Category: NFL

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) fights the tackle by Minnesota Vikings safety Camryn Bynum (24) during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025.

Lions propose playoff seeding change

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The high-powered Detroit Lions nearly had to hit the road to open the playoffs in January before winning their regular-season finale against the Minnesota Vikings.

Had Detroit lost that game, Minnesota would have wrapped up the ultra-competitive NFC North and the Lions would’ve dropped to the conference’s fifth seed as the team that featured the best record without a division title.

That notion apparently didn’t sit well with the Lions, who proposed that playoff seeding should be based on record — regardless of division honors. That would also mean that winning a division title would not guarantee a home game in the wild-card round.

The NFL revealed a list of potential rule changes on Wednesday, and owners are scheduled to meet on March 30-April 2 in West Palm Beach, Fla. Proposals require the approval of at least 24 of the 32 teams.

Also Wednesday, the Green Bay Packers’ formally requested to ban the “tush push” short-yardage play commonly used by the Philadelphia Eagles.

“We’re not very successful against it, I know that,” Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said last month at the NFL Scouting Combine. “To be honest with you, I haven’t put much thought into it. It’s been around for a while, we’ve used it in different fashions with our tight end, so again, I think there will be a lot of discussions about it. I’ve got to look at some of the information as far as injury rates, things like that, to see. But we’ll see.”

More than half of Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts’ 55 career regular-season rushing touchdowns reached the end zone from the tight, rugby-like formation with running backs angled near Hurts to help shove him over the goal line at the snap. Last season, the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens ran variations of the same play.

Below is a list of other proposals:

–The Pittsburgh Steelers proposed that teams would be allowed to have one call with prospective unrestricted free agents from other teams and their agents during the negotiating window before the start of the league year.

–The Lions also proposed eliminating the automatic first down that comes with an illegal contact or defensive holding penalty.

–The Eagles proposed giving both teams a guaranteed possession in overtime during the regular season, aligning with the current playoff rules.

–The Washington Commanders proposed allowing teams to secure scouting credentials for games in the final two weeks of the season for potential playoff opponents.

–Field Level Media

Mar 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (QB11) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Alabama QB Jalen Milroe blazes 40 at pro day with Steelers front and center

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Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe posted a 40 time in the 4.5-second range at the Crimson Tide pro day in Tuscaloosa on Wednesday morning.

NFL Network reported some in attendance clocked Milroe as fast as 4.37 seconds on his first of two 40-yard dash attempts.

Milroe flashed a cannon for a throwing arm, another known commodity, but his accuracy and ability to dial in on shorter throws and float the ball between the second and third level remain concerns for NFL evaluators.

He has a second-round grade from Field Level Media. He had 33 TD runs and threw 45 touchdown passes for the Crimson Tide.

Milroe opted to work out with quarterbacks in position drills in Indianapolis at the NFL Scouting Combine but did not run the 40. He was clocked Wednesday using handheld timing devices rather than the digital timing system in place at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Perhaps the most significant development on campus was the revelation that projected first-round linebacker Jihaad Campbell, wearing a heavy brace and stabilizing support device to elevate his left arm, had shoulder surgery to repair what he described as a “slight tear” in his labrum. Campbell and offensive guard Tyler Booker are viewed as probable first-rounders in April.

With scouts from all 32 teams in attendance, Milroe’s speed — long known to be an asset — was not a concern for teams evaluating a QB class featuring purported No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward (Miami) and projected first-rounders Shedeur Sanders (Alabama) and Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss).

Milroe ran indoors at the Alabama practice facility before conducting his throwing session. NFL evaluators differ on the value of the heavily scripted and often overly practiced routine with familiar receivers because it’s not an apples-to-apples comparison of those who participate at the combine.

Milroe reportedly met with Steelers general manager Omar Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin before the workout. They were front and center observing the workout as reports percolate about whether Pittsburgh is awaiting a decision from free agent Aaron Rodgers about joining the team.

–Field Level Media

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff walks off the field after losing to the Washington Commanders 45-31 in the NFC divisional round of the NFL playoffs at Ford Field in Detroit, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.

Netflix bringing back ‘Quarterback’ for Season 2

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Joe Burrow, Kirk Cousins and Jared Goff will star in the second season of the Netflix series “Quarterback.”

On Wednesday, Netflix released the first trailer for the new season, which will stream in July.

The series will follow the three quarterbacks through the 2024 season — a campaign that had twists, turns and heartbreak for each.

Burrow led his team to five consecutive wins to end the season, falling just short of the postseason. He rallied the Bengals to a 9-8 finish after a 1-4 start and seven losses that came by one touchdown or less.

