The Dallas Cowboys have significant needs on the defensive side of the ball, and while the Micah Parsons trade with Green Bay on the eve of the 2025 season netted them a second top-20 pick in this draft, there’s a strong chance they look to move that selection for additional draft capital. Dallas Cowboys Mock Draft: Bolstering the defensive side of the ball Kicking things off with Ohio State’s Sonny Styles: One of the true elite defenders in the class, Styles would fill what has felt like an eternal void for the Cowboys. In 2025, he earned an impressive 87.4 run-defense grade, thanks in large part to just two missed tackles, while his 86.9 coverage grade ranked sixth among all FBS linebackers. Adding one of the best ball-hawking safeties in the class: Combining his 2024 season at NC State with his 2025 campaign at USC, Bishop Fitzgerald recorded eight interceptions and forced 10 additional incompletions. 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. The Dallas Cowboys have significant needs on the defensive side of the ball, and while the Micah Parsons trade with Green Bay on the eve of the 2025 season netted them a second top-20 pick in this draft, there’s a strong chance they look to move that selection for additional draft capital. As it stands, Dallas holds no second- or third-round picks, creating a 92-pick gap between its first two selections. While the expectation is that the Cowboys won’t ultimately pick at No. 20, for the purposes of this exercise, there are no trades, and they retain all currently slotted selections. With that framework in place, Dallas lands two exciting defensive prospects for a unit in desperate need of playmakers at every level. Round 1, Pick 12: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State One of the true elite defenders in the class, Styles would fill what has felt like an eternal void for the Cowboys. In 2025, he earned an impressive 87.4 run-defense grade, thanks in large part to just two missed tackles, while his 86.9 coverage grade ranked sixth among all FBS linebackers. Round 1, Pick 20: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson Terrell is an outstanding all-around cornerback, but it’s his coverage ability that will likely see him drafted in this range. Over the past two seasons at Clemson, he has forced 23 combined incompletions and recorded two interceptions. Round 4, Pick 112: S Bishop Fitzgerald, USC Fitzgerald is one of the top ball-hawking safeties in the draft class. Combining his 2024 season at NC State with his 2025 campaign at USC, he recorded eight interceptions and forced 10 additional incompletions. Round 5, Pick 150: RB Mike Washington, Arkansas Washington transferred to Arkansas from New Mexico State and proved to be a dual-threat back, posting 30 explosive runs while also hauling in 28 receptions with just one drop. Round 5, Pick 177: DI Kaleb Proctor, Southeastern Louisiana Proctor possesses an excellent blend of quickness, agility and play strength, making him disruptive against both the run and the pass. Last season, he graded positively on 18.4% of run-defense snaps while also recording nine sacks and 39 total pressures as a pass rusher. More Coverage
Dallas Cowboys Mock Draft: Bolstering the defensive side of the ball
If Rams and Les Snead “F them picks” (again), who might they target?
In the volatile chess match of NFL roster building, few pieces are as enticing as a young, high‑impact cornerback with championship experience and contract uncertainty. For days, I have been examining potential options. Maxx Crosby’s name has been floated. Denzel Ward could be a trade block candidate. But no one out there fits the realistic […] In the volatile chess match of NFL roster building, few pieces are as enticing as a young, high‑impact cornerback with championship experience and contract uncertainty. For days, I have been examining potential options. Maxx Crosby’s name has been floated. Denzel Ward could be a trade block candidate. But no one out there fits the realistic option because of their contract size, the draft capital to acquire them, and the original team has to be willing to make a deal. But there is 1 option. Enter the Kansas City Chiefs. Trent McDuffie. The Kansas City Chiefs’ talented cornerback who could soon become the next trade acquisition in the Rams-Les Snead/Sean McVay era. 1. The Rams Need Defensive Championship Experience Since their 2021-2022 Super Bowl run, the Rams’ defense has struggled with consistency, particularly in the secondary. Injuries, youth and schematic transitions have left gaps that opposing offenses frequently exploit. Los Angeles has the defensive talent—especially upfront—but what they’re missing is seasoned playmakers who understand how to win at the highest level. As a core defender for the Chiefs since his draft, McDuffie has played in multiple playoff games and understands the preparation, discipline and execution needed during postseason football. Confidence and poise are hard to quantify, but they matter most on game day—and he brings both to the table in this trade. For a Rams defense that is on the cusp of being top-5 but lacking that last piece of big‑game resolve, McDuffie could be the defensive performer that shifts the balance from good to great. 