Bill Streicher-Imagn Images The Stafford story takes another twist The Matthew Stafford mystery with the Los Angeles Rams has witnessed a new development. The Rams given Stafford’s agent permission to talk to other teams to determine his financial value, NFL insider Tom Pelissero said on ‘The Rich Eisen Show.’ Stafford is due $27 million from Los Angeles in 2025, only $4 million of which is guaranteed. Pelissero said that is “clearly below the line of what the top quarterbacks are making.” Could the New York Giants be one of those “other clubs” that Stafford’s agent reaches out to? The quarterback-needy Giants have been continuously connected to the 37-year-old Stafford this offseason. “It certainly sounds as if the priority is for Stafford to return to the LA Rams, but again this went all the way into July if not August last year before they were able to work out a deal,” Pelissero said. “We’ll see exactly what direction this goes. “It would make sense for this to one way or another come to a head within the next few weeks here because everybody is going to need an alternative if they’re not able to work something out in LA.” Stafford’s $4 million roster bonus is due March 19. That would seem like the target date for when this could be resolved. This all sounds a little bit like the Giants letting Saquon Barkley test free agency with the belief he would bring them back an offer they could choose to match or not. Which did not really turn out that way. Rams insider Erin Coscarelli told the ‘Valentine’s Views’ podcast this week that she believes Stafford wants to and will stay with the Rams. The story, though, is far from over.
Matthew Stafford has OK from Rams to speak with other teams, says insider
Big Blue View mailbag: Trades, Kayvon Thibodeaux, QBs, uniforms, more
Derick Gross asks: Aside from Daboll’s coach of the year win in 2022 and an exceptional draft class in 2024, this regime has shown little evidence that their scouting, strength and conditioning, drafting, player development, coaching, game planning, or roster building gives them a competitive advantage. But this is the second offseason in a row that rumors are swirling about the Giants acquiring an impact player via trade (Brian Burns last year, and Matthew Stafford this year). In your experience, is exceptional skill in executing trades an area where a GM can give a team a massive advantage? If Joe Schoen is prone to draft misses, is it reasonable to think that he can make up for it by getting great value for some picks by trading them for the right impact players? Ed says: Derick, the ability to make smart trades is one of the tools a GM has to have in his toolbox. I don’t think it can make up for other weaknesses, because you are always giving up assets in trades. Schoen has made some trades that have worked out, like the Burns trade, and some that have not, like the Darren Waller trade. A GM also has to be able to manage the cap, be able to properly assess the talent on his own team, and do a good job bringing in free agents. Above all else, though, a GM has got to be able to draft well. Drafted players remain the lifeblood of a team. If you don’t draft well over the long haul, you can’t have consistent success. Is Schoen “prone to draft mistakes?” Schoen had a phenomenal 2024 draft, and he had spotty drafts his first two seasons. Those drafts, of course, were marred by the Evan Neal pick. The jury is out on Deonte Banks, too. Howie Roseman of the Philadelphia Eagles is on a great run, but he did pick Jalen Reagor in Round 1 in 2020. The Kansas City Chiefs have gotten real contributions from only two draft picks over the past two seasons — second-round pick Rashee Rice in 2023 and first-round pick Xavier Worthy in 2024. Teams at the top like the Eagles and Chiefs can absorb occasional mistakes because of what they already have. Schoen and the Giants aren’t at that place. When they make a mistake with a premium resource, it sets them back. Bob Donnelly asks: There’s no question that the Giants roster needs improvement. You have identified the biggest holes to fill. However, there’s opportunity to improve at almost every position, some more than others. Center is one that comes to mind. JMS has not proven he can consistently pass protect and there may better options available. Where do you see opportunities to improve beyond the biggest needs you have already identified? Ed says: Bob, you are right that there might be an opportunity to improve everywhere