Cousins, in his first season with the Atlanta Falcons after signing a four-year, $180 million contract, was benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. after 14 starts.

Goff quarterbacked the Detroit Lions to a 15-2 season, only to see it come to a stunning end in the NFC divisional round with a 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders.

The first season of “Quarterback” featured Cousins, Patrick Mahomes and Marcus Mariota.

In 2024, Netflix shifted gears to “Receiver,” which followed the 2023 seasons of Davante Adams, Justin Jefferson, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel and Amon-Ra St. Brown.

–Field Level Media

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Fred Johnson (74) against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

NFL transactions roundup: Jaguars to sign OT Fred Johnson

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The Jacksonville Jaguars will sign offensive tackle Fred Johnson to a one-year contract, his agent told ESPN on Wednesday.

Financial terms were not disclosed for the 6-foot-7, 326-pound Johnson, who played in all 17 games (six starts) last season with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The reported move will return Johnson to the Sunshine State. He was born in Florida and played collegiately for the Gators.

A Super Bowl champion with Philadelphia, Johnson, 27, has played in 62 games (14 starts) with the Cincinnati Bengals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Eagles.

–The Washington Commanders signed defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Wise, 30, spent eight seasons with the New England Patriots. who selected him in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. In 126 career games (61 starts), he has 314 tackles (34 for loss), 34 sacks, 90 quarterback hits, 12 pass breakups, five forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

–The Tennessee Titans plan to re-sign running back Julius Chestnut to a one-year deal.

Chestnut, 24, is a three-year veteran who joined the Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He played in all 17 games and rushed 22 times for 102 yards (4.6 yards per carry).

Last season, he played 50 percent of the Titans’ snaps on special teams. He returned 13 kickoffs for 337 yards.

–Field Level Media

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) smiles after throwing his fourth touchdown pass of the day, Sunday January 5, 2025, in East Rutherford.

Reports: Vikings not signing QB Aaron Rodgers

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The Minnesota Vikings are content to proceed with J.J. McCarthy as their quarterback and don’t plan to sign free agent Aaron Rodgers at this time, multiple outlets reported Wednesday.

Rodgers reportedly has offers from the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants but had been waiting for word from Minnesota before making a decision to continue playing or retire.

The Vikings selected McCarthy with the 10th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft when he was fresh off of leading Michigan to the College Football Playoff championship. He missed the entire season following surgery to repair his torn right meniscus.

Sam Darnold led the Vikings to a 14-3 record in the regular season but chose to let him walk in free agency, and he signed with the Seattle Seahawks.

The Vikings are a team with sights on the Super Bowl and have decided the 22-year-old McCarthy, for now, is a better all-around option than the 41-year-old Rodgers.

For starters, McCarthy still is on his rookie deal and will earn a base salary of $960,000. Rodgers would have commanded millions, leaving the Vikings with money they already have used in free agency.

The Athletic reported the Vikings could revisit the Rodgers situation as they watch McCarthy’s progression this spring and understand Rodgers might not be available down the road.

Minnesota has rejected trade discussions with other teams about McCarthy, per reports.

Now, the clock is on Rodgers to tell the Steelers and the Giants of his plans.

One Steelers player, veteran captain Cameron Heyward, said he’s tired of waiting on Rodgers, a four-time NFL Most Valuable Player.

“Either you want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler or you don’t,” he said Tuesday on his “Not Just Football” podcast. “It’s that simple. That’s the pitch. If you want me to recruit, that’s the recruiting pitch. Pittsburgh Steelers. If you want to be part of it, so be it. If you don’t, no skin off my back.”

Rodgers is coming off a 2024 season in which he led the New York Jets to a 5-12 record. He completed 368 passes for 3,897 yards with 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Nov 17, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (17) warms up prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Reports: Packers signing veteran WR/KR Mecole Hardman

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The Green Bay Packers are signing free agent wide receiver and return specialist Mecole Hardman to a one-year contract, multiple outlets reported on Tuesday night.

Hardman, who turned 27 on March 12, played for the Kansas City Chiefs last season. He had 12 catches for 90 yards as well as five rushes for 62 yards and a touchdown in 12 games before suffering a season-ending knee injury at practice in early December. He also returned 20 punts and five kickoffs.

A three-time Super Bowl champion with Kansas City, Hardman has 178 receptions for 2,302 yards and 16 touchdowns in 80 career games (28 starts) since being picked by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He signed as a free agent with the New York Jets to start the 2023 season before being traded back to the Chiefs that October.

