NFL

With her opening remarks, Russini succinctly stated that “it could happen.” Russini then outlined a hypothetical scenario in which Rodgers “hangs out, and the Minnesota Vikings pick up the phone” and ask him to join a quarterback competition. Internally, the Vikings have apparently maintained the view that “it would be a competition [for the starting quarterback job] this summer.” Russini also adds that “there is also a world where J.J. McCarthy shows up to OTAs and looks as sharp, and confident, and [as] ready to go as he saw him in training camp last year,” which, we are left to infer, would negate the need for a competitive veteran.

The Panthers’ wide receiver room still needs help. While last year’s first-rounder Xavier Legette prepares to enter his second season, the Panthers’ current WR2, Adam Thielen, prepares for his 12th year. McMillan, who is considered by many to be the top receiver in this year’s draft class, would give the Panthers a big, versatile receiver on the outside who could immediately contribute in three-receiver sets. Currently holding the No. 8 overall pick in this year’s draft, there’s a good chance McMillan will be on the board when the Panthers are on the clock next month.

Bentley took to social media to bid farewell to New England. Shortly after, Patriots beat writer Mike Reiss said the team is expected to release him later in the day. The seven-year vet suffered a torn pectoral muscle in Week 2 last season but announced over the weekend that he was fully cleared to return to football, per Reiss. Bentley totaled 100-plus tackles in three-straight seasons before last year’s injury while racking up 8.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss over that span. He’ll be 29 at the start of next season. Once signed he’ll likely at least be a strong candidate to start for a new team.

Speaking on his show, The Adam Schefter Podcast, Schefty said of Aiyuk’s recovery, “From what I understand, Dr. Neal ElAttrache is pleased with his progress. He’s coming along. I think he’s ready to play by midseason.” It’s a longer recovery than we may have expected for Aiyuk, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in last season’s Week 7 game against the Chiefs. The sixth-year vet signed a four-year, $120 million extension with the Niners right before last season. The subject of trade rumors this offseason, it’s hard to imagine other teams wanting to acquire him until they can see how he looks once he’s on the field.

Renfrow did not play last season after getting released by the Raiders at the end of the 2023 season. Reported as being more “retired” than “unsigned,” it would appear the former fifth-round pick could be eyeing a return. Still only 29 years old, Renfrow had emerged as a reliable slot receiver early in his career and posted a line of 103-1,038-9 in his third season — earning a Pro Bowl nod. He would go on to catch just 61 passes for 585 yards and two touchdowns over his last two years in the league and was limited to just 10 games in 2022 due to injuries. His reduced role ultimately led to his release, but with a new regime now in place and the Raiders needing receiver help, a reunion could bode well for both sides. Rapoport reports that Renfrow also met with the Panthers on Wednesday, adding “he plans to play in 2025.”

The Packers made a proposal to ban the tush push earlier this offseason, but soon, teams will have a chance to vote on the rule change. The Eagles, Jalen Hurts, and his fantasy managers have all benefited from their signature play that became a mainstay in their offense in 2022. It’s possible the league will get the 24 votes needed to ban the play before the start of next season. The league considered a ban of the tush push last year, but fell well short of the votes needed to implement the change. We’ll see if things break differently this time around.

Patrick enters his 10th NFL season, playing for his fourth NFL team. The journeyman blocker has never sustained above-average play, but NFL front offices like his tools. He earned a career-best 66.3 PFF run-blocking grade last year. He’ll likely compete with Cordell Volson and Cody Ford for a starting role in camp.

Sanders has meetings scheduled with both the Titans and Browns next week, so being drafted as a top-two pick is still, of course, possible. In recent weeks, Cam Ward has seemingly solidified himself as the 2025 draft class’ top prospect. More narratives will surely spin out of Sanders’ workouts next week, like usual. It’s obvious that most of the NFL only has a first-round grade on Sanders rather than him being a top-five player in the class, but it only takes one team to disagree and draft him high.

Williams is rising up draft boards after running a 4.40-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. Williams caught 70-of-101 targets for 1,196 yards and 14 touchdowns and rushed nine times for 57 yards last season. Among the 40 Power Five wide receivers to earn at least 90 targets, his 2.71 yards per route run ranks fifth, and his 8.4 yards after the catch average ranks No. 1 overall. The speedy post-catch producer has a real chance to go on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL draft.