Sean Payton sidesteps question of whether he’d want to coach Olympic team
Two weeks ago, NFL owners cleared a path for active NFL players to participate in the 2028 Olympic flag football tournament. That led to an important question that has been to date unanswered. Who will coach the team? Broncos coach Sean Payton was asked by reporters on Thursday whether he’d
NFL Minor Transactions: 6/5/25
June 5th, 2025 at 8:03pm CST by Ben Levine Today’s minor moves: Denver Broncos Detroit Lions Jacksonville Jaguars Pittsburgh Steelers With the Steelers adding S Quindell Johnson yesterday, the team ended up moving on from one of their other defensive backs. The choice was Bledsoe, a former sixth-round pick by the
Former Cowboys OL Tom Rafferty dies at 70
Former Cowboys offensive lineman Tom Rafferty died Thursday in Windsor, Colorado, following a stroke, Kevin Sherrington of the Dallas Morning News reports. Rafferty was 70. Rafferty’s daughter, Rachel Powers, told Sherrington her father had been hospitalized since early May. The Cowboys drafted Rafferty in the fourth round in 1976, and
Anthony Richardson to miss time with shoulder injury
Anthony Richardson has encountered another injury setback. The third-year Colts quarterback is dealing with a shoulder injury which will keep him out of minicamp, head coach Shane Steichen announced on Thursday. The affected shoulder – which recently experienced soreness – is the same one in which Richardson suffered an AC joint sprain
Amon-Ra St. Brown: Lions’ mindset is Super Bowl or bust
The Lions have won the NFC North each of the past two seasons. They went 12-5 in 2023 and reached the NFC Championship Game and followed that with a 15-2 regular season in 2024 before being upset in the divisional round. The Lions desperately want to get where they’ve never
No Timeline For Patriots DC Terrell Williams’ Return
Terrell Williams remains away from the Patriots after suffering a “health scare” in May. Still, the Patriots new defensive coordinator remains as connected to the organization as he can possibly be. Inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr has been leading the defense throughout OTAs, and the coach addressed the uncertain situation
Steelers got what they wanted, even if many fans are dismayed
The Steelers wanted him. Their fans weren’t quite as committed. While plenty of Steelers fans surely support whatever the team chooses to do, a sense of dismay emerged from more than a few Terrible Towel wavers. Whether they regard Rodgers as a barnstorming opportunist who is hoping to exit the
Daniel Jones has stronger chance of winning Colts QB battle
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones may have improved his odds of earning the starting quarterback gig following incumbent starter Anthony Richardson’s concerning injury update. Per the team’s official social media account, Richardson (shoulder), the No. 4 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, won’t participate during the team’s minicamp, which
Nick Bosa impressed with Mykel Williams’ eagerness to learn
49ers rookie edge rusher Mykel Williams recently said he was excited to learn from Nick Bosa. The veteran edge rusher said this week he’s excited to teach Williams. “A lot of eagerness to learn, more so than I have seen probably from a young guy,” Bosa said, via Andy Lindquist
Kyle Pitts Sidelined With Foot Injury
While Kyle Pitts‘ future in Atlanta remains uncertain, his absence from OTA practices has nothing to do with the persistent trade rumblings. Rather, the Falcons tight end is currently sidelined with a strained muscle in his foot, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. [RELATED: Kyle Pitts Drawing Trade Interest] While plenty of
Russell Wilson: Nothing changes for me with Jaxson Dart here
Russell Wilson moved to the top of the Giants’ quarterback depth chart when he signed with the team in March, but his chances of staying there all season weren’t helped by the team’s approach to the draft. The Giants traded back into the first round in order to select Jaxson
Five must-see Steelers games in 2025 with Rodgers on the team
Aaron Rodgers reportedly informed the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday that he plans to sign with them ahead of mandatory minicamp, which means NFL fans can officially start circling dates on their calendars. With Rodgers now likely in the fold, several games on the Steelers’ 2025 schedule have instantly become must-see
Ernest Jones “feeling good” as he works his way back from knee surgery
Seahawks middle linebacker Ernest Jones IV underwent knee surgery this offseason. The knee had affected him the past two seasons, he said, and the clean-up procedure didn’t affect his free agency. He re-signed with the Seahawks on a three-year, $33 million deal. Jones has taken part in some individual drills
Commanders star growing frustrated over contract talks
It’s no secret that the Washington Commanders took the NFL world by storm last season. Just one year removed from a 4-13 record, the Commanders got their franchise quarterback in Jayden Daniels, finished the season 12-5 and reached the NFC Championship Game for the first time since the 1991-92 season.
