NFL mix buzz: Newest intel on free company, draft, trades

Our nationwide NFL reporters have spent the previous week in Indianapolis on the annual NFL mix. After all, the main focus was on prime 2025 NFL draft prospects figuring out and operating their 40-yard dashes, however the occasion can also be a hotbed for information across the league. Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano talked to execs, coaches, brokers, scouts, gamers and different staff sources to be taught extra about what may occur this offseason.

The franchise tag deadline is on Tuesday, and free company kicks off in per week’s time. We’ll see a handful of trades, a ton of signings and even a couple of extensions within the coming month or so. Then, all 32 groups will add younger prospects on the draft in April. Now we have the newest intel on all of it, as Jeremy and Dan empty their notebooks.

What are sources saying about the perfect free brokers, and the place would possibly these gamers land? The place do issues stand on the QB panorama after Matthew Stafford’s deal was restructured in Los Angeles? Might Myles Garrett get traded? Which stars are set for extensions? And what is the early phrase on what some groups would possibly do on the draft? This is all the things we heard in Indy.

Bounce to the newest on:
Giants’ QB plan | Darnold’s subsequent staff
Different QB-needy groups | Garrett commerce talks
Groups looking for protection | Sleeper FAs
Emptying the notebooks

Giants’ seek for a QB continues

Graziano: The Giants’ plan at QB after shedding out within the Matthew Stafford sweepstakes feels just a little unsettled. They might use the No. 3 choose on both Miami’s Cam Ward or Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders if nonetheless on the board, or they might transfer as much as No. 1 to take one in every of them. Loads of of us consider the Titans are all for buying and selling out of the highest choose, and the Giants and Jets are among the many groups believed to be all for transferring up.

And even when they draft a signal-caller, the Giants may nonetheless add a veteran in case the draft choose wants time to develop. I do know they’ve seemed into Aaron Rodgers, however I am unsure how probably that’s to occur. I consider the Giants would have some curiosity in Kirk Cousins, too, as soon as he is launched by the Falcons and is accessible on a veteran minimal deal. However Cousins comes with well being issues that must be addressed first. There was additionally not less than some chatter about them trying into Sam Darnold after the information broke Friday that Stafford was staying in Los Angeles.

And whereas the Giants have completed in depth work on the quarterbacks on the prime of the draft, there are nonetheless individuals of their constructing who would not thoughts staying at No. 3 and choosing both Colorado receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter or Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter. Groups like Ward and Sanders, however they don’t seem to be seen as surefire franchise-changers the best way a few of the prime quarterbacks in recent times have been.

Fowler: Yeah, the Giants might be all choices at quarterback. They have not narrowed their focus but, however anticipate them to gauge the market of all obtainable QBs. Russell Wilson considers the Giants a possible possibility for him, ought to he fail to re-sign with Pittsburgh. And sure, the Rodgers chance is on the market. However some across the league are skeptical. I am placing this within the “we’ll see” class.

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Aftermath of Stafford’s return to L.A.

Fowler: The Matthew Stafford saga dominated this week’s mix. The quarterback dominoes couldn’t begin to fall with out readability on his future. I’m going again to what a supply near Stafford advised me earlier within the week: He needed to stay a Ram however wanted to really feel appreciated and revered. He ranked sixteenth amongst quarterbacks in 2025 money owed ($27 million). That wasn’t commensurate together with his skillset as a top-10 passer. However Stafford had an ideal scenario in Los Angeles, and buying and selling him made little logical sense. That is why some across the league felt any Stafford pursuit was, ultimately, futile.

However the commerce talks appeared very actual. The Giants, specifically, made a spirited run. As sources advised me, the Giants spent the higher a part of the previous month on this and felt at instances that Stafford could be a Large. They labored very laborious to place collectively an attractive package deal for each the participant and the staff, till GM Les Snead notified them that Stafford was staying. (And naturally, the Raiders have been closely concerned, too.)

