Iowa Hires Scott Pioli As Consultant
Scott Pioli, thrice recognized as a PFWA Executive of the Year for his NFL work, is now part of a growing trend that has seen college programs hire former NFLers. Per Scott Dochterman of The Athletic (subscription required), Iowa is hiring Pioli to serve as a consultant. Pioli, 60, began
49ers Notes: Farrell, Pinnock, Huff, Lenoir
While the 49ers managed to work out new deals for QB Brock Purdy, LB Fred Warner, and TE George Kittle well in advance of training camp, the club was forced to part with a number of other talented players over the past several months due to its cap constraints (exacerbated
Clock ticks, and price rises, for the veteran pass rushers
Micah Parsons is right. The longer the Cowboys wait to finalize his contract, the more expensive it will be. Especially if owner/G.M. Jerry Jones continues to drag his feet while other pass rushers get paid. It’s a factor for the Bengals and Steelers, too. With both Trey Hendrickson and T.J.
Broncos, RB J.K. Dobbins Were In Contact Since March
The Broncos recently signed running back J.K. Dobbins to a one-year contract worth $2.75MM, with an additional $2.5MM incentive package. Although the two sides just came to terms several days ago, there was mutual interest since free agency opened in March. Per Luca Evans of the Denver Post, the Broncos
I Don’t Plan On Retiring Anytime Soon
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, fresh off a magical debut season in Philadelphia that culminated in First Team All-Pro and Offensive Player of the Year honors for him and a Super Bowl championship for the club, created something of a panic during a recent appearance on the Green Light with
Re-entering the draft isn’t a viable option for Shemar Stewart
With the Bengals and first-round defensive end Shemar Stewart dug in over a misguided effort by the team to change an obscure potion of the team’s boilerplate contract language without offering a corresponding concession, Stewart doesn’t have many options. The nuclear option would be for Stewart to sit out the
Milton Williams fully participated in his first offseason with Patriots
During the offseason program, the players who don’t show up get most of the attention. The players who fully participate get overlooked. For the Patriots, where newcomers like receiver Stefon Diggs and cornerback Carlton Davis generated headlines for not showing up for voluntary workouts, newly-signed defensive tackle Milton Williams did.
Steelers preparing a big workload for Jaylen Warren after Najee Harris’s departure
Steelers running back Jaylen Warren needs to be ready for a lot of carries this season. Last year’s leading rusher, Najee Harris, left in free agency. Warren was the Steelers’ No. 2 back in 2024, with 120 carries for 511 yards and one touchdown, and this year Pittsburgh plans to
D.C. Defenders win UFL title, 58-34
The UFL has a new champion. The D.C. Defenders defeated the Michigan Panthers in St. Louis on Saturday night, 58-34. It was the most points scored by any team in two seasons of UFL action. The game was back and forth at first, with the Panthers leading 6-0 and 13-6
Bengals DB Dax Hill Aiming For Training Camp Return
An ACL tear ended Dax Hill‘s season in 2024. The fourth-year defensive back has made progress in his rehab, though, and a clear target is in place for a return to the field. Hill was sidelined through OTAs and this week’s minicamp while continuing to recover. If all goes according to
5 Key Stories: 6/8/25 – 6/14/25
Most teams around the league have completed their minicamps, ending their offseason programs. Plenty of unanswered questions remain with respect to extensions and the fate of two high-profile corners at this point on the calendar, though. In case you missed any of the top developments from this week, here is
Commanders surprised by difficulties in Terry McLaurin extension talks
Terry McLaurin enjoyed a highly productive campaign in 2024, continuing his run as the focal point of the Commanders’ passing attack and forming a strong connection with quarterback Jayden Daniels. Early this offseason, general manager Adam Peters made it clear an extension was high on the team’s to-do list. In spite of those
Missouri governor signs Chiefs, Royals stadium bill
Missouri has done its part to keep the Chiefs (and Royals) on the right side of the border with Kansas. Now, it all comes down to whether one or both teams will choose to stay put. Via the Associated Press, governor Mike Kehoe signed on Saturday the bill that will
Commanders Surprised By Difficulties In Terry McLaurin Extension Talks
Terry McLaurin enjoyed a highly productive campaign in 2024, continuing his run as the focal point of the Commanders’ passing attack and forming a strong connection with quarterback Jayden Daniels. Early this offseason, general manager Adam Peters made it clear an extension was high on the team’s to-do list. In spite of those two factors,
Players Interested In Olympic Flag Football
Since the announcement that the NFL’s ownership group would allow active NFL players to participate in the 2028 Summer Olympics’ flag football event, there’s been plenty of speculation on which players might find themselves representing the US of A. While Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes made it known that he had
Raiders Could Field New-Look Starting Secondary
Looking at how things are going in offseason workouts so far, there’s a chance that the Raiders could see only one starter from last year’s secondary return with the first-team defense in 2025. We already saw a free agent exchange at safety, with Tre’von Moehrig being replaced by Jeremy Chinn
Kicking Competition In New York?