across the roster. I understand people pointing out that John Michael Schmitz has not been great. The problem is, teams have limited draft and salary cap resources. There are obvious areas where the Giants need to put those resources. I don’t think they are in a position to prioritize some of those “OK but could be better” spots. I have said this for years, but you can’t fill every hole or fix every problem in one offseason. As for John Michael Schmitz specifically, I would classify him as a lower-tier starting center in his first two seasons. I wouldn’t give up on him just yet. He did take a significant jump from Year 1 to Year 2 (20 points in Pro Football Focus grades, 24 as a pass blocker). That’s a highly-drafted player still on his rookie contract. Before using valuable resources to replace him, I want to see if his development continues. Larry Jamieson asks: The QB situation is going to suck up a lot of our interest through the draft. We’ll assume that the Giants will sign a free agent to at least be a bridge, but not an answer (I.e. no Kerry Collins). Let’s also assume that both Ward and Sanders go 1 and 2. Dart has been getting a lot talk, and will go sometime in the first, perhaps the J-E-T-S. This leaves the Giants looking towards a developmental guy. You probably haven’t had time to check out the other guys but, shooting from the hip, who do you think would be worth a shot in the mid-rounds? Ed says: Larry, I have looked a little bit. Not in great depth yet, to be honest. Beyond those three there is no one I look at and think “that guy can be a franchise quarterback.” That includes Jalen Milroe, who I see as Anthony Richardson 2.0. A runner trying to play quarterback. I think Will Howard, Kyle McCord, Dillon Gabriel, Tyler Shough and maybe Riley Leonard and Quinn Ewers can have lengthy careers in the league. I would not want to count on any of them to be my starting quarterback. Ian Lenehan asks: Hi from a long suffering Giants fan on the other side of the pond. What is the likelihood of the Giants getting new home uniforms this season. The current ones are really dull compared to those of the ‘80s/’90s but haven’t changed for a decade or so. Is it ownership or Nike that decide when to change? Ed says: Ian, there are no plans I know of to change the uniform designs. I am also not a fan of the current uniforms. I very much dislike the gray pants, and I would be a big fan of going back to ‘GIANTS’ on the helmet rather than the lowercase ‘ny’. Anyway, the teams decide when or if a uniform design will be changed. They work with Nike to come up with the design. The NFL has final approval of uniform changes. Kevin Tate asks: If the NY Giants use free agency to get their bridge quarterback and a number one
Your daily Giants trivia game, Saturday edition
Think you can figure out which Giants player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game! We’re back for another day of the Big Blue View in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in the Google Form. Today’s Big Blue View in-5 game Previous games Friday, February 21Thursday, February 20Wednesday, February 19 Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games NFL in-5MLB in-5MMA in-5 Big Blue View in-5 instructions The goal of the game is to guess the correct Giants player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it. After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form. Enjoy!
Giants news, 2/22: McShay and Jeremiah comments, Howard Cross III, more headlines
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images New York Giants news for Saturday Good morning New York Giants fans! From Big Blue View New York Giants mock draft tracker 6.0: Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders running neck-and-neck Todd McShay mock draft delivers a quarterback to the New York Giants Shedeur or Cam? Daniel Jeremiah says Cam Ward ‘more equipped’ to QB New York Giants New York Giants draft prospects – Howard Cross III, iDL, Notre Dame New York Giants free agency primer: 5 defensive linemen to consider New York Giants 2025 free agency | New York Giants 2025 Draft Other Giant observations Shedeur Sanders NFL Draft landing spots: Ranking five best fits for Deion Sanders’ son and likely top-10 pick | CBSSports.com 1. New York Giants (3rd overall pick). Could Sanders be the player to turn the franchise around? The Giants are certainly interested. Head coach Brian Daboll talked with Sanders during the Shrine Bowl’s first