NFL Player News

Per Robinson’s report, “multiple league and player’s union sources” say that Goodell and the owners are expected to “make more assertive efforts” this summer to add an 18th game to the schedule. Robinson also indicates that team owners would like to opt out of the leagues’ domestic media right contracts, “which Goodell and the owners believe are underpriced.” The contracts are not set to expire until 2029, though. Opting out of the contracts before cementing an 18-game schedule would create more problems for the owners down the road, which may provide the NFL players’ union with leverage, as time is on the latter party’s side. The players reportedly wish to increase their split of league revenue from 48.0 percent to an even 50-50, which could play a role in negotiations.

Tagovailoa said that the hip injury he suffered in Week 15, which basically ended his 2024 season won’t be a concern - as long as he protects himself in future games. “Doing everything I can to stay available for the guys,” added Tagovailoa, who is entering the first of a four-year, $212.1 million contract extension. “It’s knowing when is the time to give up on a play.” Tagovailoa, who also sustained the third diagnosed concussion of his career in Week 2, missed a career-high six games in 2024. “I, like everyone else, really want him to be healthy,” Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said. “You have a franchise quarterback -- you want him to play instead of standing on the sideline.”

He can reach “up to” $5.25 million with incentives. The rarely-used UFA tender will make this signing count for Los Angeles’ compensatory pick formula this offseason. Dobbins has always been super-efficient, with a career 5.2 yards per rushing attempt — his problem is that he’s yet to play a full 16- or 17-game season in five years in the league. He probably slots in as the less-desirable back between himself and RJ Harvey for fantasy purposes, but the veteran Dobbins should get plenty of run early in the season and probably finds himself in the RB3/RB4 conversation. We’d say this signing pretty much closes the book on Audric Estime, but Dobbins has been so oft-injured that the door is probably still cracked a little. There’s still little reason to draft Estime in re-draft leagues until we see Dobbins injury updates.

Downs missed some of OTAs with what the Colts called a “soft tissue injury” without providing any specifics. He appears no worse for the wear and is back at it as the Colts begin minicamp.

Glenn added that Johnson could begin training camp on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list. The one-time Pro Bowler has totaled 10 sacks in his first three seasons, including 7.5 in 2023. It’s worth noting he lost virtually all of his 2024 season (15 games) when he suffered a torn Achilles in Week 2. Johnson is one of three players drafted by the Jets in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, along with Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson.

“The good thing is, he’s not going to need a procedure right now,” Steichen continued. Richardson’s second opinion with Neal ElAttrache looked to conclude that the quarterback should continue to rest and rehab the shoulder. We’re skeptical that Richardson won’t eventually end up under the knife — that’s just not how second opinions usually work out. But if you take the Colts at their word, we should expect Richardson to instead merely be well behind Daniel Jones in the quarterback competition by the time he’s ready to throw in training camp.

Buscaglia points to the fact that Coleman was already on the field for the majority of snaps before hurting his wrist in Week 9, and then adds that the receivers the Bills added this offseason are “not direct competitors” for Coleman’s role at X receiver. “If Coleman doesn’t face much competition for that spot, there is a distinct possibility his on-field role could rise from his already lofty 70 percent. More time on the field means more potential target opportunities, especially if his separation skills improve slightly in the offseason,” Buscaglia continues. Coleman is currently being drafted outside of the top-100 picks in most offseason fantasy football formats and does have an intriguing profile even if his rookie year was disappointing.

It’s been expected for a bit as McLaurin seeks a contract extension this offseason. The consensus per beat reporters is that the deal will get done, but may not happen until training camp actually comes close to starting. We don’t have any real concerns about drafting McLaurin in Best Ball at this point, just know that beat reporters don’t bat 1.000 and this still could turn into a “hold in” situation should the Commanders and McLaurin not make progress on the contract.

He’s not actually under contract, so he isn’t subject to any fines. But Stewart’s contract continues to be an issue for the Bengals while they try to add a lower training-camp bonus to it — something they didn’t do for either of their past two first-round picks — for reasons that border on inexplicable. Stewart is losing valuable developmental reps while the Bengals try to enforce this contract on him, so all they’re really doing at this point is hurting themselves.

The deal includes a fifth-year option for the Cardinals. Nolen showed flashes of future All-Pro play at Ole Miss and was one of the most physically-imposing players in the draft. Jonathan Gannon will be tasked with making those flashes become the standard. Nolen will likely break in as part of a rotation with Calais Campbell, Darius Robinson, and Justin Jones up front early in the season.

Hill underwent a pair of surgeries on his left wrist during the offseason, the most recent taking place last month. The five-time All-Pro selection caught 81 passes for 959 yards and six touchdowns in 2024, each representing his lowest totals since joining the Dolphins in 2022. The 31-year-old wide receiver originally injured his wrist last August during a joint practice with the Commanders, but appeared in all 17 regular season games for the Dolphins despite the injury. The Dolphins hope Hill can resume team drills in training camp.