NFL | theScore

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins is looking for a long-term contract extension from the only team he's ever played for."Oh man, I would love that," Collins said, according to Aaron Wilson of Click2Houston.com. "That would be great. I feel like that's what everybody works for. I'm just going to let it come to me, whatever they decide, whatever they want to do."He added: "If they want to negotiate, we can."With his third NFL season completed, Collins is now eligible for a contract extension. He's entering the final campaign of his four-year rookie deal.The Texans drafted Collins in the third round in 2021. He totaled just 927 yards and three touchdowns across his first two seasons while battling mediocre quarterback play and injuries.However, Collins emerged as one of the league's most productive wide receivers last year. The 24-year-old hauled in 80 receptions for 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns in 2023, immediately clicking with rookie signal-caller C.J. Stroud."Man, it was amazing, a blessed season," Collins said. "I did miss a couple of games but made it out healthy. l did well for the team. I stayed healthy. I balled out. It was a long season but a fun season."Collins added: "Time to reload and pick up where we left off. It's definitely a blessing, a great team to be around. I think it's time. Can't wait to get everybody back. I feel like we're on a mission."Houston was one of the NFL's biggest storylines last campaign, winning the AFC South and advancing to the divisional round after posting a 3-13-1 record in 2022.The Texans have $73.9 million in cap space, according to Spotrac.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cincinnati Bengals informed wide receiver Tee Higgins that they'll franchise tag him, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.The wide receiver tag value for 2024 is expected to be $21.8 million fully guaranteed, Rapoport adds. Higgins is the first player reported to be receiving the franchise-tag designation.Higgins has served as a vital No. 2 wide receiver in Cincinnati's offense alongside wideout Ja'Marr Chase. The 25-year-old exceeded 1,000 receiving yards in 2021 and 2022 while combining for 13 touchdowns.However, Higgins is coming off a down year in which he was limited to just 12 games. The former second-round pick posted career lows in receptions (42) and receiving yards (656) in 2023.The Bengals have prioritized retaining key members of their offense after the franchise signed quarterback Joe Burrow to a five-year, $275-million extension last year. In addition to addressing Higgins' long-term future, Chase is eligible for an extension this offseason.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Star wideout A.J. Brown set the record straight that he wants to remain a member of the Philadelphia Eagles despite his apparent discontent with the franchise."I have no problem," Brown told 94 WIP Radio's Ike Reese and Jack Fritz. "I want to be here; it's as simple as that. I love where I'm at; it's as simple as that. Next question."There's been ongoing speculation about Brown's future with the franchise for several months after he removed any reference to the Eagles from his Instagram.A recent post from Brown's X account took aim at local media, and although he said his account had been hacked, he appeared to agree with the sentiment in an Instagram story."I'm the person you need on this team because I am willing to hold people accountable, make people around me better. But nobody sees that. All you see is the little flare-ups. Nobody in that building works harder than me. I can stand on that and say that," Brown said Friday.The three-time Pro Bowl receiver also cleared the air regarding rumors of a strained relationship with quarterback Jalen Hurts."I think that is B.S. I'm not going to get into our relationship on the air. ... it wasn't a problem when I was on my six-game streak. They only started talking about that when we started losing," Brown said.The 26-year-old recorded six consecutive 100-yard receiving games from Week 3 to Week 8. Brown has posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons after being acquired by Philadelphia in a trade with the Tennessee Titans. He signed a four-year, $100-million extension in April 2022. He finished the 2023 season with 106 catches, 1,465 yards, and seven touchdowns.The Eagles started the year 10-1 but lost six of their final seven games before being bounced in the wild-card round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Philadelphia overhauled its coaching staff after the season after head coach Nick Sirianni faced plenty of scrutiny for the team's late-season collapse. Brown is adamant that while the "locker room is fine," he felt that the coaches became the scapegoats for players not executing.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Miami Dolphins informed cornerback Xavien Howard that he will be released at the start of the league year, sources told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Peter Schrager.Howard will be designated as a post-June 1 cut and carry a $7.4-million dead-cap hit in 2024 and a $15.7-million mark for 2025, according to Spotrac.The 30-year-old had previously signed a five-year, $90-million deal with the club and was scheduled to be under contract through the 2026 campaign.Miami is projected to be $25 million over the new $255.4-million salary cap before moving on from Howard, per Spotrac.Howard allowed 39 completions on 62 targets for 419 yards and a touchdown in 2023, according to Pro Football Reference.Howard has spent his entire eight-year career with Miami since being selected No. 38 overall in the 2016 draft. He's tallied 29 interceptions, 95 passes defended, and four total touchdowns in 100 career games. The four-time Pro Bowler earned first-team All-Pro honors after leading the league with 10 picks in 2020.The Baylor product is the second high-profile defender that the Dolphins are moving on from, as the team is also parting ways with pass-rusher Emmanuel Ogbah.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Miami Dolphins released veteran linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah, the team announced Friday.Ogbah signed a four-year, $65.4-million contract extension with the Dolphins in 2022. His release would create close to $14 million in cap space, according to ESPN's Field Yates.The Oklahoma State product tallied nine sacks in each of his first two seasons with Miami after initially joining the team in 2020. However, he subsequently recorded 31 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and four tackles for loss combined over the past two campaigns.The Dolphins are slated to be over the league's $255.4-million salary cap by $46.2 million in effective cap space, which accounts for the club signing 51 players as well as its projected rookie class, according to Over the Cap.Miami is expected to return plenty of production at edge rusher ahead of the 2024 season. However, both Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips are returning from serious leg injuries that ended their respective 2023 campaigns. Cameron Goode is also set to return.Veteran pass-rusher Andrew Van Ginkel is set to become an unrestricted free agent this spring alongside Melvin Ingram and Justin Houston.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The salary cap for the 2024 NFL season will be $255.4 million per club, the league announced in a statement obtained by NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.An additional $74 million will be given per team for player benefits, which include performance-based pay and benefits for retired players. The total 2024 player costs will be $329.4 million per club, or $10.5 billion league-wide.The unprecedented $30-million increase from the 2023 salary cap is a result of the full repayment of all amounts advanced by the clubs and deferred by players during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the increase in media revenue for the upcoming season.Salary capYear$255.4M2024$224.8M2023$208.2M2022$182.5M2021$198.2M2020Several teams were working under the assumption that the cap number for next season would fall between $242 million and $245 million, per ESPN's Dan Graziano. However, with the figure exceeding projections, it could change the strategy for many clubs ahead of free agency.The Washington Commanders are currently projected to have the most cap space available this offseason with $87 million, per Over the Cap. The Buffalo Bills are currently $41.7 million over the cap limit.Teams will have until 4 p.m. ET on March 13, prior to the start of free agency and the new league year, to get under the salary cap.

The New Orleans Saints restructured quarterback Derek Carr's contract to create approximately $23 million in salary cap relief, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.The restructure was necessary as the Saints are projected to be roughly $42 million over the cap even after that relief is applied, according to Spotrac. The NFL set the 2024 cap Friday at $255.4 million. While this helps the team get closer to being cap compliant for 2024, the move increases Carr's 2025 dead cap hit to over $50 million.

Find year-round coverage of betting news and insights for all sports by visiting our Betting section and subscribing to push notifications.Josh Allen is a really good bet to win the 2024 NFL MVP.Allen is a known quantity whose candidacy for the award has slowly improved year over year.The stats will almost definitely be there. Allen added "goal-line running back" to his resume in 2023, running for 66% more touchdowns than his previous career high.Team success will also likely be there. The Bills stormed down the stretch of the 2023 season to get the AFC's No. 2 seed.So why not bet on Allen right now? Because the chances that Allen's odds get significantly shorter are lower than the 11.8% implied win probability that +750 odds suggest. We can revisit his candidacy in August and likely not lose any value on a bet that doesn't get paid out until early February 2025.NFL 2024 MVP oddsPLAYER ODDSPatrick Mahomes+650Josh Allen+750Joe Burrow+900C.J. Stroud+1200Jordan Love+1200Brock Purdy+1300Justin Herbert+1300Lamar Jackson+1300Dak Prescott+1600Jalen Hurts+1600Tua Tagovailoa+2200Aaron Rodgers+2500Matthew Stafford+2500Trevor Lawrence+3000Jared Goff+3500Kirk Cousins+3500Anthony Richardson+4000Kyler Murray+4000Christian McCaffrey+6000Justin Fields+6000Baker Mayfield+6000Deshaun Watson+6000Tyreek Hill+7500Remember the summer of 2023? If you don't, who could blame you for forgetting that Justin Fields was the hot commodity for MVP bettors? It was silly at the time, and even more so after seeing the import voters put on the team success of Lamar Jackson's Ravens.Jackson finished 15th in passing yards and 11th in passing touchdowns last season. Sure, he also added 50 rushing yards per game but had just five touchdowns on the ground. Forty-nine out of 50 MVP voters willfully ignored the Ravens' defense's impact on their 13-4 season. It halted the Texans' momentum in the divisional round before giving Jackson every opportunity to come back and beat the Chiefs, but it was too late to be reflected in the voting.Jackson wasn't burdened by being a season-long MVP favorite. Baltimore's win at San Francisco, where the Ravens forced four turnovers, made Jackson the late favorite. This follows a recent trend of voters having a short-term memory when it comes to the MVP and Heisman Trophy. It's also another reason we don't want a favorite early, as fans and media get bored with the presumptive winner and look for someone else to throw their hat in the ring.If your desire is to make a bet now, the only way to do it is to analyze the only question that matters when looking at NFL futures markets in February.Whose odds can shorten between now and August?Oddsmakers are beating bettors to the punch on a pair of newcomers to the MVP conversation: Jordan Love and C.J. Stroud. Tied for the fourth choice, the word is out that each young quarterback is ready to make the leap. Making a bet after the buzz shapes the market is rarely a good idea, as there's nowhere to go but down. Change is how things improve for a player's award contention.Fields was coming into last season with a three-win team that hadn't augmented their overall talent. The Bears acquired assets that should portend good things for their future, but adding DJ Moore was never going to be enough to improve Chicago by 10-plus wins.Betting markets have Fields at +700 (12.5% likely) to be in Chicago next season. He also wiped his social media clean of Bears-centric content. There are two teams he's most likely to play for: the Falcons and the Steelers.The Falcons won seven games last year, and their place in the NFC South means a big jump is way easier than if they played in almost any other division. They pillaged the Rams' coaching staff for head coach Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, who likely won't ignore Atlanta's best playmakers.The Steelers won 10 games last year without a quality quarterback. While Arthur Smith failed miserably as a head coach, he could tap into what made him successful in Tennessee if Fields ends up in Pittsburgh. Fields - who's had some massive statistical games - could take off for a team with a chance at 10-plus wins.Buying Fields at 60-1 before the rush is the type of low-risk, high-reward bet that you won't notice you've lost but will have your attention if the quarterback soon finds himself in a better situation.Matt Russell is the lead betting analyst for theScore. If there's a bad beat to be had, Matt will find it. Find him on social media @mrussauthentic.