Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Seahawks linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence refuted Rams coach Sean McVay's "lucky bust" claim regarding a critical fourth-down defensive stop in the NFC Championship. Lawrence explained he improvised when the back's quick flare indicated a "hot" route, using his experience to cover the receiver with Julian Love. This decisive action prevented a potential go-ahead touchdown, demonstrating intentional play rather than mere fortune.
Milton Williams, now a Patriot, reflected on his past as a young football fan, admitting he disliked the New England Patriots during the Bill Belichick-Tom Brady era due to their consistent winning. He clarified he wasn't a "Tom Brady hater" but simply desired to see other teams achieve success.
Patriots "Elite Ballplayer" Milton Williams expressed surprise at his team's Super Bowl run after joining, recognizing a special quality early on. He openly admitted to disliking the Patriots as a young fan during the Belichick-Brady era due to their consistent winning, clarifying he wasn't a "Tom Brady hater." However, Williams confirmed his allegiance has "for sure" changed since playing for New England, now stating, "I love the Patriots."
Falcons President of Football Operations Matt Ryan played a key role in the hiring of Ian Cunningham as the new General Manager, endorsing Cunningham's vision. Cunningham will report directly to Ryan, who is now the primary football executive, leading the charge to reverse the team's playoff drought. Ryan expressed excitement about Cunningham joining coach Kevin Stefanski to implement their shared vision for the team. This move solidifies Ryan's authority in the Falcons' front office decisions.
Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah defended the decision to let Sam Darnold leave, though he admitted the results "maybe didn’t play out the way we wanted." The team prioritized J.J. McCarthy as the QB of the future, but McCarthy struggled heavily this season, missing time with multiple injuries and leading the Vikings to a 6-4 record in his starts. The team finished with one of the league's worst passing offenses, highlighting the impact of Darnold's departure.
Seahawks QB Sam Darnold was limited in Thursday's walkthrough due to a left oblique injury, which he has played through since the divisional round, posting 470 yards, 4 TDs, and 0 INTs in two playoff wins. Seattle is managing the injury ahead of Super Bowl LX. Concurrently, Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah admitted regret over letting Darnold leave, as the Seahawks are 14-3 with him, while the Vikings struggled without him. Darnold is now a Super Bowl MVP favorite, validating Seattle's $100.5 million investment.
Seahawks starting left tackle Charles Cross, battling a foot injury throughout the playoffs, did not practice on Thursday after being limited Wednesday. While his backup, Amari Kight, also sat out, Cross has ample time to recover before Super Bowl LX. His primary backup, Josh Jones, is reportedly nearing full health, offering some relief for Seattle's offensive line concerns.
Seahawks star linebacker Ernest Jones IV was a limited participant in Thursday's walkthrough due to a chest injury. This marks an upgrade from Wednesday's estimated report, where he was listed as a non-participant, providing some clarity on his status ahead of Super Bowl LX.
Following their NFC Championship loss, the Los Angeles Rams are weighing an "all in" strategy for one more year with QB Matthew Stafford, who is playing career-best football. However, the team's promising young roster raises questions about whether a short-term focus with aging veterans like Stafford and Davante Adams could jeopardize their long-term future and ability to re-sign ascending talent. The article suggests the Rams' optimal Super Bowl window with Stafford may have been in 2025.
Denver Broncos passing game coordinator/QBs coach Davis Webb has withdrawn from consideration for the Las Vegas Raiders head coach job, and is now a prime candidate for the Broncos' offensive coordinator position. His withdrawal follows the firing of Joe Lombardi and suggests an imminent promotion under Sean Payton. Webb, who also interviewed for HC jobs with the Bills and Ravens, is viewed as an up-and-coming coach and has received multiple OC requests, but is expected to remain in Denver.
