The Minnesota Vikings have running back Aaron Jones penciled in as their starting RB again in 2025 after paying him more to return ($20 million over two seasons). However, ESPN's Kevin Seifert writes that new RB Jordan Mason isn't going to be a typical backup after they acquired him in a trade from the San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Kevin O'Connell has been very clear that he wants to pull back on Jones' usage after he set career-highs in snaps (700), rushing attempts (255) and total touches (306) in 2024. "When he has historically had that 1A/1B backfield structure, he can be a total game-changer every time he touches the ball," O'Connell said. "So it was always about bringing Aaron back ... but what are we going to pair him with?" It's obviously bad news for Jones' chances of an RB1 finish in fantasy in 2025, with Mason expected to be used in short-yardage and goal-line situations for the Vikes.

From RotoBaller

former Pro Bowl cornerback Shaquill Griffin is scheduled to visit with the Seattle Seahawks on Monday, sources told FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. Griffin is one of the top free agents still available and he appeared in 17 regular-season games (three starts) for the Minnesota Vikings last year while recording 41 tackles (33 solo), two interceptions and six pass breakups in his eighth year in the NFL. It would be a homecoming for the 29-year-old defensive back if he were to sign with Seattle, as he spent the first four years of his career with the Seahawks after they took him in the third round (90th overall) in 2017 out of Central Florida. Griffin made his only Pro Bowl in Seattle in 2019, when he had 65 tackles (45 solo) and 13 pass breakups in 14 regular-season starts. He hasn't started more than seven games since 2022, but the 435 pass-coverage snaps he played in 2024 were his most since 2021.

From RotoBaller

Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter had breakfast on Sunday in State College, Pa., with New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll and is also scheduled for a top-30 visit with the Giants in New Jersey on Thursday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Carter figures to be a top-three pick in the upcoming NFL draft, and the G-Men hold the third overall pick behind the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns. The 21-year-old defensive end is the clear top pass-rushing talent in this year's draft class, even though he's coming off foot and shoulder injuries that kept him from participating in the scouting combine back in February. He was the 2024 Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year and would be a big-time addition to the Giants' pass rush across from Kayvon Thibodeaux. It would be a shocker if Carter isn't the first defensive player off the board in this year's draft.

From RotoBaller

Dynasty | The Cardinals have signed tight end Trey McBride to a contract extension. Dynasty Analysis: It's a four-year deal worth $76 million. The $19 million average value per year makes McBride the highest paid tight end in NFL history and includes a massive $43 million in guaranteed money. McBride was fantastic last year, scoring up at the top with the likes of Brock Bowers and George Kittle in the elite tight end category. His 111/1.146/2 may actually indicate his floor as the touchdown total he's posted (six in 49 career games) is honestly bound to increase at some point. McBride remains one of a handful of tight ends worth selling the farm for in dynasty leagues.

Dynasty | Trey Lance has signed a one-year deal with the Chargers. Dynasty Analysis: And somehow this is where his career is. Once thought of as an elite-level prospect, Lance couldn't stay healthy in San Francisco or beat out Cooper Rush in Dallas, leading to very little interest this off-season. He eventually flirted with playing in Canada, but the Chargers finally found reason to bring him aboard on a relatively inexpensive (around $6 million) contract. He'll presumably need to beat out Taylor Heinicke to secure a roster spot, but the Chargers could keep him behind Justin Herbert, regardless. Still, there's really no dynasty value left here.

ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss writes that moving on from quarterback Joe Milton III -- he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys -- increases the odds that the New England Patriots will draft a quarterback. If they don't draft a signal-caller, they'll at least add an undrafted QB because teams usually carry at least three on their roster. If they draft a quarterback, they'll most likely be looking at options from the third to seventh rounds, which could put them in the market for Alabama's Jalen Milroe, Syracuse's Kyle McCord, Louisville's Tyler Shough, Texas' Quinn Ewers, Ohio State's Will Howard, Oregon's Dillon Gabriel, Minnesota's Max Brosmer, Indiana's Kurtis Rourke and Notre Dame's Riley Leonard. Leonard could be a good fit for the Patriots, while Brown University QB Jake Wilcox took part in the Patriots' local Pro Day last week. Right now, the Pats only have Drake Maye and Joshua Dobbs on the QB depth chart.

