Month: February 2025

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) pats Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) after sacking him during the second half of an NFL football game at FirstEnergy Stadium, Monday, Oct. 31, 2022, in Cleveland, Ohio. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]

Report: Myles Garrett not interested in contract extension, wants out of Cleveland

Posted on | by Field Level Media

A lucrative contract extension will not sway Cleveland Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett from his request to be traded, according to a report Thursday from cleveland.com.

Garrett and his team, including agent Nicole Lynn of Klutch Sports, have apparently declined contract negotiations with the Browns. Garrett, 29, said in publicly announcing his desire for a trade on Feb. 3 that it’s about winning a Super Bowl, not making more money.

The Browns have been adamant in their stance to not trade him, no matter how bountiful the offer from another team.

“I wouldn’t really touch on any conversations that I have with other teams, just respectfully,” general manger Andrew Berry said on Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. “I don’t think that’s appropriate just for current and future business, but it’s irrelevant to this situation because we’re not interested in trading Myles.”

They are interested in improving his contract to perhaps make him the highest-paid defensive players in the league, in the neighborhood of $40 million a year. Cleveland made Garrett the first pick of the 2017 draft. He has two years left on his contract with cap hits of $19.7 million this season and $20.4 million in 2026, with no guaranteed money left. He would become a free agent ahead of the 2027 season, according to Spotrac.

Garrett has racked up 102.5 sacks, 20 forced fumbles, 200 quarterback hits and 116 tackles for loss in 117 career regular-season games (114 starts). He has made five straight Pro Bowls and six overall and was the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

The Browns have reached the playoffs twice in Garrett’s eight seasons for a total of three postseason games.

“While I’ve loved calling this city my home, my desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won’t allow me to be complacent,” Garrett said when he announced his trade request. “The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl.”

Cleveland was 3-14 last season and has the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft in April.

“Myles, as you guys have all heard me say, he’s a huge part of our organization, really good person, he’s an awesome player,” Berry said. “I understand the trade request and everything, but our stance really has not changed. We can’t imagine a situation where not having Myles as a part of the organization is best for the Browns.”

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Wednesday at the combine that he also wants to win a championship, and he expects Garrett to be part of the team getting there.

“As you know, I think the world of Myles,” Stefanski said. “I understand the business of football and I understand these things happen from time to time. But I expect Myles on our team this year, next year, the year after that and so on. He’s part of the present, he’s part of the future.”

–Field Level Media

Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith (65) against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Reports: Chiefs to franchise tag guard Trey Smith

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Trey Smith was informed he will be franchise-tagged by the Chiefs, according to multiple reports, in a move that will make him the NFL’s highest-paid guard while blocking a path to free agency.

NFL teams have until Monday to use the franchise and transition tag designations to retain players scheduled to become free agents next month.

Smith, a Pro Bowl selection at right guard in 2024, would be guaranteed around $23.4 million for the 2025 season under terms of the franchise tender. The Chiefs and Smith would have until July 15 to come to a long-term contract extension to override the one-year deal.

A sixth-round pick in 2021, Smith has started 80 games — 13 in the playoffs — and is only 25 years old.

The tender is higher than the average salary of the NFL’s current highest-paid guard — Landon Dickerson (Eagles) makes $21 million per season. The Chiefs made Creed Humphrey the highest-paid center in the NFL last August with a four-year, $72 million deal.

Chiefs left guard Joe Thuney is entering the final year of his contract and can become a free agent after the 2025 season. Thuney kicked out to left tackle, where he started in Super Bowl LIX, in an attempt to patch the offensive line late in the year.

Head coach Andy Reid said earlier this week Thuney would be back at his natural guard position in 2025 unless the Chiefs can’t find a solution at left tackle.

–Field Level Media

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) walks off the field at the end of the first half of Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Pat McAfee: Chiefs TE Travis Kelce returning to play in 2025

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Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce is returning to the field next season.

Kelce made his intentions known with a text to Pat McAfee, who promptly shared it on his show Thursday.

