NFL

The 2024 second-round pick struggled out of the gate and spiraled throughout his rookie season. Billed as an NFL-ready receiver, Polk was anything but prepared for the pros. He consistently dropped passes and ran poor routes while also committing more than his fair share of penalties. The Patriots tried to treat Polk as a starter early in the year but eventually scaled his snaps back as the mistakes piled up. By all accounts, Wolf’s assessment of the situation is correct. A full offseason under a new coaching staff may be what Polk needs to get back on track after the disastrous debut season.

Rodgers, soon to be released by the Jets, could be a replacement for Matthew Stafford, who has been granted permission to work out a trade this offseason. Signing Rodgers to a team-friendly short-term deal, Florio said, would allow the Rams to “devote resources elsewhere in lieu of breaking the bank for Stafford.” Rodgers, 41, struggled in 2024, displaying a reduced mobility and, at times, a lack of his typical world-class arm strength. He seems determined to keep playing in 2025, and the Rams would make sense if Sean McVay is looking for a stopgap game manager in lieu of Stafford. The circus that comes with Rodgers could very much limit his options, however.

Alexander, 28, a two-time Pro Bowler, has been rumored to be on his way out of Green Bay after struggling through a laundry list of injuries over the past few seasons. Alexander refused to speak with reporters after the season, saying he had “nothing good to say” about his situation in Green Bay. The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman said it “would be a win for the Packers if they can get anything in return for [Alexander] instead of just releasing him.” Pro Football Focus graded Alexander as last season’s eighth best cover corner. There will certainly be a market for Alexander in the coming weeks.

The NFLPA report card, which included responses from nearly 1,700 active NFL players, had Johnson as the only owner to get a failing grade. Patriots owner Robert Kraft, Cardinals owner Michael Bidwell, and Panthers owner David Tepper were the only owners to get a D on the NFLPA’s report card. Johnson received a B- grade in 2023. “Rather than addressing concerns, players believed that management responded to feedback by making conditions worse,” the report said about Johnson and the Jets higher ups. It’s hardly a surprise that Johnson would get such low marks after another failed season, his commitment to Aaron Rodgers, and reports that Johnson’s children had made roster decisions based on Madden ratings. Johnson, who reportedly took control over the Jets front office midway through the catastrophic 2024 season, would do well to step aside and let head head coach Aaron Glenn take charge of the organization.

Like most highly-touted draft prospects, Warren won’t do any work at the Combine after his stellar career at Penn State, including a final collegiate season that should make him a top-20 pick in the draft. Warren went for 1,228 yards and eight touchdowns on a whopping 104 receptions in 2024. Bowling Green’s Harold Fannin was the only tight end in the nation with more catches and receiving yards than Warren last year. A massive middle-of-the-field target, Warren has been connected to the Colts, who have the 14th overall selection.

“That’s the sentiment shared by most,” said Hughes, who covers the Giants, a team linked to Stafford as the veteran QB tests the trade market. “This permission the Rams granted him to talk to others? It’s likely nothing more than a means to figure out his value. He and L.A. will agree to a new deal once he does.” Hughes said the likelihood that Stafford stays put this offseason shouldn’t stop the Giants front office from pursuing him as a stopgap measure after the team’s disastrous Daniel Jones experiment fizzled out in 2024. Tom Brady and the Raiders are also reportedly interested in trading for Stafford in the coming weeks or months, likely ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Bonsignore adds that Raiders minority owner Tom Brady has “been in contact with Stafford’s camp” to see if the Rams quarterback would come to Las Vegas. Stafford has wanted more guaranteed money with two years left on his contract with the Rams, but they have stood pat. The contract tension has generated trade interest in Stafford, with the 37-year-old now being pursued by Brady and the Raiders. Equipped with a new head coach and general manager, the Raiders are in the market for a quarterback to upgrade the group of Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell, and Desmond Ridder from last season. Stafford has now emerged as a possibility to lead a team that won just four games in 2024.

At the NFL Combine, Gutekunst was asked about Alexander’s status after a rocky season. Alexander played in just seven games last season and has dealt with several injuries over the past two years. The Packers would save $6.8 million in cap space by parting ways. Gutekunst expressed that the team has yet to make a decision and the defense would be better with Alexander; both sides have been frustrated over his injury issues. A change of scenery for Alexander remains a strong possibility, allowing the Packers to save money amid a seemingly strained relationship.

When asked about the conversations around the No. 1 pick and trading it, new general manager Mike Borgonzi said the Titans are not “anywhere near making a decision if we’re going to stay put and make the pick or trade out.” The Titans will have a decision to make on whether or not they should make a pick at No. 1 or trade out. A quarterback is a need, but in a weaker class, Tennessee could look to pick another top prospect - like Penn State’s EDGE Abdul Carter - or trade out for a haul. Either way, the Titans’ new general manager has an important choice to make over the next couple months.

The veteran quarterback carousel continues to churn. The 41-year-old Rodgers reportedly prefers to head to Los Angeles to play for the Rams and wants to pair up with Davante Adams once again. It would be the third team Rodgers and Adams would play together on, after a successful stint on the Packers and a short, unsuccessful stint with the Jets. The Rams would only consider bringing in Rodgers if they deal the incumbent Matthew Stafford, who has been heavily rumored to move on. One potential scenario is a Stafford trade to the Giants while Rodgers and Adams head to the Rams for one more hurrah.