practice. Daboll, general manager Joe Schoen, assistant general manager Brandon Brown and assistant director of player personnel Dennis Hickey also sought out Sanders in the lobby of the player hotel after the first practice of the draft showcase. The Giants have some resources to improve the roster, and they need a new quarterback to build around after cutting Daniel Jones during the 2024 season. Sanders’ poise in the pocket could help right the ship and save Daboll’s job. Tyrone Tracy Jr. is a top outlier Career missed tackles forced and yards per touch from the last two RB classes pic.twitter.com/fNsHiLaxx3 — Football Insights (@fball_insights) February 20, 2025 Ranking Every NFL Offensive Play-Caller Entering the 2025 Offseason | The 33rd Team 20. Brian Daboll. Since taking over as head coach of the New York Giants, Daboll’s results have been inconsistent, including a tug-of-war over play-calling duties with offensive coordinator Mike Kafka. There were some great plays drawn up for Malik Nabers during his rookie season, but reliance on Wan’Dale Robinson’s targets on third down brought questions about the plan and the talent surrounding the roster. If Daboll gets to build an offense around a quarterback of his choosing, we could see an offense that is a little more coherent than one just trying to hide the flaws of the quarterback. Could 25-year-old QB prospect be on Giants’ radar? ‘I loved his tape’ | NJ.com “To me, the next best tape, okay, of a college quarterback that I saw was Tyler Shough from Louisville. And I was fascinated by this kid,” Cosell said on the Ross Tucker Podcast. “And I don’t know where he’s gonna get drafted. It would not surprise me at all, Ross, if you start hearing his name, you know, hear people start saying, ‘Well, he’s gonna start moving up.’ Kayvon Thibodeaux knows he’s at a pivotal Giants crossroad | New York Post “Super-excited man, love the Giants,” he said. “Obviously, I hope I can continue to be here. The future’s in their hands, obviously, but I’m super-excited. I think I’ve put decent film out. I won’t say it’s my best, I won’t say it’s my worst. But I know the ceiling is a lot higher. Super-excited for this year, regardless of what happens, I’m just going to keep putting my best foot forward and attacking that Gold Jacket and Super Bowl mentality.” Colts to hire former Giants coach Jerome Henderson as DB coach | Pro Football Talk Henderson joins new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo on head coach Shane Steichen’s staff in Indianapolis. Henderson has been the defensive backs coach for the Giants since 2020. He interviewed for their defensive coordinator position after Wink Martindale’s departure ahead of the 2024 season, but had to settle for the defensive passing game coordinator position. Around the league Eagles’ A.J. Brown embraces new OC hire Kevin Patullo: ‘It has to evolve’ | NFL.com Commanders’ star rookie QB Jayden Daniels ranked inside PFF’s top 20 players of 2024 | SI.com Saints to hire Brandon Staley as defensive coordinator | Pro Football Talk Bengals release DT Sheldon Rankins | Pro Football Talk Panthers clear cap space with release of veteran CB Dane Jackson | ESPN.com Chargers, DB Elijah Molden agree to terms on three-year, $18.75M contract | NFL.com Penix Jr. developing ‘something special’ with Falcons teammates | ESPN.com NFL conducting interviews with women who accused Ravens kicker of misconduct | CBSSports.com 49ers exploring possible sale: 10% of team could be up for grabs at this record-setting price | CBSSports.com BBV mailbag Have a Giants-related question? E-mail it to [email protected] and it might be featured in our weekly mailbag. BBV YouTube You can find and subscribe to Big Blue View YouTube from the show’s home page BBV on X: Follow @BigBlueView | Ed Valentine: @Valentine_Ed | Threads: @ed.valentine | Bluesky: @edvalentine BBV on Facebook: Click here to like the Big Blue View Facebook page BBV on YouTube: Subscribe to the Big Blue View YouTube channel BBV on Instagram: Click here to follow our Instagram page
Which players should Dolphins prioritize bringing back – The Splash Zone 2/22/25
