Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images Will the Vikings bring him back? Safety Harrison Smith is the longest-tenured member of the Minnesota Vikings, having been with the team since he was drafted in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. While Smith is much closer to the end of his illustrious career than he is to the beginning, has that end already arrived? According to Vikings inside Darren Wolfson (with a hat tip to the folks at Vikings Territory), it apparently has not. “Smith can still play, and I don’t think the Vikings need to break the bank to bring him back. They can figure out the money. I get it. He’s had to take pay cuts the last couple years. So, to me, there’s interest in him playing at a reasonable number. I just think it makes all sorts of sense,” Wolfson said on SKOR North airwaves late last week. Beyond the performance-based part of whether or not to bring Smith back lie the financials of the situation. As Ben Goessling of the Minnesota Star-Tribune points out, Smith has a vet minimum salary for 2025 of a little over $1.25 million. However, if he’s on the roster on the third day of this league year, which is 14 March, his salary of $25 million for 2026 becomes fully guaranteed. Harrison Smith has been a great football player. Harrison Smith has been a great Minnesota Viking. The odds of the Minnesota Vikings giving Harrison Smith another $25 million are roughly the same as the odds that they’ll hand you or me $25 million. (It’s not happening.) As Wolfson pointed out in his interview, Smith has taken pay cuts in each of the last two seasons, both of which had rumors of retirement floating around before those deals were reached. While we don’t know for sure whether or not Smith is going to be back for a 14th season in Minnesota, we’ll probably have an answer to that question sooner rather than later as free agency kicks off two weeks from Tuesday.
A Harrison Smith Decision Needs to Come Soon
Phinsider Question Of The Day: Best In The Business Edition
Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images Growing up a Miami Dolphins fan, it was easy to believe we had the best quarterback in the NFL during Dan Marino’s years at the helm. Having the best quarterback leading your team instills confidence that the road to the Super Bowl will always be just a few minor adjustments away from season to season. At least, that’s how it feels, especially when you’re a kid. Now, whether Marino was the best throughout most of his career is something that NFL fans would debate, and it’s definitely one of those topics that is quite subjective. Some would say no because he only made it to one Super Bowl and failed to carry his team to victory in that one chance. Others would argue that based on his numbers, which were so far and above anyone else’s for that period or any time before, tell a different story. The debate over where our own Dan Marino stands in the greatest of all time discussion will always persist. But what about right now? What about today’s NFL quarterbacks? So tonight’s Phinsider Questions Of The Day is: If all things were equal on every NFL team, who would be the best NFL quarterback now? Is that the quarterback you would choose to start an NFL franchise with right now, and if not, who would it be and why? Please add you thoughts and comments to the comments section below-
Miami Dolphins claim former Ravens cornerback Ryan Cooper Jr. off waivers
Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images Ryan Cooper Jr. appeared in 23 games over two seasons at Oregon State before entering the NFL. The Miami Dolphins have a definitive top cornerback in Jalen Ramsey but lack depth around the three-time First-Team All-Pro. Roster Move | We have been awarded CB Ryan Cooper Jr. off waivers from Seattle. pic.twitter.com/pwd7PTtxOw — Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) February 24, 2025 Although the new league year and free agency don’t begin until March 12, Miami’s front office is exploring every avenue to improve the secondary. The Dolphins announced Monday that they were awarded cornerback Ryan Cooper Jr. off waivers from the Seattle Seahawks. A 2024 undrafted free agent, Cooper spent most of last season on the Baltimore Ravens practice squad but logged six special teams snaps in Week 8. He signed a future contract with the Seattle Seahawks on Jan. 6. Cooper was an All-Pack-12 honorable mention following his senior season at Oregon State. He recorded 37 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss and seven pass breakups, which included a 67-yard pick-six against UCLA. Before joining the Beavers, he was a two-year starter and earned All-League honors while playing for the College of San Mateo in California. The Dolphins have a solid track record of finding cornerbacks. Nik Needham, who went undrafted in 2019, has appeared in 63 games for the franchise, and Kader Kohou, who went unselected in 2022, has established himself as a stout nickel cornerback. Miami will continue adding to the secondary this offseason, but without a definitive starter under contract, players like Cooper, 2023 second-round pick Cam Smith, and former undrafted free agent Ethan Bonner will have opportunities to stand out during offseason activities.
