John Harbaugh and the New York Giants are establishing a new identity built around heavier personnel packages, and they’ve signed a player who fits that vision perfectly: fullback Patrick Ricard. The 31-year-old served as a dynamic lead blocker for Derrick Henry over the past two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, and he spent his entire career in Baltimore under John Harbaugh. Ricard entered the league as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2017 out of the University of Maine. He played 149 offensive snaps as a rookie and 96 in his sophomore season (2018). Over the course of his career, he has logged 3,640 offensive snaps and consistently earned strong run-blocking grades from Pro Football Focus. Ricard only played 274 snaps in 2025, due to a calf injury that he sustained in training camp. Ricard reappeared with the injury in late October and returned in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears. Despite primarily serving as a blocker, Ricard has contributed occasionally as a ball carrier and receiver. He has committed 20 penalties in his career and caught 53 of 69 targets for 360 yards and seven receiving touchdowns. On the ground, he has 11 career carries for 22 yards. The 6-foot-3, 300-pound fullback gives Matt Nagy and Greg Roman a lot of flexibility with their rushing scheme. Ricard can execute a variety of blocks at a high level from the fullback position, while offering sufficient blocking on the line of scrimmage as a tight end. Ricard can kick out, cut, lead-block, pass protect, and much more, all while being a reliable enough check-down option. New York will likely see more 21, 22, and 23 personnel packages that will showcase Ricard, and the fullback will bring more of a vintage physical feel to the Giants’ offense. Ricard will fill the Daniel Bellinger role from last season, but his responsibilities will be of more value in this style of offense. Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr., and the entire Giants’ offense will benefit from Ricard’s presence. See More:
Fullback Patrick Ricard expands Giants’ options in the run game
What are Rams biggest needs after first wave of free agency?
The Los Angeles Rams have done well up to this point in the offseason to address all of their immediate needs before the draft. Now, the front office can focus on adding depth and focusing on future needs. With positions such as cornerback and special teams already addressed, here are the biggest needs for the […] The Los Angeles Rams have done well up to this point in the offseason to address all of their immediate needs before the draft. Now, the front office can focus on adding depth and focusing on future needs. With positions such as cornerback and special teams already addressed, here are the biggest needs for the Rams following the first wave of free agency. 1. Backup Quarterback You know that the Rams are in a good spot when the biggest need remaining on the roster after the first wave of free agency is a backup quarterback. Some teams are still trying to find legitimate starters at valuable positions while the biggest concern for the Rams right now is their backup quarterback. It’s very possible that the Rams could bring back Jimmy Garoppolo. After Garoppolo’s deal with the Arizona Cardinals fell through, it’s surprising that something hasn’t been done to get him back in Los Angeles. The Rams may simply wait things out to to see where Garoppolo’s market develops. They may also be looking at the draft that has names such as Ty Simpson, Garrett Nussmeier, Cade Klubnik, Cole Payton, and Drew Allar as players who could back up Stafford and develop. 2. Swing Tackle Again, you know that the Rams are in a good spot when one of the biggest needs on the roster in a backup tackle. While they re-signed David Quessenberry before free agency began, that has a DJ Humphries situation written all over it. Quessenberry played behind Humphries last year and that was after he got dominated by Jared Verse and co. in the NFC Playoffs the year before as a backup. Much like the backup quarterback situation, the Rams could look to address this position in the draft. Quessenberry provides some experience, but the Rams would be best to also draft a player at the position in the middle rounds. They need a player who can play both tackle spots in a pinch and potentially slide inside if needed. If the Rams lack depth at one spot in particular, it’s that sixth-man on the offensive line. 3. Slot Cornerback Over the course of the same day, the Rams lost both Cobie Durant and Roger McCreary in free agency. Those were two players that the Rams could play in the slot, but also had versatility to play outside. While the Rams have Quentin Lake to play the slot, that shouldn’t be his primary responsibility as a safety. Trent McDuffie can play in the slot, but the Rams didn’t pay him $30 million to do that. The good news here is that this is a good slot cornerback draft. This is a position that the Rams should be able to address in April. A player like D’Angelo Ponds would make a lot of sense in the second round. Ponds has inside-out versatility, but may be better in the slot at the next level. There are several other players that could be considered as well. Adding a slot cornerback to give Lake flexibility and maximize McDuffie’s value will be a need in the draft. HM: Third Wide Receiver If the Rams were in on AJ Brown, it should be a sign that they are not content with who they have behind Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. They still need an upgrade over Jordan Whittington and Konata Mumpfield. Whittington has been fine, but is more of a special teams and gadget player than a full-time contributor. His role is similar to Ben Skowronek’s. Mumpfield has been everything that could be asked from a seventh-round pick, but his lack of size causes issues at the catch point. It would not be surprising to see the Rams address the wide receiver position within the first three rounds of the NFL Draft. The current third wide receiver spot behind Adams and Nacua is the perfect place to put a rookie with potential. Players in the draft such as Omar Cooper Jr., Skyler Bell, and others would be perfect for this role.