From RotoBaller

The New England Patriots have nine selections in the 2205 NFL draft, and they are expected to use one of them on a running back. "I think so. Having a good, young runner is potentially something we would like to do," first-year head coach Mike Vrabel said. It's a good spot to be in for the Pats, as ESPN senior draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has more than 30 RBs with a draftable grade this year, led by Boise State's Ashton Jeanty and North Carolina's Omarion Hampton. New England has Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson in their backfield already, so they are unlikely to go after Jeanty or Hampton. After the first round, though, they are likely to target a smaller, quicker "passing back" to complement the rugged styles of Stevenson and Gibson. It would make sense given the fact that a similar role has been a staple in offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' offenses. Syracuse's LeQuint Allen and SMU's Brashard Smith are two backs that fit that mold.

From RotoBaller

Free-agent LB Matt Judon (Falcons) seems unlikely to sign with the Baltimore Ravens this offseason, in the opinion of BaltimoreRavens.com's Clifton Brown.

From TheHuddle

Minnesota Vikings OG Will Fries (leg), DT Javon Hargrave (triceps) and DT Jonathan Allen (pectoral) are expected to be ready for the start of training camp.

From TheHuddle

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen recently told SiriusXM NFL Radio that he plans to aid quarterback Trevor Lawrence through the team's scheme and an improved run game in 2025. The new head coach intends to give his QB the "answers to the test." "Obviously, once we get into the building, some of the football aspects: the formations, the motions, the shifts," Coen said. "But for us to help him truly...man, we've got to be able to run the football a little bit better." Jacksonville has been in the bottom third of the league regarding yards on the ground per game over the last two seasons, and Lawrence hasn't been able to overcome the team's deficits on his own merit. It's possible all he needs is the right head coach, and Coen's offense in Tampa Bay was impressive in 2024 -- ranking fourth in points (29) and third in yards (393.2) per game. The Clemson product will be a cheap pick in drafts this summer.

From RotoBaller

The Las Vegas Raiders have released defensive back Jack Jones, per the NFL's Ian Rapoport. Jones was drafted in the fourth round by the New England Patriots in 2022 -- spending just one season with the team -- and found his way to the Raiders a year later. The 27-year-old is still on his rookie deal and was solid for Las Vegas last season, recording 69 tackles and three interceptions. He has at least two picks in each of his first three seasons. Jones played the third-most snaps of any Raiders defender in 2024 (94.08%) and started 16 games for the team. It seems likely that a cornerback-needy team will snatch up the Arizona State alum once he's cleared waivers, considering his relatively cheap contract and production.

From RotoBaller

The Athletic's Dane Brugler reports that Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe has accepted his invitation to the 2025 NFL Draft. The 22-year-old was a two-year starter for the Crimson Tide and posted nearly identical stats over his final two seasons with the team. It's worth mentioning that Milroe's touchdown pass total dipped in 2024 (16), and he tossed more interceptions (11). However, his rushing production increased by nearly 200 yards, and he piled up 20 (!) more scores with his feet. Milroe's decision to attend the draft is puzzling, as he's unlikely to be selected in the first round, projecting as more of a Day 2 or Day 3 pick. Still, he's an intriguing fantasy asset pending draft capital due to his physical gifts as a rusher. The Texas native will be one to watch in the draft.