Report: Eagles DO plan on visiting the White House as Super Bowl champions, if invited
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images An earlier report that indicated the Eagles are not interested is now being refuted. Despite a previous report claiming that the Philadelphia Eagles are not interested in attending a White House visit as Super Bowl LIX champions, now multiple reporters are saying the Eagles DO have interest in the tradition … assuming an invitation is extended to them. To those wondering: Eagles sources say the team is planning on visiting the White House this off-season and looks forward to receiving its invitation. pic.twitter.com/G6b76Ve64Q — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 24, 2025 The Eagles will indeed visit the White House, if invited. Per source. Whether they will get an invitation is a different issue. https://t.co/vzcioLYaJN — ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) February 24, 2025 The #Eagles would be honored to visit The White House, team sources say after conversations today. It’s one of the aspects of winning they are excited about and look forward to receiving the invitation. pic.twitter.com/9SHw46cDM1 — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 24, 2025 Re: The @Eagles visiting the White House, a team source texted me, “We would be honored to visit the White House. It’s one of the things we had looked forward to doing and we look forward to receiving the invitation.” (Reports or tweets or whatever earlier indicated otherwise.) — Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 24, 2025 So, I suppose we’ll eventually see if they get the invitation or not. The Eagles previously did not visit the White House after winning Super Bowl LII during President Donald Trump’s first term. There was some talk about the team going before it ultimately didn’t happen. At the time, the White House said that “the vast majority of the Eagles team decided to abandon their fans” since “the Eagles offered to send only a tiny handful of representatives.” They added: “Upon learning these facts, the President decided to change the [June 5] event so that it would be a celebration of the American flag with Eagles fans and performances by United States Marine Band and the United States Army Chorus.” Perhaps more Eagles players will be willing to attend this time around. Or maybe not. Again, we’ll just have to wait and see.
Rams mentioned among the best fits for Stefon Diggs
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images CBS Sports believes Diggs must go somewhere with an “established” WR1 Assuming the Los Angeles Rams cannot kiss and make up with Cooper Kupp, LA will have a need at wide receiver this offseason. There aren’t too many attractive options for the Rams unless the front office opts for an older, more experienced player at the position like Stefon Diggs. Diggs is set to be a free agent this offseason after spending last season with the Texans. In his Feb. 24 column, CBS Sports writer Garrett Podell has LA among the best team fits for Diggs: “Stefon Diggs was one of the best wide receivers in the NFL in the 2020s, but at the age of 31, he’s coming off of an ACL tear he suffered in Week 8 of the 2024 season. Another piece of bad news is his receiving yards per game (89.3 in 2022, 69.6 in 2023 and 62.0 in 2024) and yards per catch (13.2 in 2022, 11.1 in 2023 and 10.6 in 2024). Plus, Diggs is currently in the midst of 19-game drought without 100 yards receiving in a game, the longest stretch of his career. Going to a place where there’s already an established No. 1 option would make the most sense. Although at this stage of Diggs’ career, he may just want to chase the biggest check that would involve a high number of targets.” The former All-Pro snagged 47 receptions for 496 yards and 3 touchdowns in Houston before tearing his ACL in Week 8 against the Colts. Until that injury-shortened campaign, Diggs had six straight 1,000-yard seasons dating back to 2018 with the Vikings. Since Diggs is coming off a torn ACL, several teams will likely be hesitant to sign him, possibly including his current team. Signing a player coming off such a serious injury and one already on the wrong side of 30 would not make any sense for LA, even if the team is in the WR market. Last April, I wrote a similar post asking whether Diggs should be an option for the Rams in 2025. I didn’t like the thought then and my reasoning hasn’t changed now: “LA should carefully do their homework if they end up being interested in the All-Pro. I do think Stefon would be a solid playmaker for Stafford and the Rams. Sean McVay would have to make sure to keep him happy with plenty of targets, but there’s a lot of mouths to feed in his offense. Would Diggs even go for that? Personally, I don’t think he’s worth the hassle which is why I believe the Rams should pass if he hits the open market.” Podell mentioned that Diggs should sign somewhere with an established WR1 already in place, which the Rams have in Puka Nacua. The issue is that signing Diggs would command top billing and that isn’t a realistic request at this point in his career. The Texans could always re-sign Diggs or he could go elsewhere in free agency, and both options would be better long-term for LA. Sorry to any fan who may want him, but the Rams need a leader, not a diva in the locker room.