He ended the 2023 season with a 3-yard touchdown catch in overtime to win Super Bowl 58.

Also on Tuesday, the Packers officially announced the signing of former San Francisco 49ers guard Aaron Banks, 27.

The deal is reportedly for $77 million over four years, according to reports last week. Banks has started 43 of 53 games played in four NFL seasons. He was San Francisco’s starting left guard the past three seasons.

A second-round pick in 2021 out of Notre Dame, Banks started 16 games in 2022, 14 of 15 games in 2023 and 13 games last season. He missed four of the last six games in 2024 — two because of a concussion and two due to a knee injury.

–Field Level Media

Oct 20, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) and Las Vegas Raiders guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) driving the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Chargers sign former Raiders C Andre James

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The Los Angeles Chargers signed former Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James on Tuesday.

James, 27, started 11 of the 13 games he played last season for the Raiders, appearing in 81 percent of the offensive snaps. He had spent his entire NFL career with the franchise, beginning in 2019 as an undrafted free agent when the Raiders were in Oakland.

He played 89 regular-season games (60 starts) and started one playoff game in 2021.

James returns to Los Angeles, where he played offensive line for UCLA in 36 games from 2016-18.

–Field Level Media

Browns quarterback Josh Dobbs warms up before playing the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022 in Cleveland.

Patriots sign QB Josh Dobbs

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The New England Patriots officially have their new backup quarterback, signing journeyman Joshua Dobbs on Tuesday.

The team did not disclose terms, but it was originally reported last week to be a two-year, $8 million contract with $3.8 million fully guaranteed, per NFL Network.

Dobbs will back up Drake Maye in New England after Jacoby Brissett left for the Arizona Cardinals earlier this month.

Dobbs, 30, spent last season with the San Francisco 49ers. He took over late in their Week 17 game against the Detroit Lions when Brock Purdy left with an injury and started in Week 18 against the Arizona Cardinals. He went a combined 32-for-47 for 361 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions plus two rushing touchdowns in those appearances.

Stints as a backup for Pittsburgh (2018, 2020) and Tennessee (2022) led him to seize on some unlikely opportunities in 2023.

The Arizona Cardinals acquired him from the Cleveland Browns just before the season to be their starter while Kyler Murray continued to rehab from an ACL tear. After eight starts, he was traded to the Minnesota Vikings and made four starts for them after a season-ending Achilles injury to Kirk Cousins.

In 23 career appearances (3-12 record in 15 starts), Dobbs has completed 62.7 percent of his passes for 3,281 yards, 17 TDs and 15 interceptions. He has added 520 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on the ground.

–Field Level Media

Aug 26, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of a Cleveland Browns helmet during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Report: Browns owners commit $2 billion for new stadium

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The Cleveland Browns took a major step toward playing in a new retractable-roof stadium by 2028 after owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam committed $2 billion to make the venue happen, ESPN reported Tuesday.

The team posted a video with an artist’s rendering of the new stadium and surrounding property, which will be built in nearby Brook Park, Ohio, near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

The team’s lease at their current stadium, near downtown Cleveland and on the edge of Lake Erie, is set to run through 2028. The team moved into the venue in 1999.

“The Cleveland Browns and our community need and deserve a new home — and from the outset we have been unequivocal that it must positively benefit our community and Northeast Ohio,” the Haslams said in a statement. “The proposed Huntington Bank Field in Brook Park meets this vital objective and will reflect positively on our world-class region and its promising future. It also reflects our 100 percent commitment to keeping the Browns in their home market for generations to come.”

The Browns have made the playoffs just three times since the franchise was reestablished in 1999. They were 3-14 in 2024 while giving starts to four different quarterbacks, including Deshaun Watson and Jameis Winston for seven games apiece.

The previous version of the Browns franchise played at Cleveland Stadium from 1946-95.

–Field Level Media

Dec 22, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver David Moore (83) takes the field during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Panthers WR David Moore reaches 1-year deal

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The Carolina Panthers welcomed back wide receiver David Moore on a one-year contract Tuesday.

Financial terms were not disclosed by the Panthers.

Moore, 30, had 32 catches for 351 yards and three touchdowns in 17 games (five starts) last season, his first in Carolina.

Head coach Dave Canales knows Moore from their mutual stints in Seattle and Tampa Bay.

Moore has totaled 115 receptions for 1,608 yards and 17 TDs in 74 career games (19 starts) with the Seahawks (2017-20), Denver Broncos (2021), Green Bay Packers (2021), Buccaneers (2023) and Panthers.

–Field Level Media