-year-old signed a one-year deal in free agency with the Lions after starting last season as the starter in the slot for the Eagles before eventually losing the gig to impressive rookie Cooper DeJean. In Detroit, he's expected to be a key backup behind starter Brian Branch.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Eric Woodyard
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