The 2024 NFL season saw several strong performers miss substantial time. Here are the key presences, with emphasis on those who missed significant time last year, teams are counting on to reprise their pre-injury form in 2025.
In late August of 2018, the Giants signed receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to a contract extension. Within weeks, things got weird. Within months, the Giants traded Beckham to the Browns.
On Saturday, Beckham said he didn't want to go.
"I never, ever wanted to leave the New York Giants," Beckham said during the CBS coverage of the UEFA Champions League final, via Fox News.com. "The reason you heard me talking about what was going on was because I was pissed because, where I come from in college, if we lost one game, our season was over."
He nevertheless said plenty about what was going on, as it was going on. In a ...
McCarthy has drawn Justin Jefferson to OTAs and tough pressure from DC Brian Flores.
New York's newest defensive coordinator wants to restore the defense back to its standard.
Ten things from the Patriots this week, including a promising rookie safety, more on the Stefon Diggs news.
There is good reason to believe the Cardinals can compete for a playoff spot, and perhaps even for the NFC West title, in 2025.
The 2024 season offered more of the same for Patriots fans as the team finished with a 4-13 record for the second straight year. This season should be more exciting.
Bill Belichick's buyout from his UNC contract dramatically decreased on Sunday, but the $1M penalty will only be enforced if he leaves.
Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt was not with the team for last week's start to organized team activities as he looks for a new contract and it doesn't sound like an agreement is imminent.
Longtime Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly said on his podcast that the Steelers have made a contract offer to Watt that he describes as "pretty substantial," but that "it's probably not" what Watt is looking for in his next deal with the team.
The report did not indicate what about the deal is not to Watt's liking, but the fact that it hasn't been signed shows that there's more work to do. Browns defensive end Myles Garrett recently set the high bar for edge rushers with a deal averaging $40 million per season and it is reasonable to guess that Watt is looking for something in that neighborhood as well.
There...
Despite meeting with and being linked to Shedeur Sanders prior to the NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers passed on the quarterback three times when they had the opportunity to take him.
The 49ers and Eagles are working to finalize a trade that will send edge rusher Bryce Huff to San Francisco for a midround pick, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The Patriots are aware of the video in which Stefon Diggs flashed an unidentified pink substance while surrounded by three women on a boat, coach Mike Vrabel said Wednesday.
The Las Vegas Raiders are in the second week of OTAs, and quarterback Geno Smith has already made a strong impression.
Green Bay has a wide receiver logjam. Washington loaded up on veterans. And San Francisco isn't quite ready to rebuild.
The Browns have a lot of new faces on offense, including at coordinator and under center, as they reshape the unit.
After Baltimore's postseason loss to the Bills, Oweh looked to bulk up to become a more powerful pass rusher.
This spring alone the Giants have heard from Eli Manning, Michael Strahan, Lawrence Taylor, Victor Cruz, Justin Tuck and Howard Cross, to name a few.
Let's celebrate the approaching season with 100 big thoughts, predictions, stats and situations to watch.
ESPN's Football Power Index ratings are live. Let's predict the 2025 season, including playoff chances for 32 teams and potential draft order.
Our experts have the latest buzz on 19 players and their potential new deals, including multiple Chiefs, Jets and Broncos stars.
Cardinals Cut DeAndre Hopkins
Aaron Schatz
26 May 2023, 01:28pm
Unable to find a trade with a team willing to take his contract, the Arizona Cardinals announced this afternoon that they are cutting superstar wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. It is...
Rule Changes: Third QB, Thursday Flex
Aaron Schatz
22 May 2023, 05:14pm
The NFL passed a couple of important rule changes at the owners' meetings today, including the return of the third QB rule and flex scheduling for Thursday nights.
...
Jim Brown Dead at 87
Aaron Schatz
19 May 2023, 03:30pm
Jim Brown, considered one of the greatest players in NFL history, passed away today at the age of 87. They say that Brown may be the only man who was the greatest ever at two different sports. He...
The Great Anthony Richardson Fantasy Football Debate
Chris Spags
18 May 2023, 10:21am
You have heard the Anthony Richardson fantasy football slander somewhere online. Maybe it's the SEC fan in your life with their "...
ESPN: Biggest Post-Draft Hole for All 32 Teams
Aaron Schatz
12 May 2023, 09:51am
Over on ESPN+, we look at the biggest remaining hole for each team, from the Washington quarterbacks to the Chicago edge rushers. For some teams, there are problems with a...
NFL 2023 Schedule Release
Aaron Schatz
10 May 2023, 09:49am
The NFL began releasing the 2023 schedule on Wednesday and will finish on Thursday evening. Here's a place to discuss all of this year's games.
Some highlights so far:
- The...
