Browns Undecided On Kevin Stefanski; Bill Belichick Not Under Consideration
Kevin Stefanski is a two-time Coach of the Year, but past accomplishments may not earn him a seventh season in Cleveland in 2026. With the current campaign nearing an end, the Browns have not made a decision on Stefanski’s future, according to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
The Browns sandwiched two sub-.500 seasons between a pair of 11-win efforts during Stefanski’s first four years at the helm. Since a late-season Joe Flacco revival helped them to a playoff berth in 2023, the Stefanski-coached Browns have gone a horrid 6-26. They’ll need to win one of their last two games to avoid a second straight 3-14 season.
Stefanski lost an in-house advocate when chief strategy officer Paul DePodesta switched sports to take over as the Colorado Rockies’ president of baseball operations in early November. DePodesta “influenced” the Browns’ decision to hire Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry, Rapoport and Pelissero note. The futures of Stefanski and Berry have come into question since DePodesta’s departure.
The Browns’ inability to find a post-Baker Mayfield answer at quarterback has been a hindrance for the offensive-minded Stefanski. After Mayfield failed to carry a strong 2020 performance into the next season, Cleveland traded him to Carolina in July 2022. Mayfield’s exit came a few months after the Browns’ ill-fated Deshaun Watson trade and contract extension, two moves that have set the franchise back years.
The Browns surrendered a package that included three first-round picks for Watson, who was under fire as sexual misconduct allegations against him piled up, and then gave him a guaranteed $230MM. Watson, a healthy inactive his entire last season in Houston, served an 11-game suspension to begin his Browns tenure. Injuries, including two Achilles ruptures since last October, have limited him to 19 starts in a disastrous Cleveland stint. The Browns have gone 9-10 with Watson, who won’t play this season as a result of his latest injury.
With Watson largely unavailable, the Browns have cycled through several different starters during the Stefanski era. They’ve used three – Flacco (now a Bengal), third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel, and fifth-round rookie Shedeur Sanders – this year.
Gabriel, who took over for Flacco in Week 6, was unimpressive before suffering a concussion in Week 11. Sanders grabbed the reins after that, and he has shown enough to finish the season as the starter.
It’s unclear if Sanders will remain the team’s No. 1 option in 2026, especially with Watson likely to return. Regardless, the current coaching staff’s handling of Sanders over the next few weeks will factor into owner Jimmy Haslam‘s evaluation, per Rapoport and Pelissero.
If Haslam doesn’t believe Stefanski is the right fit to groom a young QB, whether it’s Gabriel, Sanders, or a potential high pick next April, the Browns may go in another direction. In the event that happens, it doesn’t appear Haslam would choose North Carolina coach Bill Belichick to succeed Stefanski.
The possibility of Belichick returning to his old stomping grounds in Cleveland came up last week, but the Browns have no interest in the 73-year-old, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com reports. Before winning six Super Bowls with the Patriots, Belichick began his head coaching career with the Browns. Belichick led an Art Modell-owned Cleveland team from 1991-95, its last five years there before it relocated to Baltimore. The second iteration of the Browns began play in 1999. Almost three decades later, a Cleveland-Belichick reunion isn’t under consideration.
Steelers “Reaffirmed Their Commitment” To D.K. Metcalf
D.K. Metcalf‘s two-game suspension was upheld earlier this evening. While the ban will obviously keep the Steelers receiver off the field for the rest of the regular season, it will also have an impact on his cap outlook moving forward.
[RELATED: Steelers WR D.K. Metcalf Issued Two-Game Suspension]
As noted earlier tonight, the suspension also voided the $45MM in guaranteed money that was remaining on the player’s contract. That includes the $25MM that was fully guaranteed for next season. Metcalf will also forfeit $555K in salary. The 28-year-old inked a five-year, $150MM extension with the franchise following his offseason trade from Seattle.
Of course, this wrinkle would only be notable if the Steelers suddenly wanted out of their commitment with the player. It doesn’t sound like that’s the case, at least for the time being. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the team “reaffirmed their commitment” to Metcalf for 2026 and beyond. The two sides plan to move forward “together,” following Mike Tomlin‘s vote of confidence from earlier today.
“He did explain to me why he did what he did. And I certainly don’t condone the behavior, but I support DK,” Tomlin said (via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor). “And I really don’t have a lot to add other than what I just told you.”
The suspension stemmed from Metcalf’s altercation with a fan in Detroit on Sunday. Meanwhile, Pelissero reports that neither the NFL nor the Lions plan to take action against the other individual because “there was no violation of the fan code of conduct.”