Three weeks ago, we labeled veteran kicker Graham Gano a potential cap casualty for the Giants. At the time, we weren’t sure where his potential replacement would come from. We made note of the team’s signing of Jude McAtamney to a reserve/futures deal, but drew more attention to the litany
Vikings call for unequivocal condemnation of political violence
Minnesota has been rocked by the assassination of House Democratic leader Melissa Hortman and her husband in their home, along with the attempted assassination of Senator John Hoffman and his wife. The Vikings have issued a statement condemning the senseless act of political violence. “As Minnesotans and a team that
Bills DE Joey Bosa Expected Back By Training Camp
Injuries have limited Joey Bosa‘s play in the last three seasons, limiting his free agency potential, as a result. Unfortunately, he’s already found some injury trouble with his new team, but according to Lance Lysowki and Ryan O’Halloran of The Buffalo News, there’s “no question” the veteran pass rusher will
Packers Trying Bo Melton At Cornerback
The Packers are trying wide receiver Bo Melton out at cornerback this spring, according to The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman. Melton will be the first to say that he’s no Travis Hunter, but his coaches think that his special teams prowess can translate to defense. He plays on the outside for both
Travis Kelce made significant change during offseason
Travis Kelce had a bit of a down season in 2024 based on his own lofty standards, but the Kansas City Chiefs star is hoping a significant change he made in recent months will help boost his performance. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on “SportsCenter” Saturday that Kelce slimmed down during
Return Targets Set For Dolphins OL Austin Jackson, James Daniels
The Dolphins are hoping that offensive linemen Austin Jackson and James Daniels will be ready by the team’s regular season opener in Indianapolis. Jackson started just eight games last season before undergoing season-ending knee surgery. He is expecting to be ready by training camp, per ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques, where he
Reporter offers notable update on Colts’ QB competition
The Indianapolis Colts are planning to hold a competition for their starting quarterback job between Anthony Richardson Sr. and Daniel Jones, but it sounds like the latter has already gotten a bit of a head start. Richardson did not participate in mandatory minicamp this week due to soreness in his
Browns Open To Keeping All 4 QBs
There is plenty of time before final roster cuts in August, but the Browns are already considering holding onto all four of their quarterbacks. General manager Andrew Berry said (via Jori Epstein of Yahoo Sports) that Cleveland could “absolutely” carry four quarterbacks into the regular season, provided, of course, that
Why Vikings passed on Darnold, Rodgers for McCarthy
It has been an interesting offseason for the Minnesota Vikings, especially at the quarterback position. After a 14-3 season, the Vikings lost in the first round of the NFL playoffs to the Los Angeles Rams. Sam Darnold, who led Minnesota to the postseason as the starting quarterback, wasn’t re-signed. The
Ben Roethlisberger believes 2025 will be Aaron Rodgers’s last year
This year, Aaron Rodgers will become the latest successor to Ben Roethlisberger in Pittsburgh. And Roethlisberger believes it will be a one-year arrangement. “I don’t think he’s got much more after this year,” Roethlisberger said on his Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger podcast, via Andrew Vasquez of USA Today. “I think
No end in sight to Bengals’ two contract standoffs
There is no end in sight to the Bengals’ dual contract standoffs. First-round pick Shemar Stewart left Cincinnati on the last day of mandatory minicamp, while All-Pro Trey Hendrickson remains away from the team as he fights for a new deal. Hendrickson is “very much dug in on his position” and
Latest on Bengals’ Standoffs With Trey Hendrickson, Shemar Stewart