Rashod Bateman: You get paid for doing the right things
Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman has reason to smile on Thursday. Bateman signed a three-year, $36.75 million extension with the team. The deal comes a year after Bateman signed a deal with the team running through 2026, so he’s now under contract through the 2029 season. After signing the deal,
Rodgers will likely be downgrade for Steelers QB situation
There is just one problem. Even though Rodgers is a future Hall of Famer and one of the best quarterbacks of all time, he is no longer that player and is likely to actually downgrade the Steelers’ quarterback situation from a year ago. That is not even getting into the
Don’t expect Aaron Rodgers to wear Terry Bradshaw’s No. 12
Social media has exploded on Thursday with (among other things) images of Aaron Rodgers in a Steelers uniform and a No. 12 jersey. Don’t expect that to happen. While Terry Bradshaw’s No. 12 isn’t officially retired, it’s unofficially retired. And the Steelers surely wouldn’t issue it to Rodgers without Bradshaw’s
Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown Recovering From Knee Surgery; LB Malcolm Rodriguez To Miss Regular Season Time
Thursday brought about a pair of notable injury updates for the Lions. One of them came from All-Pro wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown. St. Brown said (via ESPN’s Eric Woodyard) he underwent knee surgery shortly after the 2024 season ended. He will miss the remainder of spring workouts as his recovery continues.
Sean Payton: Broncos interested in J.K. Dobbins because he’s a “good football player”
Broncos coach Sean Payton confirmed free agent running back J.K. Dobbins is visiting with the team Thursday. “Another good football player that we’ve seen firsthand. I’ve seen for a while,” Payton said, via Mike Klis of 9News. “[We are interested because of] the importance of that position group. We really
Terry McLaurin reportedly frustrated with Commanders
Terry McLaurin is reportedly unhappy with the Washington Commanders as the start of mandatory minicamp quickly approaches. McLaurin is entering the final year of his contract, and the star wide receiver may be headed for a holdout. Jordan Schultz of Fox reported on Thursday that McLaurin has expressed frustration with
Chargers announce training camp schedule, and it includes two practices in San Diego
The Chargers announced their training camp schedule Thursday, and it includes two training camp practices in San Diego at University of San Diego’s Torero Stadium. That was the home of Jim Harbaugh’s first head coaching job. Those practices will take place July 22-23, with the July 22 practice — the
Micah Parsons To Attend Cowboys’ Minicamp
Micah Parsons has been absent for parts of OTAs this year as he continues to await a Cowboys extension. A holdout during upcoming minicamp would represent an escalation in this situation, but that will not take place. Cowboys COO Stephen Jones said he was unsure if Parsons planned to attend the mandatory practices
Will Aaron Rodgers play for only $10 million?