The Philadelphia Eagles have hired Sean Mannion, 33, as their new offensive coordinator, replacing Kevin Patullo. Mannion, a former NFL QB, rapidly rose through coaching ranks, serving as Packers QBs coach in 2025. Head coach Nick Sirianni praised his "systematic views" and "strategic approach." Mannion is expected to call plays for an offense that struggled in 2025, ranking 19th in scoring. He lacks prior play-calling experience but is considered a rising star, tasked with maximizing the team's offensive talent.
Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard III was named the team's Defensive Player of the Year after a "fantastic season." The 32-year-old All-Pro led the NFL with 7 interceptions, recorded 93 tackles, 8 passes defended, a sack, and provided exceptional leadership. A free agent, Byard expressed his desire to return to Chicago, with GM Ryan Poles confirming the team's interest in re-signing the "special player."
Bills WR Keon Coleman received strong public backing from new coach Joe Brady and QB Josh Allen following recent criticism, including comments from owner Terry Pegula. Brady, who "stood on the table" for Coleman, affirmed he "is going to be a Buffalo Bill" and expressed confidence in his future success. Allen also stated he "will not give up on zero." Coleman had 38 catches for 404 yards and 4 TDs in 2025 but was a healthy scratch late in the season; Brady expects him to bounce back after a "learning year."
Patriots QB Drake Maye was limited in Thursday's practice with a right shoulder injury sustained in the AFC Championship. Despite missing open throwing drills, Maye stated he did throw and feels good, attributing soreness to a long season. Head coach Mike Vrabel expressed minimal concern, indicating Maye is being rested for Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8. Maye, who has been sacked 15 times in the playoffs, is expected to increase activity next week to be ready for the Seahawks.
The Philadelphia Eagles have hired Sean Mannion as their new offensive coordinator, a move prompted by what was described as a "down year" for QB Jalen Hurts and the overall offense. Hurts' completion rate declined, and the offense ranked 19th in scoring and 24th in total yards. Mannion, a former NFL QB with limited coaching experience, is tasked with revitalizing the unit and maximizing the talents of the star-studded offense.
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown is actively working on a contract extension this offseason. Brown is coming off a breakout season where he rushed for over 1,000 yards and added 69 receptions for 437 yards and five touchdowns, despite quarterback instability and offensive line issues. With one year remaining on his rookie deal, an extension is viewed as a proactive step for the Bengals to secure a vital offensive piece long-term.
The Atlanta Falcons are reportedly planning to cut veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, though they are interested in re-signing him on a cheaper contract. Cousins, 37, signed a four-year, $180 million deal in 2024 after an Achilles tear. He was benched for Michael Penix Jr. late in 2024. In 2025, Cousins started eight games after Penix's ACL tear, completing 61.7% of his passes for 1,721 yards, 10 TDs, 5 INTs, and an 84.8 passer rating, with the Falcons going 5-3 in his starts. This performance was not enough to guarantee his spot under the new regime.
Bills QB Josh Allen underwent surgery for a broken fifth metatarsal in his right foot, an injury he played through after aggravating it in Week 16. He was seen in a walking boot and crutches. Sources indicate an 8-10 week recovery, putting him on track for OTAs in May. The procedure is not expected to impact his 2026 campaign. Allen also dealt with left knee and right finger injuries during the 2025 season and discussed his injury, Joe Brady's hiring, and recent criticism involving Keon Coleman. He expects to be fully ready for OTAs.
New Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter, who is succeeding John Harbaugh, expressed his eagerness to build a strong relationship with quarterback Lamar Jackson. Minter also discussed his plans for maximizing Jackson's output and shared his expectations for the upcoming season, signaling a focus on their collaboration and offensive strategy under the new regime.
Retired Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, alongside his brother Travis Kelce, made a significant $10,000 donation to a GoFundMe campaign. This fund was established to help Laila Edwards' family attend her Olympic debut at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The generous contribution helped the campaign surpass its $50,000 goal, raising over $59,000. Thanks to this support, the Edwards family plans to bring up to 14 members to the games, with Travis Kelce also offering personal advice to Edwards.