Bengals News (2/24): NFL Combine Week
Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images The scouting combine will be under way soon. Jamarr Chase Talks Triple Crown & 2025 GoalsHis mirror that supplied so much 2024 magic is where he sticks his list of goals. He’s been doing it since his freshman year at LSU. He guards it like a playbook, but you’ve got to believe becoming the first man to catch 17 touchdowns and 1,700 yards wasn’t on the list. New Bengals D-Line Coach Jerry Montgomery’s Stance: ‘If … You Don’t Take Pride In Stopping The Run, Shame On You’ | THE CONVERSATIONWhen new defensive coordinator Al Golden turned to veteran NFL defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery to lead the Bengals defensive line and coordinate the run game, he opted for a teacher respected around the sport for his ability to develop players in college and the pros. Bengals franchise tagging Tee Higgins may not be conclusion Joe Burrow wantsBurrow has been clear about what he wants the front office to do when it comes to retaining both Ja’Marr Chase and Higgins. They are taking what looks to be the first step in keeping Higgins by possibly franchise tagging him. Bengals urged to make mind-boggling mistake by ESPNThe Bengals need to rebuild this defense with not just one great edge rusher, and they need a fresh start with new defensive coordinator Al Golden. They have just six picks in the upcoming draft and could use more. Bengals release veteran DT Sheldon Rankins after one seasonWhen Rankins signed with the team in 2024, he was projected to provide a big boost for Cincinnati’s defensive line. The year before joining the Bengals, Rankins had six sacks with the Houston Texans. Bengals must make tough calls on cut candidates after Sheldon RankinsHubbard struggled mightily last year while apparently playing through an injury that should have ended his season. The time for the youth movement with Myles Murphy and others is now, especially at this asking price. JJ Watt Hints at NFL Return, Looking for Properties in CincinnatiWatt is a part owner of the Burnley English soccer club and his goalkeeper, James Trafford, is a big Bengals fan. Watt said that he would come out of retirement to play for the Bengals if Trafford didn’t allow another goal this season. NFL Insider Pessimistic About Tee Higgins’ Future With Cincinnati BengalsThe Bengals have a plan to keep Higgins, but he would be the top free agent in this year’s class and plenty of teams across the NFL would love to pry him away from Cincinnati. Look: Bengals Bolster Trenches, Add Key Pieces on Defense in Latest 2025 Mock Draft“There isn’t a much easier team to draft for than the Bengals. Pick whatever part of the defense you want to upgrade, and you’re right,” Roberts wrote. “Grant brings a massive body at 342 pounds and that size and impact should make everyone around him better.” Latest 7-round NFL Mock Draft features the Bengals stopping the fall of a potential first-round pick in the second roundReaching for need is a practice the Cincinnati Bengals need to avoid in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Bengals’ roster could use the injection of talent thanks to any value pick presented to them. Bengals projected to significantly improve guard spot with 5-time Pro Bowler“With the struggles we saw at guard last year, adding a veteran like Brandon Scherff would be an intriguing move,” PFN wrote. “They may consider taking a run at Trey Smith, who is younger and the No. 2 player on our top 100 free agents.” When is the 2025 NFL combine? Start time, schedule of events, invitesThis could be a big moment for Jaxson Dart, who has been rocketing up draft boards. He’s gone from mid-round pick to now being talked about as a quarterback option within the top-10. His performance at the combine could cement that status.
