NFL 2025: Season Discussion Thread Sportsbook NFL

[David76]

In a landmark move for both Sauce Gardner and the New York Jets, the young cornerback has signed a contract extension that will make him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. The four-year deal is valued at $120.4 million, translating to an impressive average of $30.1 million per year. This agreement follows the recent extension of wide receiver Garrett Wilson, further solidifying the Jets' 2022 draft class as one of the most successful in franchise history.

Gardner, who is celebrated for his exceptional start to his NFL career, has already been recognised as a first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler in his first two seasons. However, his performance in the 2024 season did not meet the lofty expectations set by his earlier achievements, leading to some criticism. Despite this, he still showcased strong metrics, ranking highly in several defensive categories.

This contract not only reflects Gardner's talent but also the Jets' commitment to investing in their young stars, a departure from their historical reluctance to offer long-term deals to players still on rookie contracts.

• Sauce Gardner signs a four-year, $120.4 million extension with the Jets.
• He is now the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.
• Gardner has been a first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler in his first two seasons.
• His performance in 2024 faced criticism, but he still ranked well in key defensive metrics.
• A new aggressive defensive scheme may enhance Gardner's opportunities for impactful plays.
• The Jets are shifting their approach to secure long-term contracts for their young talents.

 

[David76]

With less than a week remaining before training camp, the Pittsburgh Steelers and T.J. Watt agreed to terms on a deal that makes the star edge rusher the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback.

The three-year extension is worth $123 million, team sources confirmed. That's an average of $41 million in new money, just slightly ahead of AFC North rival Myles Garrett, who inked a deal worth $40 million annually this offseason with the Cleveland Browns. Watt's contract also includes $108 million guaranteed at signing.

 

[David76]

Tom

HBO has dropped the trailer for Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Buffalo Bills, the docuseries that will take viewers behind the scenes of the AFC East NFL team.

The five-part NFL Films-produced series premieres on Tuesday, August 5 on HBO and streams on HBO Max.

 

[Tom]

The Micah Parsons-Cowboys relationship has deteriorated to the point where the star pass rusher is considering drastic measures, which could include a trade request or even a declaration that he is severing his relationship with the team, per multiple league sources.

"I have made a tough decision," Parsons wrote in a statement on X. "I no longer want to play for the Dallas Cowboys. My trade request has been submitted to Stephen Jones personally."

 https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1951346210067095890

Among the key issues: Parsons said he spoke directly with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones in March. The team believed those conversations were negotiations and that it had a deal, multiple league sources said. But Parsons believed the talks were just conversations, writing that he told the Cowboys that his agent would reach out, "thinking this would get things done." When Parsons' agent attempted to start negotiations, Parsons wrote, the Cowboys declined to engage with him and told the pass rusher that they believed they already had a deal.

"My agent of course told him that wasn't the case and also reached out to Stephen Jones," Parsons wrote, referring to the top team executive who is also the oldest son of Jerry Jones. "Again the team decided to go silent."

Now, the team is refusing to engage with his agent at all, Parsons wrote, creating a tense standoff amid increasing friction.

"Up to today the team has not had a single conversation with my agent about a contract," Parsons wrote.

The Cowboys, according to league sources, do not plan to deal Parsons but that's not expected to stop teams around the league from reaching out.

 

[Tom]

Washington Commanders star wide receiver Terry McLaurin has requested to be traded, team and league sources confirm.

McLaurin, 29, has been seeking a new deal with the team for months, believing the value of his current contract doesn't match his value to the team. He signed a three-year deal in 2022 worth an average of $22.79 million annually, which ranks 18th among current receivers. This year is the last on his contract and comes with a $15.5 million base salary.

McLaurin has not been specific about what he wants in a new deal, but he has indicated he wants to be paid in line with the league's top receivers; nine wideouts earn at least $30 million a year. It's plausible that McLaurin's camp views DK Metcalf's deal with the Steelers, which has an average annual value of $33 million, to be the floor for negotiations, or at least in the range of what the Commanders receiver should be earning.

I like McLaurin, but he's a WR2 on a good team. Paying him $30 million a year would be absolutely idiotic.

 

[Tom]

The NFL and ESPN reached a blockbuster agreement that will place many of the league's top media holdings with the sports network in exchange for equity in ESPN that is potentially worth billions, sources briefed on the agreement have reported.

An official announcement is expected next week. Disney, ESPN's parent company, has its earnings call on Wednesday.

