Deion Sanders wants to add Byron Leftwich, Mike Zimmer to Colorado coaching staff
Colorado coach Deion Sanders wants to add a couple of assistant coaches with significant NFL experience to his staff. Sanders said at Big 12 media days that he’s “praying” Byron Leftwich will agree to coach at Colorado, and that he wants Mike Zimmer on the staff as well. “Our coaching
Chiefs G Trey Smith Addresses Extension Talks
Time is ticking for the Chiefs and Trey Smith to agree to a multiyear extension. While both sides would benefit from some long-term security, it sounds like the offensive guard isn’t overly concerned about his current lame-duck status. “I leave it to the hands of my agents,” Smith said during
These St. Louis-born cousins are primed for breakout NFL seasons
A pair of first cousins are primed to wreak havoc on opposing NFL defenses in 2025. Detroit Lions WR Jameson Williams, a dynamic pass catcher with game-breaking speed, and Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams, a bruising rusher whose scored 26 rushing touchdowns in the last two seasons, are
Report: Brandon Aiyuk likely starts season on PUP, but 49ers haven’t ruled him out for Week 1
49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is expected to start the season on reserve/physically unable to perform as he continues his recovery from knee surgery. That would sideline Aiyuk at least the first four games. The 49ers, though, have not ruled out the former first-round draft pick from playing the season
Bengals, Trey Hendrickson Not Expected To Agree To Extension Before Training Camp
There appears to be no end in sight to the standoff between Trey Hendrickson and the Bengals. While the 2025 version of the organization would benefit from an immediate resolution, it doesn’t sound like that will end up coming to fruition. While Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic says that
John, Jim Harbaugh visited President Trump in the Oval Office on Thursday
The two brothers who squared off in Super Bowl XLVII have visited the 47th president. Via the Baltimore Banner, Ravens coach John Harbaugh and Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh met with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Thursday. A White House official confirmed the meeting to the Banner. The
Magic 8 Ball predictions for the 2025 Dallas Cowboys
Last year, Yardbarker used an online version of the Magic 8 Ball to predict Dak Prescott’s new contract…but forgot to ask about the quarterback’s hamstring. Let’s see what the classic toy thinks about the 2025 Dallas Cowboys. Will the Cowboys win Super Bowl LX? Magic 8 Ball says: Yes. First, the
Garett Bolles Intends To Play Rest Of Career With Broncos
The ink is barely dry on Garett Bolles‘ new contract with the Broncos, but the offensive tackle is already anticipating his next deal. While speaking with reporters recently, Bolles said he hopes to sign one last contract with Denver before calling it a career. “Well hopefully I can do one
Chargers RB Najee Harris injured in fireworks incident
“Najee Harris was present at a Fourth of July event where a fireworks mishap resulted in injuries to several attendees,” Hendrickson said in his statement (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter). “Najee sustained a superficial eye injury during the incident, but is fully expected to be ready for the upcoming NFL season.”