2. Kansas City’s Pattern of Trading Defensive Backs with One Year Left If history tells us anything about Chiefs roster management, it’s that they don’t hesitate to trade defensive backs when their contract situation becomes pressing. In recent years, Kansas City has moved DBs with expiring contracts in order to recoup value rather than risk losing them for nothing in free agency. With Patrick Mahomes’ contract and offensive investments taking priority, the Chiefs often face hard choices in the secondary. Players in similar contract positions have been moved at the deadline or in the offseason to capitalize on their market value while still in their early to mid‑20s. McDuffie—with one year remaining before free agency—fits this mold perfectly. The Chiefs could extract meaningful draft capital or a valuable positional piece from the Rams rather than letting him walk next offseason. 3. McDuffie’s Flexibility of Man & Zone Defense Aligns With Rams Scheme Needs One of the biggest reasons McDuffie would thrive in Los Angeles is schematic fit. McDuffie has excelled in zone coverage throughout his collegiate and professional career. His rare combination of play recognition, fluid movement and awareness allows him to patrol areas of the field with confidence. Coach Shula leverages zone principles designed to generate turnovers and limit big plays—something McDuffie has consistently done for Kansas City. He can also play both inside and outside zones, and his understanding of spacing, leverage and route concepts would make him a seamless addition to the Rams’ secondary. In a conference that includes explosive passing attacks, upgrading the secondary isn’t optional—it’s necessary. McDuffie’s skill set could be the missing link to help Los Angeles neutralize vertical threats and sustain pressure without putting defenders in untenable positions. Conclusion Trent McDuffie isn’t just a good cornerback—he’s the right cornerback for the Los Angeles Rams. His blend of zone expertise, playoff experience, and contract timing aligns perfectly with what the Rams need now, and what the Chiefs are inclined to do next. If Los Angeles wants to make a true championship push on defense, they should seriously explore making McDuffie their next big acquisition. See More:
Bengals free agency: The best linebackers for Cincinnati to target
The Cincinnati Bengals drafted Demetrius Knight II in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Two rounds later, they selected Barrett Carter. Both players ended up as starting linebackers for the majority of the season. Both players went through ups and downs during their rookie seasons. Missed tackles in particular have been a problem […] The Cincinnati Bengals drafted Demetrius Knight II in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Two rounds later, they selected Barrett Carter. Both players ended up as starting linebackers for the majority of the season. Both players went through ups and downs during their rookie seasons. Missed tackles in particular have been a problem for the linebackers. Knight finished the season with 16 missed tackles on the year (15% missed tackle rate). Carter had 18 of his own (14.8% missed tackle rate). The Bengals would be wise to add a talented free agent at the position this offseason. Let’s take a look at some of the top projected players at the position this year. Devin Lloyd Lloyd is a 27-year-old linebacker who just had the best season of his career in Jacksonville. He finished the year with 87 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 5 interceptions. He was impressive as a run defender with an 85.2 grade during the year. His 78.9 coverage grade was equally impressive. He did have some issues with missed tackles, though. Lloyd registered 12 total during the 2025 season. The former first-round draft pick is projected to sign a 3-year contract for around $48 million in March. Leo Chenal One of the youngest free agent linebackers to hit the market this year will be Chenal. He posted PFF grades of 72.6 in coverage, 76.2 as a run defender, and had a 71.5 tackling grade in 2025. He had 58 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 interception on the season. He has generated 48 pressures since 2022. He missed just 4 total tackles during the 2025 season (8.2% missed tackle rate). Chenal is currently projected to sign a contract for around 2 years and $12 million total. The Bengals should absolutely be interested at that price. Devin Bush Bush was a player that many expected to end up on the Bengals during the 2019 draft. The Steelers traded up in front of the Bengals to secure him. While he never worked out in Pittsburgh, he has been tremendous over the past two seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Bush had 125 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles in 2025. He posted grades of 80.4 in coverage, 87.3 as a run defender, and had a 76.9 tackling grade. Bush will turn 28 in July. His contract projection is for 3 years and $36 million. His 7% missed tackle rate during the season is