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman is determined to help quarterback Justin Herbert improve, and his plan begins with establishing a prolific run game."Can you imagine Justin Herbert with a great running game? ... We don't know, but I can imagine what it might look like," Roman said Thursday, according to ESPN's Kris Rhim. "So that's kind of the vision."He added, "I think in this league, you can really, really help dictate the defenses if you have a strong running attack. If you really talk to most defensive coordinators in this league and got 'em off to the side when they're playing a really good running team, they're sweating a little bit. They're sleeping a little less that week."The 51-year-old joined Los Angeles earlier in February as part of new head coach Jim Harbaugh's staff. The Chargers ranked 24th in rushing yards in 2023, the team's 16th straight season outside the top 10 in that category. L.A.'s leading rushers - Austin Ekeler and Joshua Kelley - averaged fewer than 4 yards per carry this past season. They're set to hit free agency in 2024.Los Angeles rosters one of the sport's most skilled quarterbacks in Herbert. The 2020 first-round pick threw for 69 touchdowns in his first two seasons, but he passed for 25 and 20 TDs in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The 25-year-old - who has yet to win a playoff game - missed four games last year due to a broken finger.Roman previously helped quarterback Lamar Jackson earn an MVP award in 2019 while serving as the Baltimore Ravens' offensive coordinator from 2019-22. Jackson shined in Roman's run-heavy scheme and led the NFL with 36 touchdown passes in 2019. He set the NFL single-season quarterback record with 1,206 rushing yards in that campaign as well.Roman also served as San Francisco 49ers OC from 2011-14, helping Colin Kaepernick - a quarterback who was also a threat in the run game - achieve success. Herbert has never rushed for more than 302 yards in a season."It's going to be a little different," Roman said of the offensive scheme he'll run with the Chargers compared to his offenses in Baltimore and San Francisco. "You're going to see probably a multiple running game. You'll probably see the use of motions and shifting, and then you'll see a pretty diverse passing game."He added: "We'll give it to anybody that can gain yards. And then will Justin run the ball? ... It'll probably be more as a scrambler. Will we have some of that other stuff in our back pocket? Remains to be seen."The Chargers stole headlines after the regular season by hiring Harbaugh as head coach. Los Angeles went 5-12 in 2023. Under ex-OC Kellen Moore, the team ranked 21st in points scored and 18th in total yards.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

As the Chicago Bears consider whether they should keep Justin Fields or draft a new quarterback first overall this year, new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron said he's optimistic that his system will be the right one for whoever is under center for the team."I think in the past experiences with different quarterbacks, different experience levels, whether I was in the coordinator role or in a role as a position coach, I felt that way," Waldron said on Thursday during his introductory press conference, according to ESPN's Courtney Cronin."I felt different quarterbacks have been able to step foot into the system, be able to learn it quickly, and that starts with us being able to teach it in a good and efficient manner where they understand it."After serving as the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks from 2021-23, Waldron joined Chicago in January to replace Luke Getsy. He mainly worked with three quarterbacks in Seattle: Russell Wilson, Geno Smith, and Drew Lock. Waldron was previously the Los Angeles Rams' passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach while working with signal-caller Jared Goff.Waldron added that his offense in Chicago will be able to "adjust the scheme to the player's skill set."The Bears own the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft (via the Carolina Panthers) and are projected to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams. That would presumably end the Fields era in Chicago four years after the team drafted him 11th overall.Chicago also has the No. 9 choice in this year's draft."It's not going to happen too often," Waldron said of the Bears having a pair of top-10 picks. "This is that year, and then also the core, the group of players that is already in place on offense, including the quarterback that played at a high level and that displayed the ability to win football games and make plays."Fields, who's expected to be traded this offseason, recently unfollowed the Bears on Instagram. However, the 24-year-old downplayed his decision on Wednesday, saying he hopes to remain with the team.Since entering the NFL, Fields has had his moments, largely thanks to his rushing ability. He ran for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns in 2022. But he hasn't taken his game to the next level as a passer and has yet to throw for more than 3,000 yards or 17 touchdowns in a season. The Bears posted a 10-28 record with him as the starter.Williams is widely considered the top prospect in the 2024 draft. The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner spent his college career at Oklahoma and USC.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find year-round coverage of betting news and insights for all sports by visiting our Betting section and subscribing to push notifications.For the second year in a row, the Bears are faced with a decision while holding the first-overall pick in the NFL Draft: Will they keep or trade Justin Fields?Last year, the Bears dealt the top pick to the Panthers in exchange for a massive return that included wideout DJ Moore and two first-round picks.Thanks to the Panthers' league-worst record in 2023, the Bears ended up with the No. 1 pick again. However, this year's situation is slightly different than last, with highly-touted prospect Caleb Williams likely sitting atop every team's draft board.Fields only has one year remaining on his rookie contract, so a team has time to decide on a fifth-year option.By now, Chicago should know what they have with Fields after three seasons. Oddsmakers at theScore Bet suggest the Bears will move on from their current signal-caller. They've priced the Bears as Fields' next team at +700, which equates to an implied probability of 12.5%.Fields' next teamTeamOddsFalcons-130Steelers+350Bears+700Patriots+700Commanders+1100Broncos+1400Raiders+1500Seahawks+3500Vikings+5000Buccaneers+5000Odds via theScore Bet. Teams priced above +5000 are not listed.The quarterback-needy Falcons are the odds-on favorite to make a deal for Fields. At -130, they have an implied probability of 56.5% to acquire the former Buckeye.But what's more noteworthy is that the Falcons were +500 as of Tuesday, meaning there's been a drastic shift in odds in a short period.The Steelers were the original favorites but have drifted after the big shift in odds for the Falcons.The Patriots have the same odds of having Fields as their starting quarterback in 2024 as the Bears. New England is in rebuild mode without Bill Belichick and holds the No. 3 pick. The team may be content with taking whichever of the top three quarterback prospects - Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels - remains.Expect these odds to change drastically as more rumors and reports circulate leading up to the draft.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After a standout rookie campaign, Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is looking to join one of the NFL's most exclusive clubs in 2024."I want 2,000 yards rushing," Robinson told Daniel Flick of Sports Illustrated. "I know those are big expectations. (With) what we can do as an offense, with all the weapons, our O-line, with (new offensive coordinator) Zac (Robinson) being at the helm, it can be something special."I think it's going to be one of those special seasons that Atlanta's been waiting for and all of us as players have been waiting for. So, let's get it."Robinson set a new Falcons rookie record for scrimmage yards with 976 rushing and 478 receiving in 2023. He also had eight total touchdowns and was second on the team in catches with 58.However, ex-Falcons coach Arthur Smith was often criticized for underutilizing his new playmaker. The former No. 8 pick had just five games with over 15 rushing attempts. Backup Tyler Allgeier received almost as many carries (186 to Robinson's 214) despite averaging nearly a full yard less per rush (3.7 to 4.6)."Yeah, I had 1,400 yards, but for me, I have such high expectations, that's not a great season," Robinson said. "From the expectations people have from me, I could see them looking at that season like, 'that may be great somewhere else, but that shouldn't be the standard for me.'"Only eight running backs have eclipsed 2,000 rushing yards in NFL history, and none achieved the feat more than once. Derrick Henry was the last player to hit 2,000 yards in 2020.The Falcons replaced Smith with Raheem Morris and brought in Zac Robinson from the Los Angeles Rams to run their offense.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Potential No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams doesn't plan to hire an agent ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports.The NFL Players Association published a list of draft-eligible players and their agents Wednesday, and Williams' name wasn't included.The former USC quarterback is widely expected to be selected by the Chicago Bears at the top of April's draft, potentially explaining why he's opting against hiring an agent.The NFL implemented a rookie wage scale in 2011 in which contracts are given out based on draft position, meaning negotiations for first-year players are far less complex.However, issues like offset language - what happens to a player's salary if he's cut during his rookie deal and then signs with a new team - can still cause holdups.The first overall pick in 2023, Bryce Young, received a four-year, $37.96-million deal from the Carolina Panthers. He also got a $24.6-million signing bonus.The 22-year-old Williams won the Heisman Trophy in 2022. After beginning his college career at Oklahoma, he finished his two-year stint at USC with 8,170 yards and 72 touchdowns against 10 interceptions.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New England Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt isn't ruling out Mac Jones potentially returning as the team's starting quarterback in 2024 despite his disappointing 2023 campaign."Right now, everything is on the table," Van Pelt said Wednesday."We're still working through that process. When that time comes, I'm sure it'll be a collaborative effort, and we'll make the right decisions," he added, noting that he's met with Jones since being named the Patriots' new offensive coordinator on Feb. 1.Jones posted a strong 2021 season as a first-round rookie but hasn't replicated that success. The 25-year-old finished 2023 with just 2,120 yards and 10 touchdowns against 12 interceptions across 11 starts. New England benched him on multiple occasions for Bailey Zappe.Jones is considered a trade candidate this offseason as New England kicks off a new era led by first-year head coach Jerod Mayo. The Patriots, who went 4-13 in 2023, own the third overall pick in this year's draft and could select a QB in April."There's some good pieces in place," Van Pelt said of his new squad. "The best thing for everybody is it's going to be a fresh start for everybody. I've talked to a couple of guys already to come in with a clean slate. No preconceived expectations or notions of who these guys are, and then we'll build from the ground up."Regardless of who's under center for the Patriots, Van Pelt said he knows what he wants from his next quarterback."Smart, tough, and a leader," Van Pelt answered when asked about a signal-caller's most important traits. "Obviously there's accuracy in the pass game, mobility, and decision making, there's a lot that goes into it. ... The great players (are) often the best leaders and the most competitive guys."A former NFL quarterback, Van Pelt will call plays for the Patriots' offense in 2024. First-year coordinator DeMarcus Covington will be responsible for the team's defensive play-calling.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields is downplaying his decision to unfollow the Chicago Bears on Instagram."I still mess with the Bears, this and that, I'm just tryna to take a little break," Fields said Wednesday on the "St. Brown Bros Podcast," which features Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and Bears wideout Equanimeous St. Brown, per ESPN's Adam Schefter."I unfollowed the Bears and the NFL," Fields said. "I'm not just trying to have football on my timeline."Fields' decision to unfollow Chicago comes during an offseason in which he's widely expected to be traded. The Bears own the No. 1 and No. 9 picks in the NFL draft and are expected to select a new signal-caller.Fields is aware of the rumors and included them in the list of reasons why he needed to take a break."It's either 'Keep Fields, we want Fields,' it's either 'Draft (USC quarterback Caleb Williams).' Man, I'm tired of hearing the talk. I just want it to be over," Fields said.However, despite the uncertainty, Fields wants to remain with the Bears."I can't see myself playing in another place," Fields said, according to The 33rd Team.The Ohio State product, who turns 25 on March 5, owns a 10-28 record since he was selected No. 11 overall in the 2021 draft. He boasts 6,674 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions on 60.3% passing in 40 career games. He's also run for 2,220 yards and 14 more scores.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill doesn't think the idea of his team trading wideout Jaylen Waddle makes any sense.A trade idea involving Waddle went viral on social media after ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum - who served as the Dolphins' executive vice president of football operations from 2015-18 - suggested that Miami should send Waddle to the Kansas City Chiefs for All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie.The hypothetical move clearly didn't sit well with Hill, who criticized it while praising Waddle in a series of tweets on Tuesday."He is better than I was at this point in his career, and for people in this fan base to want to trade him is ludicrous," Hill wrote.

