NFL Player News

Per reporter Jeff Legwold, Walton could return in the second half if “all goes well in healing.” It’s a blow for the Broncos, who don’t have a viable alternative after opting not to re-sign Walton’s 2012 fill-in Dan Koppen. Walton had previously never missed a game before going down in Week 4. The Broncos could re-sign Koppen — the top remaining center in Nick Mensio’s free agent ranks — but he was little better than replacement level. Jeff Faine and Eugene Amano are other possibilities. In house, displaced guard Chris Kuper has never played center. G Manuel Ramirez is an option. As for Walton, missing 28 straight games would certainly put his NFL future into question even though he’s only 26. He’s entering the last year of his rookie contract.

Earlier this week, the Bengals fired Anarumo after six seasons with the team. Anarumo’s defense ranked sixth in points allowed in 2022 but regressed in each of the last two seasons before being ousted after a disastrous 2024. Still viewed by many teams as a top defensive coordinator in the league, Anarumo is expected to land with another team for the 2025 season.

McKenzie’s last general manager role came with the Raiders (2012-2018). The long-time NFL vet got his start in the front office with the Packers in 1994 as a personnel assistant and was eventually promoted to Director of football operations before leaving for the Raiders. Under McKenzie’s watch, the Raiders went 40-72, with their lone winning season coming in 2016 when they went 12-4 and lost in the AFC Wild Card round. McKenzie has served in his current role since 2019, and last interviewed for a GM role in 2022 with the Bears.

Kingsbury said last week that “at some point,” he would like to be a head coach again but didn’t elaborate beyond that. The Commanders’ offense has thrived in its first season under Kingsbury, ranking in the top 10 in points per game, yards per game, and EPA per play, thanks in large to the high-end play of rookie Jayden Daniels. In article published by ESPN recently, Kingsbury said, “It would take a lot to leave this kid,” while speaking highly of Daniels’ “confidence, humility, and playmaking ability.” He also added that, “If you feel like you haver to force it, then you’re probably not making the right choice,” regarding his coaching future. The Bears make for an interesting landing spot for Kingsbury given his history with quarterback Caleb Williams, but there aren’t quite as many ties pulling him to the Saints. Kingsbury isn’t a lock to leave Washington after just one season, but the desire to land another head coaching job appears to be strong.

Berry has been with the Seahawks since 2008 and was promoted to Senior Director of Player Personnel in 2023. According to Jones, Berry has spent most of his time in college scouting while with the Seahawks.

The Bears continue to knock out interviews for their head coaching vacancy and have more candidates on tap in the coming days. In two years with the Cardinals, Petzing elevated his offense to a top-12 unit by the end of 2024. The Cardinals also ranked 13th in EPA per dropback and sixth in dropback success rate, which could bode well for Caleb Williams heading into his second season if Petzing and the Bears unite.

Dimitroff was general manager for the Falcons from 2008 to 2020, drafting Matt Ryan and making the playoffs six times with an appearance in Super Bowl LI. He has remained in football analytics since then and has taken interviews with the Jets and now the Titans to return to the NFL. The Titans fired general manager Ran Carthon, but kept head coach Brian Callahan heading into the offseason. If Dimitroff does fill the Titans’ open general manager position, he will work with Callahan for a pivotal draft decision as the Titans hold the No. 1 overall pick in April’s draft.

Saleh has received some more interest from teams looking for a head coach. The Jaguars asked for an interview, and now the Raiders are also showing interest in Saleh for the gig. Through the three-and-a-half seasons he coached the Jets, they did not finish with a winning record. Saleh was let go by the Jets mid-2024, in a collapse that was not entirely on him. Though the 49ers now want him back as their defensive coordinator, he could receive another shot at head coach. The Raiders are growing their interview list after firing Antonio Pierce. Saleh joins a group that includes playoff coaches Todd Monken, Steve Spanuolo, Aaron Glenn, and Ben Johnson.

The Raiders have an opening after firing Antonio Pierce, the team’s second head coach in two seasons. Monken has already had interview requests from the Jaguars and Bears after helping the Ravens to one of the best offenses in the league. The Raiders are still figuring out their quarterback situation with Aidan O’Connell, Gardner Minshew, and company, but Monken would add depth to the team’s stagnant offense. Lions coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn have also been requested to interview, as well as Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo as the Raiders look to poach from the top teams in the league. Monken has a playoff run ahead of him with a potent Ravens offense and the Raiders hope to explore his high-scoring playbook for their head coaching job.

Flores adds the Jaguars to his list with the Bears and Jets already requesting interviews. He revamped the Vikings defense over the last two seasons and established it as a formidable unit for the playoffs. Previously serving as the Dolphins’ head coach from 2019-2021, Flores could look to return to Florida to coach Trevor Lawrence and company. The Jaguars had a disappointing 4-13 season in 2024 and have lined up several head coaching interviews to replace Doug Pederson after an underwhelming tenure. The 43-year-old Flores is slated to be a hot topic this coaching cycle.