Top 5 remaining linebackers for the Bengals to target
The main waves of free agency have passed, and the Cincinnati Bengals still have a glaring need at the linebacker position. Rookies Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter showed some flashes in 2025, but they also left a lot to be desired. Oren Burks is also still under contract for 2026, but the Bengals could […] The main waves of free agency have passed, and the Cincinnati Bengals still have a glaring need at the linebacker position. Rookies Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter showed some flashes in 2025, but they also left a lot to be desired. Oren Burks is also still under contract for 2026, but the Bengals could stand to upgrade nonetheless. The Bengals were reportedly in the running for two of the top linebackers on the market, but Devin Lloyd signed with the Carolina Panthers. Many fans wanted the Bengals to pivot to Leo Chenal, only to see him sign with the Washington Commanders. Assuming the Bengals are still interested in adding a linebacker, here are the Top 5 players they should target: Bobby Okereke Okereke was released by the New York Giants ahead of the new league year after being a captain on their defense. He played his best football in 2023, but had a solid season in 2025. Okereke logged 143 tackles, one sack, six passes defended, and two interceptions last season. A fresh start in Cincinnati could do him some good and, at the very least, bring some competition in for Knight and Carter. Bobby Wagner Wagner isn’t the player he once was, specifically in coverage, but he could still bring plenty of value to Cincinnati’s defense. Wagner is still very solid against the run, is still a sure tackler, and could provide a ton of knowledge to the young linebacker core that defensive coordinator Al Golden clearly believes in. Adding Wagner would likely come relatively cheap and could pay dividends, even if he only wore stripes for a season. Akeem Davis-Gaither The former Bengals fourth-round pick in 2020 is back on the market after signing with the Arizona Cardinals ahead of last season. Davis-Gaither logged a career-high 117 tackles last season before becoming a cap casualty for Arizona. Davis-Gaither brings plenty of athleticism with him, as well as familiarity. Golden was the Bengals’ linebackers coach for Davis-Gaither’s first two seasons. We all know how much the Bengals like players they know well. Matt Milano When Milano is healthy, he has the ability to play well against the run, pressure the quarterback, and be effective in coverage. Milano is 32 and has battled injuries over the last three seasons, so signing him would be a bit of a risk, but likely not expensive. He would be another veteran who could serve as an extension of the coaching staff, at the very least, and could provide value on the field as well. Devin White When in doubt, look for available players from LSU, right? White was teammates with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase in Baton Rouge for a season before heading to the NFL. With the Las Vegas Raiders last season, White recorded 95 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and an interception. Bringing in White could be a sneaky good signing at the back end of his career, but he does appear to have lost a step. See More: Cincinnati Bengals free agency
Dolphins sign tackle Charlie Heck as 2026 free agency continues into Week 2
After a fairly quiet weekend, the Miami Dolphins got back into the swing of free agency on Monday with the announcement of signing free agent tackle Charlie Heck. The move, which comes as the 2026 NFL free agency period moves into the second week, continues the Dolphins’ trend of finding veteran players who can provide […] After a fairly quiet weekend, the Miami Dolphins got back into the swing of free agency on Monday with the announcement of signing free agent tackle Charlie Heck. The move, which comes as the 2026 NFL free agency period moves into the second week, continues the Dolphins’ trend of finding veteran players who can provide competition for starting roles or be primary depth options when needed. Heck joins Jamaree Salyer as offensive linemen signed by the Dolphins since the start of free agency. The Dolphins entered this year strapped against the salary cap, but they have been deliberate with their additions, signing several players to one-year, veteran minimum style deals, allowing them to stay under the salary cap despite the number of signings they are making. Who is Charlie Heck? A 2020 fourth-round draft pick out of North Carolina, Heck began his career with the Houston Texans. After four seasons with