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Welcome to the Splash Zone, the quickest way to get your day started off right. We bring you a rundown of Miami Dolphins news from the last 24 hours. The Miami Dolphins have a ton of players set to hit the free agent market next month. Their two starting guards, Robert Jones and Liam Eichenberg, are set to be free agents but shouldn’t be a big priority in retaining. Both were underwhelming as starters but if the Dolphins bring them back, it should only be for depth options. After not even being with the team for a year, Calais Campbell made his mark with the Dolphins through his play and leadership. Yes he is getting up their in age, but the Dolphins could sorely use his leadership as the team hopefully goes through a culture change this offseason. You can check out that story here, and the rest of the day’s round-up below. Miami Dolphins free agency: Top 5 players to prioritize – Yahoo SportsThe Miami Dolphins have some key free agents. With little salary cap space, who should they prioritize? Is Jevon Holland a goner? Mike McDaniel Miami Dolphins Coach Mike McDaniel Attempting a Rare FeatHead coach Mike McDaniel will be looking to become the first Miami Dolphins coach to complete four full seasons with the team in more than 20 years Dolphins Offensive Line NFL free agency: Which guard is the best fit for the Miami Dolphins? – Yahoo SportsA starting guard on the Detroit Lions is among the more appealing options for the Miami Dolphins in NFL free agency. Dolphins Offseason 8 NFL draft prospects Miami Dolphins must interview at scouting combine – Yahoo SportsAt the NFL combine, which starts next week, here are 8 players the Miami Dolphins and the fans should watch Phinsider News You May Have Missed Dolphins not expected to use franchise tag on Jevon Holland – Miami Dolphins News 2/20/25 – The PhinsiderWelcome to the Splash Zone, the quickest way to get your day started off right. We bring you a rundown of Miami Dolphins news from the last 24 hours. 2025 NFL free agency: Miami Dolphins review Tyler Huntley – Walk, tag, or re-sign? – The PhinsiderWhat should the Miami Dolphins do with quarterback Tyler Huntley as free agency approaches? 2025 Miami Dolphins bold prediction: Could Miami clean house during the season? – The PhinsiderCould the Miami Dolphins be headed to a in-season house cleaning? Pro Football Network predicts it could happen. Phinsider Question Of The Day: Current Favorite Edition – The PhinsiderWe ask Miami Dolphins fans who their current favorite player is. MAREK’S MOCK: Full Miami Dolphins 7-round 2025 NFL Draft mock – The PhinsiderWho should the Miami Dolphins select in the 2025 NFL Draft? 2025 NFL free agency: Miami Dolphins review Da’Shawn Hand – Walk, tag, or re-sign? – The PhinsiderAs the Miami Dolphins make free agency decisions for 2025, what should they do with Da’Shawn Hand?
Report: NFL opens investigations into accusations involving Justin Tucker
Report: NFL opens investigations into accusations involving Justin Tucker glenn erby Ravens star kicker Justin Tucker is facing more allegations that could force the NFL and the organization to sideline the future Hall of Fame kicker. According to the Baltimore Banner, Tucker faces seven more allegations of sexually inappropriate behavior and misconduct, the newspaper reported. Now, the league has traveled to Baltimore to begin interviewing massage therapists who have accused Tucker of inappropriate sexual behavior, according to three women who participated in the inquiry. The interviews are part of an investigation by the league, launched in response to a total of 16 massage therapists at eight different spas in the Baltimore area who have accused Tucker of inappropriate behavior that allegedly occurred during the 2012 to 2016 time period. In response to the previous allegations, Tucker’s attorney told the Baltimore Banner to refer to Tucker’s social media post when the legendary kicker called the allegations “unequivocally false.” For the Ravens, the question now becomes, how many accusations are too many? Following a season in which Tucker had his most inconsistent year since joining the franchise, should Baltimore part ways and retool at the kicker position? This season, Tucker missed a career-high eight field goals, and it comes after a 2023 season when he only made one of five field goals from beyond 50 yards. Tucker finished the 2024 season by making his final 28 kicks (five field goals and 23 extra points). Tucker has three years left on a four-year, $24 million contract extension, but there is no guaranteed money in 2025, 2026, or 2027. Tucker, 35, is a seven-time Pro Bowl player and the most accurate kicker in NFL history. He is the longest-tenured player on the Ravens and the last remaining player from their 2012 Super Bowl championship team.
