NFL Player News

He left with neck problem, but should be fine.

Akers saw more work in the backfield for the Vikings towards the end of the 2024 season after veteran lead back Aaron Jones appeared to slow. Both backs were playing the 2024 season on one-year “prove it” deals, potentially an indication of sweeping changes in the backfield for a Vikings team that flamed out down the stretch this year. Akers ends the 2024 season with 147 yards and a touchdown on 40 regular season carries, adding four receptions.

Aaron Jones enters the 2025 offseason as an unrestricted free agent after playing the 2024 season on a one-year deal in Minnesota, potentially signaling the end of his run with the Vikings. The veteran back rushed for 1,138 yards and five touchdowns in the regular season, adding 51 receptions to his ledger. He slowed as the season wore on, ceding additional snaps and opportunities to fellow veteran Cam Akers towards the end of the season. The Vikings have numerous key unrestricted free agents heading into the offseason including all but one starter in the secondary, something that could have this team looking far different on paper heading into the new league year.

Darnold was under duress throughout, eventually leading to an NFL-record nine sacks in the Wildcard loss to the Rams. He notably failed to complete a pass directed towards alpha wide receiver Justin Jefferson in the second half on three targets. One of his nine sacks taken resulted in a fumble that was housed by the Rams defense, which occurred in a seven-point game in the second quarter. It is fair to question whether Darnold has attempted his last pass as a member of the Vikings considering the offense managed just 18 points in their final two games in 2024, scoring just nine against the Lions in Week 18 to fall to the five seed and nine against the Rams in the Wildcard Round. Darnold’s contract is set to expire this offseason. Although the team finished the regular season with a stellar 14-3 record, a one-and-done in the postseason could have the franchise looking elsewhere at quarterback, potentially turning to J.J. McCarthy in 2025. Darnold’s year ends with a Pro Bowl selection after throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns to 12 interceptions.

Anarumo served as the defensive coordinator for the Bengals for the previous six seasons. After being widely regarded as one of the top defensive minds in the game, Anarumo’s Bengals struggled mightily in 2024 while allowing 25.5 points and 348.3 yards of total offense per game. Both values ranked 25th in the league during the regular season.

It’s a big loss for a Rams team that fed five targets to Higbee on their first two possessions. It is unclear when Higbee picked up the injury but the fact he was immediately deemed as doubtful to return likely indicates a more serious injury. Higbee returned from injured reserve in Week 16 and appeared in the final three games of the regular season, with his role picking up through the first quarter in the Wildcard Round prior to his departure with a chest injury. Higbee caught all five targets for 58 yards prior to departing.

Schultz notes that the two sides have talked and are expected to continue discussions regarding the team’s head coaching vacancy following the parting of ways with former head coach Mike McCarthy. Sanders previously expressed interest in joining the head coaching ranks in the NFL after signaling interest in the Raiders’ vacancy. Coach Prime turned around the Colorado football program in two short seasons after serving in the same position for Jackson State.

The Bears have wasted no time in pursuing their next head coach, with Mike McCarthy the next name on their list as they do their due diligence. The Cowboys chose not to renew McCarthy’s contract earlier Monday and he has already received two interview requests from other franchises. It appears as if he’ll have the chance to land on his feet after spending the previous five seasons at the helm of the Cowboys.

Banjo is a former safety who has spent his two-year coaching career serving as the assistant special teams coach for the Broncos. The 49ers continue their coaching roster purge as they look to return to prominence in the NFC.

Pauley has served as the wide receivers coach for Iowa State for the previous two seasons and pass game coordinator for the 2024 season. He previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs.

After filling in for the injured Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua early in the season, Johnson has now been inactive for three of the previous four games for the Rams, with his only active game coming in Week 18 when the Rams rested both Kupp and Nacua. Expect Demarcus Robinson to join the top two receivers from 11-personnel while Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington fill situational roles.