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Cousins’ subsequent transfer

Graziano: Kirk Cousins’ $10 million 2026 roster bonus turns into absolutely assured on the fifth day of the league 12 months, however I used to be advised that is not an element within the Falcons’ timetable for transferring on from him. They’ve already sunk $90 million into Cousins for lower than one 12 months’s price of video games, and if they honestly consider there is a commerce marketplace for him, the additional $10 million will not deter them from hanging on previous March 17. Odds are a lot stronger, nonetheless, that they will not discover a lot of a market and can find yourself releasing Cousins sooner or later.

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Darnold’s potential return to Minnesota

Fowler: Whereas the Vikings are open to Sam Darnold returning, I proceed to listen to they will not mortgage the long run to maintain him. There’s not a lot momentum popping out of the mix that the Vikings will franchise tag Darnold, who ought to have a number of suitors if obtainable. The Giants, Raiders and Titans are among the many logical choices. And I am not completely discounting the Steelers right here — not but, not less than. As one high-ranking official with a QB-needy staff identified to me, Darnold gained 14 video games for the Vikings in 2024 and is the most suitable choice in the marketplace by a large margin.

One chance that should not be neglected in Minnesota is re-signing Daniel Jones to pair with J.J. McCarthy, every time he is prepared off his knee damage. Individuals I’ve spoken to consider that is an actual consideration for the staff. As was advised to me, McCarthy has already confirmed to the employees he is the franchise quarterback, however the staff will not rush his timeline; they need the method to unfold organically, whether or not he is prepared now, in camp or in a future 12 months. Jones could be a possible bridge to that and a less expensive different to Darnold.

Another fascinating nugget which may imply nothing however is not less than noteworthy: The Vikings interviewed Cam Ward on the mix.

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Browns’ future underneath heart

Graziano: The overwhelming perception of the individuals I spoke to this week is that the Browns plan to remain put at No. 2 within the draft and take one of many prime quarterbacks. Their choice between Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders is unclear, but when one goes at No. 1, I consider they’d be OK with taking the opposite.

Deshaun Watson has two years left on his contract at $46 million absolutely assured annually, however he has had his Achilles tendon repaired twice prior to now 5 months and is more likely to miss most, if not all, of the 2025 season. There is a sturdy probability Watson has performed his last recreation as a Brown. Cleveland is considering what comes subsequent on the place.

Fowler: The Browns will think about value in terms of the quarterback market, given they nonetheless owe injured Watson that $92 million over the following two years. Individuals I’ve talked to anticipate Daniel Jones to be on their radar, together with Kirk Cousins if he turns into obtainable (although, surprisingly, not each staff official is shopping for that the Falcons will simply minimize him outright, regardless of the numerous cash owed to him). One other title to look at right here is Carson Wentz.

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Steelers’ QB choices

Fowler: The sense I get is that Justin Fields has an edge over Russell Wilson in Pittsburgh’s free agent quarterback pecking order. There may be sentiment for Fields within the constructing, and either side could be open to a return. The Steelers have not less than one other week to crystallize these plans, they usually actually have not dominated out Wilson at this level.

Regardless, Fields ought to have choices. The Jets, for one, are anticipated to gauge his market. His skillset would slot in Chip Kelly’s scheme in Las Vegas, too.

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Colts trying so as to add to QB room

Fowler: Because the Colts search for veteran quarterback choices, names on their radar embrace Daniel Jones, Justin Fields, Trey Lance and Jacoby Brissett. It is a mixture of quarterbacks who can help Anthony Richardson and guys who might be trying to begin video games someplace. I’ve heard Jones’ title greater than as soon as regarding the Colts.

Indianapolis has not given up on Richardson, however how the staff approaches the free company interval might be telling.

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Garrett’s commerce market

Graziano: Groups which have checked in with the Browns about edge rusher Myles Garrett are nonetheless being advised there isn’t any dialog available. The Browns proceed to insist they will not commerce Garrett, and functionally they’d have a extremely laborious time doing so previous to June 1 anyway. A commerce would soar his 2025 cap quantity from its present $19.7 million to a dead-money cost of $36.2 million. Ready till after June 1 would permit the Browns to unfold that cost out over two seasons.

