HEADLINES

Minor NFL Transactions: 12/31/24

December 31st, 2024 at 6:59pm CST by Ely Allen

The last minor NFL transactions of the 2024 calendar year:

Arizona Cardinals

Cleveland Browns

Detroit Lions

Houston Texans

New Orleans Saints

New York Jets

San Francisco 49ers

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/31/24

December 31st, 2024 at 6:35pm CST by Ely Allen

New Year’s Eve practice squad transactions:

Arizona Cardinals

Cleveland Browns

Houston Texans

  • Signed: WR Jaxon Janke

Jacksonville Jaguars

New York Jets

Philadelphia Eagles

San Francisco 49ers

Seattle Seahawks

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tennessee Titans

Brock Purdy’s Season ‘Most Likely’ Over

December 31st, 2024 at 5:59pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

An MRI revealed that 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy suffered no structural damage after leaving the game on Monday night, but he is not expected to play again this season, per Eric Branch of The San Francisco Chronicle.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan said that Purdy “most likely” will sit out the 49ers’ regular season finale next week, though he is not dealing with any “long-term issues.” Specifically, the ulnar collateral ligament he tore in the NFC Championship Game in January 2023 is not affected.

San Francisco was eliminated from postseason contention in Week 16, so neither Purdy nor Shanahan will want to risk further damage in an essentially meaningless Week 18 game.

Purdy’s current injury is unlikely to impact upcoming extension negotiations with the 49ers. The 2022 seventh-round pick is still under contract for $1.12MM in 2025, but he will be looking to cash in after making less than $1MM per year to start his career.

Purdy will finish the 2024 season with 3,864 passing yards, a 65.9% completion rate, and 20 touchdowns to go along with 12 interceptions, a decrease from his 2023 Pro Bowl production. That downtick isn’t entirely Purdy’s fault, as the 49ers have dealt with significant absences from three of their best offensive players: Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, and Trent Williams.

Shanahan has not decided who will start at quarterback in Purdy’s place next week. Brandon Allen started on November 24 when Purdy was sidelined with a shoulder injury, but Joshua Dobbs was active instead of Allen on Monday. Dobbs’ mobility could give him a leg up behind the 49ers’ banged-up offensive line, though Allen won the backup quarterback job during the preseason and is still listed as such on the team’s depth chart. 

Jon Gruden Garnering NFL Coaching Interest

December 31st, 2024 at 5:18pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Jon Gruden has not coached in the NFL since 2021, but he could garner some interest in this year’s coaching cycle, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

While Gruden hasn’t held an official coaching job since he resigned as the Raiders head coach during the 2021 season after revelations that he sent racist, misogynistic, and homophobic emails while working for ESPN.

He has “remained engaged” with multiple NFL teams since then, according to Pelissero, including the Buccaneers – where he coached from 2002 to 2008 – and the Saints. Gruden was a coaching consultant in New Orleans after their acquisition of Derek Carr and even had the option to take the team’s offensive coordinator job, which later went to Klint Kubiak.

“There are multiple teams that have been doing extensive homework on Jon Gruden,” continued Pelissero, who added that his name could pop up as head coaching interviews commence.

Gruden led the Raiders to a 22-31 record in his 3 1/2 seasons as head coach. He will have to prove that he can still be an effective coach in 2025 and beyond while also answering questions about his personal controversies.

Current head coaching openings include the Jets, the Saints and the Bears, though other struggling franchises like the Giants, the Jaguars, and the Titans could fire their current head coaches after the end of the regular season.

Steelers’ Cole Holcomb, Roman Wilson, Logan Lee Return To Practice

December 31st, 2024 at 1:28pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Steelers could have reinforcements on both sides of the ball as early as Week 18. The team announced on Tuesday that linebacker Cole Holcomb, along with receiver Roman Wilson and defensive lineman Logan Lee have returned to practice.

In the case of all three players, they now have up to 21 days to practice before being activated. Holcomb is on the physically unable to perform list, while the two rookies are on injured reserve. Bringing back Wilson and Lee would therefore use up Pittsburgh’s remaining regular season IR activations, although all playoff teams receive an additional two return slots.

Holcomb was a key figure in the Steelers’ efforts to reset at the linebacker spot last offseason, signing a three-year, $18MM pact in free agency. The 28-year-old had a strong start to his Pittsburgh tenure, serving as a full-time starter through eight games and recording 54 tackles along the way. A major knee injury brought his campaign to an abrupt end, though, and it threatened to linger well into the current season.