All eyes on the NFLPA
The storm clouds are gathering quickly for NFL Players Association executive director Lloyd Howell. Currently, people in and around the NFL are monitoring the situation very closely. The question is whether Howell will be making a quick exit, with the NFLPA executive committee appointing an interim executive director pending a
Chargers RB Najee Harris Injured In Fireworks Incident
Chargers running back Najee Harris was injured during a Fourth of July fireworks accident, according to Rick Hurd, Nate Gartrell, and Darren Sabedra of The Mercury News. The running back’s agent, Doug Hendrickson, released a statement assuring that his client only suffered superficial injuries and will be good to go
Agent: Najee Harris suffered “superficial eye injury” in fireworks accident
The rumors started on Sunday. They could not be corroborated until today. Chargers running back Najee Harris was indeed injured in a fireworks accident during July 4 weekend. From his agent, Doug Hendrickson: “Najee Harris was present at a 4th of July event where a fireworks mishap resulted in injuries
The ‘2023 NFL sack leaders’ quiz
Aidan Hutchinson hadn’t missed an NFL game in his career before his gnarly leg injury in Week 5 against the Dallas Cowboys ended his 2024-25 campaign. But after spending the last eight months rehabbing, Hutchinson said he’ll be coming back as healthy as he’s ever been. “I’m exactly where I
Bucs May Try Zyon McCollum In Slot
The Buccaneers’ safeties have taken the majority of the team’s slot snaps over the past three years, but reports out of their spring practices indicate that head coach Todd Bowles could slide one of his outside cornerbacks into the nickel in 2025. Tampa Bay is returning both of their starting
NFLPA director Lloyd Howell Jr. under scrutiny after revelations
Howell began working at Carlyle in a part-time capacity in March 2023; three months later, he was hired by the NFLPA as the union’s principal administrative officer and chief player representative. In August 2024, Carlyle received league approval to invest in an NFL team via a minority stake worth up
Falcons owner Arthur Blank’s foundation donates $500,000 to Texas flood relief
Atlanta’s Arthur Blank is the latest NFL owner to contribute half a million dollars to Texas flood relief. The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation announced that it committed $500,000 to support relief and recovery for the Texas Hill Country. “We hold the people of Texas, especially those in Texas Hill
Boye Mafe, Seahawks Not Working On Extension
The Seahawks are not engaged in extension talks with fourth-year outside linebacker Boye Mafe, per Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic. Mafe, a 2022 second-round pick, is entering the final year of his rookie contract. He broke out in 2023 with 9.0 sacks and 25 pressures, but could not quite match
49ers announce open training camp practice schedule
The 49ers have announced their open practice schedule for this summer’s training camp. Eleven of the team’s practices in Santa Clara will be open to the public. The 49ers will report to training camp on July 22 and their first practice of camp on July 23 will be the first
NFC under-the-radar rookies, training camp reporting dates
The first round of the NFL Draft doesn’t produce all the stars. Teams also mine gems beyond the first 32 picks. Ahead of training camp in late July, Yardbarker NFL writers identify an under-the-radar rookie on each NFC team who could make a major impact this season. Plus, find training
Steelers confirm Jalen Ramsey will wear No. 5
Cornerback Jalen Ramsey posted a picture of a Steelers jersey with his name and the No. 5 earlier this month and the Steelers confirmed that their new acquisition will be sporting the digit this fall. The Steelers posted a picture of Ramsey in a Steelers uniform with the number he’s
NFLPA Exec Director Lloyd Howell Works For Private Equity Firm Seeking Stake In Team
NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell is under fire after a report by ESPN’s Don Van Natta Jr. and Kalyn Kalher that he has been working as a consultant for The Carlyle Group, a private equity firm approved by the league to pursue a minority ownership stake in an NFL team.
Patriots CB Marcus Jones likes what Coach Mike Vrabel brings
The official start of Mike Vrabel’s tenure as head coach and the ongoing development of second-year quarterback Drake Maye are the main storylines surrounding the New England Patriots heading into training camp. Patriots defensive end Keion White raised some eyebrows when he said in June that he finds it “comforting
Former Jaguars executive Amit Patel faces six counts of grand theft under Florida law
Former Jaguars executive Amit Patel’s legal problems aren’t over, even after pleading guilty to federal charges. Patel, who is serving a 6.5-year sentence, has been charged with six counts of grand theft under Florida law. He embezzled $22 million from the team. There’s no federal law against theft; it’s a
The ‘All-time Super Bowl passing yards leaders’ quiz