Metcalf’s suspension was upheld by commissioner Roger Goodell’s designee, former NFL coach Chris Palmer (per ESPN’s Adam Schefter). Former wideout Jordy Nelson has served in a similar role for a handful of suspensions during the 2025 season, including Denzel Perryman‘s recent appeal.
Cardinals QB Kyler Murray Unlikely To Generate Large Trade Market
Kyler Murray has been sidelined since Week 5, and he will not play again this season. Naturally, speculation continues to swirl about the former No. 1 pick’s future in Arizona. 
Murray’s contract runs through 2028; more importantly, it includes $36.8MM in guarantees for next season. Suitors will of course not be enthused about taking on that figure in the event of a trade, and it would come as no surprise if the Cardinals were to retain salary to facilitate a swap. Even so, a large market may not exist in this case.
Multiple executives informed Jeff Howe of The Athletic (subscription required) Murray is viewed as having little or no trade value at this point. The two-time Pro Bowler underperformed when on the field in 2025, his seventh season as a Cardinal. Murray has largely avoided lengthy absences in his career, aside from his 2023 ACL tear and the current ailment which will keep him sidelined until the offseason. His latest injury will no doubt hinder Arizona’s ability to receive any substantial value in a trade.
The Cardinals beat the Dolphins to the punch here, with momentum toward a separation from Murray emerging weeks before the Tua Tagovailoa benching. It would surprise if Murray did not land somewhere with at least a chance to start next year, but he has struggled to reprise his early-career form.
Murray, 28, was also not playing especially well in Kliff Kingsbury‘s system before suffering an ACL tear in December 2022. A two-time original-ballot Pro Bowler (2020, 2021), Murray ranked 19th in QBR before his tear that season. He ranked 22nd in 2023 and saw his QBR and yards-per-attempt numbers (46.6, 6.0) drop to career-low figures in his five-game 2025. That said, Murray did place ninth in QBR last season. And the Cardinals’ 8-9 record in 2024 has suddenly aged pretty well.
That said, Murray has also missed 30 games due to injury. He came up as a shutdown candidate well before it was determined the Cards were sticking with journeyman Jacoby Brissett. While it is worth wondering if Murray would be ready to go now had the Cardinals not taken the direction they have, he has missed 10 contests this season.
The diminutive dual-threat performer has made 87 starts since the Cards became the rare team to draft first-round QBs in back-to-back years. He commanded a five-year, $230.5MM extension — a deal framed around the Browns’ Deshaun Watson re-up (albeit without guarantees rivaling the embattled Cleveland arm) — in summer 2022. The extension featuring the early guarantee triggers has proven beneficial to the former top-10 MLB draftee. The Cardinals will need to move on before the fifth day of the 2026 league year, a date that brings another $19.5MM guarantee — this one covering 2027 money.
A handful of teams, per usual, will be looking for a quarterback soon. That should give Murray a chance. The Vikings and Jets surfaced as potentially interested parties weeks ago. If the Cardinals truly do not have a buyer, they would eat $53.26MM in dead money, a figure which would surely be halved via a post-June 1 designation. Tagovailoa’s dead cap hit ($99.2MM) dwarfs this, and both the Jets and Saints took on this much in parting with Aaron Rodgers and Derek Carr this year.
A free agent market would certainly emerge if Murray were jettisoned via release, but even considering the seven-year veteran’s inconsistency and injury issues, the QB supply-and-demand cycle will undoubtedly lead to teams showing some trade interest. With the mid-March vesting date, we still have a ways to go before finality on this topic surfaces.
Adam La Rose contributed to this post.
Vikings Activate RB Ty Chandler From IR
The Vikings will welcome back Ty Chandler for the final two weeks of the season. The team announced that they’ve activated the running back from injured reserve.
Chandler suffered a knee injury way back in Week 1 that ultimately kept him off the field for several months. He returned to practice earlier this month, and now he’ll be activated to the active roster for the final stretch of the season.
The former fifth-round pick has seen an inconsistent offensive role through his three-plus seasons in the NFL. He got his most work as a sophomore in 2023, when he finished with 620 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns on 123 touches. In his other three professional seasons, Chandler has been limited to 244 yards on 68 touches.
The 27-year-old has also earned himself some playing time with his special teams work. Chandler returned 12 kickoffs between 2023 and 2024, averaging 25.2 yards. He appeared to have the full-time KR gig in 2025, as he returned three kickoffs for 84 yards in the season opener.
Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason have led the depth chart this season, meaning Chandler would have been limited to backup reps even if he was healthy. The Vikings have also given looks to C.J. Ham, Zavier Scott, and Cam Akers. Chandler is set to hit free agency after this season, so he’ll have a final chance to show suitors that he’s fully healthy.
Chargers LB Denzel Perryman Issued Two-Game Suspension
TODAY: Perryman’s suspension has been upheld, per Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports.
DECEMBER 22: The Chargers’ defense has been among the league’s best in 2025. The unit is set to be shorthanded for the closing stages of the regular season, however. 
Linebacker Denzel Perryman has been issued a two-game suspension, the NFL announced on Monday. Perryman’s discipline comes in the wake of repeated violations of “playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players.” This ban stems from a play during yesterday’s game against the Cowboys.
“During the second quarter, Perryman was penalized for unnecessary roughness for delivering a forcible blow to the helmet of Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy while he was on the ground after making a catch,” a league statement reads in part (h/t Ian Rapoport of NFL Network).
Perryman received an unnecessary roughness penalty on the play in question. He is eligible to appeal the suspension. Otherwise, the 33-year-old will be sidelined for Week 17 against the Texans and Week 18 against the Broncos. Los Angeles sits at 11-4 on the year. The season finale against Denver could prove to be pivotal in deciding the AFC West and potentially the No. 1 seed in the conference.
KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson reports Perryman will indeed appeal his suspension. The hearing on the matter will take place tomorrow. As a result, it will not take long to find out if the two-game ban will be upheld or if its length will be reduced. Perryman has totaled 47 tackles in 10 games this season, his second with the Chargers.
Los Angeles ranks in the top 10 in the NFL across several defensive categories this season. Maintaining that level of play will be critical down the stretch and into the playoffs. As it stands now, however, Perryman will not be available for the next two weeks.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/23/25
Today’s practice squad moves:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: LB Eugene Asante
Buffalo Bills
- Signed: CB M.J. Devonshire
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: CB Michael Reid
Chicago Bears
- Signed: TE Thomas Gordon
Denver Broncos
- Placed on IR: S Delarrin Turner-Yell
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: RB Royce Freeman
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: S Jack Henderson
New England Patriots
- Signed: RB Elijah Mitchell, WR Brandon Smith
- Released: OT Sebastian Gutierrez
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: CB Tyler Hall
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: LB Nick Jackson
NFL Minor Transactions: 12/23/25
Today’s minor moves:
Chicago Bears
- Designated for return from IR: OL Luke Newman
Cleveland Browns
- Placed on IR: RB Quinshon Judkins (story)
Houston Texans
- Designated for return from IR: CB Ajani Carter
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed from practice squad: RB Jaret Patterson
New England Patriots
- Signed from practice squad: OL Brenden Jaimes
- Placed on IR: DT Joshua Farmer
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Returned to practice: RB Josh Williams
Washington Commanders
- Waived: WR Jamal Agnew
Buccaneers running back Josh Williams returned to practice today after serving his six-game suspension for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. According to ESPN’s Jenna Laine, the player’s suspension has been officially lifted and he’s now attached to the exempt/commissioner permission designation, which doesn’t count against the 53-man roster limit. However, Williams will need to be activated to the actual roster if the Buccaneers want him on the field before the season ends. The running back has seen time in three games this season, collecting 11 yards on four touches.
Meanwhile, Jamal Agnew won’t be joining the Commanders after he was claimed off waivers yesterday. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston, the veteran wide receiver was waived today with a failed physical designation.
Cardinals Sign K Joshua Karty
The Cardinals have turned to a division rival for some extra depth at kicker. The team announced that they’ve signed Joshua Karty to the 53-man roster.
Karty was previously on the Rams practice squad, where he’s been lingering since getting replaced by Harrison Mevis in late November. The 2024 sixth-round lived up to his draft billing as a rookie, converting on 85.3 percent of his field goal tries. However, he struggled as a sophomore, converting 10 of his 15 FG tries before getting benched.
Now in Arizona, Karty will provide some competition for Chad Ryland. The former Patriots draft pick has served as the Cardinals’ full-time kicker for the better part of the past two years. He had a standout performance in 2024 but has similarly struggled in 2025, missing eight field goals. That includes a showing from this past weekend when Ryland miss two of his six field goal attempts.
“It’s disappointing when it doesn’t happen for whatever reason – operation, protection, kicker, whatever,” special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers said of Ryland’s performance (via the team’s website). “[The Falcons game] did start off well … there were positives and negatives. I try to not focus too much on results and being consistent on technique, process, reps. I thought last Thursday was one of [Chad’s] better days striking the ball. On game day, we’ve got to be able to make those kicks, and we have to be good around him as well.”