When quarterback Aaron Rodgers broke his silence (and aired his grievances) with Pat McAfee in April, Rodgers said he was willing to play for $10 million in 2025. Now that he’s signing with the Steelers, we’ll find out whether he’ll put his money where his mouth is. Our guess is
Pros, cons of Steelers embarking on the Aaron Rodgers experience
The waiting game is finally over. Aaron Rodgers has informed the Steelers that he will accept their offer as he looks to cap off his Hall of Fame career on a much better note than what happened during his tenure with the Jets. New York won only five games
Brian Burns on practice fight: You need edge, but it can’t get in way of work
Giants edge rusher Brian Burns was among the players who blew their cool during a heated OTA practice on Thursday and he addressed the fracas with reporters after the session was cut short. Burns and fellow edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux fought with tackles James Hudson and Jermaine Eluemunor during the
Steelers To Sign Aaron Rodgers
The Aaron Rodgers saga is nearing its expected conclusion. The future Hall of Famer has infirmed the Steelers he will sign with them, Tom Pelissero, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network report. To no surprise, Rapoport adds this will be a one-year deal. Rodgers will fly to Pittsburgh tomorrow, allowing
Report: Terry McLaurin frustrated by lack of contract talks
Terry McLaurin is one of three players not attending the Commanders’ organized team activities, with left tackle Laremy Tunsil and cornerback Marshon Lattimore also absent, per multiple reports. McLaurin’s is contract related. Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reports that talks have been “minimal,” and McLaurin has made it clear to
Ranking the head coach-GM combos within each AFC division
In the NFL, it’s important for the key decision-makers to be on the same page. That’s especially true for a team’s head coach and general manager. The GM typically picks the players, who must suit the philosophy and vision of the team’s head coach. Ahead of the opening of training
UFL attendance, viewership down in 2025
The second year of the UFL did not match the first year. Via Ben Fischer of Sports Business Journal, the UFL’s in-person attendance was down by five percent in 2025. The TV audience dropped by a whopping 20 percent. Attendance in all markets was down, except one. Michigan had a
Colts QB Anthony Richardson To Miss Time With Shoulder Injury
Anthony Richardson has encountered another injury setback. The third-year Colts quarterback is dealing with a shoulder injury which will keep him out of minicamp, head coach Shane Steichen announced on Thursday. The affected shoulder – which recently experienced soreness – is the same one in which Richardson suffered an AC joint sprain in
Amon-Ra St. Brown had knee procedure, expects to be ready for camp
One of Detroit’s key offensive players had an offseason procedure, but it shouldn’t affect his availability for the season. Via multiple reporters, Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown said on Thursday that he had a cleanup offseason knee surgery. But he’s expecting to be ready for training camp when it begins
Why Browns’ Gabriel allegedly has a ‘longer leash’ than Sanders
A Wednesday report indicated that “a path” exists for Shedeur Sanders to emerge as the Cleveland Browns‘ Week 1 starting quarterback amid takes claiming that Sanders has outperformed fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel throughout voluntary springtime workouts. During the latest edition of the “Orange and Brown Talk Podcast,” Browns reporters Dan
Bill Belichick keeps relitigating his disastrous CBS interview
Bill Belichick is one of the greatest football coaches of all time. His P.R. instincts leave much to be desired. Beyond entrusting his personal brand to his 24-year-old girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, Belichick has a bad habit of not letting sleeping dogs lie and/or dead horses go unbeaten. Case in point,
No Extension Agreement Imminent Between Commanders, Terry McLaurin
Terry McLaurin is among the veteran players around the NFL absent from OTAs while seeking an extension. It appears progress at the negotiating table has been hard to come by in his case. McLaurin has informed the Commanders he is “frustrated” by the status of extension talks, Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz
Dan Campbell: Frank Ragnow will be sorely missed, but the train rolls on
While many around the league may have been surprised that 29-year-old Lions center Frank Ragnow elected to retire this week, his head coach was not. Speaking to the media at his Thursday press conference, Dan Campbell said that Ragnow personally consulted with him on his retirement decision. Campbell added that
Reporter addresses narrative regarding Seahawks potentially starting Milroe
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio and Armando Salguero of OutKick are among NFL writers who recently suggested the Seattle Seahawks’ history shows the club could start rookie Jalen Milroe over free-agent acquisition Sam Darnold in Week 1 of the upcoming season. Specifically, then-Seattle head coach Pete Carroll named 2012 third-round draft choice
