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NFL News

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

Wednesday, January 14

Sam Darnold's Arrival Sparks Seahawks' Return to Playoffs After 10 Months

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Sam Darnold was signed by the Seattle Seahawks 10 months ago, following their trade of Geno Smith. Since Darnold's arrival, the team has experienced a resurgence, successfully making it back to the playoffs. This move marked a pivotal moment for the franchise, demonstrating the impact of their quarterback decision on their postseason aspirations.

Seahawks Traded Geno Smith 10 Months Ago, Returned to Playoffs with Darnold

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Ten months ago, the Seattle Seahawks made a significant quarterback change, trading Geno Smith. Following this move, the team signed Sam Darnold. This strategic shift has proven effective, as the Seahawks have successfully navigated the season and are now back in the playoffs, marking a notable turnaround since the offseason transaction.

Byron Young Honored as One of NFL's Most-Improved Players in 2025

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Los Angeles Rams DE Byron Young is noted for making significant strides during the 2025 NFL season. He has been identified as one of the league's most-improved players, demonstrating substantial growth and enhanced performance throughout the year.

Parker Washington Named Among NFL's Most-Improved Players for 2025

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Jacksonville Jaguars WR Parker Washington has been recognized for making significant strides during the 2025 NFL season. He is highlighted as one of the most-improved players at his position, showcasing notable development and performance enhancements throughout the year.

Tuesday, January 13

Jonathon Brooks "Headed in Good Direction" After Second ACL Tear

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Carolina Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks, the 46th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, has played just three games. He spent his rookie season rehabbing a torn ACL from college, then re-tore the ACL in his third game, missing the entire 2025 campaign. However, GM Dan Morgan stated Tuesday that Brooks is now "headed in a good direction," offering optimism for his potential return and impact in the 2026 season.

George Kittle Sidelined with Season-Ending Achilles Tear

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San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle is sidelined with a season-ending Achilles tear. His absence means the team will be without a crucial weapon for Saturday's divisional-round playoff matchup against the Seahawks. The team's receiving corps will rely on other players, such as Ricky Pearsall, who is returning to practice, to fill the void left by Kittle's significant injury.

Pearsall Returns to Limited Practice, Optimism for Playoff Game

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49ers WR Ricky Pearsall (knee/ankle) was a limited participant in Tuesday's walkthrough, marking his first practice since Dec. 31. He's managing an aggravated right knee PCL and ankle injury. This is an upgrade from last week when he missed all practices. His return generates optimism for his availability in Saturday's divisional-round playoff matchup against the Seahawks. With George Kittle sidelined by an Achilles tear, Pearsall's presence would be a crucial boost for the San Francisco receiving corps.

Josh Allen Limited by Foot, Knee, Finger Injuries; Expects to Play vs. Broncos

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Bills QB Josh Allen was a limited participant in Tuesday's practice, dealing with new right finger and knee injuries, plus a pre-existing right foot issue. He sustained the knee and finger issues in the Wild Card win over the Jaguars (27-24), where he threw for 273 yards, rushed for 33 yards, and scored three total touchdowns (two rushing). Despite not being 100%, Coach Sean McDermott expects Allen to play in Saturday's divisional-round game against the Broncos. Allen himself stated, 'I feel good.' Concerns remain regarding his fantasy rushing production. The Bills aim for consecutive AFC title games.

Jordan Addison Arrested for Trespassing, Third Incident Since 2023

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Vikings WR Jordan Addison was arrested early on January 12 in Tampa, Florida, charged with misdemeanor trespassing at Seminole Hard Rock Casino and released on $500 bail. This marks his third incident since being drafted in 2023, following a 2023 speeding violation and a 2024 DUI arrest that led to a three-game suspension. His legal team is investigating, claiming innocence and reviewing a potential false arrest claim. This adds to a concerning pattern of off-field issues, posing a risk to his short-term redraft and long-term dynasty fantasy values.

Analyst Proposes Trading T.J. Watt in Steelers Rebuild Plan

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Following the Pittsburgh Steelers' wild-card playoff loss and Mike Tomlin's departure as head coach, analyst Colin Cowherd has proposed a three-step plan to fix the team. A key part of this plan includes trading star defender T.J. Watt. This suggestion comes as the Steelers face a significant offseason, with Cowherd advocating for a strategic move to potentially draft Ty Simpson and reshape the roster.