SWA 2022: Chiefs Both Young and Dominant
Aaron Schatz
08 May 2023, 09:44am
Eagles Soar, 49ers Faceplant in 2023 Draft Grades
Vincent Verhei
03 May 2023, 09:50am
Consensus opinion tells us that the San Francisco 49ers had the worst draft class of 2023, while the Denver Broncos had the most perplexing. And then there are...
Post-Draft Fantasy Questions for Each NFL Team
Chris Spags
02 May 2023, 09:50am
The draft is another key information period in the NFL offseason that meaningfully affects everything for teams. More importantly for you, it's also...
NFL Draft 2023 (Non) Grades
Mike Tanier
01 May 2023, 09:20am
The 2023 NFL Draft Performance Assessments have arrived! And what have we learned?
- The Pittsburgh Steelers had an awesome weekend.
- Bill Belichick did Bill...
Chase Daniel reacts to Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer's comments on one of his goals. He said that he "wants to be the greatest culture in pro sports."
James Jones explains why he cannot label Joe Burrow as a Top 5 QB if he misses the playoffs for three straight years.
The Eagles are reportedly working on a trade to send defensive end Bryce Huff to the 49ers one year after inking a three-year deal.
Quarterback and first-round draft pick Jaxson Dart signed his rookie contract with the New York Giants.
Rangers has confirmed a U.S.-based consortium that includes an investment arm of the NFL's 49ers has purchased a majority ownership stake.
Feel like placing an early NFL bet? Find out why Will Hill is backing Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon to win NFL Coach of the Year.
Patrick Mahomes said that the Kansas City Chiefs losing Super Bowl LIX was “good for us”. Craig Carton, Danny Parkins, and Mark Schlereth discuss his comments and whether or not they’re crazy for him to say.
The Vikings signed GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to a multi-year contract extension that keeps his status in sync with HC Kevin O’Connell.
From college baseball to the NFL, Chris "The Bear" Fallica is delivering his latest futures wagers. Check out his latest best bets.
As the countdown to NFL kickoff continues, who will compete in Super Bowl LX? Let's take a look at the most likely matchups for the NFL's championship game.
Great Britain's Alfie Hewett gives his thoughts after beating defending champion Tokito Oda in the Australian Open final to win his 10th Grand Slam wheelchair singles title.
Britain's Emma Raducanu says she avoided using antiseptic spray on a recent bite that caused her ankle to swell, such is the care she feels she must take to avoid positive tests for prohibited substances.
Watch as Novak Djokovic and his new coach Andy Murray practise ahead
of the Australian Open in Melbourne.
Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic join Rafa Nadal on court at Roland Garros for an emotional ceremony to pay tribute to the all-time Spanish great.
Watch the moment Katie Boulter and Jodie Burrage beat Suzan Lamens and Demi Schuurs of the Netherlands to secure Great Britain's place in September's Billie Jean King Cup Finals.
Watch the best shots from Sonay Kartal's victory against Eva Vedder that puts Great Britain 1-0 up against the Netherlands in their Billie Jean King Cup qualifying tie.
Great Britain's Katie Boulter stages a brilliant comeback to secure a 2-0 BJK Cup victory over Germany as she beats Tatjana Maria 1-6 6-3 6-1.
Great Britain's Sonay Kartal wins a point with a brilliant drop shot during her straight-sets victory against Germany's Jule Niemeier on her Billie Jean King cup debut.
Emma Raducanu says she has found her "competitive spirit" after reaching her first WTA 1000 quarter-final with victory over 17th seed Amanda Anisimova in Miami.
Nick Kyrgios says he "feared he would never play tennis again" after claiming his first ATP Tour victory since 2022 by beating Mackenzie McDonald at the Miami Open.
Why Darnold believes CMC's internal ‘fire' is key to bounce-back effort originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Christian McCaffrey is set for a comeback season and former 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold believes the All-Pro running back is motivated to show the world he’s back.
Darnold recently spoke to NBC Sports Bay Area in support of the Lowe’s Foundation to support SkillsUSA National Signing Day, which celebrates students entering skilled trades like plumbing, electrical, HVAC and construction. The cause is personal for the quarterback whose father was a plumber by trade.
“Christian, whether he goes through what...
Darnold credits Purdy, 49ers for his career-best success in 2024 originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Sam Darnold had a career best 2024 NFL season with the Minnesota Vikings, and he gave his time with the 49ers and Brock Purdy a lot of credit for his recent success.
Darnold recently spoke to NBC Sports Bay Area in support of the Lowe’s Foundation to support SkillsUSA National Signing Day, which celebrates students entering skilled trades like plumbing, electrical, HVAC and construction. The cause is personal for the quarterback, whose father was a plumber by trade.
“Brock helped me a ton,” Darnold...
How 49ers rookie Martin already has impressed his idol Warner originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
They say to never meet your idol.