There is no end in sight to the Bengals’ dual contract standoffs. First-round pick Shemar Stewart left Cincinnati on the last day of mandatory minicamp, while All-Pro Trey Hendrickson remains away from the team as he fights for a new deal. Hendrickson is “very much dug in on his position” and will not sign
Mayor says Commanders are “outraged” as D.C. Council drags feet
The deal between the Commanders and D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser was the beginning, not the end. And the agreement to build a new Commanders stadium in D.C. potentially could evaporate. As explained earlier this week by Eric Fisher of FrontOfficeSports.com, the arrangement requires preliminary approval from D.C. Council by July
Mike Lombardi dismisses Bill Belichick, Jordon Hudson reports as “just noise”
Bill Belichick’s North Carolina consigliere has kept a very low profile in the weeks since a disastrous CBS book-tour interview made Jordon Hudson and Belichick one of the biggest stories in sports. On Saturday morning, UNC G.M. Michael Lombardi appeared on ESPN Radio’s Marty & McGee. And Lombardi was asked
It’s the worst time for the Bengals to be taking a stand on technical contract language
Most teams act like they’re obsessed with winning. All teams are obsessed with making as much money as possible. To their credit, the Bengals don’t pretend to be trying to count anything other than dollars. To their detriment, the obsession with profit can — and does — get in the
It’s a Father’s Day Father of Mine giveaway weekend
Michael Holley has spoken. The once-per-week PFT Live co-host has read Father of Mine. And he likes it. He shared a surprise review of the book during Friday’s PFT Live season finale. (The video is attached to this blurb.) You can get the ebook for a mere 99 cents on
While Tom Brady fights FTX case, Shaquille O’Neal settles for $1.8 million
The collapse of FTX still resonates in the court system, with civil claims pending against former NFL quarterback, Fox lead NFL broadcaster, and minority Raiders owner Tom Brady. Despite scoring a partial win last month, the litigation continues for Brady. But not for Shaquille O’Neal. He has settled the claims
Will Miami’s latest effort at “culture change” work?
The Miami Dolphins have chronically underachieved in recent years. And the constant response is that the culture needs to change. They’re saying it again. The overriding question is whether they mean it this time. Based on comments made this week by veteran edge rusher Bradley Chubb, there’s a chance they
Tyreek Hill runs 100 meters in 10.15 seconds at California track meet
Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill showed up with little fanfare at a track meet in California on Friday and won the 100-meter dash with an impressive time of 10.15 seconds. That’s an incredibly fast race considering that Hill is 31 years old and hadn’t run track competitively since college, and
One unit on each AFC team that needs work
Roster construction is usually top of mind 365 days a year for every NFL front office. But no team is built perfectly. Ahead of training camp in late July, Yardbarker NFL writers identify the weakest position room on every team in the AFC. AFC East BUFFALO BILLS | Safety |
Vikings make major decision on offensive coordinator
The Vikings have been busy this offseason in terms of maintaining continuity in the front office and on the sidelines. Another piece of business on that front has been taken care of. An extension agreement was reached on Friday with offensive coordinator Wes Phillips, Ben Goessling of the Minnesota Star
Report: Vikings agree to contract extension with offensive coordinator Wes Phillips
The Vikings agreed to a multiyear contract extension with offensive coordinator Wes Phillips, Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune reports. Phillips was entering the final year of his deal. The team signed General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O’Connell to new deals earlier this offseason. Phillips followed O’Connell to
Vikings To Extend OC Wes Phillips
The Vikings have been busy this offseason in terms of maintaining continuity in the front office and on the sidelines. Another piece of business on that front has been taken care of. An extension agreement was reached on Friday with offensive coordinator Wes Phillips, Ben Goessling of the Minnesota Star Tribune
Cowboys bungling Micah Parsons situation could cost them more money
Considerable time has taken place since Micah Parsons and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones agreed in principle on an extension. The edge-rushing market could very well see further movement before an agreement is finalized in this case, something that would increase the cost of a monster second contract. In April, it
Micah Parsons Expects Cowboys Extension Price To Rise, Not Planning Holdout
Considerable time has taken place since Micah Parsons and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones agreed in principle on an extension. The edge rush market could very well see further movement before an agreement is finalized in this case, something which would increase the cost of a monster second contract. In April, it was reported
Minor NFL Transactions: 6/13/25
June 13th, 2025 at 8:25pm CST by Adam La Rose Friday’s minor moves: Los Angeles Rams Minnesota Vikings Seattle Seahawks Released: TE Mitch Van Vooren Kendrick missed all of last season due to an ACL tear. Prior to that, though, he started 18 games across two seasons. The 24-year-old will
LT Rashawn Slater Expects To Sign Chargers Extension
Rashawn Slater was away from the Chargers during OTAs, but he was in attendance for this week’s mandatory minicamp. When speaking about that decision and his ongoing extension talks, the Pro Bowl left tackle struck an optimistic tone. As things stand, Slater is set to play on his fifth-year option in
To honor his father, Chris Godwin adds “Jr.” to jersey
In the offseason, plenty of players change their numbers. Buccaneers receiver Chris Godwin is making a different kind of change. He’s adding “Jr.” to his jersey, in honor of his father. “As a professional athlete, you are always recognized for the name on the front of your jersey,” Godwin said,
NFL Draft Pick Signings: 6/13/25
June 13th, 2025 at 6:54pm CST by Adam La Rose Friday’s lone rookie signing: San Francisco 49ers DT CJ West (fourth round, Indiana) West is the 10th member of the 49ers’ draft class to ink his four-year pact. Only second-rounder (and fellow defensive tackle) Alfred Collins is unsigned at this point.
NFL explains its Saturday “Kids Zone” activation at National Mall
Well, at least we know they’re still paying attention. After getting no response to three different emails sent this week regarding the hidden 61-page ruling in the collusion grievance, we heard from the NFL on Friday afternoon in response to an item posted based on a report from John Ourand
Saints sign free agent RB Cam Akers
The Saints signed free agent running back Cam Akers on Friday, according to the NFL’s transactions report. Akers participated in the team’s minicamp this week on a tryout basis. He joins Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, Devin Neal and Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the running backs room. Akers, 25, spent last season
Clock keeps ticking for Bengals, Hamilton County lease agreement
The clock is ticking more and more loudly for the Bengals and Hamilton County. The Bengals have until June 30 to extend their current lease at Paycor Stadium. Absent an extension, the lease expires after the 2025 season. Via Chris Wetterich of the Cincinnati Business Courier, the county has released
Saints To Sign RB Cam Akers
June 13th, 2025 at 5:09pm CST by Nikhil Mehta The Saints are signing running back Cam Akers after a successful tryout at mandatory minicamp this week, according to The Athletic’s Diana Russini. The five-year veteran was a Rams second-round pick in 2020, but didn’t quite live up to his draft
Vikings sign OL Vershon Lee
The Vikings made a change to their roster after the end of this week’s mandatory minicamp. They announced the signing of offensive lineman Vershon Lee. Lee worked out for the team on Thursday and also met with them prior to going undrafted earlier this year. Lee started 40 games while