“I’m coming back for sure,” Kelce wrote, per McAfee. “Gonna try and get into the best shape I’ve been this offseason and get back to the mountaintop. Got a real bad taste in my mouth with how I played in that last game and how I got the guys ready for battle. I can’t go out like that!!!!”

The text is in line with what Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said on Tuesday.

Kelce, 35, said earlier this month he was weighing his future in the wake of the Chiefs’ 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. Kelce wound up with four catches for 39 yards.

“I know everybody wants to know whether I’m playing next year and right now, I’m just kicking everything down the road. I’m kicking every can I can down the road. I’m not making any crazy decisions,” Kelce said on his “New Heights” podcast.

A four-time first-team All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowl choice through 12 NFL seasons, Kelce would carry a $19.8 million cap hit in 2025.

Kelce made 97 receptions for 823 yards in the 2024 regular season, his lowest yardage total since 2014. He posted seven consecutive 1,000-yard years from 2016-22.

–Field Level Media

Feb 2, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; A general overall view as NFC quarterback Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions (16) throws the ball on the NFL shield logo at midfield under pressure from AFC safety Derwin James of the Los Angeles Chargers (3) during the 2025 Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

NFL sets 2025 salary cap at $279.2M, a $23.8M jump

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NFL teams were informed on Thursday that the 2025 salary cap will be a record $279.2 million per club, a $23.8 million increase from last season.

The NFL and the players association agreed to the number that the 32 teams must be under when the new league year begins on March 12 at 4 p.m. ET.

It had been previously reported that this year’s cap would be somewhere between $277.5 and $281.5 million.

The biggest factors contributing to the cap’s climb are the league’s most recent TV rights deals with its broadcast partners.

The cap has risen annually since 2011, except for 2021 when the league prioritized recovery from the pandemic, including loss of live attendance gate and concessions profits.

In 2011, the cap was $120.37 million. It crossed the $200 million barrier in 2022 at $208.2 million and was at $255.4 million last season.

–Field Level Media

Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; South Carolina defensive back Nick Emmanwori (DB40) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images

South Carolina S Nick Emmanwori predicts 4.3 40 at combine

Posted on | by Field Level Media

INDIANAPOLIS — South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori stands out for his size until you see him run.

A high school linebacker moved to defensive back, Emmanwori is one of the best all-around athletes at the NFL Scouting Combine based on his traits and film. In a matchups-win-games league, Emmanwori is the definition of hybrid defender even if there is no apples-to-apples comparison to the 6-foot-3, 223-pounder.

“I’m a bigger dude and I can run. I’m not scared to go make tackles, not scared to go cover any slot (wide receivers), go cover tight ends,” Emmanwori said. “I just use my size to my advantage.”

He said he feels “excited” to showcase his athleticism and “sweet feet” on the field and predicted a 40 time in the “4.3s” at the combine. He said his footwork is polished from his early days as a cornerback. Of his four interceptions last season, two were returned for touchdowns.

“My footwork is probably the best of this safety class. I don’t think you’ve ever seen a safety like me. A safety like me hasn’t come into this league for a long time with my size, my speed, my ability,” Emmanwori said Thursday.

Emmanwori said his skills are a combination of safeties Kyle Hamilton (Baltimore Ravens), Antoine Winfield Jr. (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Derwin James (Los Angeles Chargers) and Grant Delpit (Cleveland Browns).

He’s vying to be the top safety selected in 2025 with SEC counterpart Malaki Starks (Georgia) and Notre Dame All-American Xavier Watts. Watts is delaying his athletic testing for the Notre Dame pro day due to the extending length of the football postseason into late January.

Emmanwori said it would be a “scary” situation for the NFL if he was drafted by the Ravens to play next to Hamilton because of their versatility as “Swiss Army knives.”

–Field Level Media

Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) runs with the ball as Brigham Young Cougars cornerback Mory Bamba (4) attempts to make a tackle during the second quarter at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Colorado CB-WR Travis Hunter to NFL teams: ‘I’m just different’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

INDIANAPOLIS — Travis Hunter played 111 snaps per game as the Heisman Trophy winner at Colorado last season and boldly lobbied future employers to allow him to continue dual-position duty in the NFL.