the Texans, Heck was waived at the end of the 2024 preseason before signing with the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad, bouncing between the active roster and practice squad during the year. Late in the season, the San Francisco 49ers poached Heck from the Cardinals’ practice squad, providing the team depth near the end of the year. Heck spent 2025 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a one-year, $1.6 million contract. He will turn 30 during the 2026 season. He has appeared in 67 games during his career, including 29 starts. He likely comes to Miami looking to be the swing tackle, able to play left or right tackle if needed during a game. Heck’s father, Andy, is the offensive line coach for the Kansas City Chiefs What are the contract details? No contract details were released with the announcement. If the signing follows most of Miami’s other signings, it will be a one-year contract worth around the veteran minimum. See More:
Troy Aikman to continue working with Miami Dolphins in ‘some capacity’
After contributing heavily to the Miami Dolphins’ general manager and head coaching searches that saw the organization hire Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley from the Green Bay Packers, Hall of Fame quarterback and current color commentator for Monday Night Football, Troy Aikman, will remain working for the team in “some capacity” moving forward. While appearing […] After contributing heavily to the Miami Dolphins’ general manager and head coaching searches that saw the organization hire Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley from the Green Bay Packers, Hall of Fame quarterback and current color commentator for Monday Night Football, Troy Aikman, will remain working for the team in “some capacity” moving forward. While appearing on the Rodeo Time podcast last week, Aikman spoke glowingly of his time working with the Dolphins and said the experience “scratched an itch” that the former Dallas Cowboys gunslinger had been carrying since his playing days were over. Aikman said he didn’t envision himself becoming a coach after retiring due to the amount of hours required to be successful in the profession, but that the idea of working in an NFL front office appealed to him. When Miami reached out, he jumped at the opportunity. Aikman didn’t go into detail regarding what position he would hold moving forward with the Dolphins, or what his role would entail, but if he continues to be aligned with what Miami’s new decision makers are thinking moving forward, his input could prove to be invaluable to the organization for the foreseeable future. To watch the entire interview with Aikman, click the link above. If you’re only interested in the Dolphins talk, skip ahead to the one hour and eight minute mark. See More: Miami Dolphins News
2026 NFL Draft: Biggest weakness for the top quarterback prospects
Every quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft class brings high-end traits to the table, but even the top prospects have areas of concern that NFL teams will need to evaluate closely. 2026 NFL Draft: Biggest weakness for the top quarterback prospects Fernando Mendoza, Indiana: If there is one weakness that appeared on film, it was his tendency to take sacks when better options were available. Mendoza took a sack on 24.4% of his pressured dropbacks in 2024 before improving to 18.6% in 2025. The earlier figure would be concerning for most quarterbacks entering the NFL, but the improvement is an encouraging sign for his transition to the next level. Cole Payton, North Dakota State: Another one-year starter, Payton posted incredible advanced metrics in 2025, earning a 95.8 PFF overall grade and a 94.6 PFF passing grade while producing 0.544 expected points added per dropback. From an analytical perspective, his primary concern is an 18.9% pressure-to-sack rate. 2026 NFL Draft season is here: Try the best-in-class PFF Mock Draft Simulator and learn about 2026’s top prospects while trading and drafting for your favorite NFL team. Quarterback evaluation is rarely about identifying strengths — it’s about determining which weaknesses a prospect can overcome at the next level. Even the most highly regarded passers in the 2026 NFL Draft class enter the league with areas of their game that will require development. Here’s the biggest statistical weakness for the top quarterbacks on PFF’s draft board. For more information on the 2026 draft class, visit PFF’s Big Board, quarterback draft guide profiles and Mock Draft Simulator. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana Weakness: Takes too many sacks The clear favorite to be the first overall pick, Mendoza skyrocketed up draft boards in 2025 following his Heisman-winning season that culminated in an undefeated national championship run. He consistently dissected defenses, handled pressure well and delivered in the biggest moments of the season. If there is one weakness that appeared on film, it was his tendency to take sacks when better options were available. Mendoza took a sack on 24.4% of his pressured dropbacks in 2024 before improving to 18.6% in 2025. The earlier figure would be concerning for most quarterbacks entering the NFL, but the improvement is an encouraging sign for his transition to the next level. He will still need to continue getting the ball out quickly and avoiding unnecessary losses, particularly if he lands with a Raiders team that still has several roster holes. Ty Simpson, Alabama Weakness: Lack of experience Simpson entered 2025 as a first-year starter after spending three seasons waiting behind other quarterbacks. He opened the year strong but struggled down the stretch against tougher SEC competition. A major factor was his play under pressure, where he posted a 47.6 PFF grade with a 31.6% success rate. His lack of experience showed as opposing defenses presented more complex looks late in the season, often leaving him hesitant and holding onto the ball too long. Simpson possesses the arm talent and flashed high-end play during his lone year as a starter, but another season in college likely would have helped him further develop his confidence and command of defensive schemes. Cole Payton, North Dakota State Weakness: Competition level and lack of experience Another one-year starter, Payton posted incredible advanced metrics in 2025, earning a 95.8 PFF overall grade and a 94.6 PFF passing grade while producing 0.544 expected points added per dropback. From an analytical perspective, his primary concern is an 18.9% pressure-to-sack rate. However, those numbers came against FCS competition at a program that consistently fields some of the best talent at that level. Payton also spent four seasons backing up Cam Miller, who was selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Given Payton’s limited starting experience — and the fact that he was unable to win the job earlier against a quarterback unlikely to have a long NFL career — his professional outlook remains uncertain. Cade Klubnik, Clemson Weakness: No clear defining strength Klubnik entered the 2025 season with potential first-round buzz after a strong 2024 campaign in which he showed promising play under pressure and outside the pocket. Outside of those areas, however, his performance metrics — including play from a clean pocket, early-down efficiency and throws beyond the sticks — graded closer to average. In 2025, even those stable metrics regressed, and he failed to replicate his earlier success under pressure and outside the pocket. He finished in the 30th percentile from a clean pocket, the 37th percentile on early downs and the 38th percentile on throws at or beyond the sticks. Those results point to a quarterback who may struggle to consistently create easy throws at the next level without a clear defining trait to rely on. Carson Beck, Miami (FL) Weakness: Play under pressure Beck transferred to Miami after five seasons at Georgia and nearly led the Hurricanes to a national championship. While he graded well overall during his time at Georgia, his struggles under pressure remained a recurring issue. In his first season as a starter, Beck handled pressure reasonably well, earning a 66.1 PFF grade in 2023. However, that performance collapsed in 2024, when his grade fell to 33.6. With three years of starting experience and extensive exposure to a variety of defensive looks, improvement was expected. Instead, Beck again struggled under pressure, posting a 43.0 PFF grade with a 25.3% success rate. Combined with accuracy inconsistencies and limited athleticism, his inability to create positive plays when pressured in college raises concerns about how he will handle pressure at the NFL level. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU Weakness: Athleticism After seeing limited action from 2021 through 2023 behind Jayden Daniels, Nussmeier finally earned the starting job in his fourth season at LSU. He displayed strong pre-snap recognition and an ability to adjust protections and reads at the line of scrimmage. Nussmeier also avoided sacks effectively and performed well under pressure and in high-leverage situations. However, production under pressure can be volatile, and his lack of athleticism remains a major
L.A. Rams News: Do you want Davantae Adams on the move?