Eli Manning owns pretty much every individual passing record in New York Giants franchise history. But after mulling over an opportunity to become a part owner of the team he led to two iconic Super Bowl wins over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, Manning is keeping his checkbook
Ryan Fitzpatrick ‘knows’ Browns are excited about this QB
During an appearance on Thursday’s edition of NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” program, retired quarterback and current “Thursday Night Football” analyst Ryan Fitzpatrick echoed others and said he believes veteran Joe Flacco will enter the upcoming season as the Cleveland Browns’ starting signal-caller over Kenny Pickett, rookie Dillon Gabriel and
Cleveland hopes Haslams will help pay for demolition of downtown stadium
The Factory of Sadness will soon be closing. And it will eventually be demolished. Via Rich Exner of Cleveland.com, the Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb hopes the Browns will contribute to the cost of tearing it down. “We have spent a half-billion dollars since 1999 to support the Browns and support
49ers WR Demarcus Robinson Pleads No Contest To DUI Charge
Demarcus Robinson was arrested on a DUI charge in November, and a formal charge was laid in January. The veteran receiver’s legal process on that front has now reached a conclusion. Robinson entered a plea of no contest to a misdemeanor DUI charge earlier this week, as detailed by ESPN.com. As
Petition emerges to remove Lloyd Howell as NFLPA executive director
The heat is on. The various scandals and issues engulfing NFL Players Association executive director Lloyd Howell seemingly reached critical mass on Thursday morning, with the report from ESPN.com that he works as a part-time consultant for a private-equity fund that is on the short list of companies than can
AFC under-the-radar rookies, training camp reporting dates
The first round of the NFL Draft doesn’t produce all the stars. Teams mine gems beyond the first 32 picks. Ahead of training camp in late July, Yardbarker NFL writers identify an under-the-radar rookie on each AFC team who could make a major impact this season. Training camp reporting dates
Insider shares ‘common sense’ reason Watt hasn’t yet received extension
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote Wednesday that an unnamed NFL coordinator felt Pittsburgh Steelers pass-rusher T.J. Watt “wore down a little bit” during the second half of the 2024 campaign as the club endured a losing streak that ran from Week 15 through its wild-card loss to the Baltimore Ravens. NFL
Jets CB Michael Carter II Fully Healthy
Michael Carter II managed to play 13 games last season, but he was nowhere near full strength for much of that time. The fifth-year Jets corner is healthy entering training camp, however. Carter dealt with an ankle injury which lingered through the opening part of the campaign. He eventually recovered but
One-time MVP addresses how 49ers’ Brock Purdy is underrated
Discussions about whether or not San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is overrated or underrated existed long before the club signed him to a five-year, $265M contract extension that included $181M in guarantees and a no-trade clause earlier this offseason. Retired quarterback, one-time regular-season Most Valuable Player and current NFL analyst Matt
Trey Smith on long-term deal: I just leave it to the hands of my agents
The Chiefs elected to franchise tag guard Trey Smith this offseason instead of letting him hit free agency. Now, Smith and Kansas City are facing a July 15 deadline to strike a long-term deal. In a recent interview with Up & Adams, Smith was asked what he feels the latest
Lions’ Hutchinson shares warning for NFL coming off gruesome injury
As one unnamed AFC executive mentioned during a recent chat with ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Detroit Lions pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson was well on his way to becoming at least a finalist for the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Award before he suffered gruesome fractures of his tibia and fibula in
Justin Simmons Aims To Sign With Contender
Last year, Justin Simmons was among the veteran safeties who remained on the market deep into free agency. He ultimately took a deal with the Falcons in August, but another change of scenery is expected this time around. In 2024, Simmons made it clear signing with a playoff contender was his top
Lane Johnson: I still feel young in heart, but you can’t ignore Father Time
With Brandon Graham’s retirement after Philadelphia won Super Bowl LIX, Lane Johnson is now the Eagles’ elder statesman. Entering his 13th season, the two-time, first-team All-Pro offensive tackle is still under contract through 2027. If he plays that long, it would put him in a tie with Graham as the
Justin Simmons being “more picky” in search for contending team to play for in 2025
Safety Justin Simmons has been named a second-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler over the course of his nine-year NFL career, but he’s never appeared in a playoff game and changing that is the top thing on his mind as he looks for a place to play in 2025. A