the best for any player mentioned so far in this article. Nakobe Dean Dean dealt with injuries throughout much of the 2025 season for the Philadelphia Eagles. He still finished the year with 61 tackles, 4 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. He had a 62.6 coverage grade, a 42.4 run defense grade, and a 54.9 tackle grade. He missed 10 tackles on the season (14.5% missed tackle rate). Dean is still just 25 years old, and he is one of the best blitzing linebackers in this free agent class. Dean’s contract projection is currently 3 years and $41 million dollars. Bobby Wagner Wagner will be turning 36 years old in June. However, he is still playing at a high level as a run defender, while being an effective player on the blitz. Wagner had 162 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions this year for Washington. He had an extremely impressive 4.8% missed tackle rate. The coverage grade was only 52.3, but for teams looking for a reliable tackler with leadership qualities, Wagner should be high on the list. He is projected to sign another one-year contract worth around $8.5 million. Demario Davis Davis is another older veteran linebacker. There is a connection here with the Bengals linebacker coach Mike Hodges having coached Davis in New Orleans. The 37-year-old recorded 143 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and .5 sack during the 2025 season. He had a 68.3 coverage grade, 88.9 run defense grade, and a 67.1 tackling grade. He had 17 missed tackles on the year (11.2% missed tackle rate). He is projected to sign for around $8 million dollars for one season. Other projected free agent linebackers include Alex Anzalone, Kaden Elliss, Quay Walker, Germaine Pratt, Justin Strnad, Willie Gay, Eric Kendricks, Matt Milano, Quincy Williams, Alex Singleton, Elandon Roberts, Shaq Thompson, Lavonte David, Cole Holcomb, and Jerome Baker. See More: Cincinnati Bengals free agency
Roster outlook for the Dolphins – The Splash Zone 2/11/26
Change is coming to the Miami Dolphins with a new front office in place. Jon-Eric Sullivan faces a tough task as the new general manger of the Dolphins as he has to get this team cap compliant and start rebuilding it through the draft. Thankfully, the team has some pieces in place but there are […] Change is coming to the Miami Dolphins with a new front office in place. Jon-Eric Sullivan faces a tough task as the new general manger of the Dolphins as he has to get this team cap compliant and start rebuilding it through the draft. Thankfully, the team has some pieces in place but there are plenty of positions that need some tuning. Running back may not be one as De’Von Achane is in place, but is due for a new contract. It would probably be wise to get him extended sooner rather than later. The biggest question the team will face this offseason is who is going to be the quarterback. Tua Tagovailoa is expected to be on the move which means Quinn Ewers is in the driver seat to start as of right now. You can check out that story here, and the rest of the day’s round-up below. Ranking the Dolphins Positions By Uncertainty Heading Into OffseasonThe Miami Dolphins are starting over with a new regime with needs just about everywhere on the roster Dolphins Quarterbacks Browns, Dolphins, Steelers Interested In QB Malik Willis?The Packers expect to see Malik Willis depart in free agency next month. His destination will remain unclear for the time being, but a list of suitors to watch has emerged. How the Final Answer Could Wind Up Being QuinnThe Miami Dolphins face a lot of uncertainty at the quarterback position this offseason Dolphins Offensive Line Evaluating the Pros and Cons of Extending Aaron BrewerThe Dolphins could clear some cap space with an extension for Brewer. Dolphins Secondary What might the Dolphins’ new regime do in the secondary this offseason?New Miami Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley’s background is on the defensive side of the ball, but more specifically in the secondary. Phinsider News You May Have Missed Building up the trenches – The Splash Zone 2/10/26Welcome 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. 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Miami Dolphins scouting 2.0The second edition of our Miami Dolphins scouting mock draft drops today. Miami Dolpins Fans Share Their Concerns With The New RegimePhins fans share their thoughts and concerns with the team under the new leadership. See More: The Splash Zone
Field Yates NFL mock draft: Caleb Downs to NY Giants gains more support
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs is not nearly the player most often selected for the New York Giants in NFL mock drafts. That distinction belongs to Downs’ Buckeye teammate, wide receiver Carnell Tate. Downs, though, is continuing to pick up heavyweight support to be the Giants’ selection at No. 5 in the 2026 NFL Draft. Field Yates of ESPN on Tuesday joined Dane Brugler of The Athletic and Todd McShay of The Ringer in choosing Downs for the Giants in his newly-released mock draft. Yates’ first four picks were: Las Vegas Raiders — Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana New York Jets — Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State Arizona Cardinals — Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami Tennessee Titans — David Bailey, edge, Texas Tech Yates explained his selection of Downs this way: This is my first curveball, as many early mock drafts have linked the Giants to a wide receiver or offensive tackle in this spot. Those are completely understandable, especially if Wan’Dale Robinson and/or Jermaine Eluemunor depart in free agency. But Downs has my attention as the first pick of the John Harbaugh era. Perhaps no current coach better understands the value of top-flight safety play, as Harbaugh coached Ed Reed and Kyle Hamilton in Baltimore. While the Giants have starters in Jevon Holland and Tyler Nubin, Downs has the upside to change an entire defense as a force multiplier with his deep range and in-the-box skills. Valentine’s View I keep saying this pick would not surprise me, and I would support it. We, of course, do not know how free agency will play out, and that may change things. Right now, one of the Giants’ clear needs is better playmaking in the secondary at both cornerback and safety. If it comes from safety, fine with me. I keep saying, as Yates did, that Harbaugh’s experience with Reed and Hamilton has to factor into how he sees the importance of the safety position. Downs’ scouting report Pro Football and Sports Network has Downs as the No. 1 prospect in this year’s draft class. PFSN says: Caleb Downs has received first-round premonitions from the general consensus ever since he set foot on Alabama’s campus as a five-star recruit. An instant producer at the CFB level, Downs was a star for the Crimson Tide defense in 2023, and then for Ohio State’s Championship-caliber unit in 2024 and 2025. Downs’ raw production underwhelms in comparison to his prestige, but don’t let that fool you: On film, he’s one of the best safety prospects in recent memory, and is a blue-chip player in the 2026 NFL Draft class. A fluid, explosive, and energized mover at 6’0”, 205 pounds, Downs is special in the box with his combined mobility, play pace, angle IQ, and physicality on blocks. He’s an expert at running alleys, scraping through contact, and securing solo tackles, and his instant reaction-to-stimulus ensures he’s always responsive on plays. And while his raw production in coverage makes him easy to overlook in space, his coverage game is just as exhilarating. Downs is an uber-instinctive cover man who can swiftly process route combinations, manage route relationships, transition with ease, and clamp down on stems from different alignments. He’s the consummate “glue guy”, with a cosmic football IQ and the versatility to play two-high, single-high, in the box as a rover, and even as a big-nickel in off-man and zone. Positional value will be discussed with Downs, but regardless, he has all the hallmarks of a future All-Pro who makes a defense better. See More:
Giants news, 2/11: Brian Callahan emerges as QB coach candidate, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, David Njoku
Good morning, New York Giants fans! From Big Blue View Other Giant observations 1. John Harbaugh, New York Giants (42 points, 6 first-place votes). Harbaugh was the runaway winner, much like Vrabel was last year. His peers loved the hire and received six of the nine first-place votes in this poll; the other three respondents ranked him second. “Great coach,” a former head coach said of Harbaugh. “He has gotten the needed power in that organization. He will win.” League evaluators are generally optimistic about quarterback Jaxson Dart’s potential. The Giants’ personnel has improved over the past year, so Harbaugh has a portion of his young core in place. “Harbaugh seems like a really good fit,” a rival team executive said. “I think he’ll do well. They’ll be really good with their defensive personnel right away. I think they’ll take a Chargers-type of jump when Jim (Harbaugh) took over.” Jermaine Eluemunor is going to be in demand Seahawks’ ‘ego-less’ Super Bowl ride behind Harbaugh disciple a Giant lesson | New York Daily News There is a helpful lesson from Seattle’s ascension under head coach Mike Macdonald, however, that could be a good sign for the Giants’ future: Macdonald, a branch of John Harbaugh’s Baltimore Ravens coaching tree, convinced his players that they would be able to celebrate their individual journeys at the end if they worked to get to the mountaintop together. The Seahawks set a culture: Once they accomplished something as a team, they could enjoy the personal journey, reflect on how it completed the whole. Macdonald, the Harbaugh disciple, got them to buy in. Matt Nagy has gone from New York Dragons quarterback to Giants offensive coordinator | Newsday With Matt Nagy expected to be the Giants’ offensive coordinator, those who remember him as the New York Dragons QB are proud to see how far his career has come as a coach. A look back when Nagy played and did color commentary in the Arena Football League The New York Giants reportedly met with Clemson offensive tackle Tristan Leigh at the East-West Shrine Bowl, signaling early interest in the 2026 NFL draft prospect. Leigh, a 6-foot-6, 315-pound tackle, was a five-star recruit who spent five seasons with the Tigers after enrolling early in the 2021 class. He redshirted his freshman year, saw limited action early, then broke out as a starter in 2023 (11 of 13 games) and 2024 (all 12 games), contributing to an ACC Championship. After considering the 2025 draft, he returned for 2025 but was limited by an ankle injury in a tougher season. He declared for the 2026 draft after exhausting eligibility. Around the league Brandon Graham expresses interest in coming back to the Eagles | Bleeding Green Nation Dan Quinn introduces two new coordinators for the Commanders | Hogs Haven Patriots’ Will Campbell ready to ‘move on’ after Super Bowl disaster: ‘I know what I need to get better at’ | NFL.com 49ers’ Keion White undergoes successful surgery after being shot in ankle, team says | The Athletic Jets hire Bill Musgrave as quarterbacks coach | Pro Football Talk BBV mailbag Have a Giants-related question? E-mail it to [email protected] and it might be featured in our weekly mailbag. 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 See More: New York Giants News
One offseason acquisition that could take these five NFL teams to the next level in 2026
The Patriots are among the teams that could jump-start their 2026 run with a big offseason addition. The Patriots should kick off their 2026 run by adding free agency’s premier edge defender: New England came up short of winning the Super Bowl, but their edge unit never got going. Trey Hendrickson would fix that and then some. Caleb Downs is a perfect fit for the Cowboys: The star Ohio State safety could drop in the 2026 NFL Draft due to positional value, in which case Dallas may acquire a player who earned an elite 93.6 PFF overall grade during his three college seasons. 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. Estimated Reading Time: 5minutes 🏈 Draft Season 2026 Prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft with PFF+ Your complete draft preparation toolkit Subscribe The offseason is such an important time in the NFL calendar because it gives every team a chance to retool for a postseason run. The two most recent Super Bowl participants, the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, jump-started their 2025 success by making several significant acquisitions last offseason. Here are five potential additions this offseason that could highly influence certain teams’ success in the 2026 season. Leading off are the New England Patriots, who rode an incredible first season under Mike Vrabel all the way to a Super Bowl berth. They aren’t without flaws, though. While much of the focus will be on how to improve the offense around Drake Maye, they could use further help on defense. The Patriots put together arguably the best interior pass rush in the NFL this season. However, their edge defender unit ranked 29th in PFF pass-rush grade and 32nd in pass-rush win rate. Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson has been one of the best pure pass rushers in the NFL for five seasons. He battled through injuries this past year but still earned an elite 90.0 PFF pass-rush grade. Armed with a decent amount of cap space, New England should take a swing at the best pass rusher on the market. Open Hendrickson’s Profile The Bengals’ front seven is in dire need of assistance, especially if Trey Hendrickson departs in free agency. Their linebacker unit was a massive problem this season in all facets. Led mostly by rookies Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter, Cincinnati’s linebackers ranked last in the NFL in PFF overall grade. They need a true leader in the middle of their defense, and the free-agent market is flush with options. Cincinnati could be wise to aggressively pursue Jacksonville’s Devin Lloyd, who is fresh off a career-best season at 27 years old. Lloyd’s 88.4 PFF overall grade ranked third among qualified linebackers this season. He was also one of just three linebackers to rank in the top 12 in PFF run-defense grade and PFF coverage grade. Assuming he can maintain something close to that level of production, Lloyd would be a great fit as the new leader of the Bengals’ defense. The Chargers’ porous interior offensive line was the main reason that the team fell short of its postseason expectations. Justin Herbert was under pressure more than 43% of the time. Only the Browns garnered a worse PFF pass-blocking grade than Los Angeles. The Chargers’ 37.3 team PFF run-blocking grade is the worst by any team in a season in the PFF era (since 2006). Their Super Bowl aspirations won’t be fulfilled without major improvement up front. Los Angeles is armed with the second-most effective cap space in the NFL. That should allow the front office to approach a top-of-market option like Baltimore center Tyler Linderbaum. Since being drafted in 2022, Linderbaum ranks fourth among qualified centers in PFF overall grade. He has also played 1,000 snaps in each of his first four seasons and would be a perfect fit in Mike McDaniel’s outside-zone run scheme. McDaniel acquired an impact center in Aaron Brewer last season in Miami. He should vouch for doing the same with Linderbaum in Los Angeles. The Super Bowl 60 MVP is likely to have a robust market this offseason. Not only was his performance in the season’s final game outstanding, but his 91.5 PFF rushing grade this season led all qualified running backs. Including the postseason, he racked up the second-most missed tackles forced and explosive runs in the NFL. Seattle will almost certainly make Walker’s retention a priority, but a team like the Denver Broncos could change the complexion of their offense with him in the fold. Denver’s rushing production cratered after J.K. Dobbins’ midseason injury. Their inability to run the ball was a big reason they couldn’t finish a championship run. Adding an explosive back like Walker to the mix would finally give Sean Payton’s offense some balance. More Coverage Dallas Cowboys: S Caleb Downs Draft season will be littered with debates about the value of safeties and the lengths that teams should go to acquire elite players at the position. Ohio State’s Caleb Downs will be at the center of that conversation. Downs earned an elite 93.6 PFF overall grade during his three college seasons, split between Alabama and Ohio State. He is arguably the best football player in the 2026 class, but we have seen elite safety prospects like Kyle Hamilton and Derwin James Jr. fall into the middle of the first round before. If Downs were to experience a similar fall, several teams would sprint the card in for his services. Perhaps nobody would improve more during the draft than the Dallas Cowboys if they selected Downs with the 12th overall pick. As a team, Dallas ranked last in the NFL in PFF coverage grade in 2025. The Cowboys’ safeties, specifically, ranked 31st in the NFL in PFF overall grade, so that unit could be overhauled under first-year defensive coordinator Christian Parker. Downs could be the new foundation of Dallas’ secondary.
Rob Havenstein announces retirement
Rams tackle Rob Havenstein announced his retirement on Instagram on Tuesday. The 11-year veteran goes out with 148 career starts in the regular season, two Super Bowls, and one championship. A great career for a former second round pick out of Wisconsin who has always been a solid presence on the right side of the […] Rams tackle Rob Havenstein announced his retirement on Instagram on Tuesday. The 11-year veteran goes out with 148 career starts in the regular season, two Super Bowls, and one championship. A great career for a former second round pick out of Wisconsin who has always been a solid presence on the right side of the offensive line. Havenstein missed 10 games in 2025 and ultimately was usurped by Warren McClendon, a breakout player for the offensive line this past season. But Havenstein gave the Rams everything they could have hoped for and more over the past 11 years, locking down a key position at right tackle and being a reliable presence until a series of injuries in the last few years. The Rams should be OK off at right tackle with McClendon, but the veteran leadership presence that Havenstein provided won’t be easily replaced in the locker room moving forward. See More: Los Angeles Rams News
PFF lists Colts’ AFC South rival as free agent WR Alec Pierce’s ‘top landing spot’
According to PFF, Indianapolis Colts pending free agent wideout Alec Pierce’s ‘top landing spot’ is actually with the Tennessee Titans of all potential suitors—teaming up with 2025 #1 overall pick Cam Ward in the process: That being said, it would be surprising if Indianapolis ultimately lets Pierce, their breakout leading wideout this past season, walk […] Pierce, the 10th-ranked free agent on PFF’s board, is projected to command contract offers in the range of $24 million annually. That figure alone could price out numerous teams currently strapped for cash heading into free-agent negotiations. In my previous evaluation for Pierce’s best landing spot, the New York Giants were the highlighted franchise, given their need for a lethal deep threat to pair with Jaxson Dart. Without ample cap space, the Giants may be unable to field a competitive offer. However, there is a team for which the need and the scheme make sense: the Tennessee Titans. With Brian Daboll serving as the Titans’ new offensive coordinator, the fit for Pierce is strong. Prior to being relieved of his duties as the Giants’ head coach following Week 10, Daboll helped New York lead the NFL in percentage of passes targeted 20-plus yards downfield. Pierce is a threat to take the top off any defense, having tied for the third-most deep receptions (24) over the past two seasons. That being said, it would be surprising if Indianapolis ultimately lets Pierce, their breakout leading wideout this past season, walk in free agency—let alone to a longtime divisional rival. During 15 games (14 starts) in 2025, Pierce caught 47 receptions for 1,003 total receiving yards (21.3 avg. yards per reception) and 6 touchdown receptions. He led the league in highest yards per reception for the second year in a row, as arguably the league’s premier deep threat yet again. Since being selected by the