New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen said he's optimistic that new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak's system will help veteran quarterback Derek Carr find his best play again."Derek is going to do exceptionally well," Allen said Tuesday, according to NFL.com's Kevin Patra. "I thought there was a point in time this past season where we started incorporating a little more of the play-action passing game, and I really felt like that's where our offense started to take off. I thought that's where Derek really kind of started to take off. I've had communication with Derek throughout this process and talked to him about some of the different candidates that we were bringing in."The Saints announced Kubiak as their new offensive coordinator following Super Bowl LVIII after he spent the 2023 season as the San Francisco 49ers' passing game coordinator. The 37-year-old replaces Pete Carmichael, who served as New Orleans' OC from 2009-23.Kubiak was part of a 49ers coaching staff led by Kyle Shanahan that helped quarterback Brock Purdy top the NFL in several passing categories, including yards per attempt, passer rating, and EPA/play."I felt like Klint Kubiak was obviously the person of choice," Allen said. "I've known Klint for a long time. I feel like I've known the family for probably over 20, 30 years. I remember watching Klint's dad, Gary, play quarterback back at Texas A&M growing up. ... And I feel like this is the best scheme that gives your players the best chance to have success that's going in the National Football League right now."He added: "Klint is highly intelligent. He's (an) extremely hard worker. I think we've put together an outstanding staff with a little bit of mixture of older veteran coaches that have been there done that, with some younger, progressive-mindset type of guys, and I think it's gonna be a great mixture for our organization."New Orleans acquired Carr during the 2023 offseason. Though its offense improved statistically compared to 2022, the unit lacked consistency with the four-time Pro Bowler under center. The 32-year-old, who spent his first nine seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, passed for 25 touchdowns against eight interceptions this past campaign but ranked only 17th in EPA/play.The Saints finished the 2023 season with a 9-8 record and missed the playoffs for a third straight year.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL has caught trade fever in recent years. It used to be rare for teams to ship off star players in their prime, but massive names are on the move seemingly every offseason of late.Now, remember these are deals we want to see - not necessarily the most realistic trades that could happen.Before you call these proposals impossible, here's a quick list of the top players who've been traded over the last few years: Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Matthew Stafford, Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams, A.J. Brown, Christian McCaffrey, Roquan Smith, and Khalil Mack.Anything can happen in the NFL in 2024. Let's have some fun.Davante Adams Jets Candice Ward / Getty Images Sport / GettyA second blockbuster move for Adams should only end in one destination. New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has reportedly already put a reunion with his former Green Bay Packers teammate atop his wishlist for 2024. While the Las Vegas Raiders apparently said they aren't interested in moving the star pass-catcher, believing they can make a playoff run in 2024, the team's resolve might not hold up if Adams asks to be traded. He's 31 years old and might not be willing to roll the dice on the Raiders being competitive within the next year or two.The Jets will also likely be relentless in their pursuit after treading water for a year following Rodgers' early season-ending Achilles injury. The AFC East club knows it might have just one year of Rodgers left and therefore has to do everything in its power to provide him with as talented a supporting cast as possible. Adams is still an elite wideout, producing 1,144 yards and eight touchdowns in 2023 despite the Raiders' poor quarterback play. Pairing the All-Pro with Garrett Wilson would give Rodgers a top-five receiver duo to ease his return. The 40-year-old is the last of the old guard of quarterbacks. Who doesn't want to see him go out throwing bombs to Adams again?Justin Fields SteelersThe Bears will likely keep the No. 1 pick unless another team blows them away with a historic offer, which means a new quarterback in Chicago - most likely USC star Caleb Williams - and an exit for Fields. With Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield the only viable veteran free-agent options for teams seeking a starter, Fields' market should be robust. The Pittsburgh Steelers feel like a natural fit, even if acquiring the 24-year-old undeniably comes with significant risk.While he's showcased elite running skills, Fields' passing abilities are still developing. Though Pittsburgh hasn't hit the heights of the early years of the Mike Tomlin era recently, it's still one of the NFL's best models of consistency and possesses a strong locker room. For some reason, the Steelers are still backing Kenny Pickett's chances of developing into a franchise player despite keeping him on the bench for Mason Rudolph. For the sake of Steelers fans everywhere, we'll bet they're blowing smoke and know they need a shot in the arm. For all his flaws, Fields could be just that.Stefon Diggs Panthers Timothy T Ludwig / Getty Images Sport / GettyLet's be honest: Bryce Young's rookie season was an absolute disaster. Canning Frank Reich and hiring Dave Canales is a good start, but the Panthers have to go all-out to help the 2023 first overall pick. Teams don't have to be tied to bad quarterbacks for as long as they used to be thanks to the rookie wage scale, but with Carolina also forfeiting the top pick in the 2024 draft as part of the trade to get Young, the team has to give him every possible chance to succeed.That brings us to Diggs, who was surrounded by questions about his future with the Buffalo Bills all season amid rumors of discontent. Diggs is still a great receiver, and the Bills will likely run it back under the belief that a Super Bowl is within reach. But his role diminished in 2023, with zero 100-yard games from Week 7 after five in the first six weeks. Diggs' contract is admittedly a big hurdle. But facing a tough cap situation, Buffalo could save $19 million by trading him after June 1 while also being able to focus on bringing in younger weapons for Josh Allen. Meanwhile, the Panthers can properly evaluate Young by giving him a proven wideout rather than relying on hitting on a rookie. It could be a win-win.Geno Smith FalconsSmith's future with the Seattle Seahawks was already somewhat of a question mark after an uneven 2023 campaign. Trade speculation then ramped up after they let Smith's base salary become guaranteed, and ESPN's Adam Schefter suggested that other teams may find value in trading for the quarterback.The Seahawks already kick-started a new era by pushing Pete Carroll upstairs and hiring Mike Macdonald. While Smith is a safe pair of hands, Seattle could want to get younger at the game's most important position.In this scenario, the Atlanta Falcons miss out on trading for Fields or signing Cousins or Mayfield. With the eighth overall pick in the draft, they're also unlikely to get one of the top three quarterbacks available. Atlanta needs a long-term answer under center, but it also needs a competitive season after three straight anonymous years. Smith isn't an elite passer, but he can lead a top-10 offense when surrounded by playmakers - which Atlanta has in spades - while buying time for the new regime to find a franchise quarterback.Brandon Aiyuk Colts Ezra Shaw / Getty Images Sport / GettyAiyuk is due a massive contract extension after racking up a career-high 1,342 yards in 2023. While the San Francisco 49ers said they want to keep him, warning signs for a potential breakup have already surfaced. Aiyuk, his girlfriend, and his close friend all made cryptic social media posts following the Super Bowl loss. Aiyuk didn't do much to quash those rumors when asked if he hopes to re-sign in San Francisco, saying he will "if that's the right move." The NFC champions are also already paying elite money to their large group of star players. At some point, San Francisco will have to make some tough calls.If Aiyuk were to become available, the Indianapolis Colts should be the first team to call. The Colts are convinced Anthony Richardson is a future star despite the quarterback playing only four games in his first year, which means they should go on the attack to surround him with top talent while he's on his rookie contract. Paying both Michael Pittman Jr., who's a free agent, and Aiyuk might be a little too rich for the usually conservative Colts. But with $66 million in cap space and a desire to build on the momentum from a surprisingly successful 2023 campaign, Indy should take a big swing.Haason Reddick LionsThe Detroit Lions' lack of consistent pass rush was one reason they fell agonizingly short of a Super Bowl appearance in 2023. Aidan Hutchinson is a stud, but he also had 78 more pressures than any of his teammates. Detroit needs to ease the burden on him by landing another established edge player who will command the respect of opposing offenses.While Reddick says he wants to remain in Philadephia, the Eagles reportedly permitting him to seek out a new home likely means they're intent on moving on from him. The pass-rusher is still a Pro Bowl-level player despite his sack total dropping from 16 in 2022 to 11 in 2023. Reddick, who turns 30 in September, could be a perfect complement to Hutchinson in Detroit. While many big-name edge free agents are set to hit the market, trading for Reddick guarantees Detroit isn't left with another weak pass rush as it attempts to go one step further in 2024.Justin Simmons Packers Michael Owens / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Packers' timeline to return to Super Bowl contention accelerated when Jordan Love showed off top-five quarterback abilities in his first year as a starter. Green Bay will reportedly give Love a big-money extension this offseason, so it can't be as aggressive as some teams have been with young quarterbacks on rookie deals. Still, the Packers can seek out proven talent to complement their super-youthful roster, and Simmons would be a great fit.The Denver Broncos need a rebuild. While Simmons is a four-time second-team All-Pro, he's now on the wrong side of 30 and will unlikely still be playing at an elite level by the time the Broncos are ready to contend again. With his value only set to drop, Denver should gain back some valuable assets lost in the Russell Wilson trade. On the other side of the deal, Simmons would easily fill the Packers' biggest need while also being an ideal fit for the scheme of new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who leaned heavily on single-high looks at Boston College.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Lions released safety Tracy Walker, the team announced Tuesday.The move frees up $5.5 million in cap space, according to the Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett.Walker posted a farewell message to the team and fans on Instagram.

New England Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater announced his retirement on Tuesday after 16 NFL seasons.Considered one of the greatest gunners in NFL history, Slater helped the Patriots win three Super Bowls. The 39-year-old finishes his career with 10 Pro Bowl nods, the most ever for a special teams player."In 2008, I came here as a young man with hopes and dreams," the former fifth-round pick wrote in a statement. "In 2024, I can retire knowing this experience has exceeded any hope or dream I ever had."Slater also claimed eight All-Pro berths, including five first-team selections. Pro Football Writers of America voted him as a first-team All-Pro three times before The Associated Press began including special teamers in its All-Pro squad in 2016.He made 239 regular-season appearances for the Patriots and played in 25 playoff games, serving as a special teams cornerstone of Bill Belichick outfit in New England. Belichick recently described Slater as the greatest gunner of all time.Slater, who was originally drafted as a wide receiver, caught just one pass throughout his career. The UCLA product also returned kicks for the Patriots.Slater presumably has the credentials to eventually be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but history hasn't been kind to former gunners looking for a bust in Canton. Former Buffalo Bills special teamer Steve Tasker, who retired with seven Pro Bowl nods and five first-team All-Pro berths, is yet to be inducted despite being a semifinalist on eight occasions.Slater's father, Jackie, became a Hall of Famer in 2001 after posting a decorated career as an offensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams.The Patriots kicked off a new era in 2024 after parting ways with Belichick. New England, which went 4-13 in 2023, recently named Jerod Mayo as its next head coach.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New England Patriots released defensive lineman Lawrence Guy and safety Adrian Phillips, the team announced Tuesday.Guy, 33, spent the past seven seasons with New England. He started 103 of 110 games with the franchise and recorded 379 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks. He was a member of the Patriots' Super Bowl LIII team that defeated the Los Angeles Rams.While Guy's contributions on the field were noteworthy, he was also twice nominated as the Patriots' candidate for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, an honor recognizing players who display a commitment to philanthropy and positively impacting the community.The Arizona State product will seek out his fifth NFL team after other stints with the Indianapolis Colts, the then-San Diego Chargers, and the Baltimore Ravens.Guy posted a farewell message on X.