I woke up this morning, and apparently there are reports (rumors?) that the Los Angeles Rams may have been trying to move Davantae Adams all while maybe potentially trying to add A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles? Is this true? Can we confirm? And if true, do you agree with this course of action for […] I woke up this morning, and apparently there are reports (rumors?) that the Los Angeles Rams may have been trying to move Davanta Adams all while maybe potentially trying to add A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles? Is this true? Can we confirm? And if true, do you agree with this course of action for L.A.? I trust the Rams, so if they want to move on from Adams, so be it, but I do think Adams can still offer value, and I am not sure he is a piece to replace right away in the draft or otherwise. Build Your Winning Bracket! SB Nation’s CBB expert Mike Rutherford and resident bracketologist Chris Dobbertean will answer all your questions this week and help guide you to bracket glory! Drop in SB Nation’s March Madness Feed all week long and we’ll have both on hand! (All times PT) Sun 4-7pm: Chris Dobbertean Mon-Wed 7-10am: Mike Rutherford Mon-Wed 2-5pm: Chris Dobbertean Thursday 6-9am: Chris Dobbertean and Mike Rutherford Join SB Nation’s March Madness Feed! Then again, maybe Adams peaked with the Rams last year, and it’s time to let him go. I don’t know, but as it stands Adams is still with the Rams, but now I suppose we should stay vigilant for if this changes anytime sooner or later. Thank you all for checking out Turf Show Times, it’s Monday, let’s try to start the week off strong! Rams Raise Eyebrows Amid Rumored Blockbuster Trade Interest (heavy.com) “The Los Angeles Rams have garnered plenty of attention in recent days, first with rumors of their interest in a trade for Philadelphia Eagles star A.J. Brown and then, in moving Davante Adams in a presumably separate deal. In light of that, the Rams’ decision to send a message on Sunday piqued interest. Rams general manager Les Snead is certainly in no dire straits to acquire Brown or move on from Adams, the NFL’s receiving touchdown leader in 2025.“ Grading the first wave of free agency for the Los Angeles Rams: The best and worst moves of their start to the offseason (atozsports) “Snead made his patented splash move, trading for cornerback Trent McDuffie. Not to be stopped there, however, he turned around and signed McDuffie’s teammate in Jaylen Watson to signal in a new era for the Rams’ defense. Those two are instantly the top cornerback tandem the Rams have had in years. Additionally, Snead brought back Kam Curl, breaking his tradition of not paying safeties. The Rams unleashed Curl in the playoffs as a versatile weapon, and his play was a key reason why they made the NFC Championship Game. The Rams now have proven starters at every position. While I would like for them to continue improving the depth here, this is comfortably their best secondary since their last Super Bowl run.“ Rams made Joe Cardona the highest-paid long snapper in the NFL (theramswire) “After a disastrous year on special teams in 2025, the Los Angeles Rams dove into that unit headfirst this offseason. They quickly hired Bubba Ventrone as their new special teams coordinator, and then proceeded to add two key players to his group in the first week of free agency: long snapper Joe Cardona and special teams ace Grant Stuard. Aaron Wilson reported the details of Cardona’s contract and it shows that the Rams made him the highest-paid long snapper in the NFL. It’s officially a two-year contract worth $3.45 million, and it’s fully guaranteed.“ See More: Los Angeles Rams News
Bengals News (3/16): Next round of NFL Free Agency
Bengals Showing Interest in Fast-Rising 2026 NFL Draft Prospect At 5’11,” 291 pounds, Robinson isn’t built like most NFL defensive tackles. Despite his size, he’s generating plenty of interest from teams, including the Bengals. Bengals 7-Round NFL Mock Draft: Cincinnati’s defense still needs major help following initial free agent signings Cincinnati has managed to sign […] At 5’11,” 291 pounds, Robinson isn’t built like most NFL defensive tackles. Despite his size, he’s generating plenty of interest from teams, including the Bengals. Cincinnati has managed to sign Bryan Cook to solidify the safety position, Boye Mafe to be a full-time starter at defensive end, and Jonathan Allen to fill out the top three spots in the defensive tackle rotation. These were all well-received additions, but the biggest needs remaining are still on the defensive side of the ball. Build Your Winning Bracket! SB Nation’s CBB expert Mike Rutherford and resident bracketologist Chris Dobbertean will answer all your questions this week and help guide you to bracket glory! Drop in SB Nation’s March Madness Feed all week long and we’ll have both on hand! (All times ET) Sun 7-10pm: Chris Dobbertean Mon-Wed 10am-1pm: Mike Rutherford Mon-Wed 5-8pm: Chris Dobbertean Thursday 9am-12pm: Chris Dobbertean and Mike Rutherford Join SB Nation’s March Madness Feed! There hasn’t really been another reason to chat about the position much. The Bengals want a starter-caliber backup like Flacco if possible and enjoy the luxury of being a premier spot for backups, given the presence of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. It’s a question that will be asked often over the next few days. Cincinnati signed Boye Mafe, Bryan Cook and Jonathan Allen to multi-year deals in free agency. They lost Trey Hendrickson, Joseph Ossai, and multiple role players. Rather than get creative like plenty of other teams, the Bengals come in higher in cap hit than expected. See More: Cincinnati Bengals News
Las Vegas Raiders free agency: Offensive targets
