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NFL News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Tuesday, February 24

Browns OT Dawand Jones progressing from injuries, expected to have role on O-line

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Browns GM Andrew Berry provided an update on OT Dawand Jones, who has been injured in each of his first three seasons, stating that Jones is progressing and is likely to have a role on the offensive line. With new HC Todd Monken planning his system around available talent and the Browns potentially replacing their entire offensive line, Jones' return is a key factor. Berry referenced the Ravens and Bears' O-line rebuilds as models for Cleveland's offseason approach.

Veteran Von Miller, 37, Enters Free Agency After 9-Sack 2025 Season

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Veteran EDGE rusher Von Miller, 37, is entering free agency after a 2025 season where he recorded 9 sacks, 6 tackles for loss, and 15 QB hits, despite being considered 'past the prime of his career.' Miller, who made $6.1 million last year, is reportedly chasing another Super Bowl ring. The Los Angeles Rams are mentioned as a potential landing spot, where he could serve as a mentor and rotational option under their new coaching staff, having previously expressed fondness for playing in LA.

Falcons LB Kaden Elliss a potential veteran free agent target for Broncos

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Falcons LB Kaden Elliss, 30, is being considered as a potential free agent option for the Denver Broncos, who need to address their inside linebacker position. In 2025, Elliss started all 17 games, recording 107 tackles, 10 TFL, 10 QB hits, 6 PD, 1 INT, and 1 FF. While the Broncos aim to get younger, a 1-2 year veteran rental like Elliss, who would reunite with the head coach who drafted him, could provide a stopgap. His age (turns 31 this year) is the main concern for a long-term commitment.

Steelers GM Khan calls Kaleb Johnson's rookie season "disappointing," expects improvement

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Steelers GM Omar Khan described RB Kaleb Johnson's rookie season as "disappointing," noting his low production of 69 yards on 28 carries and a costly Week 2 special teams error. Despite this, Khan expressed belief that Johnson will "turn the corner," citing his practice field performance and college production. If Kenneth Gainwell is not re-signed, Johnson is expected to step into the No. 2 running back role in his second season.

Mel Kiper Jr. mocks Miami DE Akheem Mesidor to Cowboys at No. 20

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In his latest NFL Mock Draft, Mel Kiper Jr. projects Miami DE Akheem Mesidor to the Dallas Cowboys with the 20th overall pick, completing an all-defense first round for the team. Mesidor, who recorded 12.5 sacks in his six-year collegiate career, is expected to jump-start the Cowboys' pass rush, especially with Jadeveon Clowney a free agent. Concerns exist regarding Mesidor's age, as he will be 25 this season, meaning his rookie deal would expire around age 30.

Dolphins GM confirms "everything on the table" for Tua Tagovailoa, including trade

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Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan stated that "everything is on the table, including a trade" regarding Tua Tagovailoa's future. Tagovailoa, who threw for 2,660 yards, 20 TDs, and 15 INTs in 14 games in 2025, reportedly wants to play elsewhere. His substantial contract ($54M guaranteed in 2026) makes a trade challenging, with a release potentially incurring a $99M dead cap. Sullivan expects Quinn Ewers to start in 2026 and plans to draft a QB and pursue free agents to infuse competition.

Falcons to release Kirk Cousins March 11, avoiding $67.9M guarantee

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Falcons GM Ian Cunningham confirmed that QB Kirk Cousins, 37, will be released on March 11, the first day of the new league year, to avoid a $67.9 million guaranteed payment. A trade is highly improbable. Despite a presentable 2025 season (1,721 yards, 10 TDs, 5 INTs) filling in for an injured Michael Penix, Cousins is expected to draw interest from QB-needy teams like the Jets, Vikings, Raiders, and Dolphins, seeking a veteran stopgap or mentor.

Bills restructure RT Spencer Brown's contract, freeing up to $10.4M in cap space

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Bills GM Brandon Beane announced that the team has restructured starting RT Spencer Brown's contract, with paperwork submitted yesterday. This move is expected to free up significant cap space, potentially between $6 million and $10.4 million, by lowering Brown's 2026 cap number to $2.6 million. The additional funds will be utilized for free agency and other team needs as the Bills prepare for the upcoming 2026 NFL season.

Steelers GM Khan non-committal on Broderick Jones' training camp availability after neck injury

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Steelers GM Omar Khan was non-committal regarding OT Broderick Jones' availability for training camp, stating he suffered a "significant neck injury" last November that sidelined him for the rest of the season. Khan emphasized that it's "still early in the process" and the team is monitoring his progress. With the May 1st deadline for his fifth-year option approaching (estimated over $20M), the Steelers may need to invest in depth at the position, as Dylan Cook filled in during Jones' absence.

Patriots GM Wolf weighing options on Stefon Diggs' future amidst $26.5M cap hit

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Patriots GM Eliot Wolf confirmed the team is actively weighing options regarding veteran WR Stefon Diggs' future, declining to provide specific clarity. Diggs, 32, led the team with 85 receptions and 1,013 yards in his first season but carries a substantial $26.5 million cap hit, with $6 million more guaranteed on March 13. Releasing him would free up over $16 million in cap space. The team is also monitoring his legal situation, as he pleaded not guilty to felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault charges, with a pretrial hearing set for April 1.