Fights break out between players at Giants OTAs
Fights between teammates are a fairly routine occurrence during padded training camp practices that feature contact, but they are a bit rarer when players are working without pads in non-contact OTAs. The spring setting didn’t deter the Giants on Thursday, however. Reporters at the team’s practice sent word of a
Dawand Jones On Track To Be Browns’ Left Tackle Starter
JUNE 5: Jones noted when speaking to the media that he has dropped 20 pounds in anticipation of handling blindside duties (h/t Jeff Schudel of the News-Herald). As expected, Jones is indeed in position to operate as Cleveland’s new starter at the left tackle spot. MAY 28: The quartet of tackles chosen
Lions don’t expect Malcolm Rodriguez to return until November
The Lions are planning to play a good chunk of the 2025 season without linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez. Rodriguez tore his ACL during the 2024 season and head coach Dan Campbell gave an update on his timetable during a Thursday press conference. Rodriguez was injured in late November and it looks
The ‘Most recent 4,000-yard passer by NFL franchise’ quiz
Sam Darnold may have played his way into a big paycheck this offseason by leading the Vikings to 14 wins and throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns. But with two disastrous showings in the most important games of the year, he also played his way back into chatter about
Dolphins sign DL Ben Stille
The Dolphins announced an addition to their defensive line on Thursday. They have signed Ben Stille to their 90-man roster. They had an open spot, so did not need to make a corresponding move. Stille was released by the Cardinals in May and this will be his second stint with
Derek Carr Addresses Retirement Decision
Derek Carr elected to end his NFL career last month, and the Saints officially processed his retirement on Tuesday. The veteran quarterback’s decision to hang up his cleats came about from his desire not to have shoulder surgery, a topic he recently addressed. “I wouldn’t have been able to play if
Would any NFL team hire Bill Belichick? One possibility stands out.
When the Patriots fired Bill Belichick, it seemed inevitable that he’d land another NFL head-coaching job. The vibe has since shifted from inevitability to impossibility. But there’s still one team to watch, in our view. It came up during Wednesday’s PFT Live, when Simms and I were identifying coaches that
Former teammates explain how Broncos’ Nix is ‘like another coach’
Quarterback Bo Nix became a surprising story of the 2024 NFL season when he guided the Denver Broncos to a playoff berth as a rookie. Arizona Cardinals edge-rusher Jordan Burch and Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tez Johnson both shared a locker room with Nix at the University of Oregon.
Yes, it’s possible to score only one point in an NFL game
Last week, the Falcons deleted a social-media self-own, thanks to a photo of players wearing jerseys No. 28 and No. 3. So when they posted on Tuesday an image of players wearing No. 34 and No. 1, a certain smartass advised that they be careful, since it’s not impossible to
Baker Mayfield expands on going from Liam Coen to Josh Grizzard as OC
This past winter, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers promoted Josh Grizzard from pass game coordinator to offensive coordinator after Liam Coen left to become the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Quarterback Baker Mayfield is now working with a new offensive coordinator for the third time during his Tampa Bay tenure that began
Patrick Graham on Pete Carroll: We’re watching a master teacher working his craft
While the Raiders have a new head coach in Pete Carroll, they do have some continuity on the coaching staff — perhaps most notably with defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. Graham was initially hired by Josh McDaniels to serve as DC in 2022. He remained with the team when Antonio Pierce
Ravens Extend WR Rashod Bateman
The Ravens have worked out another extension on the offensive side of the ball. Wideout Rashod Bateman has a new deal in place, per a team announcement. Providing details on the extension, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports this is a three-year, $36.75MM pact. $20MM in guarantees are present in the contract. Bateman is
Dan Quinn: Daron Payne “jumps out differently” this offseason
Washington took defensive linemen in the first round of the draft every year from 2017-2020, but only Daron Payne remains on the roster. Payne has been with the team since 2018, so one might think that he’s a fully-formed product on the field. Word from Commanders OTAs is a little
Steelers’ Broderick Jones discusses narrative about Aaron Rodgers missing springtime practices
As recently as Wednesday, former NFL player/executive and current ESPN analyst Louis Riddick mentioned that quarterback Aaron Rodgers remaining unsigned through the final days of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ voluntary springtime workouts was preventing Rodgers from developing chemistry with Steelers players and coaches. Pittsburgh’s Broderick Jones is moving from right tackle