One of the best answer for Cleveland stays working one thing out to make Garrett comfortable and preserve him within the fold, however he has up to now been adamant that is not potential. The Browns might not really feel compelled to honor Garrett’s commerce request till they change into satisfied he will not play for them, and it’ll be laborious for him to persuade them of that earlier than they get to the common season and see whether or not he is actually keen to overlook actual video games. If the Browns do ever get critical about buying and selling Garrett, I would anticipate Buffalo and Philadelphia to be two of essentially the most aggressive pursuers.

Fowler: After my talks right here in Indy, I consider Cleveland may be very dug in and keen to attend him out and present resolve. It is not only a “no” to any potential trades, however an emphatic one. And the Browns have not acquired many commerce calls, partly as a result of groups understand it is unnecessary to commerce him.

Others across the league are skeptical, although, suggesting the Browns ought to capitalize on the a number of first-round picks obtainable to them so as to transfer on. I simply get the impression that the Browns should not transferring off their stance any time quickly.

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NFC South groups getting lively

Graziano: Two NFC South groups that I anticipate to be pretty aggressive in pursuing defensive upgrades within the draft and free company are the Falcons and Panthers. Carolina is in higher form cap-wise than Atlanta, largely as a result of the Panthers did not simply spent $100 million and the eighth choose within the draft on the identical place a 12 months in the past. The Falcons are probably to make use of most, if not all, of their early-round picks on defensive gamers, they usually have some curiosity in buying and selling their No. 15 choose to gather extra draft capital, relying on how the primary half of Spherical 1 shakes out.

Count on the Panthers to be looking for big-name gamers in free company. I believe Carolina could possibly be in on the highest safeties — Jevon Holland, Camryn Bynum, and many others. — and is perhaps one of many groups keen to spend massive to lure defensive deal with Milton Williams away from the Tremendous Bowl champion Eagles. The Panthers may even look so as to add edge rush assist, with Chase Younger being one of many intriguing choices there.

Fowler: I am listening to the identical kind of stuff on the Panthers, they usually additionally wish to full an extension with star nook Jaycee Horn sooner reasonably than later. That market is due for an explosion, with looming offers for Derek Stingley Jr. and Sauce Gardner. So the Panthers are working to get forward of that.

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Odighizuwa’s possibilities to return to Dallas

Graziano: The Cowboys have completed sufficient work on an Osa Odighizuwa extension that I would not be stunned to see them use the franchise tag on him if a deal is not accomplished by Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline — simply to provide them extra time to finish that deal. They’re additionally hopeful of bringing again free agent cornerback Jourdan Lewis, they usually have not completely dominated out a DeMarcus Lawrence return. Nevertheless, no matter how that shakes out, Dallas might be trying to get youthful up entrance on protection.

Fowler: The Cowboys have had in depth contract talks with Odighizuwa. A number of months in the past, I might have stated Dallas was out on him. However the Cowboys are making a play right here to probably signal him earlier than March 10. Odighizuwa and Philadelphia’s Milton Williams are thought-about the 2 prime inside defensive linemen.

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Sneaky heart market

Graziano: The Falcons are ready to lose heart Drew Dalman in free company. They’d wish to have him again however are involved he can get extra money elsewhere. They really feel good, although, about tendering restricted free agent heart Ryan Neuzil and making him the Dalman alternative, which he was through the 2024 season when Dalman missed time as a consequence of damage.

Fowler: Dalman will simply prime the free agent heart market and may put up a powerful quantity. Whereas Creed Humphrey’s four-year, $72 million deal is hard to prime, Dalman will do very effectively.

Packers heart Josh Myers has began 50 video games for Inexperienced Bay since 2022, so he ought to have a powerful market, too. Whereas Myers went down for what gave the impression to be a major damage within the playoffs, I am advised he got here out of the sport unscathed and has no damage from the play. He is getting no therapy and is totally wholesome coming into free company.

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Extension talks for Stanley

Fowler: The sense out of Indy is that the Ravens and left deal with Ronnie Stanley can comply with phrases on an extension within the coming days. That is hardly a slam dunk, however there is a sentiment to attempt to make that occur. Some contained in the league are projecting that deal to land someplace between $21-23 million per 12 months.