The Minnesota Vikings are unwilling to give quarterback Kirk Cousins a fully guaranteed contract, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.Cousins signed a three-year, $84-million fully guaranteed deal with the club in 2018. He later signed two extensions that kept him in Minnesota until the end of the 2023 campaign. Cousins is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March.Minnesota reportedly spoke with Cousins' camp last week, and the two sides are maintaining contact.The regime that signed Cousins to his 2018 contract is no longer with the Vikings, as general manager Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer were fired in 2021 and replaced with Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O'Connell.Cousins tore his Achilles in Week 8 of the 2023 campaign. He was on pace to have one of the better seasons of his career, totaling 2,331 passing yards with 18 touchdowns and only five interceptions in eight contests.Minnesota currently has $23.8 million in cap space, according to Over The Cap. Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall are the only quarterbacks the Vikings have under contract for the 2024 season.The 35-year-old Cousins has 39,471 passing yards with 270 touchdowns in 150 career games.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New Orleans Saints veteran tight end Jimmy Graham is set to embark on an adventure across the Arctic Ocean in pursuit of a world record.Graham announced Monday that he will be participating in the 2025 Arctic Challenge, where he'll be part of a four-person team rowing across the Arctic Ocean, according to Justin Vlosich of NewOrleansSaints.com. The team also includes former Navy SEAL Andrew Tropp, former Team USA rower Hannah Huppi, and former Team USA and Team Switzerland rower John Huppi.The journey will begin in Norway and continue for more than 600 miles, eventually coming to an end in Longyearbyen, Svalbard. The team will row non-stop for 24 hours a day, alternating through two-hour shifts.Once they complete their mission, Graham and his crew will own a Guinness World record as the first mixed-gendered team to row across the Arctic Ocean. They can also break the record for the fastest four-person team to row across the Arctic Ocean if they achieve the feat in less than 15 days, five hours, and 32 minutes.The Arctic Challenge is partnering with three charities for the row: the Jimmy Graham Foundation, Covenant House, and Laureus Sport for Good USA.Graham signed a one-year deal with the Saints in 2023 after sitting out the previous season, returning to the team with which he spent the first five years of his career. The 37-year-old's future in the NFL is unclear, as he bid farewell to New Orleans on Instagram in January.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Offensive tackle Tyron Smith isn't considering retirement and wants to sign another contract with the Dallas Cowboys, sources told Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News.Smith is set to become an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins in March. He's one of the NFL's better offensive tackles when healthy, but injury issues have plagued him in recent years.The 33-year-old hasn't played every game in a season since 2015. He has missed 23 contests over the last three years due to various ailments, including a hamstring tear suffered in training camp in 2022."This is clearly his best season that I have experienced with him since 2020," head coach Mike McCarthy said in January.McCarthy added, "I think the fact that he's not going into the offseason with offseason surgeries is a plus. We'll continue to talk as we move forward."Dallas drafted offensive lineman Tyler Smith in the first round in 2022. He has started 31 games for the Cowboys over the last two years and has thrived as an offensive guard. However, he was initially projected to be Tyron Smith's eventual replacement at left tackle.Tyron Smith is the Cowboys' longest-tenured player. They selected him ninth overall in 2011, and he has secured five All-Pro selections over his career.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The window for NFL teams to assign the franchise and transition tags begins Feb. 20 and ends at 4 p.m. ET on March 5. Teams can use only one tag per offseason.The franchise tag restricts a player's rights in free agency while offering them a one-year contract. The tender's cost is determined by 120% of the player's cap number from the previous season or the average of the top five salaries at their respective position, whichever is greater. The player can sign the tag anytime and has until July 15 to negotiate a multi-year extension. Meanwhile, the transition tag allows a player to test free agency while giving his incumbent team the right to match any offer. The transition tag is presented as a one-year deal worth the average of the top 10 salaries at the player's position.Keep in mind that some high-profile free agents aren't considered candidates here, including Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins and defensive end Danielle Hunter, whose contracts are void after the tag designation window closes. In cases like Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans, using the tag may not make sense given how much it would cost ($28 million). Here are the top candidates for a tender in 2024, barring extensions:(Salary projections courtesy: Over The Cap)Candidates to get 2nd straight tag Ryan Kang / Getty Images Sport / GettyChris Jones, DL, Chiefs

The Chicago Bears are releasing veteran offensive lineman Cody Whitehair and safety Eddie Jackson, the team announced Thursday.Chicago will save approximately $21.5 million against the salary cap by releasing them, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.Whitehair, 31, spent eight seasons in Chicago and earned a Pro Bowl nod during the 2018 campaign. He started 118 of the 124 games he appeared in with the team.The 30-year-old Jackson spent the past seven seasons with the Bears after being selected in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.The Kansas State product began his pro career as Chicago's starting center during his first three seasons. He became noted for his versatility after starting as an offensive guard along with lining up at center during the 2019-20 campaign before making the full-time move to guard.Jackson started all 100 games he was available for during his time in Chicago. He recorded 459 tackles, 44 pass breakups, 15 interceptions, and 10 forced fumbles. The two-time Pro Bowler (2018, 2019) is tied with former Bears linebacker Lance Briggs for third place in franchise history with six defensive touchdowns.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Baltimore Ravens signed wide receiver Nelson Agholor to a one-year extension, the team announced Sunday.The financial terms of the deal weren't revealed.Agholor is now under contract through 2024. He signed a one-year, $3.25-million deal with Baltimore ahead of the 2023 campaign. The contract was set to void if he didn't sign an extension by Monday, according to The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec.The 30-year-old hauled in 35 receptions for 381 yards and four touchdowns this season. His yardage mark ranked third among the club's wide receivers, trailing Zay Flowers (858) and Odell Beckham Jr. (565).Agholor added three more receptions for 51 yards and a score across the Ravens' two playoff games.The USC product has totaled 4,627 yards and 35 touchdowns on 375 receptions in 135 career games.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons believes his team should bring back running back Tony Pollard."I would say toward the end of the season Tony Pollard was catching his rhythm again," Parsons said in an interview with Stephen A Smith. "I do think he's an every-down guy. You've got to think, he broke his fibula, tibia, something that's a catastrophic injury."He added: "You saw him increase, like he even said, 'I'm just now getting back to myself.' I would give Tony Pollard another shot."Pollard is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent when the new league year opens in March. He was selected by Dallas in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.The Memphis product had a terrific 2022 campaign, totaling 1,378 yards and 12 touchdowns on 232 touches. He suffered a fractured fibula in the team's divisional-round loss to the San Francisco 49ers, which haltered his prep for the 2023 season.Pollard's numbers took a hit this year, as he averaged only four yards per carry on 252 attempts. His dip in production affected Dallas' offense, which fell from ninth in rushing yards per contest in 2022 to 15th in 2023.The Cowboys placed the franchise tag on Pollard last offseason. He played on a one-year, $10-million fully guaranteed deal."You're talking about a guy that's really been off from that January, came back Week 1, but he didn't really do a lot," Parsons said. "It takes a while to get back into football. He didn't do OTAs. He didn't do minicamp. He kind of did camp a little bit like working through it, getting back into it."Deuce Vaughn and Malik Davis are currently the Cowboys' only running backs under contract for 2024. Pollard has 3,621 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns in 79 career games.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Free safety Xavier McKinney says he wants to feel valued when he becomes an unrestricted free agent in March."I want to be appreciated in every way for what I do and bring to the table," McKinney posted Friday on X. "As a player and as a leader. I've stood by myself ten toes through the critics, the hate, etc."The 24-year-old's role and production grew through his four seasons with the New York Giants. McKinney recorded a career-high 116 tackles with 11 passes defended and three interceptions in 2023 while playing every defensive snap.With the conclusion of his rookie deal, McKinney is seeking compensation that would bring his value closer to the top of the safety market.The Giants could prevent McKinney from hitting free agency by placing the franchise tag on him, which is projected at $17.2 million in 2024. However, New York has constraints with just $19.4 million in cap space, according to Over the Cap.Derwin James leads all safeties with an average annual salary of $19 million. McKinney's rookie deal was a four-year contract worth $8.39 million.McKinney is among a group of Giants starters set to explore free agency this spring, along with Saquon Barkley, Adoree' Jackson, and Isaiah Simmons.His 91.2 coverage grade, per PFF, was the highest mark for a safety last season. Despite his production and becoming a team captain with the Giants, the Alabama product said he isn't keen on taking a hometown discount."I'm the most complete safety out there, and it's about time for some respect to that, too," McKinney said in January, according to the New York Post's Mark Cannizzaro.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Athletes First is telling its 2024 NFL Draft prospects to skip cognitive testing in the pre-draft evaluation process, according to The Athletic's Kalyn Kahler, who obtained an email sent by the sports agency to teams in January.The S2 test caused controversy last season when Houston Texas quarterback C.J. Stroud's poor score was leaked. Stroud, a client of Athletes First, reportedly scored 18 out of a possible 100 on the test, leading to questions about his worthiness of being a top selection.Stroud was ultimately selected second overall and went on to win Offensive Rookie of the Year after leading the Texans to the playoffs."We understand that many of your teams use these tests or protocols as part of your prospect evaluation process, however our recent experience with these exams has been less than positive," the email said."Specifically, the fact that certain results and performances were leaked publicly last year demonstrates that there truly is no confidentiality with these tests. It is not right for a player's intelligence, aptitude or mental processing to be subject to public discussion and ridicule - no other job interview carries the same scrutiny."The creators of the S2 told The Wall Street Journal in January that Stroud's low score was flagged as "potentially invalid." The 45-minute test is used by half of the NFL's 32 teams and measures a player's processing speed, reaction time, and ability to digest information and respond under duress.The 22-year-old Stroud shrugged off his S2 score before last April's draft.I'm not a test-taker. I play football," Stroud told the Charlotte Observer's Scott Fowler. "At the end of the day, I don't have nothing to prove to nobody. I'm not (going to) sit here and explain how I process football. The people who are making the picks know what I can do, so that's all the matters to me."Athletes First doesn't represent any of the 2024 quarterback class, which is headlined by Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL is suspending Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo for two games for violating its policy on performance-enhancing substances, the league announced Friday, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Garoppolo isn't planning to appeal his suspension and will miss the first two games of the 2024 season, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.The Raiders are expected to release the veteran quarterback in March instead of paying him an $11.25-million roster bonus, which is due on the fifth day of the new league year, Schefter adds.Garoppolo violated the policy by reportedly using a prescribed medication without using a valid therapeutic use exemption from the league.Garoppolo's suspension would void his salary guarantee for the 2024 season, allowing the Raiders to move on from him with minimal financial penalties, according to Over the Cap.The 32-year-old passer signed a three-year, $72.75-million deal with Las Vegas last March. The dead money from releasing Garoppolo prior to next season would drop from $28.4 million to $17.1 million.A key signing for former general manager Dave Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels, Garoppolo began 2023 as the Raiders' starting QB. Yet the former two-time Super Bowl winner was benched after the team's Week 8 loss to the Detroit Lions in favor of rookie Aidan O'Connell. Las Vegas posted a 4-3 mark with Garoppolo starting under center.He concluded his 2023 campaign passing with 1,205 yards, seven touchdowns, nine interceptions, and a 65% completion rate.With Tom Telesco taking over as GM and Antonio Pierce promoted to coach, the Raiders could be looking to add a quarterback through free agency or with the No. 13 overall pick in the upcoming draft. O'Connell and Brian Hoyer would be the only passers on Las Vegas' roster following Garoppolo's pending departure.Garoppolo will be seeking his third team in as many offseasons after spending six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers (2017-2022) prior to joining the Raiders. The Eastern Illinois product began his career with the New England Patriots (2014-16).Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.A year after we were tasked with deciphering what the Bears would do with the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, we're back to figuring out what they'll do with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. But will that matter?The reason for this deja vu is that Chicago traded the pick last year - a genius move at the time that only got better when the recipient Panthers finished dead last this past season.Draft OrderPICKTEAM1Chicago Bears2Washington Commanders3New England Patriots4Arizona Cardinals5Los Angeles Chargers6New York Giants7Tennessee Titans8Atlanta Falcons9Chicago Bears10New York Jets11Minnesota Vikings12Denver Broncos13Las Vegas RaidersTrading the pick is an option again for Chicago, depending on how the team's management feels about Justin Fields a year later. But the smart money seems like it's on the Bears dealing him and picking a new franchise quarterback, restarting the clock on a rookie contract at the position.There's even the provocative option of doing both - dealing Fields for assets while trading out of the first slot for another haul and taking one of the many other quarterback prospects in the top 10.One prop available in the market prices the Bears at -500 to make the first selection (the field is +350). Unlike this time last year, when Bryce Young was just -130, it seems there's more certainty about whose name will be called first, no matter how it shakes out.No. 1 overall pick oddsPLAYERODDSCaleb Williams-900Drake Maye+500Marvin Harrison Jr.+1300Jayden Daniels+1800J.J. McCarthy+2500Michael Penix+4000Others available at theScore Bet at 90-1 or longerCaleb Williams' odds imply a 90% chance he goes first overall. But at this stage in the handicapping process, we should start by figuring out how talent evaluators feel about the favorite and whether he's a "sure thing," like recent heavy favorites Trevor Lawrence and Joe Burrow.Some have their questions.

New Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury described what he expects from his next quarterback as Washington enters the offseason likely to pursue a new signal-caller."The (Kansas City) Chiefs quarterback," Kingsbury jokingly said Thursday when asked what his ideal fit for a QB would be."When the money is on the table, you gotta be able to make some plays with your feet, move around enough to escape a bad play," Kingsbury added. "Doesn't mean you gotta run like Lamar (Jackson) or Kyler Murray, but you better be able to move a little bit and buy yourself some time. ... You want that player to be the hardest worker on your team, you want them to lead those guys."The Commanders turned to Sam Howell in 2023, but the 2022 fifth-round pick may not have done enough to keep the starting job. He finished the season with a 63.4% completion rate for 3,943 yards and 21 touchdowns against an NFL-high 21 interceptions. Washington owns the second overall pick in this year's draft and is expected to add a new QB1.The 2024 quarterback draft class is headlined by Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels. All three stand out when it comes to mobility. Kingsbury worked with Williams - who's the favorite to go first overall to the Chicago Bears - during his time as an offensive analyst at USC in 2023. A former head coach with Texas Tech and the Arizona Cardinals, Kingsbury has worked with several high-profile QBs throughout his career, including Williams, Murray, and Patrick Mahomes.Kingsbury was originally expected to join the Las Vegas Raiders as OC in 2024, but the 44-year-old pulled himself out of consideration after negotiations broke down. He then signed a three-year contract with Washington.Kingsbury declined to explain why he opted against the Raiders. He praised what the Commanders have been building instead."Don't want to get into specifics of the process as much, but obviously (the Commanders provide) a historic franchise, incredible fan base, the opportunity to work with (general manager) Adam Peters, (head coach) Dan Quinn," Kingsbury said.He added, "The ownership group, what they're trying to do, their vision. It's exciting. Exciting times. ... Just honored to be here."The Commanders finished 4-13 in 2023 and struggled on both sides of the ball, ranking 25th in points scored and 32nd in points allowed. They made big changes after the season, most notably hiring Quinn and Peters. The NFC East team will also have a new defensive coordinator in Joe Whitt Jr.Washington landed Maye at No. 2 in the latest edition of theScore's 2024 NFL Mock Draft.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed doesn't believe the team can re-sign both him and defensive tackle Chris Jones this offseason."I hope I'm here," Sneed said on "Up & Adams" on Thursday. "But you know, never know how it goes ... You know they can't keep both of us (me and Jones). I don't think they got enough for both of us. But you know, they gonna make it happen. I hope so."Sneed and Jones are set to become unrestricted free agents when the new league year opens in March. The Chiefs can only place the franchise tag on one of them, and Jones' tag would cost more as he was tagged last season.General manager Brett Veach said last week that extending Jones and Sneed is his top priority.The 27-year-old Sneed has been a stabilizing force for Kansas City's secondary in recent years, and he had another tremendous campaign in 2023. He racked up two interceptions with 17 passes defended in 20 starts, allowing only 53 receptions on 102 targets, according to PFF.Jones has been one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL since racking up 15.5 sacks in 2018. The 29-year-old said at the Super Bowl parade on Wednesday that he's "not going anywhere."Kansas City currently has $22.8 million in cap space, according to Over The Cap. The franchise can increase that number by restructuring quarterback Patrick Mahomes' massive contract.When asked about his message for Veach, Sneed said, "Man, pay me. Pay me ... That's all I got to say. Pay me."Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Three Super Bowls and three Super Bowl MVPs - that's the resume Patrick Mahomes has already built for himself at just 28 years old. After establishing the Kansas City Chiefs as the first dynasty since the New England Patriots, there's only one question remaining:How long until he catches the GOAT?Mahomes still has a long way to go before matching Tom Brady's seven Lombardi Trophies. But when it comes to early career pace, Mahomes may hold the advantage.Let's start by comparing how Mahomes and Brady stacked up through their age-28 campaigns in regular-season play. While Mahomes has the benefit of one more year's worth of games as a starter, it's age that ultimately dictates the length of an NFL career.Regular season at 28Of course, Brady began his career in a different era - the early 2000s NFL didn't quite feature the high-powered passing attacks that dominate the league today. It wasn't until 2007 that his counting stats started to trend upward as he was unleashed in the Patriots' juggernaut passing attack. Mahomes, meanwhile, has been lighting up the stat sheet from the jump.The real legacy-defining comparison comes by evaluating postseason success. Brady and Mahomes both have a knack for stepping up in the big moment and leading their teams to victories when it matters most.Playoffs at 28Brady's mystique stems just as much from his immortal-like longevity as it does from his unmatched seven titles. Whether Mahomes can match Brady's staying power in his own quest for the GOAT crown is unknown. But with the pace he's on, maybe he won't even need to.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With the 2023 season in the books, NFL teams will begin balancing budgets and reshaping their rosters. Here are 15 veterans whose hefty contracts, age, or performance could place them on the chopping block ahead of free agency.(Contract information courtesy of OverTheCap)Broncos QB Russell WilsonYears left on contract: 5

Find year-round coverage of betting news and insights for all sports by visiting our Betting section and subscribing to push notifications.With another Super Bowl victory for the Chiefs in the rearview mirror, there's no better time to look back at the biggest long-shot winners in the 2023 betting season.Remember, hindsight is always 20/20, so don't let these potentially missed opportunities entice you to take more swings next season. Rather, let them serve as a reminder that there are extremely profitable futures bets that can be made if you know where and when to look.Here are the 10 most profitable NFL singles bets that could have been made since August.Buccaneers: Win NFC South (+900)

San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan announced Wednesday that he's relieved defensive coordinator Steve Wilks of his duties following the Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.Wilks spent one season in San Francisco after taking over for DeMeco Ryans, who left to become the Houston Texans' coach.During an end-of-season press conference Tuesday, Shanahan said he expected all of his coaching staff to return for 2024. He said Wednesday that he didn't announce Wilks' departure then because he was unsure if they'd part ways.Shanahan added that it was a tough decision but said Wilks' system didn't align with what the 49ers had previously used."That was the hardest part. I knew that was a challenge," Shanahan said, according to Josh Dubow of The Associated Press. "We have committed to not just a system, but the players that have been in the system from our D-line, our linebackers, they played in it for such a long time."It was my goal to not have to change all of them and bring in Steve who was unbelievable and how loyal he was and him trying to do it. But it just ended up not being the right fit. It hurt for me to do this but that's exactly why I had to."San Francisco put together a strong first-half performance last Sunday, holding Patrick Mahomes and Co. to three points.But the 49ers struggled to stop the Chiefs offense in the second half and overtime, with Mahomes ultimately leading a 75-yard, 13-play game-winning drive to secure Kansas City's second straight title.The 49ers finished the 2022 campaign as the NFL's top-ranked defense in both points and yards allowed. While the unit was still strong in 2023, it slipped to eighth and third in yards and points allowed, respectively.Wilks was the Arizona Cardinals' head coach for one season in 2018. He was then the interim coach of the Carolina Panthers in 2022 and spent time with the Cleveland Browns before joining San Francisco.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Kansas City Chiefs signed defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to a contract extension, the team announced Wednesday.Spagnuolo has been with the Chiefs since 2019 and won three Super Bowls with the franchise. He called a masterful game in Super Bowl LVIII, holding the San Francisco 49ers' offense to just 22 points.The 49ers ranked first in EPA/play and success rate on offense in 2023. The Chiefs' defense was able to swarm quarterback Brock Purdy all night while holding star running back Christian McCaffrey to 80 yards on 22 carries.Kansas City's defense was stellar all season, ranking second in points per game and fourth in defensive success rate. The team saw development from young players, including Trent McDuffie, L'Jarius Sneed, and Leo Chenal.Spagnuolo was hired by the Chiefs after taking a year off in 2018. He was the New York Giants' defensive coordinator from 2015-2017 and spent time as the interim head coach in 2017 after the club fired Ben McAdoo.The Chiefs have tough decisions to make on the defensive side of the ball this offseason, as crucial pieces are set to become unrestricted free agents in March including Chris Jones, Drue Tranquill, and Sneed.Spagnuolo became the first offensive or defensive coordinator in NFL history to win four Super Bowls with the victory on Sunday.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Washington Commanders are hiring San Francisco 49ers assistant head coach and running backs coach Anthony Lynn as their run-game coordinator, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN.Washington tried to hire Lynn last year, per Schefter, and he is close with general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn.Lynn coached the Los Angeles Chargers from 2017-20, finishing his tenure with a 33-31 record and one playoff appearance. He spent the last two seasons with the 49ers.The 55-year-old will work under new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who opted to join the Commanders after reportedly pulling out of contention for the same role with the Las Vegas Raiders over a contract dispute.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With the Kansas City Chiefs trailing early in the Super Bowl, Travis Kelce was captured shouting at Andy Reid before bumping into his coach and momentarily knocking him off balance.Reid and Kelce downplayed the sideline spat after the Chiefs came back to beat the San Francisco 49ers in overtime, and the star tight end said Wednesday on his "New Heights" podcast that his actions were "definitely unacceptable.""I can't get that fired up to the point where I'm bumping coach and it's getting him off balance and stuff," Kelce said. "When he stumbled, I was like, 'Aw, shit' in my head."Kelce said he wasn't angry at Reid and that his outburst was about telling his coach that he could rely on him to turn around the game. He added that he immediately wished he could take it back."He's checked me a few times, and I just wanted to let him know that I wanted this thing and that he can put it on me and I got him," Kelce said. "It just came in a moment where we weren't playing very well. I wasn't playing very well, and we had to get some shit going."