In this week’s ‘Reacts’ poll, Chiefs’ fans predict how the team will fill left tackle
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Report: Rams give Matthew Stafford permission to seek a trade
Kara Durrette/Getty Images NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported the bold move by LA on Friday In a major turn of events, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero is reporting that the Los Angeles Rams have now given QB Matthew Stafford permission to seek a trade. While it doesn’t confirm the veteran quarterback will be moved this offseason, it’s by far the most definitive stance LA has taken on the situation and shows they are genuinely willing to move on from their Super Bowl winning captain. @TomPelissero Could Matthew Stafford really end up playing somewhere other than Los Angeles in 2025? When might a decision be made on his #NFL home?#NFLCombine #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/T4KFvFZHbN — Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) February 21, 2025 Earlier in the week it was reported by Fox Sports insider Jordan Schultz that several teams have reached out to Los Angeles and belief is that a first-round pick is the Rams current asking price for Stafford. However, Schultz also reported that a reunion between the two sides was still the most likely outcome, now that seems to be more questionable. This price tag is on point with the rumors that LA was asking for the New York Giants third overall pick in exchange by Stafford last week. This idea was initially floated out by Fox Sports Colin Cowherd on his show The Herd when he said: “What the Rams want, I am told, they want the Giants’ first-round pick at No. 3,” he said. “So they probably want a first, a second, a first, a third, but you’ve got to pay Stafford if you’re the Giants. You have to give him a new deal. They’ll probably get a first and a fourth, but let’s just talk about that No. 3 pick. The Rams want that No. 3 pick in the draft because they’re drafting way later. They want to take that pick, move down, and get more picks. Why? So they have extra picks next year when they have to move up to get a quarterback.” There have been many scenarios floated around about the potential replacement options for LA should they move on from Stafford. The biggest name to be linked to the Rams so far has been New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers, who will be a free agent this offseason. Adam Schefter of ESPN mentioned Rodgers when discussing the Rams’ situation on his podcast Tuesday, saying he believes Rodgers would love to play for Los Angeles. “If the Rams couldn’t get a deal done with Stafford, if they decide to trade him – a lot of ifs involved – then Aaron Rodgers, in my mind, would be thrilled with the idea of going to Los Angeles,” Said Schefter. Another option for the Rams is last year’s backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who played well in the team’s final game of the season vs. Seattle but is also a free agent and would need to be resigned. According to Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic, McVay “really likes” Garoppolo due to the veteran passer’s “amiability, work ethic and understanding of the offense” and said that if Los Angeles turned to Garoppolo, he’d be viewed as a “bridge” to the team’s next franchise quarterback. While there is always the possibility that the two sides find a way to reconcile and come to an agreement, one has to wonder if all the trade talks and tough contract negotiations dating back to last offseason have ruined the relationship between Stafford and the Rams going forward. In addition to the contract issues, the team deciding to move on from Stafford’s closest friend on the team WR Cooper Kupp has also not sat right with the quarterback or his wife Kelly, who sounded off about the move on her podcast recently. “I will say the trading away of Cooper, I guess I’m just a little, I’m confused. Because we were one play away from going to the NFC Championship, and I think if we go, we win.” she continued later on the podcast “Right now, if the Rams decided that they wanted to trade him, or Matthew decided he didn’t want to play for the Rams, I’m good. I would move my family. Yeah, that might be tough. First month, hard. After that, turns out, I like my kids to learn how to be resilient.” Stafford comes into 2025 as a cap hit of about $49 million dollars for Los Angeles. The quarterback currently does not have any real guaranteed money for the final two years of his contract after it was all moved up in 2024 as a resolution to last summer’s contract dispute, which seems to be the issue for Stafford. He is looking for more of a commitment, but the Rams are not interested in locking into anything long-term with the 37-year-old QB. Still, looking at the situation half glass full, it’s possible that Los Angeles hopes to use this tactic as a way to gauge what exactly Stafford’s value is. If he was able to work an extension with another club, what exactly would that number be and would it be one that LA would be willing to meet at? The overwhelming feeling thus far has been that Los Angeles and Stafford may be arguing about a contract extension but inevitably would figure it all out before the start of the season. Unfortunately that has not been the case thus far, and while the feeling is that the Rams do still want Stafford back, with each passing day it seems the two sides continue to grow further apart. Los Angeles was 14 yards away from going to the NFC Championship, but now it seems there’s a real chance their entire offense, and core leadership of the team, could look completely different for 2025.