Hunter was designated a defensive back at the NFL Scouting Combine this week if only because prospects require a position designation for scheduling their four days at the event, where calendars hold appointments for medical evaluations, media, drug testing, measurements (height, weight, arm length, hand size, etc.), agility and athletic testing and position-specific on-field workouts.

“They say nobody has ever done it for real the way I do it,” said Hunter, who declined to say which teams are on his Indianapolis interview schedule. “I tell them I’m just different. I’m just a different person.”

Browns general manager Andrew Berry said Monday that Cleveland slots Hunter as a wide receiver primarily. The Tennessee Titans pick No. 1 and believe Hunter is further along at cornerback.

“In terms of Travis Hunter, cornerback or receiver? The answer is yes,” Berry said. “He can play both, I think that’s what makes him special. I think receiver primarily first, but I think what makes him a bit of a unicorn is the fact that he can do it at a high level.”

Hunter said he’s done meetings with teams at both positions. He said he told teams taking care of his body is part of the reason he can play two roles at the next level. He was first-team All-Big 12 at both positions last season with four interceptions on defense and 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns on offense.

The NFL financial precedent of playing two positions isn’t a focus, he said, but Hunter is intent on being the No. 1 overall pick.

“It should be important,” Hunter said. “It was one of my dreams, to go No. 1, and to be the best I can be.”

Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi and head coach Brian Callahan said there are no identical comparisons to Hunter as a prospect, which presents a unique challenge in the evaluation process and projecting how vast his ceiling might be entering the league.

“We were watching him, and I don’t know if there’s anybody who has ever done what he’s done in the modern day football, playing both offense and defense during the course of the season,” Borgonzi said. “He’s definitely a special player.”

–Jeff Reynolds, Field Level Media

Jan 4, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens place kicker Justin Tucker (9) kicks off as punter Jordan Stout (11) holds during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Ravens’ Justin Tucker, wife address misconduct allegations

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Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker issued another lengthy statement to address allegations that he engaged in inappropriate behavior with massage therapists.

Sixteen women have accused Tucker of misconduct at eight different high-end spas in the Baltimore area from 2012-16.

“I maintain I did not act inappropriately at any point before, during, or after a professional bodywork treatment session, nor have I ever been told I am unwelcome at any massage therapy provider,” Tucker’s statement read to multiple outlets. “These claims are simply not true. Throughout the last four weeks, I have spent countless hours replaying every interaction I have had with bodywork professionals over the last 13 years.

“I can assure whoever is reading this that I have never intended to disrespect anyone, cross any boundary, or make anyone feel uncomfortable in any way whatsoever. It devastates me to know that anyone I have worked with would not have felt respected and valued as a professional, but more importantly as a person, and to anyone who has felt otherwise, I am sorry. I want you to know I am committed to ensuring that everyone I interact with continues to feel that I respect them and care about them as a human being.”

Tucker’s wife, Amanda Bass, also provided a statement to Outkick.com on Wednesday.

“The false allegations against Justin have caused so much hurt to our family. I believe my husband, and I love and support him fully,” she said.

Justin Tucker, 35, moved to the Baltimore region in 2012 when he signed with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent. In 13 seasons with the Ravens, he is a five-time All-Pro and a seven-time Pro Bowl selection.

General manager Eric DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh termed the allegations “concerning” and “serious” earlier this week at the NFL Scouting Combine. Harbaugh said the Ravens would be “looking at kickers” but described the reasoning for their interest in players at the position as “something we always do.”

The Baltimore Banner began investigating a tip received Jan. 9 regarding the allegations involving Tucker.

–Field Level Media

Michigan defensive back Will Johnson (2) celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown against Fresno State during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024.

Report: Michigan duo won’t work out at Combine

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Michigan cornerback Will Johnson and defensive tackle Kenneth Grant will not work out at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, ESPN and NFL Network reported Thursday.