Ravens Owner Pushes for New Lamar Jackson Deal by March to Lower Cap Hit

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Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti aims to finalize a new contract with star QB Lamar Jackson by the start of free agency in March. The primary objective is to significantly reduce Jackson's substantial $74.5 million cap number for 2026, providing the team with crucial financial flexibility for the upcoming season. This move is a top priority for the organization to manage their salary cap effectively.

Eagles Dismiss OC Patullo; New Coordinator Tasked with Revitalizing Jalen Hurts

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The Philadelphia Eagles have dismissed offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo after the 2025 season saw the team's offense rank 19th in scoring (22.3 PPG), despite a roster loaded with talent. The change is intended to help get star quarterback Jalen Hurts and other key players back on track, as the team seeks a new coordinator to improve offensive performance and maximize the potential of its offensive weapons.

Eagles Fire OC Patullo; New Hire Crucial for Saquon Barkley's Production

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The Philadelphia Eagles have parted ways with offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo following a 2025 season where the team's offense ranked 19th in scoring (22.3 PPG) despite a talented roster. The move aims to get key players like Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts back on track, with the search for a new coordinator focusing on candidates who can revitalize the team's offensive production and improve overall performance.

Brock Purdy Climbs QB Hierarchy Ahead of NFL Divisional Round

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was featured in Nick Wright's latest QB hierarchy entering the NFL Divisional Round. Purdy was noted to have 'climbed' in the rankings, indicating an improved standing among the league's top quarterbacks as the playoffs progress. This recognition highlights his performance and growing impact in the postseason.

Matthew Stafford Leads 2026 Super Bowl MVP Odds, Ranked in QB Hierarchy

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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is a leading contender on the 2026 Super Bowl MVP odds board, indicating a close race for the top spot. He was also featured in Nick Wright's QB hierarchy for the NFL Divisional Round, where he was noted to have 'fallen down' in ranking. The latest odds place him as a strong candidate for the prestigious award, despite his position in recent QB rankings.

Caleb Williams Shines in Wild Card, Climbs QB Hierarchy, Leads Bears to Divisional Round

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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, the former No. 1 pick, delivered a standout Wild Card Weekend performance, earning a 77.3 PFF grade, second-highest among quarterbacks. He showcased his skills with six big-time throws, tied for the most this season, and his connection with rookie TE Colston Loveland was pivotal. Williams led the Bears to the divisional round for the first time in 15 years and was noted to have 'climbed' in Nick Wright's QB hierarchy entering the NFL Divisional Round.

DaRon Bland Undergoes Second Foot Surgery, Targets July Training Camp Return

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Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland underwent a second surgery on his left foot on Tuesday. Sources indicate he is expected to be ready at some point during the offseason program, with the primary focus on ensuring he is 100% healthy for the commencement of training camp in July. This procedure is a crucial step in his recovery process ahead of the new season.

Tyrell Shavers Suffers Season-Ending ACL Tear, Out Until 2026

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Buffalo Bills wideout Tyrell Shavers sustained a torn ACL during the team's 27-24 wild-card victory over the Jaguars. This season-ending injury will sideline him for the remainder of the playoffs, with recovery from surgery expected to extend into the start of the 2026 season. Shavers' injury means the Bills are now without two wide receivers for the postseason, as Gabe Davis also suffered an ACL tear in the same game. The team's healthy receivers are Khalil Shakir, Brandin Cooks, and Keon Coleman.

Philip Rivers Referenced as Matt Ryan Dismisses Return to Play

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Former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers was recently referenced by new Atlanta Falcons president Matt Ryan. Ryan, a former franchise quarterback himself, joked that he's 'not trying to pull a Philip Rivers,' implying he has no plans to return to playing. This lighthearted comment highlights Rivers' past career decisions or potential for a comeback, though no direct news regarding Rivers himself was reported.

Falcons President Matt Ryan Jokes About Not 'Pulling a Philip Rivers'

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New Atlanta Falcons president and former franchise quarterback Matt Ryan recently joked about his new role, stating he's 'not trying to pull a Philip Rivers.' This comment suggests Ryan is not planning a return to playing, distinguishing his current position from Rivers' past career trajectory. Ryan's transition to a front-office role marks a new chapter for the former MVP with the Falcons organization.