NFL Player News

The rookie UDFA out of Michigan State, Bullough was a star on this summer’s Hard Knocks series. He was trying to carve out a role as a backup middle linebacker and special teams player and should get another shot elsewhere.

This was a long-expected move after Cappa allowed a career-high eight sacks and 51 pressures, per PFF. Cappa, 30, carried a $10.2 million cap hit for 2025, but his release will free up $8 million in cap space for a Bengals team that is hoping to sign a handful of stars to long-term extensions this offseason. Cappa is a seven-year veteran of the league who has started 96 of the 102 games he’s appeared in for his career. He should have no trouble finding a team who is willing to take him on and give him a chance to either start in 2025 or serve as a veteran backup.

According to Lewis, the Vikings met with Jones’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus, at last week’s scouting combine. The team reportedly wants to re-sign Jones, who turned 30 last season, but could also target a running back in the draft to get younger at the position. In his first season with the Vikings, Jones rushed for 255-1,138-5 while adding another 51 receptions for 408 yards and two scores. His 5.1 yards per touch were on par with his career average, while his 1,546 total yards from scrimmage marked the second most in his career. The Vikings likely know the risk that comes with relying too much on a running back entering his age-30 season. While Jones could still prove to be a valuable asset, taking a more committee approach should cut down on injury risks while also giving them team options should his efficiency drop off next season.

This is according to “league sourced,” per Lewis, who also reported that the Vikings would like to have Darnold back for 2025 if his market is softer than anticipated. Whether or not the Vikings franchise tag Darnold in anticipation of a more competitive market is another story, as they could try to capitalize on the market by tagging Darnold in hopes of getting something in return to move on from him. Darnold is expected to see a massive pay day after surprising with a 4,319-35-12 line last season. Lewis also suggests the Titans and Steelers could be in play for Darnold’s services, which would make for an interesting move for the Titans, who are reportedly open to dealing their No. 1 overall pick. Should they land Darnold, Tennessee could then consider keeping their pick to use on Colorado’s Travis Hunter or Penn State’s Abdul Carter.

The Titans will begin their top-30 visits with Miami QB Cam Ward and Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders before moving onto Carter and Hunter. While Carter is likely still the favorite to go No. 1 overall to the Titans, it is worth noting that the Titans are prioritizing the quarterback interviews at this time. Davenport notes that the Titans’ “goal is to have visits with the top four prospects before the start of free agency on [Wednesday], Mar 12.”

Schultz’s news confirms Paul Kuharsky’s Friday report on the matter but the Titans’ order of operations is worth noting. Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter has largely been penciled in as the Titans’ presumed draft pick—and that may still be the case. Prioritizing the two quarterbacks’ top-30 visits could imply that the Titans are likewise prioritizing the position in this year’s draft, though only time will tell.

Graziano suggests the Panthers “might be one of the teams willing to spend big to lure defensive tackle Milton Williams away from the Super Bowl champion Eagles.” The Panthers will also attempt to bolster their edge rush and Graziano lists Saints defensive end Chase Young as an “intriguing option.” Adding Williams and Young to a defensive line featuring Derrick Brown and Jadeveon Clowney could help turn around Carolina’s dire 2024 defense. Safeties Jevon Holland and Camryn Bynum are also reportedly on the Panthers’ short list of preferred defenders.

In a joint ESPN report written by Fowler and Dan Graziano, the latter makes clear that the Browns are expected to draft a quarterback with the 2025 NFL draft’s second overall pick. However, Fowler adds that the three aforementioned veteran quarterbacks are also in play, perhaps as early-season starters or clipboard-holding mentors. Recent reports indicate that the Falcons are comfortable rostering Cousins as their backup behind Michel Penix Jr., which would require the Browns to give up more than just cash to get him. Per Fowler, cost is a concern for the Browns, meaning they’d need Cousins to be released and play on an offset deal to acquire him.

With Davante Adams and Allen Lazard both expected to be playing elsewhere in 2025, signing on with the Jets would give Patrick as good a chance as any to compete for a starting role, though he is likely best deployed in a rotational capacity. Patrick, entering his age-32 season, can also serve as a mentor for Garrett Wilson and Hughes reports that “changing the culture is a major priority for” new Jets head coach Aaron Glenn. Wilson is eligible for a contract extension this offseason, with one year remaining on his contract, though it “could take a [little time]” for the Jets’ front office to evaluate the value of a star player whose productivity and development have been somewhat stunted by previous, unideal organizational circumstances. Patrick and Glenn, then the Lions’ defensive coordinator, spent the 2024 season together in Detroit.

Reed has reliably manned the Jets’ defensive-right side of the field since 2021. But with a potential extension incoming for Sauce Gardner, the team recognizes it must move on from the 28-year-old Reed. Reed is expected to be one of the better free agents on the market this offseason. A new deal for Gardner is not immediately imminent; he has one year remaining on his contract and the Jets hold a fifth-year option. The deal, whenever it arrives, is expected to reset the cornerback market. Hughes notes that the Jets are likely to re-sign slot defensive back Isaiah Oliver after a successful first season in New York. Oliver played under new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks with the 49ers in 2023.

Parsons has one year remaining on his deal and carries a $24.0 million salary cap hit this season. Perhaps a team-friendly solution that also allows Parsons to become the NFL’s highest-paid EDGE is on the horizon. The fact that the Cowboys haven’t really advanced beyond the “general” stage is unsurprising given how slowly they’ve moved to get players under new contracts. We expect the Parsons contract extension saga to drag on at this point.