The Las Vegas Raiders have made massive improvements in the 2026 NFL off-season inking receiver Jalen Nailor, center Tyler Linderbaum, linebackers Quay Walker, Nakobe Dean, and defensive lineman Kwity Paye to three year deals while also re-signing veteran cornerback Eric Stokes, EDGE Malcolm Koonce, and defensive tackle Thomas Booker. The Raiders have made two additional […] The Las Vegas Raiders have made massive improvements in the 2026 NFL off-season inking receiver Jalen Nailor, center Tyler Linderbaum, linebackers Quay Walker, Nakobe Dean, and defensive lineman Kwity Paye to three year deals while also re-signing veteran cornerback Eric Stokes, EDGE Malcolm Koonce, and defensive tackle Thomas Booker. The Raiders have made two additional moves with fullback Connor Hayward and receiver/special teams ace Dareke Young as well to lower value contracts. Las Vegas currently sits with roughly 35 million in cap space, not including Quay Walker, Connor Hayward, Dareke Young, and Matt Gay’s contracts though Las Vegas should have around 24 million after these signings accounted and additional room to make moves if they restructure Maxx Crosby or Kolton Miller. Las Vegas’ roster sits at 63 of 90, and they have plenty of room to add additional players to lower value deals as veterans look to sign before the draft. QB Kirk Cousins Cousins will turn 38 in August, and the veteran quarterback has seen his options dry up recently with the Falcons & Vikings both signing former first rounders to be their backups. Additionally, Cousins is searching for an opportunity to push for a starting job, which Las Vegas would allow for him to do under his former coaches Andrew Janocko and Klint Kubiak. The Raiders reportedly prefer to not have Fernando Mendoza start immediately, and Cousins has nearly 180 games of NFL experience including 167 starts allowing him to be a strong mentor to Mendoza and keep the Raiders competitive as well till he passes the reigns. QB Joe Flacco Similar to Cousins, Flacco would allow the Raiders to stay competitive while also having a veteran quarterback to help mentor Mendoza during his time starting in the NFL. Flacco, who earned his first pro bowl in 2025 has seen success his entire career with over 200 career starts and is coming off a 2025 season with 2479 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions along with a 60% completion rate. Flacco is eyeing a return to Cincinnati, though the chance to compete for a starting job initially could also be enticing for the 41 year old. RB Najee Harris Harris suffered a season ending injury in week three vs the Broncos, though he’d be a high upside signing for Las Vegas and at just 28 years old, can form a strong duo with Jeanty if healthy. Harris provides a true short yardage powerback, who does have long run ability with a career 41 rushes over 15 yards, and a total 103 rushes over 10 yards. Harris has posted 1000 yards in four of his five NFL seasons for a career 4460 yards to go along with 28 touchdowns. Harris does provide value as a receiver as well with 1229 yards and six touchdowns in his career. Harris, likely won’t be expensive coming off injury, and he doesn’t provide a ton of juice as a long runner but can provide a solid complementary back to Jeanty to help in short yardage situations. RB Jerome Ford Ford, just 26 years old, would provide the Raiders the complementary back they are searching to Ashton Jeanty, with Ford having a career 349 attempts, 14800 yards, and seven touchdowns along with 71 missed tackles forced and 15 rushes over 15 yards. Ford attempted just 24 rushes last season but posted 730 yards in 2023 and 565 in 2024 as a rotational runningback. The former fifth rounder also provides some value as a receiver with 662 yards, five touchdowns, and 111 receptions though he’s struggled with drops including 13 on his career. RB Michael Carter Carter, a former fourth rounder by the Jets is coming off a 2025 season with 333 yards and a touchdown while forcing 9 missed tackles. Additionally, the soon to be 27 year old, has a career 1692 yards, nine touchdowns, and 4.0 yards per carry while adding value as a receiver with 145 receptions, 1038 yards, and a touchdown. Carter is smaller, but provides a dual threat runningback that Las Vegas could be looking to add behind Jeanty, and to compete with Dylan Laube. WR Jauan Jennings Jennings, 28 years old, was though to be a top receiving target on the free agent market with 132 receptions, 1618 yards, and 15 touchdowns in the last two seasons. While Jennings, soon to be 29 in July, doesn’t provide a ton of high downfield explosion, he’s a consistent YAC threat ranking inside the top 10th percentile of the NFL in separation/target, YAC/reception, and yards/route run. Jennings also provides value as a contested catch receiver with 39 receptions on 67 attempts the last two seasons, and just nine drops. Las Vegas likely can’t afford Jennings at a top value, though the team is searching for more receiver depth to pair with Tre Tucker, Jalen Nailor, and second year receivers Jack Bech & Dont’e Thornton. Jennings has connection with Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak, who served as his pass game coordinator with the 49ers, and receivers coach Zach Azzanni who was his receivers coach at Tennessee. While, Jennings wouldn’t fit Las Vegas for top dollar, he can be an option as a lower than market signing. T Fred Johnson Johnson logged 698 snaps for the Eagles in 2025, after 497 in 2024. Johnson mainly spent 2025 at right tackle, and by far had his best career season allowing two sacks and 19 pressures with 6 penalties. In his career, he’s allowed 13 sacks, 83 pressures, and 15 penalties though he’s struggled heavily at left tackle with 8 sacks and 38 pressures coming in 2024 where he spent nearly 80% of his snaps on the left side.