With Alaric Jackson re-signing with the Rams, Stanley going again to the Ravens would assist free agent left deal with Cam Robinson, who would have a number of musical chairs from which to decide on. I nonetheless suspect the Patriots will goal tackles, and do not sleep on the Chiefs, both. Many across the league are loosely anticipating the Chiefs to entertain Stanley’s market, ought to he get free.

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Shough set to rise in draft class

Graziano: Louisville’s Tyler Shough is a down-the-board quarterback title to look at as a possible riser forward of the draft. Scouts love his skill and instincts, they usually level out that his damage historical past is extra dangerous luck-related than power condition-related. For instance, he broke his collarbone and his ankle in separate seasons whereas at Texas Tech, so it is not like he was persistently lacking time with, say, hamstring accidents.

Shough’s downside goes to be that he turns 26 in September, which suggests he’d be virtually 30 by the point his rookie contract runs out. Groups have lengthy been hesitant to make use of excessive picks on guys that age. However do not be stunned to maintain listening to his title over the following couple of months. He’s Mel Kiper Jr.’s eighth-best quarterback within the class.

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Sleeper free brokers getting buzz

Fowler: OK, time for my yearly batch of under-the-radar gamers who would possibly do higher than you’d suppose in free company:

• Brandon Stephens: The Baltimore nook has size and competes. His title got here up unprompted in a number of talks with groups.

• Dayo Odeyingbo: The Colts defensive lineman has the flexibility and size that groups covet.

• Jaylon Moore: As soon as a San Francisco swing deal with, Moore must be in line for a starter’s position.

• Patrick Mekari: He has performed all 5 spots alongside Baltimore’s offensive line through the years.

• Tershawn Wharton: He’s in place to change into the third inside rusher off the board behind Odighizuwa and Williams.

• Pat Jones II: Jones had seven sacks as a situational rusher in Minnesota, which ought to improve his profile.

• Jamien Sherwood: He is a missile in the midst of the sphere and will clear $10 million per 12 months.

• Robert Spillane: This is one other linebacker whose toughness and management ought to assist him in the marketplace.

• John Bates: Tight ends with blocking prowess within the run recreation can receives a commission. Bates seems to be the following one, although Washington will look to maintain him.

• Darius Slayton: It is a skinny free agent WR class, and Slayton has put up respectable numbers in a nasty New York offense for years. He additionally has uncooked velocity. Slayton could possibly be this 12 months’s Darnell Mooney.

• Joshua Palmer: He is a buzzworthy title amongst some groups as a sleeper receiver.

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What else are we listening to across the NFL?

Graziano:

• The Payments received their offseason began with an extension for huge receiver Khalil Shakir, and loads of their focus goes to proceed to be on extending their very own gamers. That features Shakir’s 2022 draft classmates Terrel Bernard and Christian Benford, in addition to 2021 first-rounder Greg Rousseau, who’s coming into his fifth-year possibility season and is at the moment on the books for $13.387 million. Buffalo hasn’t dominated out bringing again veteran edge rusher Von Miller, who turns 36 later this month. However the Payments must discover a strategy to rework his contract and get him to comply with a pay minimize from his at the moment scheduled $17.5 million. One supply I spoke to described Miller’s return to Buffalo as a “50-50” proposition.

• The Packers — who’ve been extra aggressive free agent bidders within the Brian Gutekunst period than their repute suggests — could possibly be spenders this month. They’re trying so as to add a veteran huge receiver to their very younger room. They’re going to be on the lookout for upgrades on protection, too, particularly contemplating they’re listening to commerce provides for cornerback Jaire Alexander. And so they’ll must discover a strategy to exchange heart Josh Myers if he leaves in free company.