49ers general manager John Lynch is hopeful the team and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk can come to an agreement to keep him in San Francisco long term."You want a guy like Brandon Aiyuk to be a part of you going forward," Lynch told reporters.He added: "Whether you're a trained eye or you're a fan, you can see the passion he plays with, you can see the production that he's had. ... We're extremely prideful in what he's become, and he should be as well."Aiyuk is set to play the 2024 season on a fifth-year option worth $14.1 million, according to Spotrac. He's eligible for the franchise tag if the two sides can't agree to an extension before March 2025.The 25-year-old Aiyuk led the team in targets (105), receptions (75), and receiving yards (1,342) this season. He secured a second-team All-Pro nomination, and his 1,342 receiving yards ranked seventh in the NFL.However, Aiyuk had a quiet playoff run, totaling only nine catches for 149 yards in three postseason contests."If that's the right move, yeah," Aiyuk said when asked if he wants to remain with the 49ers, according to Matt Lively of CBS Sports. When asked what the right move would look like, he replied, "Being a champion."San Francisco selected Aiyuk in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He has 269 catches for 3,931 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns in 62 career games.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With Super Bowl LVIII in the books, the football world's attention turns to free agency. There'll be plenty of intriguing names available when the NFL's negotiating window opens March 11. Here's an early look at the 50 best players slated to hit the market.1. Chris Jones Christian Petersen / Getty Images Sport / GettyFranchise-tag candidateAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value30DT1$32M/yearJones remains one of the NFL's most intimidating defenders. He finished with his third-most career sacks (10.5) in 2023. The All-Pro might've taken a few more run plays off than usual as he chased the incentives in his reworked deal, but he's still capable of being a defense's lynchpin for years to come. He'll get one of free agency's biggest deals.2. Kirk CousinsAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value36QB1$40M/yearCousins was on pace for the best season of his career before he tore his Achilles. The veteran signal-caller totaled 2,331 yards and 18 touchdowns with only five interceptions in eight games. However, both Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Cousins - who can't be tagged - have expressed interest in a reunion.3. Josh AllenFranchise-tag candidateAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value27EDGE1$27M/yearThe Jaguars have said they won't let Allen get anywhere close to the open market and will likely use the franchise tag as a precursor to a huge extension. We don't blame them. The pass-rusher is the key piece on Jacksonville's defense and tied for second in the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2023.4. Tee HigginsFranchise-tag candidateAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value25WR1$23M/yearDespite being the No. 2 wide receiver in Cincinnati behind Ja'Marr Chase, Higgins has all the tools to be a top pass-catcher. The 25-year-old missed five games in 2023, but he'd previously had at least 900 yards and six scores in every campaign. Higgins is expected to receive a big contract if the Bengals don't franchise tag him.5. Brian Burns Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images Sport / GettyFranchise-tag candidateAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value26EDGE2$27M/yearYoung, productive pass-rushers like Burns don't see free agency very often. He has 246 pressures and 46 sacks in five years since entering the league as a first-round pick in the 2019 draft, per PFF. The Florida State product has been able to stay healthy, missing only three games in his career.6. Justin MadubuikeFranchise-tag candidateAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value26DT2$24M/yearMadubuike was a steady force over his first three seasons before becoming one of the biggest breakout players of 2023. He more than doubled his total career sacks numbers by earning 13 this past season. Teams will likely be ready to pay big with the chance to secure Madubuike for his prime years.7. Jaylon JohnsonFranchise-tag candidateAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value25CB1$20M/yearJohnson's trade demands during this past season didn't distract him from tallying a career-high four interceptions. Adept at playing both zone and man coverage, the young defensive back is expected to be coveted after posting PFF's highest coverage grade (91) among cornerbacks.8. Antoine Winfield Jr.Franchise-tag candidateAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value26S1$19M/yearWinfield stated his case for being the NFL's best safety after earning first-team All-Pro honors thanks to a wild stat line: 122 tackles, six sacks, six forced fumbles, three interceptions, and four fumble recoveries.9. L'Jarius SneedFranchise-tag candidateAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value27CB2$18M/yearSneed's capability in coverage both in the slot and on the outside can't be understated. His dynamic abilities were on full display during the Chiefs' latest Super Bowl run after he surrendered just a single touchdown all season.10. Christian Wilkins Megan Briggs / Getty Images Sport / GettyFranchise-tag candidateAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value28DT3$22M/yearWilkins is set for a big payday after playing last season on the fifth-year option of his rookie deal. He set a career high in sacks with nine and has been a stabilizing force for the Dolphins' defense since being selected 13th overall in 2019.11. Mike EvansFranchise-tag candidateAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value31WR2$21M/yearAn ageless wonder, Evans produced a stunning 10th straight 1,000-yard season. Outside of the occasional drop, the veteran is as well-rounded as they come and is deserving of one final big contract.12. Danielle HunterAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value29EDGE3$20M/yearHunter set a career high in sacks with 16.5 last season. He's been one of the most consistent pass-rushers in the NFL, racking up 62 sacks in his last 73 games. Hunter - who can't be tagged - has spent his entire seven-year career in Minnesota and was rumored to be traded at least year's deadline.13. Leonard WilliamsAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value30DT4$18M/yearWilliams had four sacks in 10 games for the Seahawks last season following a midseason trade from the Giants. His pass-rush productivity has dropped since his career year in 2020, but the veteran will be sought after in free agency.14. Michael Pittman Jr.Franchise-tag candidateAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value26WR3$22M/yearPittman is a prime franchise-tag candidate after a career season in 2023. Despite playing most of the year with backup quarterback Gardner Minshew, the wideout set his best-ever marks for catches (109) and receiving yards (1,152).15. D.J. Reader Michael Hickey / Getty Images Sport / GettyAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value30DT5$15M/yearReader is one of the league's best interior run defenders when healthy. He's racked up 104 tackles and 18 quarterback hits for the Bengals over the last three seasons.16. Bryce HuffAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value26EDGE4$17M/yearHuff totaled 10 sacks and 67 pressures, according to PFF, as a rotational pass-rusher last season for the Jets. He could become one of the league's most productive pass-rushers with a more prominent role.17. Saquon BarkleyAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value27RB1$12M/yearBarkley couldn't match his 2022 production after the Giants franchise tagged him last offseason. Still, the former first-round halfback has posted at least 1,000 scrimmage yards and 10 total touchdowns in each of the past two seasons. His ability as a home-run threat makes him one of the more enticing players in an undervalued running back market.18. Tyron SmithAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value33OT1$14M/yearSmith has been a pillar of the Cowboys since he was drafted in 2011. Despite his age, the eight-time Pro Bowl left tackle remains capable of anchoring an offensive line. But concerns about his availability should be top of mind after he missed 33 games the last four seasons.19. Baker MayfieldFranchise-tag candidate Age in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value29QB2$35M/yearMayfield had a career resurgence in Tampa Bay last season after playing for three teams in a two-year span. He set career highs in passing yards, touchdowns, and completions while leading the Buccaneers to the divisional round. The 2018 first overall pick said after the team's postseason loss that he would love to return to Tampa.20. Jonathan Greenard Ryan Kang / Getty Images Sport / GettyAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value27EDGE5$16M/yearGreenard was one of the league's most productive pass-rushers this season, totaling 12.5 sacks in 15 games. He's missed 18 contests in the last three seasons, but he's still relatively young and should be rewarded for his standout 2023 campaign.21. Robert HuntAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value28OG1$14M/yearAfter beginning his pro career at tackle, Hunt has seamlessly slid over to guard over the past few seasons. He boasted PFF's highest pass-blocking efficiency among guards who played over 500 snaps in 2023.22. Kendall FullerAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value29CB3$15M/yearFuller was one of the few bright spots in the Commanders' meager secondary. Noted for his technical ability in the secondary, PFF's seventh-ranked cornerback can adapt to any scheme as he's lined up at various positions throughout eight seasons.23. Xavier McKinneyAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value25S2$13M/yearMcKinney can play in the back half of the defense or toward the line of scrimmage. His five takeaways in 2023 (three interceptions, two fumble recoveries) proved he can create turnovers and be reliable in pass coverage.24. Patrick QueenAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value25LB1$17M/yearQueen has come on leaps and bounds since a shaky start to his career. Sure, it helps to play on one of the NFL's best defenses. But he won't turn 25 until August, so his potential likely hasn't yet been reached.25. Kyle Dugger Perry Knotts / Getty Images Sport / GettyAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value28S3$12M/yearWith a large and sturdy frame (6-foot-2, 222 pounds), Dugger is as much a force against the run as he is in pass coverage. He racked up 343 tackles and nine interceptions over four seasons with the Patriots.26. Calvin RidleyAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value29WR4$18M/yearRidley was inconsistent after his year-long suspension. He flashed his old self at times and finished with 1,000 yards, but he also had nine games with 40 yards or fewer. His contract will depend on if teams believe his issues were just rust or not.27. Josh JacobsAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value26RB2$11M/yearJacobs' rushing averages took a tumble a year after he led the league with 1,653 yards. The 26-year-old possesses plenty of upside as a capable option as both a receiver and runner, although he missed the Raiders' final four games of the season due to a quad injury.28. Kevin DotsonAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value27OG2$14M/yearA fresh start with the Rams seemingly revitalized Dotson's career last season. He's PFF's second-highest-graded guard when it comes to run blocking.29. Chase YoungAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value25EDGE6$15M/yearYoung didn't take his game to the next level after being acquired by the 49ers at