Kyler Murray Joins Vikings: Winners, Losers & Hot Takes
Vikings snag Kyler Murray! Dive into the FNG’s arrival and QB drama in this Two Old Bloggers episode. Will the diminutive dynamo bench McCarthy and save O’Connell’s job? In the latest episode of 2OB, hosts Darren Campbell and Dave Stefano deliver a sarcastic, in-depth breakdown of the Minnesota Vikings’ subdued 2026 free agency kickoff, headlined […] Vikings snag Kyler Murray! Dive into the FNG’s arrival and QB drama in this Two Old Bloggers episode. Will the diminutive dynamo bench McCarthy and save O’Connell’s job? In the latest episode of 2OB, hosts Darren Campbell and Dave Stefano deliver a sarcastic, in-depth breakdown of the Minnesota Vikings’ subdued 2026 free agency kickoff, headlined by the bargain signing of former Cardinals QB Kyler Murray. Dubbed the “FNG” (freaking new guy), Murray joins on a one-year, $1.3 million veteran minimum deal, with Arizona footing most of the bill. Stefano quips, “nothing says we’re all in for 2026 like letting Arizona continue to pay most of the tab,” while Campbell praises it as potentially “the best value signing in NFL history” if Murray performs like his top-10 peaks. The duo debates Murray’s accuracy—ranked No. 5 all-time per Pro Football Reference—and his fit with stars like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson under head coach Kevin O’Connell. They predict Murray starts over McCarthy, whose 2025 struggles prompt Stefano’s reluctant admission: “I think this is the better choice to start.” Amid a “snoozefest” free agency, they analyze winners like pass-catchers rebounding from last year’s QB woes and losers like McCarthy’s clouded future, all on this Vikings 1st & SKOL production. Key points from the episode include: QB Overhaul: Murray’s signing sparks competition, but hosts bet he starts; Campbell notes McCarthy’s moxie but urges growth in pocket presence and leadership. Free Agency Winners & Losers: Winners: Murray escaping Arizona, Jefferson/Addison/Hockenson getting a veteran arm, O’Connell rebuilding his “QB whisperer” rep. Losers: McCarthy sidelined, special teams losing punter Ryan Wright, fans craving excitement. Defensive Additions & Rumors: CB James Pierre signed as a “diamond in the rough” with elite 2025 PFF grades; Jonathan Greenard trade buzz for a 2027 first-rounder discussed as draft ammo. Comp Picks & Outlook: Vikings get No. 97 overall for Darnold’s departure; sparse 2027 prospects unless Jalen Nailor shines in Vegas. Sarcastic Takes: Stefano calls free agency “Ebenezer Scrooge” mode, hoping it leads to enlightenment like the character. Listen: Or on your favorite podcast aggregator. Watch: Don’t miss this unfiltered Vikings podcast gem—Two Old Bloggers blends humor, stats, and fan passion to keep Purple faithful engaged through the offseason. Subscribe to Vikings 1st & SKOL for more episodes, breakdowns, and community chats. Fan With Us! We have your Minnesota Vikings talk amongst the Two Old Bloggers, Darren @KickassblogVike, and Dave @Luft_Krigare along with our numbers guy, Drew Bunting. Join the conversation! Fan with us at Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and with our podcast partner Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN. What do you think: Will Kyler Murray lead the Vikings to playoffs in 2026, or is McCarthy the long-term answer? Share below! See More: