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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)   The Los Angeles Chargers have a very talented quarterback in Justin Herbert. He’s left something to be desired in big moments, but, to be fair, he hasn’t always had the most reliable pass-catchers. The Chargers have struggled mightily with drops for most of the Herbert era. That’s why they chose to go heavy at the wide receiver position in the 2025 NFL Draft, and the early returns might be starting to show. With that in mind, ESPN analyst Matt Miller shared his thoughts on Tre Harris , who, according to him, could be an under-the-radar rookie in 2025: “Receiver was a huge area of need for the Chargers last offseason, and the team invested there early in the draft with Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith. Harris, the team’s second-rounder, has impressed with his route-running ability and how well he has picked up multiple alignments in the offense. His penchant for big plays on deep routes is exactly what the Chargers and quarterback Justi...

(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)   The Cincinnati Bengals felt pretty comfortable moving on from Joe Mixon. They trusted their two-headed monster of Chase Brown and Zack Moss. Then, with Moss out of the picture because of an injury, Brown took the reins of the offense and looked like a legitimate workhorse running back. That’s why, after watching his growth between seasons and how he performed in training camp, Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson believes Brown is going to be as important to their offense as some of their elite weapons: “Just adding one more monster to the fire they have on offense. He’s going to be a problem,” Wilson said of Brown. 30 on 30. pic.twitter.com/c9SXO3pZIh — Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) August 30, 2025 Browns established himself as a dominant force in the second half of the season. From Weeks 9 to 17, he had the fifth-most yards from scrimmage in the league and third in touches, all while still working between the tackles to get tho...

(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)   The Los Angeles Rams lost one of the best defensive players in the game when Aaron Donald walked away. Fortunately for them, they didn’t need that much time finding another superstar on that side of the field. Taking Jared Verse in the first round out of Florida State was a game-changing decision for this organization, and it didn’t take long before he proved to be special. That’s why Dalton Wasserman of PFF believes he’s just one minor tweak away from being historically great. In the latest edition of PFF’s podcast, Wasserman talked about Verse’s high potential. “The only other edge defender in football who had an 80+ grade in run defense and in the pass rush was T.J. Watt. 89 pressures were the second-most we’ve ever recorded by a rookie edge defender, only behind Nick Bosa in 2019. [Jared Verse] didn’t have just a good rookie year, he had a historic rookie year. He’s already one of probably the top-10 edge defenders in football. ...

(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)   Just a couple of years ago, the Detroit Lions rolled the dice on a polarizing rookie. They took Hendon Hooker out of Tennessee in the third round, and while he had incredible numbers in college, he was 25 years old and a little raw at the time he entered the league. Fast forward to today, and the Lions have officially called it quits with him. Hooker still landed on his feet by signing with the Carolina Panthers , and when asked about that decision, he seemed to throw a little shade at his former team: “I wanted to go somewhere where I was wanted, wanted to develop, learn,” Hooker said. Former Lions QB Hendon Hooker on signing with the Panthers: “I wanted to go somewhere where I was wanted.” pic.twitter.com/tPfp9HtS3v — 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔇𝔢𝔱𝔯𝔬𝔦𝔱 𝔗𝔦𝔪𝔢𝔰 (@the_det_times) August 30, 2025 Granted, the Lions already had a franchise quarterback, and they weren’t going to turn to Hooker after paying Jared Goff that much money. T...

(Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)   The San Francisco 49ers have one of the sharpest offensive minds leading the way for them. Kyle Shanahan has made sure to keep his family’s legacy alive, and he’s established himself as a proven offensive guru. However, that’s not what separates him from the rest of the pack. If you were to ask Richard Sherman, Shanahan is special because of his maniac-like preparation. Talking on the Niners’ official podcast, the former Super Bowl champion gushed about Coach Shanahan: “I think what separates Kyle Shanahan from other coaches in this league is preparation,” Sherman said . “Just like everybody else that is great at what they do, there’s a little bit of madness and obsession to them. He’s obsessed with the game. He’s obsessed with the players. He’s obsessed with how he can impact the game in a positive way and put his players in a position to be successful.” He’s also quite creative, always bringing some trickery and deception to the ta...