Franchise tag watch: 1 player to keep tabs on at each position of need
Sam Darnold | Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images Looking at quarterback, guard, wide receiver, linebacker, running back, cornerback and safety Free agency is steadily approaching as the franchise tag window opened this week. That means the Las Vegas Raiders’ options for addressing their needs will likely be dwindling soon. So, let’s take a look at one name to keep tabs on at each position of need who could get slapped with the one-year tender by their current clubs, while also exploring the franchise tag news that has already been reported as of Thursday, Feb. 20. Quarterback: Sam Darnold According to Silver and Black Pride’s recent poll, fans are worried about the Raiders signing Darnold. While that’s fair, it’s also hard to argue that the seven-year pro isn’t one of Las Vegas’ best options at addressing the most important position of need. If you’re in favor of going after Darnold, the good news is ESPN’s Kevin Seifert said the Vikings likely won’t tag the quarterback. “Using the tag on quarterback Sam Darnold would be an expensive way of ensuring his return while avoiding a longer-term commitment that would hinder J.J. McCarthy’s eventual ascension,” Seifert wrote on Feb. 17. “It could also be a way to elicit additional value by way of a trade, but that would require a knowledge that multiple teams would be willing to bid. In the end, the Vikings seem more likely to let Darnold sign elsewhere and preserve their tag for a player such as cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., who had a career-high six interceptions in 2024 and is hitting his prime at age 27. If nothing else, it would give the Vikings time to sign Murphy to a longer-term deal while keeping him off the market.” Guard: James Daniels According to The Athletic’s Nate Taylor, the Chiefs aren’t expected to tag Trey Smith who is arguably the best guard on the open market. That’s good news for the Raiders since the offensive line could use some help on the interior and, at the least, the odds of Smith leaving the division increase. So, the other guard to keep an eye on is Daniels out of Pittsburgh. Only 27 years old, he’s still young and a quality player who signed a $26.5 million contract with the Steelers three years ago. Daniels was playing well at the beginning of last season but tore an Achilles in Week 4. That could lead Pitt to use the one-year tender on him to buy another season and see how he performs off the injury before negotiating a long-term contract. Wide Reciever: Chris Godwin Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty ImagesChris Godwin NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the Bengals are likely to tag Tee Higgins, widely considered the top free-agent wide receiver this offseason. With that, it wouldn’t be surprising to see John Spytek go back to his roots and target another wideout. Godwin has been productive throughout his eight-year career with nearly 7,300 yards and 39 touchdowns and is on the right side of 30. However, he is coming off a dislocated ankle that prematurely ended his campaign last fall. According to Jenna Laine of ESPN, the Bucs aren’t expected to tag Godwin but are looking to bring him back. “While sources told ESPN that the Bucs very much want receiver Chris Godwin back and will do what it takes to make this happen, it won’t be by using the franchise tag,” Laine wrote on Feb. 17. “They used the tag as a placeholder the last time Godwin was a free agent (in 2022), and they used it on him in 2021, so this would be his third time being tagged — therefore it would have to be a 144% raise, and I’m told there is “no chance” of that happening. They’ll do what it takes to re-sign him as a free agent.” Running Back: Najee Harris While ESPN’s Brooke Pryor reported that the Steelers are unlikely to tag Harris after declining his fifth-year option last offseason, a similar situation has happened with another running back recently…(too soon?) It wouldn’t be too surprising to see the Bay Area native get the Josh Jacobs treatment since the salary for running backs on the one-year tender is under $14 million, per Over The Cap. But if Harris hits free agency, adding a four-time 1,000-yard rusher should pique the Silver and Black’s interests. Linebacker: Nick Bolton Photo by David Eulitt/Getty ImagesNick Bolton Re-signing Robert Spillane could be a priority for the Raiders to maintain some continuity on defense, but it would be hard to pass up on making a run at Bolton if he becomes available. The 24-year-old has posted triple-digit tackles in three out of four seasons and is widely considered one of the best backers on the open market. Luckily, in addition to Smith, the Chiefs’ lack of cap space could prevent them from using the franchise tag entirely, per ESPN’s Adam Teicher. “The Chiefs have a lengthy list of free agents they would prefer to retain, but a shortage of cap space makes it unlikely they would place the franchise tag on any of them,” Teicher wrote on Feb. 17. “The Chiefs don’t relish the idea of losing guard Trey Smith, but putting a franchise tag on him at a projected cost of $25 million would wipe out their plans to re-sign others. The Chiefs have much already invested in offensive linemen Creed Humphrey, Jawaan Taylor and Joe Thuney, another reason tagging Smith doesn’t make a lot of sense.” Cornerback: Asante Samuel Jr. D.J. Reed is another option here, but it feels unlikely that the Jets will franchise tag their second corner while Sauce Gardner will be looking for a new contract. Charvarius Ward is another candidate. However, Ward mentioned that his mental health has been struggling in San Francisco after the death of his 23-month-old daughter and the 49ers would likely respect that by avoiding tagging him. So, that leaves Samuel who could get hit with the one-year tender after