To no surprise, Holcomb was moved to the PUP list during roster cutdowns, allowing him to continue rehabbing. An adjustment was made to his contract during the offseason with an injury split being added to lower his base pay in the event of a PUP stint (although additional guarantees were brought in to compensate). If Holcomb can return to the lineup in time for Saturday’s game against the Bengals or the wild-card round, his presence will be welcomed by a LB unit now led by Patrick Queen.

Wilson was added in the third round of April’s draft, and he faced expectations of serving as a complementary option in the passing game early in his career. The Michigan product’s debut did not come until October, though, and he has been on IR since making his only appearance to date. Pittsburgh has leaned heavily on George Pickens at the receiver spot, and the team also has trade acquisition Mike Williams in the fold. Wilson could compete with Calvin Austin for playing time in the slot once he is activated.

Lee was selected in the sixth round of the draft as depth along the defensive interior. The Iowa alum could step into a rotational role upon activation, although given his missed time it would come as a surprise if he were to see a notable workload this year. In any case, the Steelers will likely welcome multiple players into the fold at least in time for their upcoming postseason game.

Jets Promote Greg Joseph; K Will Play In Week 18

December 31st, 2024 at 12:45pm CST by Adam La Rose

Greg Joseph signed with the Jets last week, giving the team another kicking option for late in the year. The veteran will indeed receive a look for the season finale.

Joseph was promoted to New York’s active roster on Tuesday, per an announcement from his agent. He will handle kicking duties in Week 18, making him the fifth different kicker the Jets have used in 2024. After Greg Zuerlein was moved to injured reserve, auditions were conducted by Riley Patterson and Spencer Shrader; both only received one game on the job, though.

New York has relied on Anders Carlson for the past six games (although in Sunday’s loss, he did not attempt any extra points or field goals). During his time with the Jets, the 2023 sixth-rounder has connected on eight of 10 field goal tries and nine of 11 extra point attempts. Carlson remains in the organization at this point, but Joseph will get the opportunity to compete for a spot next year.

The latter has been in the NFL since 2018, spending time with the Browns, Titans, Vikings, Giants and Commanders. Joseph’s three-year run in Minnesota included two with a field goal accuracy rate at or above 80%, but the team moved on this offseason and has enjoyed a relatively strong year with rookie Will Reichard. Joseph made six appearances in place of an injured Graham Gano this year with the Giants in addition to a single game with Washington; he has gone 15-for-19 on field goals and eight-for-eight on extra points in 2024.

Zuerlein is under contract for next season, but none of his salary for 2025 is guaranteed. The Jets could look for a replacement in the wake of his struggles prior to his injury, and Joseph will get the chance to earn a look in the offseason based on his Week 18 performance.

Patriots To Waive Yannick Ngakoue

December 31st, 2024 at 10:36am CST by Adam La Rose

Yannick Ngakoue is set to be on the move once again in 2024. The veteran edge rusher is headed to waivers today, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.

Ngakoue was unsigned through the start of the season, but he landed a deal with the Ravens in September. That practice squad agreement allowed him to reunite with one of his former teams, but it ultimately resulted in only five games played with Baltimore. The Ravens waived the journeyman in November to create an opening on the active roster and open the door to a return on Ngakoue’s part via another practice squad deal.

That proved to be impossible, however, since the Patriots put in a waiver claim. Ngakoue was thus in position to close out the campaign with New England, but he will now hit the wire once again. In six Patriots games, the former Pro Bowler handled a rotational role and recorded nine tackles and two quarterback hits.

If a team puts in a claim, Ngakoue will again be on the move with one week remaining in the regular season. In the event he clears, though, he will be a free agent and therefore have the option of joining a contender in time for the playoffs. Given his limited production in 2024, the longtime sack artist does not figure to have a strong market, though.

Ngakoue had a four-year run with the Jaguars to begin his career, but since then he has enjoyed only short stints with the Vikings, Ravens, Raiders, Colts and Bears in addition to his split duties in 2024. The former second-rounder posted at least eight sacks during each of his first seven years in the NFL, but that figure fell to four last year in an injury-shortened season. Chicago discussed a new deal with Ngakoue once he was healthy, but a reunion at this point in the year would serve little purpose with the Bears well out of the playoff race. Teams will have until tomorrow afternoon to put in a claim; if he becomes a free agent, Ngakoue will be able to sign with his next team at any time.

