If You Ain't First You're Last Playoffs

There has been no contact or negotiations as of now between the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks regarding wide receiver DK Metcalf, a source told The Athletic's Matt Schneidman. A report earlier on Friday suggested that the Packers had already offered an enticing package to the Seahawks to potentially acquired Metcalf this offseason. While the Seahawks aren't necessarily shopping Metcalf, it's clear that some teams are calling about his availability after back-to-back seasons of only 66 receptions for the two-time Pro Bowler. While the 27-year-old former second-rounder still had a healthy 992 receiving yards in 15 games in 2024, he also had a career-low five touchdowns and took a back seat to breakout wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Metcalf moving to Green Bay would certainly make him an intriguing bounce-back candidate, especially with Christian Watson (knee) expected to miss at least half the season.

From RotoBaller

The New York Giants are investigating all veteran quarterback options this offseason, including New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Giants reportedly offered Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford a two-year deal worth $90-100 million guaranteed, but Stafford and the Rams agreed to a restructured deal on Friday, so he's off the table for the G-Men. While the Giants, who could take a rookie signal-caller with the No. 3 overall pick in this year's NFL draft, could still sign a veteran QB like Rodgers or trade for one. Rodgers, who is expected to be designated as a post-June 1 cut by the New York Jets soon, has reportedly already reached out to the Giants. The 41-year-old future Hall of Famer will probably only play one more season in the NFL, and after tearing his Achilles in Week 1 in 2023, he was very inconsistent and looked his age in 2024 in a disappointing year with the Jets.

From RotoBaller

The Los Angeles Rams and quarterback Matthew Stafford reached an agreement on Friday on a restructured deal that will keep him in L.A., sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter. Financial terms of the restructure weren't immediately available, but this now squashes all trade rumors this offseason after the Rams gave permission to Stafford to talk with other teams about a new contract. Both the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants reportedly discussed two-year deals with the veteran signal-caller that included between $90-100 million guaranteed, but after meeting with the Rams on Friday, Stafford has decided to stay in Los Angeles. The 37-year-old was the QB19 in fantasy in 2024, throwing for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 16 regular-season games. Although he won't be a QB1 in fantasy in 2025, he was playing his best ball late last season and nearly led the Rams to the NFC Championship.

From RotoBaller

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. is expected to be traded this offseason, and the Washington Commanders and Houston Texans have had significant interest in trading for him, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos have also checked in, among other teams, but Washington and Houston are believed to be the most aggressive in trade talks. Samuel has spent his entire career with Niners since being selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft and has posted 334 receptions for 4,792 yards, and 22 touchdowns in 81 games. He has added 1,143 yards and 20 touchdowns as a runner. Both Washington and Houston have quarterbacks on rookie deals and see their Super Bowl window as wide open, making them formidable suitors for the veteran wideout.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who is scheduled to meet with the Rams on Friday, feels more likely to return to L.A., according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Nothing is final, but it's looking like a reunion between Stafford and the Rams is more likely than a few days ago when it looked like he would leave. Both the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants have discussed a two-year deal for Stafford that includes $90-100 million guaranteed, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini. A resolution is expected by the end of the NFL Combine this weekend. The Rams' preference is to stay year-to-year on a potential deal with Stafford -- they've typically averaged an annual salary of $40-45 million for him. It's a figure that ranks around the middle of the NFL this year, while Stafford has mostly produced like a top-10 QB in his time in L.A., including a Super Bowl victory.

From RotoBaller

Baltimore Ravens safety Marcus Williams is preparing for free agency with the full expectation that he will be released, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. A recent restructure of Williams' contract included a significant trigger that comes due on March 13, and Baltimore is expected to try and avoid that after he was benched in 2024. The 28-year-old played in only 11 regular-season games last year and finished with 33 tackles (26 solo), two pass breakups and a fumble recovery after beginning the year as the starting safety next to Kyle Hamilton. Williams was a healthy scratch for the final five regular-season games of the year and for both of their playoff contests after Ar'Darius Washington took over his starting spot in Baltimore's secondary. He signed a five-year, $70 million deal before the 2022 season and has recorded 20 interceptions in his eight years in the NFL.

From RotoBaller

The Seattle Seahawks have spoken with a couple of teams about wide receiver DK Metcalf's availability this week at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, according to multiple sources. However, general manager John Schneider has pointed out before that simply talking to another team doesn't mean a trade is imminent. The Seahawks aren't actively shopping Metcalf, but at least one team that has inquired about him thinks they have a trade package in place that would make Schneider strongly consider pulling the trigger on a trade. A source indicated that the Green Bay Packers have had talks with Seattle this week and have an offer on the table that includes a high pick and a young receiver on roster for Metcalf. The 27-year-old failed to reach the 1,000-yard mark for the third straight year and scored a career-low five TDs in 15 games in 2024, but a possible move to Green Bay, where he'd be the clear WR1, could easily rejuvenate his fantasy value. Stay tuned.