Penix expands on leadership style amid awkward Cousins situation
Earlier in the NFL offseason, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. discussed “finding his voice” as a leader and “connecting with everybody around the team” now that he has replaced veteran Kirk Cousins as the club’s full-time starter. During a recent conversation with Falcons icon Michael Vick, Penix was asked to expand
What Steelers’ Calvin Austin III learned about Aaron Rodgers
Calvin Austin III was among the Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receivers who spent time working out with quarterback Aaron Rodgers in Malibu shortly after Rodgers officially joined the Steelers ahead of the club’s mandatory minicamp in June. During a recent chat with Doc Holliday of Memphis’ Action News 5, Austin touched
Aidan Hutchinson: I’m exactly where I need to be coming off of injury
Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson said in May that he was fully cleared to return from the broken leg that ended his 2024 season after five games and that announcement marked the end of a long rehabilitation process. During a recent appearance on the With the First Pick podcast, Hutchinson
The ‘Pro Football Hall-of-Fame All-2010’s team’ quiz
Happy 36th birthday to New Orleans Saints defensive end and eight-time Pro Bowler Cameron Jordan! Heading into his 15th NFL season — all with New Orleans — Jordan’s 121.5 sacks are second amongst all active players and second all-time since sacks were officially tracked in 1982 with 121.5 sacks and
Report: Lloyd Howell works as part-time consultant for private-equity fund with NFL ties
It’s starting to feel like Lloyd Howell won’t be the executive director of the NFL Players Association much longer. Already mired in perhaps more controversies than he can survive — and faced with the recent hire of an outside lawyer to review his activities during his two years on the
Jerry Jones’s Legends Hospitality will pay $1.5 million penalty for antitrust violation
The headline? Long-time sports executive Tim Leiweke (older brother of former NFL COO Tod Leiweke) has been indicted on federal bid-rigging charges. Something far more interesting, and potentially far more relevant to the NFL, lurks beneath the top-line news. Tim Leiweke served, until Wednesday, as the CEO of Oak View
Report: NFL intends to seek $12 million in attorneys’ fees and costs for collusion grievance
Wednesday’s report from Don Van Natta Jr. and Kalyn Kahler of ESPN.com is chock full of impactful nuggets regarding the collusion ruling that the NFL and NFL Players Association hid from everyone for more than five months. Here’s one, from the first sentence of the article’s final paragraph: “On Wednesday,
Deion Sanders: I wish college football had a salary cap, current spending is crazy
Colorado coach Deion Sanders hasn’t been shy about building his roster through the transfer portal and helping players get paid in name, image and likeness deals. But he believes college football desperately needs limits on that. Sanders said at Big 12 media day that college football should have a salary
Commanders seem to be laying foundation for potential return to their old name
This item isn’t about whether the Commanders should or shouldn’t have changed their name. It’s not about whether they should or shouldn’t change it back. It’s simply an effort to assess whether the foundation is being laid to do it, at some point. And the Commanders currently seem to be
NFL receivers gathered this week for a “Wideout Workshop” hosted by Chad Ochocinco
Some of the NFL’s best wide receivers gathered in Miami this week for the first-ever Wideout Workshop, an event hosted by former NFL receiver Chad Ochocinco at which wide receivers could work out together and compare notes on how to develop their games. Those in attendance included Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase
NFLPA hires outside law firm to review Lloyd Howell’s work as executive director
The new item from Don Van Natta Jr. and Kalyn Kahler of ESPN.com regarding the collusion ruling has plenty of interesting news. Perhaps the most impactful relates to something unrelated to the collusion case. For now, at least. Last month, per the report, the NFLPA hired Ronald C. Machen of
CFL suspends former NFL LB Kemoko Turay for role in recent brawl
Kemoko Turay, a second-round pick of the Colts in 2018, has been suspended by the CFL. Turay received a one-game suspension for his role in a post-game brawl following the B.C. Lions’ 21-20 win over the Montreal Alouettes. Three other players were fined for the melee. Turay was suspended for
Unprecedented number of 2025 NFL Draft picks still unsigned
The NFL has hit a logjam and is collectively lagging far behind where it normally is at this point in the offseason. Two years ago, the league hit its last 30 unsigned players before July. Last year, teams were signing rookies as quickly as they were drafting them, and only
















