midseason. In fact, the former No. 2 pick regressed, producing only 3.5 sacks in 10 games. It might be best for the pass-rusher to take a one-year prove-it deal.30. Marquise Brown Ric Tapia / Getty Images Sport / GettyAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value27WR5$18M/yearBrown has never quite lived up to expectations as a former first-rounder, recording just one 1,000-yard season in five years. However, he possesses rare speed that is invaluable in the Cover 2-heavy modern NFL.31. Derrick HenryAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value30RB3$8M/yearHenry is definitely no longer the world-shaking force he once was, but the star running back should still have something left in the tank. While his production dipped in 2023, Henry still put up over 1,000 yards and 12 scores.32. Josh UcheAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value25EDGE7$13M/yearUche had a disappointing campaign after a tremendous 2022 season where he racked up 11.5 sacks. He was subjected to trade rumors at the deadline but ultimately stayed put in New England.33. Frankie LuvuAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value27LB2$11M/yearA menacing force as an off-ball linebacker, Luvu's career-high 125 tackles and 5.5 sacks last season showcased his progression.34. Kamren CurlAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value25S4$12M/yearOne of the more unheralded free agents, Curl should draw plenty of suitors after being one of the few positives in the Commanders' secondary. Although interceptions have been elusive for him over the past three seasons, he's more than made up for the lack of turnovers with his reliability as the last line of defense.35. Dalton Schultz Wesley Hitt / Getty Images Sport / GettyAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value28TE1$10M/yearSchultz passed up a three-year deal to return to Dallas before opting to sign a one-year deal with Houston, setting himself up for another payday. While 635 yards and five scores aren't spectacular, he should benefit from a weak tight end group.36. Andre JamesAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value27C1$10M/yearThe 26-year-old has blossomed into one of the league's better young centers while starting 48 games for the Raiders over the last three years.37. Chidobe AwuzieAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value29CB4$11M/yearAwuzie is set to explore free agency for the second time in his career. After standing atop the Bengals' depth chart over the past three seasons, the 6-foot, 200-pound defender is perfectly suited to upgrade any cornerback room and fit in any defensive scheme.38. Jordyn BrooksAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value26LB3$10M/yearBrooks quickly bounced back from a torn ACL he sustained in the final game of his 2022 campaign. The former Seahawks linebacker should continue to elevate his play after recording 4.5 sacks less than a year removed from his significant knee injury.39. Michael OnwenuAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value26OT2$13M/yearGifted with the versatility to play either guard or tackle, Onwenu's stature as a pass-blocker has seen him surrender just nine sacks in four seasons.40. Jadeveon Clowney Ronald Martinez / Getty Images Sport / GettyAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value31EDGE8$9M/yearAfter a long search, Clowney finally found the perfect home in Baltimore. The former No. 1 pick looked reborn in the Ravens' scheme, tying a career-high with 9.5 sacks.41. Lavonte DavidAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value34LB3$6M/yearSurpassing 100 tackles in 10 of his 13 seasons in the league, the 34-year-old David still has a coveted knack for diagnosing plays post-snap.42. Stephon GilmoreAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value33CB5$8M/yearThere's expected to be a market for the former All-Pro despite him being on the wrong side of 30. The wily veteran proved that he's not too long in the tooth after posting a career-high 68 tackles to go along with 13 passes defensed and two interceptions in his first season with the Cowboys.43. Bobby WagnerAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value34LB4$6M/yearAfter leading the league with 183 tackles, Wagner illustrated that his age doesn't equate to diminished production ahead of his 13th season. The nine-time Pro Bowler's IQ is still an asset to teams in need of a veteran voice, even if his coverage skills have diminished.44. Gabe DavisAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value25WR6$13M/yearDavis might not be the NFL's most well-rounded receiver, but his value as a consistent deep threat is massive. He's averaged 16.7 yards per catch during his career and has 27 touchdowns in four years.45. Jonah Jackson Kevin Sabitus / Getty Images Sport / GettyAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value27OG3$11M/yearJackson has made a name for himself as an interior offensive lineman and has a penchant for getting to the defense's second level. He's started 57 games since being drafted in 2019.46. Tony PollardAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value27RB4$7M/yearPollard didn't meet expectations in Year 1 as the Cowboys' feature back. Although he exceeded 1,000 scrimmage yards for the third consecutive season, the dual-threat tailback submitted the lowest breakaway percentage (rushing yards on designed attempts of 15 more than 15 yards) in 2023, per PFF.47. Connor WilliamsAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value27C2$10M/yearWhile Williams displayed above-average skills as a pass-blocker, it was his ability as run-blocker that truly set the Dolphins center apart before he tore his ACL last December.48. Geno StoneAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value25S5$8M/yearStone flourished in his first season as a full-time starter in Baltimore. The former seventh-round pick established himself as a more than capable coverage defender, leading all safeties in the league with seven interceptions in 2023.49. Austin EkelerAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value29RB5$5M/yearEkeler's explosiveness may be behind him after he tallied just seven 10-plus-yard carries last season. However, the former undrafted halfback remains an adequate option both as a runner and pass-catcher out of the backfield.50. Devin White Grant Halverson / Getty Images Sport / GettyAge in Sept.Pos. RankEst. Market Value26LB5$10M/yearWhite experienced a slight dip in production last season after racking up three straight campaigns with over 100-plus tackles. Yet there's no doubt that the 2019 fifth overall pick still possesses the athleticism to be a key contributor in the middle of a defense.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman says he can barely remember anything that happened after he caught the game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl LVIII."I kinda don't remember it in a sense, I kind of blacked out, for real," Hardman said to TMZ. "Like, I knew I caught the ball, man, and we won the game, but after that, it was kind of blank. I guess the magnitude of the game was just overwhelming, but after that, it was just nothing but celebration out there."Hardman, who says he hasn't slept since Sunday's win, reeled in a short pass from Patrick Mahomes in overtime to walk off the San Francisco 49ers."I mean, I'm trying to figure out what's bigger than a walk-off in the Super Bowl, but I don't know yet," Hardman added.He was also responsible for the Chiefs' longest pass play of the game - a 52-yard reception in the second quarter.Hardman has now won three Super Bowls with the team that drafted him in the second round in 2019. His route to the latest was unusual, as Hardman signed with the New York Jets last offseason before being traded back to Kansas City in October.He said his journey over the 2023 season made this championship "a little bit more emotional" for him. He also missed last year's Super Bowl win due to injury.The wideout is slated for free agency this offseason.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said Tuesday that he asked members of his staff to go through overtime rules with his players before this past season's playoffs, according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner.Shanahan's comments come after multiple 49ers players said they didn't know the NFL's new overtime procedures ahead of San Francisco's 25-22 OT loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII.The 44-year-old coach, however, said he also instructed his assistants to address the rules before the extra frame began Sunday."We told everyone as we were waiting for the coin toss to ... make sure they're sure before we go out," Shanahan added. "So, we asked position coaches to do that. But I didn't cover it in a meeting on the Super Bowl week. I don't think that changes anything."49ers quarterback Brock Purdy confirmed QB coach Brian Griese explained the rules to him at the end of regulation."I had an understanding of it," Purdy said.The NFL updated its postseason overtime rules in 2022 to allow for each team to get a possession, barring a defensive score, regardless of what the team with the ball first does. The game then becomes sudden death. Sunday's Super Bowl loss was San Francisco's first playoff contest to go to overtime under these rules. In the regular season, the game ends if a TD is scored on the first overtime drive.The 49ers had the first possession in overtime against the Chiefs but settled for a field goal. Patrick Mahomes then quarterbacked a 13-play touchdown drive to win another Super Bowl."We went through all the analytics and talked to those guys," Shanahan said, according to Fox Sports. "We wanted the ball third. If both teams matched and scored, we wanted to be the ones with a chance to go win."Niners fullback Kyle Juszczyk was among the players who said Monday they weren't aware of the changes. Juszczyk clarified his comments Tuesday, saying he knew about them but forgot."That changes nothing for me as a player, whatsoever," Juszczyk added, according to Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle. "If I know the rule or don't know the rule, I'm trying to do the exact same thing on the field. It's just people looking for a way to shit on (Shanahan)."Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead will undergo surgery for a torn meniscus suffered in early December and miss most of the offseason program, the veteran said Tuesday, according to Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle.Armstead sat the final five games of the regular season after getting hurt in the Week 13 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. He returned for the postseason and played in all three of San Francisco's playoff games, including the Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.The 30-year-old is coming off his ninth NFL season, all with the 49ers, who drafted him in the first round in 2015.Armstead finished the 2023 regular season with 27 tackles and five sacks in 12 games before adding 11 tackles and one sack in the playoffs.He's entering the final campaign of a five-year, $85-million contract.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce didn't win a Super Bowl this year, but he certainly celebrated like a champion Sunday after watching brother Travis Kelce take home a third title with the Kansas City Chiefs.In an interview with Will Reeves of ABC News, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes spoke about what it was like to party alongside Jason in Las Vegas following Super Bowl LVIII."I was there, and I saw Jason, and he was the life of the party," Mahomes said. "Those Kelce brothers, man, they're the life of the party wherever they go."Jason cheered on his younger brother Sunday in Las Vegas while decked out in red-and-yellow plaid overalls and a shirt featuring Travis' nickname, "Big Yeti." The elder Kelce sibling later joined Travis and the rest of the Chiefs at a nightclub, where he was spotted celebrating in a Luchador mask.