Patriots GM "tremendously satisfied" with Drake Maye's MVP runner-up season

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Patriots GM Eliot Wolf expressed immense satisfaction with QB Drake Maye's significant progress in his second season, where he finished as MVP runner-up to Matthew Stafford. Maye, 23, completed an NFL-best 72% of passes for 4,394 yards, 31 TDs, and 8 INTs. Despite needing a pain-killing injection for his right shoulder before Super Bowl LX and a less-than-stellar performance, Wolf dismissed the injury as an excuse, attributing struggles to offensive rhythm. Wolf praised Maye's toughness, competitiveness, and consistent demeanor, highlighting his development.

Patriots GM Wolf backs LT Will Campbell, expects significant improvement after rookie struggles

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Patriots GM Eliot Wolf reaffirmed confidence in LT Will Campbell, shooting down rumors of interest in other free agent tackles. Wolf acknowledged Campbell's struggles with pass protection in the playoffs and Super Bowl, noting a dip in lower body strength post-MCL injury. However, he praised the 22-year-old's quickness, technical soundness, and developing pass sets, expecting significant improvement. Head coach Mike Vrabel also reinforced his belief in Campbell as the team's starting left tackle for next season.

Bears HC Ben Johnson expects defensive backfield retooling, new faces at linebacker

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Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson indicated that the team expects "some retooling" in the defensive backfield this offseason, with multiple spots at safety and cornerback needing to be addressed, despite plans to retain All-Pro safety Kevin Byard. Johnson also anticipates new faces in the linebacker room, citing the likely departure of Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards' return from a serious leg injury, signaling a significant defensive overhaul.

Raiders QB Geno Smith likely to be traded or released, drawing interest from multiple teams

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Raiders QB Geno Smith is expected to be traded or released in the coming weeks, with numerous teams showing interest in the veteran passer. Potential landing spots include the Cardinals, Falcons, Browns, Colts, Chiefs, Dolphins, Vikings, Jets, and Steelers, all seeking a veteran option or competition at quarterback. Smith's availability is heightened by a perceived weak quarterback draft class after the Raiders' likely selection of Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall.

Steelers LG Isaac Seumalo a pending free agent, team may seek replacement

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Steelers starting left guard Isaac Seumalo, 32, is set to become a free agent, potentially leaving a vacancy on the offensive line. The team may look for a new starter at the position, with prospects like Oregon guard Emmanuel Pregnon being considered as a possible Day 1 replacement to maintain a strong interior offensive line.

Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan 'Excited' About Quinn Ewers

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Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan spoke at the NFL Combine, discussing the team's approach to the quarterback room this offseason. Amid speculation regarding Tua Tagovailoa's future, Sullivan specifically mentioned being 'excited' about Quinn Ewers, indicating potential interest or plans involving the quarterback as the team explores new options.

Steelers GM Khan confirms team wants RB Kenneth Gainwell back after MVP season

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Steelers GM Omar Khan confirmed the team's desire to re-sign RB Kenneth Gainwell, stating, "he knows we want him back." Gainwell, who was expected to be a third-string back, became the Steelers' most productive player and team MVP in 2025, leading in receptions (73 catches, 486 yards, 3 TDs) and adding 537 rushing yards with 5 TDs. Coming off a career-best season and with a projected market value of $3 million per year, an extension is expected, especially given his close relationship with QB Aaron Rodgers.

USC WR Makai Lemon hailed as "downright baller" with elite ball skills, high ceiling

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USC WR Makai Lemon is described as a "downright baller" with elite ball skills, tracking ability, and toughness. Despite primarily playing from the slot, he consistently beats man coverage and wins downfield, both as a separator and in tight coverage. Analysts praise his ability to throttle down and explode out of cuts. With some of the best hands in the class, Lemon possesses the highest ceiling if deployed in a progressive offensive scheme, though there's a risk if limited to a traditional slot role.

Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr. drawing buzz as dynamic YAC threat ahead of NFL Draft

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Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr. is generating significant interest among scouts and analysts as a dynamic YAC threat for the upcoming NFL Draft. While his route nuances and zone coverage recognition are noted as "just acceptable," his extreme physicality at the catch point and with the ball in his hands make him an easily projectable asset for NFL offenses seeking explosive plays. Further evaluation is ongoing to determine his exact ranking in the class.

Eagles backup QB Tanner McKee linked to Jets in trade rumors

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Eagles backup QB Tanner McKee is reportedly drawing trade interest from the New York Jets, who are seeking a less-expensive signal-caller to compete with or replace Justin Fields. McKee's connections to former Eagles OC Frank Reich (now Stanford HC) and Jets QB coach Bill Musgrave are noted. While the Eagles value him as Jalen Hurts' backup, a trade, possibly for a conditional 2027 fourth-round pick, is feasible given McKee's limited NFL experience (88 passes, 2 starts) but promising flashes.