From RotoBaller

The Athletic's Dane Brugler reports that University of Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan will not do any workouts for scouts at the NFL Combine this weekend in Indianapolis. McMillan apparently is dealing with an undisclosed injury that he suffered recently, which would make sense why he'd be skipping on-field workouts at the Combine. "He got hurt in the spring and I don't know that he ever made it back to 100 percent. The 2023 tape gives you a better idea of who he is," according to an AFC scouting director. The 21-year-old is a possession receiver with the size (6-foot-5, 210 pounds) and ball skills to succeed as a downfield threat at the next level. While McMillan should easily be a first-round selection in this year's NFL draft, he could struggle with physical cornerbacks and might not be a huge asset in run-after-the-catch production.

From RotoBaller

University of Miami quarterback Cam Ward said he will not throw at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis on Saturday. Ward says his tape speaks for itself and he will instead throw at his school's Pro Day on March 24. It's no surprise, with most of the top prospects sitting out Combine workouts in favor of more controlled environments at their Pro Days. The 22-year-old signal-caller spent one year with the Hurricanes in 2024 and threw for 4,313 yards, 39 touchdowns and seven interceptions. With elite athleticism as a dual-threat QB, Ward is in play to be the top overall pick in this year's NFL draft, along with Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders and Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter. In addition to his 4,000-plus passing yards and 39 TDs through the air, Ward had 60 rushing attempts for 204 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

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The Detroit Lions plan to release veteran linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin when the new league year begins in March, a source told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Reeves-Maybin, who is the NFL Players Association president, made his first career Pro Bowl and was a second-team All-Pro in 2023. The 30-year-old has been a long-time contributor and special teams standout for the Lions, but he'll be on the open market this spring. He was drafted in the fourth round (124th overall) by Detroit in the 2017 NFL draft out of the University of Tennessee and has spent all eight of his seasons with the Lions. A neck injury limited him to just 10 regular-season games (no starts), and he finished with just 14 tackles (10 solo) and a forced fumble. Reeves-Maybin is mostly useful for his prowess on special teams and should eventually latch on with another organization for the 2025 campaign.

From RotoBaller

NewOrleans.Football's Nick Underhill reports that the New Orleans Saints met with University of Miami quarterback Cam Ward at the NFL Combine on Thursday. Ward is a candidate to be taken No. 1 overall in this year's NFL draft as one of the top QBs in this year's class. It's not all that notable that the Saints actually met with Ward, as the Saints don't pick until ninth overall in this year's draft, and Ward is widely expected to go within the top three picks. Additionally, there's a good chance the Saints stick with veteran Derek Carr as their starter under center in new head coach Kellen Moore's first season with the team in 2025. However, with Carr carrying a $51.458 million salary cap hit this year, it's not out of the realm of possibility that the Saints move on and then trade into the top portion of the draft to select Ward as their future signal-caller.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee) is reportedly doing well in his recovery this offseason from a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee. Darrisaw had surgery on his knee in early November but is trending in the right direction after injuring his knee in the loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 8. Head coach Kevin O'Connell said that the 25-year-old offensive lineman is "absolutely killing it every step of the way." Still, Darrisaw has a ways to go in his recovery from a pretty serious knee surgery and won't be a lock to be ready for Week 1 of the regular season this fall. We should have a better idea of his progress and status for the start of 2025 when training camp rolls around in late July. When Darrisaw is ready to go, he could be protecting former first-rounder J.J. McCarthy's (knee) blind side after he missed all of his rookie season in 2024 due to a knee injury of his own.

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The Seattle Seahawks have given safety Rayshawn Jenkins permission to seek a trade, sources told FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. After signing a two-year, $12 million deal with Seattle last offseason, Jenkins played in a career-low 13 games (nine starts) and finished with 53 tackles (34 solo), two sacks, and a fumble recovery returned 102 yards for a touchdown. The 31-year-old spent time on Injured Reserve after having surgery on his hand, but when he returned in November, he lost his starting job to Coby Bryant. Jenkins has a $7.780 million salary cap hit in 2025. If the Seahawks were to cut him, they'd save $5.280 million while taking on $2.5 million in dead money. It means that if Seattle cannot find a trade partner, Jenkins will likely be cut after just one year with the team. The former fourth-rounder by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2017 out of the University of Miami could be battling for a part-time role if he's available on the open market.