Colts in the 2nd round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Pierce has only gotten better each year he’s been in the league. Known early on in his career for his ability to go purely vertical, he’s become a much more well-rounded route runner. That being said, his ability to separate, high-point the football, and make acrobatic, contested catches over the opposition is an elite football skill right now—and really second to none. Honestly, it’s about as well as anyone I’ve seen do it in recent memory, and reminiscent to NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 wideout Larry Fitzgerald in some respects—regarding the ability to leap, maintain body control, play through contact, and somehow secure the football in highlight reel fashion. Additionally, it’s a lot of the other things that Pierce does when he’s not the intended receiving target that should really resonate with his coaches, teammates, and the Colts front office. That includes his willingness to block on the perimeter and hustle downfield to be his teammate’s cavalry in order to escort him safely to the end zone. See More: Indianapolis Colts Free Agency
Highlights from Klint Kubiak’s press conference: ‘This is the Raiders’
The Las Vegas Raiders introduced new head coach Klint Kubiak in a press conference on Tuesday. Here are some highlights from the session: John Spytek said the team conducted 22 interviews for the job. Spytek said Kubiak stood out with his and leadership and they are proud that he helped win the Super Bowl as […] The Las Vegas Raiders introduced new head coach Klint Kubiak in a press conference on Tuesday. Here are some highlights from the session: John Spytek said the team conducted 22 interviews for the job. Spytek said Kubiak stood out with his and leadership and they are proud that he helped win the Super Bowl as the Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator. Spytek said Kubiak will attend the Seahawks’ Super Bowl parade on Wednesday and jumped in his new job on Thursday. Kubiak thanked Mark Davis, Tom Brady and other in the ownership group. Kubiak said Davis takes care of former players better than anyone in the league. He was extremely complimentary of the history of the Raiders’ history and he was reminded of it. There were some Raiders’ alumni were in attendance on the stage, including Jim Plunkett, Charles Woodson, Marcus Allen, Howie Long, Mike Haynes and Rich Gannon. “This is no ordinary job, this is the Silver and Black, this is the Raiders. It’s a historic franchise,” Kubiak said. “It was a no brainer.” Kubiak said the brass didn’t have to say much to sell him — “this is the Raiders.” Kubiak is excited to be on the same team as Brady. He joked that Brady made a mistake of giving him his cell-phone number because he’s going to use it a lot. Kubiak said Brady was a big draw in his taking the job. Kubiak praised Spytek and noted how important their communication will be in their roles. He said they will work closely on all aspects of the team, including building the coaching staff. Davis said Kubiak will report directly to both Spytek and Brady. Davis told reporters it’s clear that Spytek and Brady are running the football side of the team. Davis was asked if Brady will have a bigger presence around the building and he said they will have to wait and see. As expected, Kubiak will call the plays on offense. Why not? He’s excellent at it. Kubiak shouted out, Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker, who, but the way, is a free agent. Kubiak said the fact that the Raiders have the No. 1 pick and the salary-cap space and the team’s Henderson, Nevada facility all played a role for him taking the job. “The resources are here, we just have to put it all together,” he said. Kubiak was asked about taking expected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. Predictably, he said he must watched tape before making any decisions with the top pick. Kubiak didn’t look at the recent turnover of coaching stats as a negative, but as “a challenge.” “We’re going to be about the work,” said Kubiak, a noted grinder. He wants to be a gritty team like the Raiders’ of the “old days.” He said he is identifying assistant coaching candidates now. He is looking for a physical, aggressive approach that focuses on effort. He looking for “a great staff of teachers.” Kubiak was asked about Ashton Jeanty, who was in attendance with several teammates, and he said he’s excited to start working with second-year running back. Kubiak said tight end Brock Bowers can be one of the best “receivers” not just tight ends in the NFL. Kubiak said he has to “earn” the trust of fans with their actions. Overall, I was really impressed by Kubiak. He is not a rah-rah type. He seems genuine and and honest. He wasn’t blowing smoke and that is refreshing after what we’ve seen from recent coaches. He is about the work and is focused on making it work in Las Vegas. Time will tell if it does. But Tuesday was a nice start to the Kubiak era. NOTE: Will be working on a Maxx Crosby update shortly with Kubiak making it known the team wants to keep him in Las Vegas. See More: Las Vegas Raiders News