(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)   The Dallas Mavericks thought long and hard about it, but they recently decided to part ways with Olivier-Maxence Prosper. The team opted to waive and stretch Prosper, meaning that he is no longer with the team and is able to look for a new squad in the NBA to play for. Writing on X, Sam Vecenie said that another franchise should take a chance on Prosper because he could do a lot of good on the court. “Think O-Max Prosper is definitely worth a two-way flyer for someone. The length and athleticism remain intriguing on defense. Big and physical. Thoughtful kid. Ultimately will all come down to if he can ever shoot it, but I’d take a low-stakes chance on him for sure,” Vecenie posted on X. Think O-Max Prosper is definitely worth a two-way flyer for someone. The length and athleticism remain intriguing on defense. Big and physical. Thoughtful kid. Ultimately will all come down to if he can ever shoot it, but I'd take a low-stakes chan...

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)   Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers was back in a big way in 2024-25. His average of 21.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists was impressive, but his health was even more noteworthy. He only played in 37 games, but he made them count, and he was able to help his team for their entire run in the playoffs, which hadn’t happened in several years. According to head coach Ty Lue, Leonard is committed and wants to play in as many back-to-back games as possible, but he is being held back by the medical staff. They are attempting to “protect him from himself” and prohibit him from pushing too hard. Ty Lue says Kawhi has been pushing to play back-to-backs, but he, Lawrence Frank, and the Clippers’ medical staff often step in to hold him out to “protect him from himself.” (via @ClubShayShay ) pic.twitter.com/i3mucIyov6 — Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 28, 2025 Leonard’s history with injuries is long, complicated, and troubl...

(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)   Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Shilo Sanders was facing an uphill battle to make the team this preseason, but any chance he had likely disintegrated when he got into a skirmish in Saturday’s preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills and earned himself an ejection by throwing a punch. He was cut one day later, and Sanders finally broke the silence about his release and spoke about where his head is at since then. Sanders gave an honest self-assessment on Friday and spoke about what could be next for him. “In every athlete’s life it becomes a point to where the game ends for you. I’m not saying that’s what it is now, I’m just saying mentally I’m good.” Shilo Sanders opened up about being waived by Tampa Bay. (via Shilo Sanders/YT) pic.twitter.com/BTQIqR4hLL — Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) August 29, 2025 That’s a scathing assessment that shows plenty of self-awareness, because as an undrafted free agent whose most recent in-ga...

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)   The Las Vegas Raiders knew they needed to make a big splash with their first-round selection. That’s why, contrary to the usual approach, they used their No. 6 pick to get a running back. Of course, Ashton Jeanty is no ordinary running back, and he looks more than worthy of such a steep selection. In fact, NFL experts believe he’s the leading candidate to run away with Offensive Rookie of the Year honors this season: “This year’s preseason favorite for OROY, Ashton Jeanty, could become the first running back to claim the honor since Saquon Barkley in 2018 and just the second Raider in the franchise’s history to win the award (Marcus Allen, 1982),” per NFL writers . Jeanty was a Heisman finalist in his final season at Boise State. Judging by his unmatched production, it’s safe to say that he would’ve been a more than legitimate winner. He posted some of the most impressive numbers by any running back in college football his...

(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)   The Minnesota Vikings desperately needed a reliable pair of hands. That’s why they turned to a familiar face. As expected, they got back together with veteran WR Adam Thielen , who had been with the Carolina Panthers for the past couple of years. With that in mind, Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report gushed about this transaction, giving the Vikings an ‘A’ grade for the way they handled this issue: “The deal brings Thielen back to Minnesota, where he spent the first nine years of his career. It was a logical move because the Vikings won’t have No. 2 receiver Jordan Addison for the first three games of the season due to a suspension. Thielen should quickly mesh with head coach Kevin O’Connell, who joined the franchise in the receiver’s final season before joining Carolina,” Knox wrote. The Vikings will be without star WR Jordan Addison for the first three games of the season because of a suspension. Justin Jefferson has missed some...