ESPN and the NFL declined comment.

The discussions about the monumental deal were on and off for four years and have resulted in what is said to be a complicated agreement, according to the sources. ESPN is expected to have access to RedZone, NFL Network, seven more regular-season games, the NFL's fantasy football business, as well as the potential to integrate special features (including betting) and potentially more assets.

 

[Tom]

The Cleveland Browns have officially announced that Joe Flacco will start as their quarterback for the upcoming season. At 40 years old, Flacco's selection comes primarily due to his health and experience, especially in a roster that has been plagued by injuries. With his return to the starting role, Flacco is tasked with leading a team in transition through a challenging early-season schedule.

As Flacco noted during a recent interview, he has become more comfortable taking the majority of the reps with the first team, which has allowed him to find his rhythm and confidence on the field. Despite not participating in the first two preseason games, his leadership during joint practices has been noteworthy. Flacco remarked, "When you get a little bit more (action), you can start to feel like yourself... it just feels right."

The team had been considering several options for the starting quarterback position. Kenny Pickett has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, while the other quarterbacks, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, are both rookies. The Browns' decision to lean on Flacco reflects their need for a steady hand at the helm as they prepare to face the Cincinnati Bengals in their season opener on September 7.

Flacco's past success with the Browns adds to the rationale behind this decision. In 2023, he led the team to four consecutive victories, becoming the first quarterback in franchise history to post four straight games with over 300 yards passing. With the Browns' significant investment in Deshaun Watson now in question due to injuries, Flacco's role becomes even more critical.

Coach Kevin Stefanski praised Flacco's consistency and leadership, stating, "He's done a really nice job in camp." As the Browns embark on this new chapter, it remains to be seen how Flacco's experience can guide this team through a pivotal season.

 

[Franco Pinion]

Washington Commanders star wide receiver Terry McLaurin has requested to be traded, team and league sources confirm.

Terry McLaurin has officially signed a three-year contract extension with the Washington Commanders worth over $96 million. This deal, which includes a substantial $30 million signing bonus, secures McLaurin's position as one of the highest-paid receivers in the league, reflecting his significant contributions to the team.

McLaurin's previous contract, which he signed in 2022, was set to expire after this season. He sought an extension early, arguing that his performance warranted a financial alignment with his value. With the new contract, he becomes tied for the sixth-highest average annual salary among receivers, joining A.J. Brown at $32 million per year.

 

[Tom]

In a significant prelude to the 2025 NFL season, the Minnesota Vikings have opted for a notable shift at the quarterback position. According to league sources, they are trading backup Sam Howell to the Philadelphia Eagles while simultaneously signing veteran Carson Wentz. This strategic move not only reshapes both rosters but also carries implications for their upcoming seasons.

The Vikings' decision to part ways with Howell stems from underwhelming performances during training camp. Despite showcasing some arm talent, his struggles to adapt to a more complex offensive scheme contributed to his departure. In Wentz, Minnesota is acquiring a quarterback with considerable experience, particularly within a system similar to that of their current offensive coordinator. His presence may provide a stabilising influence behind starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy, especially as rookie Max Brosmer has been making a strong impression during practices.

On the flip side, the Eagles have been facing a quarterback depth crisis, exacerbated by Tanner McKee's recent finger injury. Howell's acquisition addresses this gap, giving Philadelphia a quarterback with starting experience to back up Jalen Hurts while McKee recovers. Howell's efficient preseason performance with the Vikings has likely bolstered the Eagles' confidence in his ability to step up if necessary.

Both teams have thus engaged in a mutually beneficial trade, filling critical roster needs while reshaping their quarterback depth charts ahead of the season. The Vikings aim for stability and experience, while the Eagles are looking to shore up their depth in a crucial position.

 

[Tom]

The recent trade between the Las Vegas Raiders and Cleveland Browns, which saw quarterback Kenny Pickett move to the Raiders for a 2026 fifth-round pick, has sparked significant discussion among football enthusiasts. This move comes on the heels of a preseason injury to backup Aidan O'Connell, which has left the Raiders in need of a reliable alternative behind starter Geno Smith.

Key Details of the Trade:

• Pickett, a former first-round pick in 2022, was initially traded to the Browns from the Eagles in March but lost the starting competition to Joe Flacco due to a hamstring injury.
• Despite solid performances in limited opportunities with the Eagles, including a notable game against the Dallas Cowboys, questions linger about how he will fare with a Raiders team still in development compared to the Eagles' more robust roster.