Lamar Jackson headlines 7 Ravens to make PFF list of top 101 players from 2024 season
The Ravens and 31 other teams across the NFL are focused on 2025, and we’re less than a month away from the start of a new league year. For Baltimore, a team with Super Bowl aspirations still has star power at key positions but will look different after free agency and the 2025 NFL draft. General manager Eric DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh will decide who stays and who goes. According to Over The Cap, the Ravens will have 23 players test some free agency, with 19 players set to hit the open market, not including a potential Justin Tucker dismissal. PFF released its annual Top 101 Players of 2024 list, and Baltimore had seven players make the cut, led by Lamar Jackson, who landed the top spot. 95. WR Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens Dec 25, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) reacts after his first down catch against the Houston Texans in the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images The 2024 Pro Bowl wide receiver is an ascending player. In just his second year, Flowers made franchise history becoming the first Ravens receiver to be voted to the Pro Bowl (at the receiver position, not as a returner). The dynamic threat is electric with the ball in his hands, as he finished 2024 ranked in the top 12 in yards after catch (467; 12th) and missed tackles forced on receptions (18; eighth) among receivers. 75. TE Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 19: Mark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens runs after a catch against the Buffalo Bills in the third quarter during the AFC Divisional Playoff at Highmark Stadium on January 19, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) Andrews won’t be defined by his dropped pass in the divisional round loss to the Bills. Despite his postseason shortcomings, Andrews had another excellent campaign after his 2023 season was cut short due to injury. He scored 11 touchdowns to lead all tight ends while posting an 84.6 receiving grade that ranked fourth at the position. Andrews was elite in the intermediate 10-to-19-yard range, where he posted a 99.3 receiving grade. 69. C Tyler Linderbaum, Baltimore Ravens Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) and center Tyler Linderbaum (64) warm up before an AFC wild card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images Linderbaum has developed into one of the best centers in the NFL. Three years into his career, Linderbaum has become the anchor of the Ravens’ offensive line. His 79.9 overall grade and 85.3 run-blocking grade both put him in fourth place among centers this season. He also did not allow a sack for the second consecutive year. He is undoubtedly one of the best centers in the game. 61. CB Marlon Humphrey, Baltimore Ravens KANSAS CITY, MO – SEPTEMBER 5: Marlon Humphrey #44 of the Baltimore Ravens warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 5, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) Humphrey regained his mojo after a disastrous 2023. Humphrey played a crucial role in the turnaround of the Ravens’ secondary this season as he moved nearly full-time into the slot down the stretch. Regardless of his position, Humphrey still earned an outstanding 81.0 coverage grade while picking off six passes and breaking up 10 others. Amazingly, his 79.0 overall grade was a new career-high. 14. S Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore Ravens BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 07: Kyle Hamilton #14 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on from the field during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on November 7, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) The Swiss army knife should sign a lucrative extension this off-season. Hamilton is the glue that holds the Ravens’ secondary together, and he proved it once again in 2024 with an elite 90.1 overall grade. He was the only defensive player in the NFL to earn at least an 85.0 grade in both run defense and coverage. On top of that, he added 12 pressures and two sacks as a blitzer, cementing his status as the league’s best all-around safety. 5. RB Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 19: Derrick Henry #22 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills during the AFC Divisional Playoff at Highmark Stadium on January 19, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) If not for Saquon Barkley, Henry might have won the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year. Henry reinforced himself as an opposing defense’s worst nightmare after joining Lamar Jackson in Baltimore’s backfield. He led the NFL with a 93.5 rushing grade and 88 missed tackles forced. He quickly became key to the Ravens’ offensive operation, as they were undefeated in the 11 games in which he ran for at least 90 yards. It seems almost unfair that at 30 years old, Henry is the first running back since 2012 to average at least 6.0 yards per carry across at least 150 carries. 1. QB Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 19: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after a play during the first half of an NFL football divisional playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 19, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) Jackson takes the top spot after a 4,000 yard passing, 800 rushing yard season. Jackson produced his best season as a passer in 2024 en route to leading all quarterbacks with a 94.9 overall grade. He is the first quarterback in PFF history to record a 90.0-plus passing grade and rushing grade in the same season. As a passer, he set new career bests with a
Should the Colts find its next starting safety via the NFL Draft or Free Agency?