(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)   Following a couple of years away, Adam Thielen is back with the Minnesota Vikings. The Carolina Panthers traded the wide receiver to the only other NFL team he has played for. However, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team, it was about much more than just helping him out. The Panthers have high hopes for wide receiver Jalen Coker , which is why they felt comfortable parting with Thielen. “The Panthers weren’t just going to give Adam Thielen away. They were going to do right by him and trade him to the Vikings only if a deal made sense. A big reason they were comfortable making the move: They love WR Jalen Coker. Remember the name,” Meirov wrote on X. The #Panthers weren’t just going to give Adam Thielen away. They were going to do right by him and trade him to the #Vikings only IF a deal made sense. A big reason they were comfortable making the move: they love WR Jalen Coker. Remember the name. https://t.co/OvbBBeAL...

(Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)   The Minnesota Vikings have a new backup quarterback in Carson Wentz . The Super Bowl champion has decided on the jersey number he will wear while playing behind J.J. McCarthy. As pointed out by Vikingz Fan Page on X, Wentz will sport his familiar No. 11 with Minnesota. Carson Wentz will wear number 11 for the #Vikings . pic.twitter.com/KlD1OVK19o — VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) August 26, 2025 He’s worn the number for four NFL teams, including with the Philadelphia Eagles and last season with the Kansas City Chiefs. Wentz was a free agent until signing late in the preseason. The Vikings were not comfortable with Sam Howell as McCarthy’s backup, so they traded Howell, ironically to the Eagles, and added Wentz instead. That makes perfect sense, as they don’t know what they will get from McCarthy in his first real NFL action. He is coming off a major injury that caused him to miss all of last season, so there will be some dou...

(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)   The Seattle Seahawks are entering a new era. Wide receivers Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf are no longer on the team. That means it’s officially go-time for Jaxon Smith-Njigba . With that in mind, the third-year player recently declared that he’s ready for the challenge. “I want to let them know … that I’m proving myself right,” Smith-Njigba said. “I want to let them know… that I’m proving myself right” @jaxon_smith1 Jaxon Smith-Njigba is extremely humble. In his tone, his energy, & his behavior. That’s until the ball is snapped. He’s done the work, put in the time and is ready to show the entire world he is really… pic.twitter.com/IV2LsuMhi9 — Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) August 25, 2025 As the first wideout taken in the 2023 NFL Draft, expectations were sky-high for the No. 20 overall pick. He didn’t always live up to those as a rookie, but he posted decent numbers with 63 receptions for 628 yards and four touchdowns. ...

(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)   The Philadelphia Eagles are moving on from one of their rookies, at least for now. They’ve reportedly waived quarterback Kyle McCord in one of the most surprising moves of the final roster process. However, according to insider Eliot Shorr-Parks, the Eagles might have some interest in bringing back McCord. “If Howie [Roseman] is confident McCord is getting back on the practice squad then cutting him doesn’t matter much. He’ll still be in the building. But if McCord is claimed or leaves this would be a disapointing result to have given up on McCord so quickly,” Shorr-Parks wrote on X. If Howie is confident McCord is getting back on the practice squad than cutting him doesn’t matter much — he’ll still be in the building But if McCord is claimed or leaves this would be a dissapointing result to have given up on McCord so quickly https://t.co/iURRx9zXIA — Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) August 25, 2025 The Eagles selected McCord with...

(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)   The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves at a crossroads after consecutive playoff misses despite having one of the NFL’s most talented quarterbacks. Joe Burrow has delivered exceptional individual performances, but team success has remained elusive since their memorable Super Bowl run three seasons ago. The frustrating pattern has sparked speculation about potential friction between the franchise quarterback and the organization’s direction. Analyst John Middlekauff recently floated a scenario that would send shockwaves through the NFL during a recent episode of 3 & Out. “Is he going to ask for a trade after the season? He could go. ‘It’s time for me to leave. Send me to a real organization,'” Middlekauff said. “He could go, ‘it’s time for me to leave, send me to a real organization.’” @JohnMiddlekauff questions if Joe Burrow could eventually force his way out of Cincinnati if things go south again. pic.twitter.com/KP6sLdqgx6 ...

(Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)   The Philadelphia Eagles enter the 2025 season as a popular Super Bowl contender with Jalen Hurts leading the way. Their roster depth looks strong across most positions, but one area continues to raise concerns. NFL analyst Skip Bayless recently highlighted what he sees as a critical weakness that could derail their championship hopes. “The Eagles are now vulnerable if their backup QB has to play,” Bayless wrote on X. The Eagles are now vulnerable if their backup QB has to play. — Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) August 24, 2025 The comment comes at a time when Philadelphia’s quarterback depth chart remains unsettled. Tanner McKee entered camp as the primary backup but suffered a fractured thumb that threatens his availability for the regular season. This injury has thrust Sam Howell into the spotlight. The Eagles acquired Howell from Minnesota in exchange for draft picks specifically to address their depth concerns while waivin...

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)   The Arizona Cardinals still haven’t seen what they can get from their first-round pick. Walter Nolen III hasn’t been able to practice because of a calf injury. Perhaps that’s why EA and Madden didn’t give much thought to his appearance. In a now-viral clip shared by him on social media, the rookie defensive tackle called out EA for his appearance on the video game, stating that he clearly doesn’t look anything like the player they’re portraying. “EA is trippin man,” Nolen said. 𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Cardinals rookie DT Walter Nolen is NOT happy with how he looks in Madden 26… “EA is trippin man” pic.twitter.com/Cb5yrLdUpM — Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 24, 2025 The only way to change that will be by getting on the field and showing what he’s got. There’s still a chance that Nolen will be healthy enough to take the field in Week 1. Then again, calf injuries are tricky; they can lead to Achilles tears, and the team is...

(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)   The New England Patriots are all set in the passing game. At least, that’s the case with the starters. They gave Stefon Diggs a big-money deal, and he’s now expected to be out there in Week 1. They also have third-round pick Kyle Williams, one of the most intriguing pass-catchers in this class, all while Demario Douglas does his thing in the slot. It all looks a little bleak from there. Nevertheless, team insider Mike Reiss believes that the recent injuries might work in Kendrick Bourne ‘s favor. “… with Williams and Chism also managing injuries… and Baker squarely on the bubble himself, it could give Bourne’s staying power some added pop,” Reiss said. . @MikeReiss believes recent receiver injuries/performances could create a path for Kendrick Bourne to make the #Patriots roster. “… with Williams and Chism also managing injuries… and Baker squarely on the bubble himself, it could give Bourne's staying power some added pop.” p...

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)   The Dallas Cowboys offense looks like it’ll revert back to elite status as new head coach Brian Schottenheimer will have his full assortment of weapons at his disposal. The biggest piece coming back is Dak Prescott, who missed most of last season due to injury, while CeeDee Lamb is also healthy after hurting his shoulder. Dallas made sure to give Prescott more ammunition in the passing game as they also traded for George Pickens, giving Lamb a legitimate No. 2 running mate. While the offense should bounce back, the defense has plenty of questions after losing key members this past offseason. The secondary gets a boost, though, as Trevon Diggs is set to return in the early going of the 2025 NFL season. However, Diggs was non-committal about playing in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles via Todd Archer of ESPN. “Maybe, maybe not,” Diggs said when asked about playing Week 1. Diggs missed most of last season due to a knee in...

(Photo by Andrew Dieb/Icon Sportswire)   The Dallas Cowboys have been carefully managing rookie running back Jaydon Blue after a heel and ankle injury disrupted his promising start to training camp. Blue had been climbing the depth chart before the setback forced the team to take a cautious approach with their potential offensive weapon. Now there’s positive news about his return to action. “Cowboys rookie RB Jaydon Blue is expected to make his preseason debut tonight,” The Athletic’s Jon Machota shared. Cowboys rookie RB Jaydon Blue is expected to make his preseason debut tonight. “I just think I bring a lot of things to the table, not only at the running back position, but in the passing game.” “I’m just ready to showcase (what I can do) in a game.” https://t.co/1dFb10KGGl — Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 22, 2025 “I just think I bring a lot of things to the table, not only at the running back position, but in the passing game. I’m just ready to showcase (what ...

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)   The Jacksonville Jaguars enter 2025 with their franchise quarterback facing perhaps the most scrutinized season of his young career. Trevor Lawrence has dealt with coaching changes, injuries, and offensive line struggles throughout his first four NFL campaigns. None of those excuses will matter much this year. Lawrence sits at the top of many lists regarding players with the most to prove. Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton recently highlighted just how much pressure the fourth-year signal caller faces. “He’s getting paid as a top 5 quarterback with bottom 5 quarterback production, postseason. […] When we’re looking at Trevor Lawrence and the skill set that he possesses, there’s no way he doesn’t have a playoff appearance. And I understand this to be true: he can’t get there alone, and they need other determining factors to up their ante, but you got skill around you now. What you gonna do?” Newton said. Cam Newton says Trevor Lawre...

(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)   The contract standoff between Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons and owner Jerry Jones has moved beyond typical holdout territory into public feuding. Both sides have aired their frustrations through social media posts and pointed interview comments as the situation continues to escalate. The latest chapter unfolded during Jerry Jones’ lengthy discussion with Stephen A. Smith. When Smith called Parsons “the face of the franchise” and asked for Jones’ perspective on his star defender, the Cowboys owner made his position clear. “I’m glad you recognize that, and we’ve got him for three years no matter what,” Jones said. Jerry Jones on Micah Parsons: “We got him for 3 years no matter what” pic.twitter.com/cMOTjBU9tm — JPA (@jasrifootball) August 22, 2025 Parsons formally requested a trade earlier this month after stating he would not participate in private contract negotiations without his agent present. The All-Pro pass rusher ...

(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)   The Miami Dolphins got a glimpse of one of the best pass-catchers in the game during joint practices. Joint practices are always great for fine-tuning some details. As long as players keep it civil and avoid scuffles, they can get into game shape and see where the team stands. That’s not great news for Jack Jones . The Dolphins’ cornerback was tasked with covering Amon-Ra St. Brown , and after several clips of the Detroit Lions star WR dominating him in practice, he had to admit that he got the best of him: “I knew it was going to be the best work out there possible,” Jones said . “You’ve seen the tape, he cooked me. But I got better from that, and I’m learning the technique that I’m not used to doing. He made me better, so I’d rather it be him than anyone else.” St. Brown has yet to suit up in the preseason, and he may sit out in the preseason finale as well. But judging by the tape, he’s more than ready to take the field when...

(Photo by John Nacion/Getty Images for Fanatics)   For years, New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was the absolute best tight end in all of football. And even though he didn’t retire as a Patriot, he’ll always be tied to that organization. That’s why the fans will love to hear that he intends to sign a one-day contract with the franchise to retire in Foxboro. “I like [the plan of retiring as a Patriot] a lot. The reason why we’re really going to do that is because of Susan Hurley. She wants to see that happen. We’re gonna make it happen in the future and it’s gonna be a special moment. Come back for a day, a weekend, whatever it is. It’s gonna happen. We just don’t know when,” Gronkowski said. Rob Gronkowski, the greatest tight end of all time, says he plans on retiring as a member of the #Patriots . “I like that a lot… We’re gonna make it happen in the future and it’s gonna be a special moment… It’s gonna happen. We just don’t know when.” ( CBS Boston) p...

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)   The Dallas Cowboys have found themselves in a difficult spot with one of the best defensive players in the league. Micah Parsons has voiced his frustrations with the organization, letting the world know that he’s not happy with the way he’s being treated and that negotiating a contract extension hasn’t gone smoothly. There haven’t been many details to this point regarding the biggest roadblocks in getting a deal done, mostly just that things are moving slowly. Dianna Russini provided an updated report in a recent video she posted to X, peeling back the curtain and highlighting the biggest issue. “We say it’s status quo, but I think it’s important to just highlight what’s happening here. Even if Micah wanted to open up this negotiation to remain a Dallas Cowboy, the Cowboys are not allowing that because they won’t talk to his agent,” Russini said. Micah Parsons' trade request stands. But any movement on his future — trade, extens...