But that hasn’t been the case for 49ers rookie Nick Martin and All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner.
Martin, San Francisco’s No. 75 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, revealed that the only jersey he ever has purchased is Warner’s.
“I...
Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer praised linebacker Micah Parsons for participating in the first week of the team's annual OTA sessions. For the second week, Parsons wasn't present.
Yes, the workouts are voluntary. And, no, Parsons shouldn't volunteer to risk injury until he gets the long-term contract he should have gotten a year ago.
The Cowboys continue to misplay the situation. They drag their feet. And the price goes up. And the player is less prepared when it's time to go play games that count.
It's a ridiculous way of doing business. But the Cowboys keep repeating the pattern.
It became obvious last year, when the Cowboys were on the front end of (again) waiting too long and then...
The important next step in Jalyx Hunt's development originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Just a few years ago, before transferring to Houston Christian, Jalyx Hunt was a safety at Cornell. Last year at this time, he was a talented but raw third-round edge rusher.
This year?
The 24-year-old returns for Year 2 with the Eagles after an encouraging rookie season with an understanding of how to reach his extremely high ceiling.
“I’m way more comfortable, man,” Hunt said at OTAs this week. “Last year, it was all coming at you fast. You just try to keep your head, play your role. Now, I feel as if I can understand the game a lot more, I can play within the player that I am and have a little bit more personality out...
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has ruled out playing flag football at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
NFL team owners agreed last week to allow NFL players to participate in flag football's Olympic debut.
Mahomes, 29, had previously said he "definitely wants to" play but this week the NFL's two-time Most Valuable Player said he will leave representing the United...
Fred Warner says the 49ers showed what they're about this offseason with the way they prioritized new contracts for himself, quarterback Brock Purdy and tight end George Kittle.
Warner, the veteran linebacker who has played his entire career in San Francisco, signed a three-year, $63 million deal this offseason. Purdy signed a five-year, $265 million contract. And Kittle signed a four-year, $76 million contract. Warner says the 49ers showed they mean business.
"I’m so grateful to everyone involved including the whole York family, John Lynch, Kyle Shanahan," Warner said, via 49ers.com. "It was pretty seamless, and I'm happy for George Kittle and Brock Purdy to get their stuff done too."
Warner indicated that he'd like to play for just one team in...
Zolak on possibility of Diggs getting cut: ‘It's not just the boat' originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Could the Stefon Diggs era in New England end before it even begins?
The Patriots’ prized offseason...
The start of free agency came and went. The draft. Now organized team activities. Surely, Aaron Rodgers can’t skip an entire offseason and just show up for Pittsburgh Steelers training camp.
Right?
Right?
Well, we’re about to find out. But it’s looking like we should have taken the message very seriously back in April, when just a few days before the start of the NFL Draft, both head coach Mike...
Josh Jacobs left the Raiders after five seasons, signing with the Packers in the 2024 offseason. In his first season in Green Bay, the running back had the most rushing touchdowns of his career (15) and the second-most yards (1,329) and second-most carries (301).
It was not the year Jacobs wanted.
"I feel like I had a good year, but I feel like I still left a lot on the table," Jacobs said, via Wes Hodkiewicz of the team website. "For me, it's just trying to come in and chase that No. 1 spot and raise a Super Bowl [trophy] at the end of the day. That's the only thing that's really on my mind."
Jacobs hopes for the season Saquon Barkley had last season in his first season with the Eagles when he led the league in rushing, won offensive player...
The Philadelphia Eagles have parted ways with several key defensive players this offseason, and they are now moving on from another recognizable name.
On Thursday, first-year Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand discussed how Justin Fields has performed with his new club during spring workouts.
While speaking with reporters on Thursday, Joe Milton III was asked if he was "looking for a fresh start" with the Cowboys following his one season with the Patriots.
NFL analyst Mike Renner explained why he thinks the Steelers would be better off starting longtime backup Mason Rudolph over Kirk Cousins if Aaron Rodgers turns Pittsburgh down.
The Cowboys are dealing with a number of injuries at the cornerback position, and, as a result, they have one of their best cornerbacks working outside of his usual position.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Ravens star wide receiver Zay Flowers is signing with WIN Sports Group, a new agency recently launched by Patrick Whitesell, the former co-founder and executive chairman of Endeavor (formerly William Morris Endeavor).
He hasn’t missed a game since 2020 and has appeared in at least 15 games in 15 of his 19 seasons.
Former Steelers quarterback and current Giants starter Russell Wilson touched upon sharing a locker room with George Pickens for a season.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly is taking a liking to rookie running back Ashton Jeanty.
While speaking with reporters on Thursday, Bo Nix revealed that an unnamed teammate has helped keep him humble following an impressive rookie season.