JIM RASSOL/THE PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK The Colts have a big need at Safety, but through which avenue(s) will they address said hole(s)? In recent years, the Indianapolis Colts have trotted out young and inexperienced defensive backs to start at their safety positions. Dating back to the 2020-21 season, there have only been a few instances where a veteran safety starts in the Colts’ defensive backfield. The unit in question has featured better-than-expected outputs from a number of the following players, though plenty’s been left to be desired. Since 2020, here’s how Indy’s starting safety tandem (or group) has looked each year: 2020: rookie Julian Blackmon, second-year Khari Willis 2021: third-year Khari Willis (10 starts), eleven-year veteran Andrew Sendejo (10 starts), fourth-year special teamer (7 starts), second-year Julian Blackmon (6 starts) 2022: ten-year veteran Rodney McLeod (15 starts), third-year Julian Blackmon (11 starts), rookie Rodney Thomas II (10 starts) 2023: fourth-year Julian Blackmon, second-year Rodney Thomas II 2024: fifth-year Julian Blackmon, third-year Nick Cross Fast-forward to the 2025 off-season and the Colts have three rostered safeties in Nick Cross, Rodney Thomas II, and Daniel Scott. Cross is coming off a strong campaign as a first-year starter and is slated to start in 2025, Thomas II lost his starting gig to the player we just touched on, and Scott has yet to record an NFL snap after back-to-back season-ending injuries before the season kicked off. As alluded to, the Colts’ safety room has been littered with rookie contract contributors with middle-of-the-road veterans to fill the gap depth-wise. Julian Blackmon’s tenure in Indianapolis has been rocky when you take into account his injury history. This off-season, however, will provide an opportunity for the Colts to find its next longtime starter in the backend. Top Free Agency Safeties Longtime Veterans: Justin Simmons, Quandre Diggs, Damontae Kazee Younger Veterans: Jevon Holland, Jeremy Chinn, Justin Reid Top 100 Safeties in NFL Draft Class: Georgia’s Malaki Starks, Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts, South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori, Texas’ Andrew Mukuba, Virginia’s Jonas Sanker, Ohio State’s Lathan Ransom Whether or not the Colts choose to utilize free agency or the NFL Draft to find its starting safety of the future, both classes offer avenues to right the ship. Electing to value experience over potential may just be what Indy’s defensive backfield needs while its cornerback room shakes itself out. If the inverse is what the Colts’ front office chooses (contributor-level additions via free agency and spending top draft capital on its next starter), there are a number of top safety prospects to justify the decision. Bringing in a new starter to play alongside Nick Cross is certainly priority number one for the Colts’ safety room, however, adding depth remains its own challenge. Perhaps the Colts elect to bring in contributor-level players via free agency while using one of their first two draft selections on a will-be starter, or vice versa. The good news is that both the upcoming free agency and draft class(es) are primed with worthy talent.