• The Cowboys might be available in the market for a No. 2 receiver behind CeeDee Lamb. They’ve some hope that Jonathan Mingo, their trade-deadline acquisition from Carolina, can evolve into that, however clearly it is too quickly to know and they are going to be available in the market so as to add at that place. They might find yourself being a Cooper Kupp suitor if his value drops far sufficient. Dallas additionally will look so as to add a dynamic participant at operating again to pair with Rico Dowdle, who completed the season sturdy for them.

• The Buccaneers proceed to work to carry again huge receiver Chris Godwin earlier than he hits the free agent market. It is unclear at this level whether or not they can attain an settlement, however the hallmark of Tampa Bay’s 2024 free company was its skill to retain its personal, together with Mike Evans and Baker Mayfield — so that they’re optimistic about their probabilities of reaching a take care of Godwin.

• 49ers left deal with Trent Williams is coaching in anticipation of taking part in in his fifteenth NFL season. Williams missed vital time final season with a heel damage however is anticipated to be able to go as soon as coaching camp begins, based on the individuals I spoke with in Indy.

Fowler:

• Defensive deal with Jonathan Allen was a part of the commerce dialogue between the Commanders and 49ers this week as they executed the Deebo Samuel Sr. deal, per a supply. In the end, Allen was not included, although, as Washington landed Samuel for a fifth-round choose. Allen is due $16.4 million this 12 months, a potential hurdle.

• Star Boise State operating again Ashton Jeanty is lining up Prime 30 visits, together with the Bears and Cowboys. Jeanty didn’t carry out drills on the mix, however he received encouraging outcomes from his medical testing in Indy, I am advised. He had an elbow damage final season that should not have an effect on him long run.

• Groups I’ve talked to are placing Chase Younger excessive on the general pecking order within the pass-rush free company market. A part of the attract: There’s nonetheless massive upside there (nonetheless solely 25), and whereas he spent final offseason idle as a consequence of neck damage restoration, he is utterly wholesome now and coaching vigorously for what he hopes is a breakout season. Count on the Saints to be concerned in a possible re-sign.

• Groups agree edge rusher Khalil Mack performed lights out final season, and the one actual concern together with his free company is age (he is 34). A number of individuals I’ve talked to have made potential connections to the Buccaneers and Bears. Tampa Bay usually would not spend massive on exterior free brokers however is on the lookout for pass-rush assist.

• Do not be stunned if the Bengals attempt to prolong Mike Gesicki within the coming days. Cincinnati is attempting to safe a trio of its stars — Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson — however Gesicki is one other participant they have been very proud of final season and wish to pay. Groups are projecting the tight finish market may faucet out at round $8 million per 12 months. If Gesicki can put up a good clip within the subsequent seven days, that helps Juwan Johnson, Tyler Conklin and others.

• The sense is Chicago will signal not less than one inside offensive linemen. Drew Dalman, 49ers guard Aaron Banks and Colts guard Will Fries are amongst gamers on the radar. Like Dalman, Banks and Fries are in line for sizable contracts. Guards dominated free company final 12 months and can do effectively as soon as once more. The Giants, Cardinals and Seahawks are lurking on this market, too.

• Whereas Jevon Holland didn’t have an ideal 12 months in 2024, some contained in the league consider his physique of labor ought to land him someplace within the Xavier McKinney vary (4 years, $68 million).

• If Chris Godwin will get to free company, do not be stunned if the Patriots become involved. However the Bucs have made Godwin a precedence, and the sensation across the league is the staff will make him a Buc for all times. With Tee Higgins anticipated to obtain the franchise tag, Godwin could be far and away the highest free agent receiver.

• The Vikings are hoping to re-sign nook Byron Murphy Jr., one in every of a number of third-contract corners in line for sturdy offers. And the Jaguars will gauge the market of veteran nook Carlton Davis III, one other third-contract man.

• Saints nook Paulson Adebo is believed to be well-positioned as a result of he is a 25-year-old, second-contract participant with size and velocity who’s recovering effectively from the surgical procedure on his femur in October. The sensation is the Saints will hope to re-sign him.

• The Browns are optimistic about guard Joel Bitonio’s return for a twelfth season, although he hasn’t made a agency dedication but. However the staff is loosely planning for him to return and is not aggressively combing the guard market presently.