This has been our lean for a while, too, but it’s interesting Schefter’s sources are already confirming so at this early stage of the offseason. The tag window opens Feb. 17 and closes March 3. The sides would then have until mid-July to negotiate a long-term deal. The tag would guarantee Pickens roughly $28 million. Although the 25-year-old (next month) surely won’t mind the monster one-year payday, he will undoubtedly view this as his best chance at a mega long-term deal. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has claimed he desires the same outcome, but Dallas has become as bad as any team at negotiating long-term deals. A mercurial player like Pickens playing on a one-year pact would have the potential to end poorly for both parties. It’s definitely one of the offseason’s top early storylines.

The expected move will allow the veteran quarterback options as he decides on his next move. ESPN’s Kevin Seifert adds that Cousins is also weighing the opportunity to turn his attentions to broadcasting after dipping his toes in the discipline earlier this year. According to Seifert, Cousins “will be fully open to finding the right opportunity with another NFL team in need of quarterback help.”

Brown appeared on Micah Parsons’ The Edge podcast, saying he’s excited for next season. Amid reports from various outlets that Brown could be on the move this offseason, the receiver, who turns 29-years-old in June, was talking like he expects to be back with the Eagles. Brown said he’s looking forward to reviewing tape of the offense from this season and the offense rediscovering itself. Keeping him in the fold for next season makes complete financial sense for the Eagles, who would be hit with a $72.5 million dead cap charge if Brown is moved on his current contract. The out in Brown’s contract comes after the 2026 season, when he’ll have just $27.1 million in dead cap remaining on his deal.

Russini threw cold water on Vikings’ fans wildest dreams, reporting that the Bengals have no intention of trading Joe Burrow. Still, she believes the organization will bring in a veteran quarterback this offseason. That shouldn’t come as earth-shattering news given J.J. McCarthy’s struggles last season. Teammates Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones went on a media blitz during Super Bowl week that included both of them essentially saying the team should’ve kept Sam Darnold. The Vikings can’t go back in time, but they can be proactive about next season. Kirk Cousins, Aaron Rodgers and Mac Jones come to mind as veteran options that could be available this offseason.

Kelce appeared at multiple events in San Francisco during Super Bowl week. While the future Mr. Taylor Swift has discussed retirement, Russini claims a 14th season could be in the works for the 36-year-old tight end with many close to him believing he’ll return. Kelce would have to work out a new contract with the Chiefs as he’s currently an unrestricted free agent. While he’s set to waltz into the Hall of Fame whenever he calls it quits, it’s understandable that he wouldn’t want to end his career with Patrick Mahomes getting hurt and the Chiefs missing the playoffs in his final season.

Crosby did media appearances Friday morning where he threw cold water on any trade talk. The 28-year-old EDGE donned the Raiders’ silver and black while inside the team’s practice facility, saying any talk of wanting out didn’t come from him. Russini claims coaches and general managers around the league are unmoved and goes as far as saying she’s skeptical Crosby will ever play a down for new Raiders coach Klint Kubiak, who would be the fifth head coach he’s played for since 2019. Due to the extension he signed in March, a Crosby trade can be worked out fairly easily. The team acquiring Crosby would have him locked up for the next four seasons and the Raiders would merely be hit with a $5 million dead cap charge while they save $30 million against the cap in 2026 and presumably acquire a bevy of draft picks. Though he won’t come out and say it yet, it’s understandable that Crosby, who turns 29-years-old before next season, would rather go to a contending team than participate in yet another Raiders rebuild. Depending on what the organization gets in return for him, a Crosby trade could be the best thing for both parties.

Jones adds that he wants Pickens to be a Cowboy for “a long time.” We have no doubt this is true, but the Cowboys’ recent contract negotiations with their star players have been volatile, to say the least. In 2024, the front office signed CeeDee Lamb to an extension on August 27th, and waited until mere hours before the Cowboys’ Week 1 game against the Browns to sign Dak Prescott to an extension. Contract talks with Micah Parsons soured to the point that he ended up being traded. A report from NBC Sports’ Pro Football Talk notes that the Cowboys will likely use the franchise tag on Pickens, an impending free agent, “which will buy the sides time to negotiate a long-term deal.”

NFL insider Jordan Schultz broke the news, saying Kingsbury “wants to continue growing as a coach and learn more about what it takes to be a head coach in the NFL again.” This is a smart move. McVay has successfully balanced head-coaching duties while running the Rams’ offense since 2017. He won NFL Coach of the Year in his first season on the job and Super Bowl LVI in 2021. Kingsbury also ran the offense while serving as the Cardinals’ head coach from 2019-2022, though he did so less successfully.

According to NFL Network’s The Insiders, Schwartz submitted a letter of resignation to the Browns’ front office on Thursday and is now expected to sit out the 2026 season. The long-time defensive coordinator became frustrated with the organization when they passed on him for the head coaching role in favor of Todd Monken, but the team still opted to retain him as defensive coordinator rather than release him from his current deal. Schwartz’s only stint as a head coach came with the Lions from 2009 to 2013, where his team went 29-51 while finishing with a winning record once and one postseason berth. Since then, Schwartz has led several top defensive units. In his three years with the Browns they twice finished in the top five in yards allowed and were top-15 in points allowed in those same season. The Browns, and apparently the league, will be without one of the top defensive minds for at least this season. Schwartz also has a team option in his contract for the 2027 season, meaning the Browns could opt to retain him for next year, which could make for another issue for Schwartz and the team to navigate.

This is great news. A report from this afternoon indicated that Darnold would again participate in a limited capacity, as he has done since injuring his oblique during the Seahawks’ final Divisional Round practice. Darnold is ready to go for Super Bowl LX against the Patriots. Seahawks LT Charles Cross (foot) remains limited.