PFF: Bills’ Greg Rousseau named among top-101 NFL players in 2024
PFF: Bills’ Greg Rousseau named among top-101 NFL players in 2024 PFF: Bills’ Greg Rousseau named among top-101 NFL players in 2024 Kam Towle Defensive end Greg Rousseau has started to make himself known around the NFL. Following his fourth season in the NFL, the University of Miami product ranked among the top 101 players in the league according to Pro Football Focus. In 2024, Rousseau had his best year to date. He tied his career-high in sacks (eight), while setting career highs in total tackles (53), tackles for loss (16), and quarterback hits (24). This was Rousseau’s first time cracking the top 101 players list. He came in at number 96. Rousseau is entering a contract year in 2025, so he is an extension candidate for general manager Brandon Beane to consider this offseason. Among all NFL edge defenders in 2024 with at least 600 snaps, Rousseau received the tenth-highest defense grade from PFF (82.2). PFF’s full breakdown of Rousseau from the top 101 list can be found below: With a contract extension on the horizon, Rousseau showed exactly why the Bills should cut him a check, after earning his third-straight season surpassing an 80.0-plus overall grade. During the regular season, the 24-year-old pass-rusher generated 63 total pressures — tied for the 10th most among edge defenders. Read all the best Bills coverage at the Democrat and Chronicle and Bills Wire.
Latest Minnesota Vikings Free Agent Rumors with Darren Wolfson
Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images Who’s in and Who’s out for the Vikings’ Impending Free Agents The excitement is building—it’s NFL Combine week, and that means Minnesota Vikings’ head coach Kevin O’Connell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah are heading to Indianapolis. They’ll be deep in pre-tampering mode ahead of Free Agency. And there’s no one better to bring you the inside scoop than the ever-insightful Darren ‘Doogie’ Wolfson from KSTP and Skor North. Expect insights on pressing questions like: Will Cam Bynum command a hefty contract on the open market? Are the Vikings keen on bringing Byron Murphy Jr. back into the fold? What’s brewing with Sam Darnold and Aaron Jones? And are there any surprise names we should keep our eyes peeled for this week? Darren ‘Doogie’ Wolfson has a knack for uncovering intriguing stories and delivering them with clarity and depth, making him the go-to source for all things Vikings. As O’Connell and Adofo-Mensah analyze potential draft picks and free agent targets, fans will be hanging on every update from Indianapolis. The decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the future of the team and determine their competitiveness in the upcoming season. Stay tuned to Vikings Happy Hour for all the latest news and insights from the Combine. All that and more! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment! #skol #minnesotavikings #vikings #nfl #nfcnorth #skol
Abdul Carter and Ashton Jeanty won’t work out at the Combine
Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images Two more top prospects will skip on-field drills Top prospects Abdul Carter and Ashton Jeanty won’t be participating in on-field drills at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. Carter, per his agent Drew Rosenhaus, is still recovering from a shoulder injury suffered in Penn State’s loss to Notre Dame in the College Football Playoffs. Rosenhaus confirmed that Carter will go through medical exams and meet with teams, but won’t take part in the measurable events or on-field drills at the Combine. Carter’s agent expressed confidence that he (Carter) will be ready to go through a full workout at Penn State’s Pro Day on March 28th after suffering the injury on January 9th. Carter has been a popular pick for the New York Giants in mock drafts, and it’s widely expected that the top edge rusher will be selected in the first five (or three) picks of April’s draft. Boise State running back, and Heisman runner-up, Ashton Jeanty will also be skipping the on-field portion of the combine in favor if his school’s Pro Day. As with Carter, Jeanty’s agent (Henry Organ) confirmed that the draft’s top running back would go only through medical exams and meet with teams. Jeanty is coming off of a historic season in which he led the nation in rushing by 890 yards, averaged 7.0 yards per carry, and scored 29 rushing touchdowns. He too is widely expected to be a first round selection despite the running back position being devalued in general in the draft. Boise State’s Pro Day will be held on March 30th. The news of Carter and Jeanty not participating in the on-field portion of the Combine comes a day after it was announced that Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders wouldn’t be workout out.