Both projected first-round picks are instead expected to be full participants in the Wolverines’ Pro Day on March 21.

Johnson intercepted nine passes in three seasons at Michigan, returning three of them for touchdowns. He added 68 tackles in 32 games.

A national champion in 2023 and a two-time All-Big Ten selection, Johnson was a first-team All-American in 2023 and earned second-team recognition in 2024 despite shoulder and foot injuries that limited him to six games.

Johnson was named the defensive MVP in Michigan’s College Football Playoff national championship game victory against Washington on Jan. 8, 2024. He had four tackles and an interception in the 34-13 win.

Combine medical evaluations revealed a hamstring strain for Grant, who had been planning to participate in on-field drills Thursday. The nose tackle said on Wednesday that he dropped more than 15 pounds to get his weight to 332 with a goal of running a 40-yard dash time in the 4.8-second range. The Indiana native also expected to see a slew of family and familiar faces in the stands at Lucas Oil Stadium for workouts.

Grant had 69 tackles (12 for losses) with 6.5 sacks, 10 passes defensed, one interception and three fumble recoveries in 41 games over three seasons in Ann Arbor.

Grant was a second-team All-Big Ten selection in both 2023 and 2024 and a third-team All-American last season.

–Field Level Media

Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Penn State defensive lineman Abdul Carter (DL44) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Potential top overall draft pick Abdul Carter considering foot surgery

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Penn State All-America edge rusher Abdul Carter is mulling whether to have surgery after tests revealed he is dealing with a stress reaction in his right foot, agent Drew Rosenhaus said late Wednesday night.

“There are mixed opinions on whether he needs surgery, and we will figure that out in the near future,” Rosenhaus said of Carter, who is the potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft in April.

Rosenhaus said Carter has two options.

He could either have preemptive surgery and have a screw inserted in his right foot, with the result being a return to running in approximately eight weeks.

Or, he could bypass surgery and work out at his pro day at Penn State on March 28.

“Either way, worst-case scenario, we don’t expect this to impact where he is drafted,” Rosenhaus said. “After visiting with teams this week, I believe he’s going to be the No. 1 overall pick.”

The news came out hours after Carter said he felt it was “very realistic” that he would be the top overall pick of the draft.

“I feel like I’m the best player in the country. The best player should be selected No. 1,” he said.

Carter is not working out at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis this week because he still is recovering from a shoulder injury suffered late last season.

Carter was injured in the Nittany Lions’ 31-14 victory over Boise State in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals on Dec. 31, and he played through the injury when Notre Dame downed Penn State 27-24 in a semifinal game on Jan. 9.

A consensus All-America selection and the 2024 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Carter had 68 tackles, including 23.5 for loss to lead the FBS, plus 12 sacks and two forced fumbles in 16 games.

Carter, a former linebacker who moved this season to defensive end, had 172 career tackles — 41 for loss — along with 23 sacks and five forced fumbles in 42 games for Penn State the past three seasons.

–Field Level Media

Dec 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) walks off the field after field after an injury during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Saints GM signals Derek Carr to remain QB1

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New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said Wednesday the team and new head coach Kellen Moore are “excited” about the prospects of Derek Carr as their starting quarterback in 2025.

Loomis made the remarks to reporters at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.

“I think we feel like we’ve got a guy we can win with,” Loomis said.

Moore was noncommittal about Carr as QB1 during his introductory press conference two weeks ago but had high praise for the 11-year veteran on Wednesday.

“We feel fortunate to have Derek here, the experience he has. He’s a big-time quarterback in this league,” Moore told reporters.

The Saints are expected to restructure Carr’s contract; he carries a $51.4 million cap hit in 2025.

Carr, 33, is 14-13 as the starter in New Orleans in the two seasons he’s been there, though he was limited to 10 games in 2024 due to injuries.

Carr has thrown for 41,245 yards and 257 touchdowns against 112 interceptions for the Raiders (2014-22) and Saints. He’s a four-time Pro Bowl selection.

–Field Level Media