Eagles pass-rusher Haason Reddick would like to remain in Philadelphia, he told Bleacher Report's Jordan Schultz."I would like to get an extension done here at home," Reddick said. "At no point did I ever tell the organization I want to be traded."The Eagles granted Reddick's camp permission to find a deal because of his expiring contract, Schultz reports. Reddick's comments add context to earlier reports that he was granted permission to find a trade partner."This is home for me," he added. "I was born and raised here. Two of the most fun years playing football in my life came here. I've cherished being an Eagle."Reddick signed a three-year, $45-million deal with the Eagles ahead of the 2022 campaign. He'll carry a cap hit of approximately $21.9 million in 2024 if he isn't extended, according to Over the Cap.Reddick has racked up 27 sacks over two seasons in Philly. He was named a Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro in 2022 after tallying a career-high 16 quarterback takedowns.The Temple product has 58 sacks, 69 tackles for loss, and 16 forced fumbles in 114 career games with the Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, and Eagles.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Super Bowl LVIII is officially over, but with the scouting combine and free agency looming, NFL front offices don't have much time to relax.Here's every team's biggest question heading into the 2024 offseason.Arizona Cardinals Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyWill they make a huge move?The Cardinals desperately need to improve at wide receiver and pass-rusher. No wideout went over 600 yards this season, and no defensive player recorded more than six sacks. A big move in free agency may be in the cards. With two first-round picks, including the No. 4 selection, Arizona could add some serious star power.Atlanta FalconsWill they find their QB1?The Falcons opened Pandora's box in 2023 by benching Desmond Ridder multiple times. With no long-term answer under center, Atlanta's biggest priority this offseason is finding a quarterback who can lead the team. With the No. 8 pick, the Falcons could land a top prospect. They can also seek a veteran name in free agency - someone like Russell Wilson may work (if he's released).Baltimore RavensWhich pending free agents will they re-sign?After significant members of their sideline staff departed this offseason, the Ravens could also lose some on-field talent. Odell Beckham Jr., Patrick Queen, Kevin Zeitler, Jadeveon Clowney, Justin Madubuike, and Geno Stone headline their 2024 free agents. Just how many will Eric DeCosta be able to retain?Buffalo BillsWhat does the future hold for Von Miller and Stefon Diggs?Miller was extremely disappointing in 2023, recording zero sacks in 12 games. Meanwhile, Diggs left his future open again by stating he can't control whether he'll be back. Diggs and Miller own two of the Bills' three biggest cap hits for 2024, too. However, they both carry even bigger dead cap hits, which makes a cut or trade unlikely.Carolina PanthersCan Dave Canales save Bryce Young?The Panthers enter this offseason with operation "Save Bryce Young" as their No. 1 priority. To lead the project, they hired former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Canales. He's as good a bet as anyone after rejuvenating Baker Mayfield in 2023. However, Young may be even more difficult after a disaster of a rookie season.Chicago Bears Patrick McDermott / Getty Images Sport / GettyWhat happens with Justin Fields?The Bears have a dilemma. Do they move on from Fields or trade the No. 1 pick to a quarterback-needy team and bypass the chance to draft Caleb Williams? Skipping the opportunity to draft Williams - a premier prospect - is a huge risk on its own. But another drawback to keeping Fields is the risk of his fifth-year option. Pick it up, and Chicago commits a good chunk of change to 2025. Don't exercise it, and it risks him overperforming in a contract year.Cincinnati BengalsWhich skill-position stars won't return?The Bengals' front office has some big decisions to make. Wide receivers Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd are scheduled to be free agents, while running back Joe Mixon is due a $3-million roster bonus on March 16, per Spotrac. Will any return to Cincinnati next season?Cleveland BrownsWhat will the offense look like next season?Will Kevin Stefanski call plays, or will that fall to new offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, who worked with Josh Allen and the Bills before being terminated last season? Cleveland could eye a wide receiver in free agency, with the likes of Higgins, Calvin Ridley, and Gabe Davis scheduled to hit the market.Dallas CowboysHow does this team get over the hump?The Cowboys elected to retain Mike McCarthy despite another playoff disappointment. How does the team fix this issue? Jerry Jones says Dallas is ready to go all-in next season, which could foreshadow an offseason of additions. Jones will also have more long-term decisions approaching, such as what to do with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, who are entering contract years and could be in line for extensions.Denver BroncosWhat's the plan at quarterback?All signs point to the Broncos cutting ties with Wilson after two seasons. If that happens, how will Sean Payton choose to replace him? Denver holds the No. 12 pick in the draft and could acquire a top quarterback. The only question is: which one?Detroit Lions Kevin Sabitus / Getty Images Sport / GettyHow much will it cost to extend Jared Goff?Goff put together one of his finest seasons as pro, leading the Lions to their first NFC title game appearance in 32 years. Now, they'll have to pony up. Goff's deal, which expires after 2024, averages $33.5 million per year. Daniel Jones' average annual value of $40 million might be the starting point in negotiations.Green Bay PackersHow much gets a Jordan Love extension done?The Packers have their guy at quarterback. Love proved that down the stretch, throwing for 23 touchdowns to three interceptions over his last 10 games (including playoffs). His base salary for 2024 is a measly $10.5 million after inking a one-year extension last offseason. There's no telling how high his average salary will be on a long-term extension, though around $45 million or higher might not be too surprising.Houston TexansWill they re-sign Jonathan Greenard?C.J. Stroud led the Texans to a division title and playoff win as a rookie. How do they build on that in Year 2? Keeping their biggest free agent in Greenard is a good start. The 26-year-old led the team in sacks last season with a career-high 12.5.Indianapolis ColtsCan they keep Michael Pittman Jr.?Pittman had his best season as a pro in 2023, setting personal bests in receptions (109) and receiving yards (1,152). He did this while catching passes from Gardner Minshew for majority of the year. Will the Colts extend Pittman, use a franchise tag, or let him walk? How much will an extension cost?Jacksonville JaguarsWhat's the future hold for Trevor Lawrence, Josh Allen, and Ridley?General manager Trent Baalke's offseason agenda is looking very full. Re-signing Allen after a breakout 17.5-sack season should be the easiest goal thanks to the franchise tag Baalke has at his disposal. Getting a long-term extension done with Lawrence, which Baalke said will happen at the "appropriate time" might be a little tougher given the trajectory of quarterback contracts. As for Ridley, will Jacksonville bring him back or let him test free agency?Kansas City Chiefs Steph Chambers / Getty Images Sport / GettyWill they be able to keep this defense together?For all the talk about Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs' defense stole the show on their playoff run after limiting teams with high-octane offenses, such as the Bills, Ravens, and San Francisco 49ers. Their ability to run it back will probably depend on whether they can re-sign Chris Jones and L'Jarius Sneed, two players who played remarkably down the stretch.Las Vegas RaidersWill they draft one of the top QBs?Aidan O'Connell played as well as anyone could've expected in his rookie season. Still, the Raiders may shoot for a quarterback with a higher ceiling. Picking 13th in the 2024 draft, Las Vegas will likely be linked to the likes of Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix, Michael Penix, and J.J. McCarthy, among others.Los Angeles ChargersWhat does a Greg Roman offense look like with Justin Herbert?The Chargers reportedly hired Roman to be their offensive coordinator, reuniting him with new head coach Jim Harbaugh. Roman's previous stints in the NFL involved working with dual-threat quarterbacks such as Colin Kaepernick, Lamar Jackson, and Tyrod Taylor. How will he shape an offense around one of the game's biggest pocket passers in Herbert?Los Angeles RamsCan they stop Kevin Dotson from hitting free agency?Les Snead's most savvy move in 2023 was acquiring Dotson from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The guard played spectacularly and is in line for a major contract ahead of free agency. His projected market value is $16.4 million per year, per Spotrac.Miami DolphinsHow much is Tua Tagovailoa worth?Tagovailoa was out to prove his 2022 improvement was no joke last season - and he did exactly that. With a league-leading 4,624 yards and a career-high 29 touchdown passes, Tagovailoa played all 17 games and led the Dolphins to the playoffs. The only question is whether the Dolphins are prepared to give him a very lucrative contract. The former top-five pick's contract expires after 2024.Minnesota Vikings Stephen Maturen / Getty Images Sport / GettyWill Kirk Cousins return?Cousins will be 36 years old next season and is coming off a torn Achilles, but he was off to a hot start in 2023 before his injury. Will they re-sign him or let him explore the free-agent market, where he'll be the top quarterback available? This decision might impact free-agent pass-rusher Danielle Hunter's future and Justin Jefferson's extension talks.New England PatriotsWhat to do with No. 3 pick?The Patriots are starting fresh. Not only at head coach - with Jerod Mayo slated to take over from Bill Belichick - but possibly also at quarterback after Mac Jones struggled massively. If New England wants to start a new era, it should have its fair share of picks with the third overall selection. Heisman winner Jayden Daniels or North Carolina passer Drake Maye could be options.New Orleans SaintsWhat happens with Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas?Kamara is coming off a career-low 1,160 yards from scrimmage in 2023, while Thomas again failed to stay healthy and was limited to 10 games. Both could realistically be released this offseason. Kamara would save the Saints just over $1.5 million in cap space if cut, while Thomas reportedly has nearly $120 million in roster bonuses if he's kept.New York GiantsHow do they save Daniel Jones?Jones followed up his breakout 2022 campaign with a disaster of epic proportions. The signal-caller fought injuries - including a neck issue and season-ending torn ACL - and threw two touchdowns to six interceptions in six starts. However, the Giants will need to find a way to make it work considering Jones carries a $47.1-million cap hit and $69.3-million dead cap hit in 2024.New York JetsHow do the Jets improve the offensive line?If the Jets want to maximize their biggest investment in Aaron Rodgers, having him play more than four snaps would be smart. Only three teams allowed more sacks than the 64 New York gave up in 2023. Unless the Jets want to risk another pressure-cooker season, they'd be wise to invest in the offensive line through free agency and the draft.Philadelphia Eagles Mitchell Leff / Getty Images Sport / GettyHow do the Eagles fix the back end of their defense?The Eagles' defense fielded more aerial traffic than an airport in 2023. Ranking 30th in points allowed and 31st against the pass, the secondary is due a major shakeup. The problem is where these changes come from. Veteran corners Darius Slay and James Bradberry carry monstrous dead cap hits. Excluding Kevin Byard, the safety group is also uncertain, with Sydney Brown's return date unknown due to a torn ACL suffered in the regular-season finale.Pittsburgh SteelersCan Kenny Pickett be saved?The Steelers entered the offseason with the goal of trying to salvage Pickett's development. That's why they hired Arthur Smith as their offensive coordinator. Smith's ran a run-heavy offense with the Tennessee Titans, allowing Ryan Tannehill to flourish. Can he do the same in Pittsburgh with Pickett?San Francisco 49ersWhat else does this team need?Despite having one of the most loaded rosters in recent memory, Kyle Shanahan's 49ers squandered a 10-point lead in the Super Bowl to the Chiefs again. They'll face some important decisions this offseason with the likes of Chase Young, Jauan Jennings, and more set to be free agents.Seattle SeahawksHow will Mike Macdonald mold the roster?The Pete Carroll era is over. Macdonald crafted the league's stoutest defense as the Ravens' defensive coordinator. How will he recreate that in Seattle, and who fits in that vision? How he views the identity of the Seahawks will likely tie back to the free-agent futures of linebackers Jordyn Brooks and Bobby Wagner plus defensive lineman Leonard Williams.Tampa Bay BuccaneersWill Baker Mayfield be retained?Mayfield has played his way to a gigantic contract after a career-high 4,044 yards and 28 touchdown passes. Will the Bucs be the team giving him his money, though? Mayfield has said the franchise's pick to replace Canales, who left to be the Panthers' head coach, will be key in his decision. Tampa Bay hired Liam Coen to fill Canales' role, but will that be enough? Perhaps a lucrative contract will be more convincing.Tennessee Titans Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyIs this it for Derrick Henry in Tennessee?It could be the end of an era as Henry approaches free agency. Henry rushed for 1,167 yards last year, his lowest total over a full season since 2018 while also averaging just 4.2 yards per carry. The Titans haven't ruled out re-signing their star running back, but they might also feel inclined to move forward with 2023 third-round pick Tyjae Spears as their lead back.Washington CommandersWhat's in store at quarterback?Sam Howell might not be the answer. While his 2023 campaign featured a few highs, it also contained way too many lows. The Commanders have an easy out, though. They own the No. 2 pick, and the arrival of new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury from USC may foreshadow a major move.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Sunday's thrilling Super Bowl matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers delivered the most-watched telecast ever, with 123.4 million average viewers across all platforms, CBS Sports announced Monday.The platforms include CBS Television Network, Paramount+, Nickelodeon, CBS Sports, Univision, and NFL+.Kansas City defeated San Francisco 25-22 in overtime thanks to a Mecole Hardman walk-off touchdown catch to cap the seventh-longest game in Super Bowl history.This year's viewership marks a 7% increase from last year's Big Game, which had set the previous record (115.1 million), according to CBS. A total of 202.4 million viewers watched all or part of the Chiefs' triumph over the 49ers across networks, the highest unduplicated total audience in history.Super Bowl LVIII was also the most-streamed Super Bowl ever.