From RotoBaller

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said that all sides expect a resolution to Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford's saga by the end of this week's NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Stafford is looking to be compensated as a top-10 QB in the league, which would mean at least $40 million over the next couple of seasons, but the Rams are playing hardball, which is why they've allowed him to reach out to other teams to gauge his value this offseason. The New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders appear interested in trading for the 37-year-old veteran signal-caller and signing him to a new deal that will pay him more, but Rapoport says not to rule out a return to the Rams. Although he might have to take a bit less money to stay in L.A., the Rams likely give Stafford the best shot at winning another Super Bowl ring at the tail end of his career. Stay tuned for more developments by the end of this weekend.

From RotoBaller

According to a league source, Cleveland Browns four-time All-Pro pass-rusher Myles Garrett is "not open to" a contract extension with the team. Garrett has made it clear that he has no intention of sticking around in Cleveland after formally requesting a trade in the week leading up to Super Bowl LIX in early February. Competing for a Super Bowl ring, which he doesn't think will happen in Cleveland at this point, is much more important to any amount of money for Garrett. However, the Browns continue to hold firm on their stance that they will not trade Garrett. The way things are going, this situation could get messy this offseason. But ultimately, the 29-year-old could force the Browns' hand. The six-time Pro Bowler has at least 14 sacks in each of the last four seasons and could bring two first-round picks to Cleveland in return if they ultimately give in and trade him. Regardless of where he's playing in 2025, he'll be a high-end IDP defensive lineman.

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Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry said at the NFL Combine this week that quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) wasn't doing "anything nefarious" when he re-tore his right Achilles tendon last month. There has been speculation that the Browns would try to recoup some or all of the $92 million they still owe Watson for the final two years of his five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million deal. That hasn't been the case, though, and Watson continues to rehab in Cleveland and is determined to play again after the devastating injury. Still, the 29-year-old is no lock to be able to play at all in 2025 and might not play again for the Browns at all. If he stays with the Browns in 2025, which seems likely, the best bet is that Cleveland will bring in a veteran (through either trade or free agency) to serve as the starter under center.

From RotoBaller

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said on Wednesday at the NFL Combine that running back Christian McCaffrey (knee) is "doing great" and that he thinks the star RB will be able to participate in "at least parts" of the offseason program. McCaffrey was a bust at the top of fantasy drafts last fall, as he played in just four games in 2024. He missed the first two months with bilateral Achilles tendinitis and then suffered a season-ending PCL injury on Dec. 1 in the loss to the Buffalo Bills. The 28-year-old's fantasy stock will take a hit in 2025 because of his injury-plagued season, but it's hard to forget that he has rushed for 2,407 yards and 20 rushing touchdowns while catching 134 passes for 1,174 yards and 11 receiving touchdowns in 31 games since he joined San Fran midway through the 2022 season. If healthy, CMC can be a league-winner, but the injury risk is very high.

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Dynasty | Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is reportedly coming back for the 2025 season. Dynasty Analysis: Pat McAfee is reporting this on his own, so it's far from official. However, it seems his "source" is none other than Kelce himself, who seemingly has a bad taste in his mouth after being blown out in the Super Bowl. Kelce is also apparently saying he's committed to being in the best shape of his life after a relatively unproductive season (by his standards) last year. His 97/823/3 line is far from his prime, but if Kelce does indeed come back, he'll do so as a low-end TE1 at the very least. Stay tuned.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Sources told Pat McAfee that Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is "coming back for sure" in 2025 after briefly contemplating retirement following the 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. "I'm gonna get in the best shape of my life this offseason. I've got a real bad taste in my mouth with how I played in that last game and I can't go out like that!!!!" Kelce also said via sources. We haven't exactly heard it from Kelce's mouth directly, but it's a pretty good indication that the 35-year-old four-time All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowler will be returning in 2025. By Kelce's standards, 2024 was a down year with a 97-823-3 line in 16 regular-season games. His 823 receiving yards were his fewest since his rookie year in 2013, when he played in just one game, and his three TDs were also his fewest since 2013. Kelce will still be important in KC's offense if he returns, but his days of being an elite, high-end TE1 in fantasy could be over.

From RotoBaller

Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane said that safety Cole Bishop will "have every chance" to be a starter in 2025. Head coach Sean McDermott also said the team will be counting on Bishop to make an impact next season, but it will also depend on how much work he puts in in the offseason. The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia thinks safety Damar Hamlin would almost certainly have to settle for a below-market deal if he wants to stay with the Bills as the backup to Bishop in 2025. The 22-year-old Bishop was taken in the second round (60th overall) in 2024 out of Utah and had a promising rookie campaign, recording 40 tackles (25 solo), two pass breakups and a forced fumble in 16 regular-season games (four starts) in Buffalo. Bishop led the team with 10 total tackles in the AFC Championship game loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

From RotoBaller