From RotoBaller

Per the team, the Chicago Bears have signed defensive back Shaun Wade to a one-year $1.1 million contract. The Ohio State product spent 2024 on the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad but appeared in 20 games for the New England Patriots (six starts) from 2021-2023. Wade was drafted in the fifth round by the Ravens in 2021, and after spending the offseason and training camp with Baltimore, they flipped him to New England ahead of the regular season. His most productive campaign came in 2023 when he notched 23 tackles in 14 games. The fifth-year pro also has some experience on special teams, so he may contribute there for Chicago. Otherwise, Wade will likely serve as depth for the organization. He's listed third -- unofficially -- on the team's depth chart at nickelback.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers is an early front-runner to start across from Byron Murphy Jr. in 2025, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert. Rodgers appeared in 15 games in 2024 for the Philadelphia Eagles but took only 36 percent of their defensive snaps. Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores took a liking to Rodgers early in free-agent evaluations this offseason. The Vikings haven't rewarded Rodgers with a starting job just yet, but head coach Kevin O'Connell said he sees him as an "every-down impact guy" who could also contribute in the return game on special teams. The 27-year-old was a sixth-round pick (211th overall) by the Indianapolis Colts in 2020 out of Massachusetts. He played the first three years of his NFL career in Indy before being suspended for all of 2023 due to a violation of the league's gambling policy. Rodgers inked a two-year, $15 million deal with Minnesota this offseason.

From RotoBaller

The Minnesota Vikings don't know yet if wide receiver Jordan Addison will face a suspension in 2025 for a misdemeanor DUI citation in 2024, but if he ends up being suspended, the Vikings have expressed confidence in Jalen Nailor as a worthy short-term replacement, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert. When Addison missed two full games and part of a third last year with an ankle injury, Nailor caught seven passes for 106 yards and three touchdowns and went on to set career-highs in catches (28), yards (414) and TDs (six) while appearing in a career-high 17 games. An Addison suspension to begin the 2025 campaign would make Nailor a much more intriguing sleeper pick in fantasy drafts this fall. "I think this is a massive, massive year for his career," O'Connell said. The former sixth-rounder in 2022 will be in a contract year in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Dynasty | Wide receiver Julio Jones has retired after 13 seasons. Dynasty Analysis: Jones ends his career with 914 catches, 13,703 yards, and 66 touchdowns with the Falcons, Titans, Eagles and Bucs. His 2018 season with Atlanta was his best as he crushed fantasy competition with a 113/1,677/8 campaign as the WR1. His career will ultimately be defined as great, but not quite dominant as he only scored those 66 touchdowns, despite playing in 166 career games. He also never could return to form after an injury limited him to just nine games in 2020 as well, effectively ending his time in Atlanta and turning into more of a journeyman receiver. Jones was a fantasy staple for more than a decade and after not playing last season and clearly not having any interest out there, it was time for him to call it a career. Dynasty managers moved on long ago.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

The Las Vegas Raiders are attempting to work out a trade for cornerback Jack Jones, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal's Vincent Bonsignore. If the team cannot work out a trade, they plan to release Jones on Monday. Off-field issues and questions about his effort have made the 27-year-old defensive back expendable for the Raiders this offseason, even though he set career-highs in 2024 in tackles (69), interceptions (three) and pass breakups (16) in 17 games played (16 starts). He has one year left on his current deal and could attract some interest on the trade market. If the Raiders release him, Jones should quickly latch on with another team looking for depth in their secondary. Before last season, Jones had 67 tackles (53 solo), four interceptions (three returned for touchdowns), 11 pass breakups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 25 games (five starts) with the Raiders and New England Patriots.

From RotoBaller

University of Colorado head coach Deion Sanders thinks that his son and quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner are the top two players available in this year's NFL draft. "They should be going 1-2 [in the draft], that's the way I feel about it. They are the two best players in this draft. ... The surest bets in this draft are those two young men, and I didn't stutter or stammer when I said that," Deion said. Sanders and Hunter didn't take part in most of the position drills or physical testing at Colorado's Pro Day on Friday, but Sanders had a throwing session, and Hunter was one of the receivers who participated. Miami QB Cam Ward is believed to be the consensus top pick in this year's draft by the Titans at No. 1 overall, while Hunter is ranked at No. 1 on Mel Kiper Jr.'s big board. It would be a surprise if one of Sanders or Hunter fell outside of the top five in this year's draft.

From RotoBaller

Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes has been in contact with free-agent Za'Darius Smith (Lions) about a possible reunion. However, Smith was released last month before a $7 million option bonus went into effect and his asking price would have to decrease in order for him to return.

From TheHuddle