With two games remaining, it seems likely that Karty will get the majority of the looks at kicker over Ryland. However, considering the incumbent’s restricted free agent status after this season, there’s a good chance he sticks around the roster for the remainder of the 2025 campaign.
The Cardinals weren’t done making moves today. The team officially placed defensive lineman Walter Nolen III and cornerback Garrett Williams on injured reserve, moves that were anticipated. The team also signed cornerback Kalen King from the Panthers practice squad. The former seventh-round pick got into one game for Carolina this season.
Steelers WR D.K. Metcalf Issued Two-Game Suspension
TODAY: Metcalf’s suspension has been upheld, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The wide receiver will officially miss the final two games of the regular season. Notably, Metcalf will also see $45MM in future guarantees voided, including the $25MM that was fully guaranteed for the 2026 season.
DECEMBER 22: D.K. Metcalf‘s interaction with a fan during the first half of yesterday’s Steelers-Lions game led to the widespread expectation it would result in league discipline. After a league review, a suspension has been handed down. 
Metcalf has received a two-game suspension, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports. That would keep the Pittsburgh wideout unavailable for the remainder of the regular season if upheld. Per Pelissero, Metcalf plans to appeal. As things stand, he is set to lose just over $555K in pay.
Metcalf grabbed and then released the shirt of a fan in the stands who has since identified himself as Ryan Kennedy (video link via ESPN’s Adam Schefter). No flags were thrown as a result of the incident, and the Steelers did not take any action stemming from it. Metcalf declined to speak to reporters after the game.
Earlier today, Pelissero was the first to report that Metcalf and Kennedy have a history with one another, with Metcalf having reported Kennedy to security last year while he was playing for the Seahawks. A verbal exchange between the two sparked yesterday’s incident. Metcalf has alleged Kennedy used derogatory language toward himself and his mother. Kennedy “categorically denies” doing so, as noted in a statement issued by his attorneys. According to Kennedy, the incident stemmed from Metcalf taking issue with being called by his full name.
With no penalty being issued, the league office was not allowed by rule to direct an ejection in this case. Nevertheless, it comes as little surprise a suspension has been issued given the NFL’s policy regarding altercations with fans. Metcalf ultimately made four receptions during Sunday’s win, three of which came after the incident.
Pittsburgh wound up winning in Week 16, moving the team’s record to 9-6. With Baltimore losing shortly after that contest ended, the Steelers are in a commanding position regarding the AFC North standings. A Ravens loss in Week 17 (Saturday against the Packers) or a win by Pittsburgh one day later (against the Browns) would be enough to clinch the division. Pending the outcome of the appeal, though, Metcalf will be unavailable for the Cleveland matchup and a Week 18 Baltimore game which could prove to be pivotal.
The offseason trade acquisition has been hot and cold in terms of production this season with the Steelers playing through inconsistency on offense. In all, Metcalf has totaled 850 yards and six touchdowns on 59 receptions during his debut Pittsburgh campaign. He comfortably leads the team in yardage, especially when compared to the Steelers’ other receivers. The remainder of that group will be tasked with filling in over a brief period, though.
OT Trent Williams Intends To Play In 2026
Trent Williams has been attached to retirement speculation for several years, but it doesn’t sound like the offensive lineman is close to hanging up his cleats. When asked about his status beyond the 2025 season, Williams made it clear that he’ll at least be back on the field next year.
“I’m nowhere near done, so I’ve got a few more years,” said Williams (via Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle). “I’m not leaving. I’m not going nowhere.”
After he missed the 49ers’ last seven games of the 2024 season due to a bruise in his ankle joint, the OT once again staved off retirement rumblings. Besides being one of the league’s oldest players, there doesn’t seem to be much merit to Williams calling it a career.
For starters, the lineman has continued to perform as one of the league’s top offensive tackles. Pro Football Focus currently ranks the 37-year-old third among 83 qualifying tackles, the sixth-straight year he’s positioned to finish in the top-10. Williams was also named to his 12th Pro Bowl today. As Branch notes, this broke a tie with Anthony Munoz, Jonathan Ogden and Willie Roaf for the most in league history among offensive tackles.
Williams is also under contract through the 2026 season, and his average annual value still ranks second among offensive tackles. After inking a three-year, $82MM extension back in 2024, Williams can probably expect at least one more lucrative contract before his career is through.
To top it off, Williams has indicated that he’s interested in playing through his age-40 season. Barring an unexpected drop off, Williams shouldn’t lack for suitors, so it seems likelier than not that his plan will come to fruition.