Byron Leftwich Seeking NFL Return

December 31st, 2024 at 9:49am CST by Adam La Rose

As the 2025 hiring cycle approaches, candidates for the three current head coaching vacancies (and others which will likely soon open) are emerging. Byron Leftwich hopes to be among the names to receive consideration for a position on an NFL staff this year.

The former quarterback transitioned to the sidelines under Bruce Arians in 2016 with Arizona, and he remained there for another two seasons. That spell included a partial stint as interim offensive coordinator before he and the rest of Steve Wilks‘ staff were let go after the 2018 campaign. Leftwich then followed Arians to Tampa Bay, serving as the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator for each of Arians’ three years as head coach.

During that time, Tampa Bay won a Super Bowl and posted impressive offensive numbers, but the unit took a step back in 2022. Quarterback Tom Brady reversed course on his retirement decision, and with Arians no longer on the sidelines Todd Bowles was in place as head coach. The Buccaneers were eliminated in the wild-card round and Leftwich was dismissed. The 44-year-old has not coached since then, but he is looking to make a comeback this winter.

“I didn’t have the opportunities right after and this last year that I thought I would have, but I understand the process, and I understand that the whole world’s trying to get in that league,” Leftwich said of the NFL coaching market in an interview with The Athletic’s Mike Jones (subscription required). “Nothing should be given to me. Nobody owes me anything. So, I’m going to just work and see if I can have the opportunity to coach in that league again.”

Leftwich was mentioned as a candidate for a number of positions after his Bucs tenure came to an end, including the Jaguars’ head coaching position in 2022. The Marshall product played for Jacksonville during the first four years of his career, making him a natural option to take the gig in the wake of his time at the coordinator level. Reports emerged stating Leftwich and general manager Trent Baalke did not see eye to eye and that Leftwich turned down the opportunity to coach in Jacksonville, though. The former first-rounder denied that, saying he was never offered the position (one which ultimately went to Doug Pederson and may well be open again shortly).

Interest in certain college opportunities came up, but Leftwich has remained out of coaching during the past two years. He interviewed for the Ravens’ OC position in 2023 and expressed a desire for the Steelers’ offensive coordinator spot last year after Matt Canada was fired. Leftwich’s playing career ended in Pittsburgh under Mike Tomlin, who has remained complimentary of Leftwich’s capabilities as a coach. It will be interesting to see if he receives a look during the upcoming cycle.

The Jets, Saints and Bears are in search of a head coach, and other teams are likely to add to the list of openings once ‘Black Monday’ comes around. Likewise, several offensive coordinator positions will no doubt soon emerge. Leftwich is interested in returning to the NFL in one capacity or another, and as a result his name could be one to watch as the coaching landscape takes shape over the coming weeks.

Jets CB D.J. Reed Addresses Pending Free Agency

December 31st, 2024 at 8:58am CST by Adam La Rose

In June, D.J. Reed indicated he would be open to remaining with the Jets beyond the 2024 season. The pending free agent cornerback later confirmed, though, that he would not engage in contract talks with an eye on hitting the open market in the spring.

That remains the case at this point, and with only one week remaining in the campaign Reed is well aware he is on the verge of free agency. The 28-year-old said in September he would play out the season and then evaluate his situation upon the expiration of his deal, a three-year, $33MM pact. That contract was signed after the end of Reed’s two-year Seahawks tenure, one which was preceded by a pair of campaigns with the 49ers.

The contract has provided the Jets with strong value given Reed’s consistent play as a full-time starter. The former fifth-rounder has remained durable throughout his New York tenure, serving as an effective complement on the perimeter to Sauce Gardner and amassing 31 pass deflections in 45 games. Reed has allowed completion percentages ranging between 57.1% and 63.5% in coverage and has been charged with only six touchdowns surrendered as the nearest defender as a Jet. Week 18 could be his final game with the team, however.

“I was going to have 10 picks,” Reed said when reflecting on his expectations for 2024 in an interview with Go Long’s Tyler Dunne. “We were going to be elite. I thought that we’d be up in the score late in games and teams would have to throw the ball and I’m going to make plays on the ball. I’m ready to go to free agency, bro. I’m ready to see what’s next for me.”

The Jets worked out an extension with Michael Carter II just before the start of the season, and he is in place to remain the team’s top slot corner through 2027. Gardner will be in line for second contract this offseason, and it would come as no surprise if signing him to a lucrative long-term pact became one of the top priorities once New York’s new general manager and head coach pairing is in place. That may not leave enough funds to retain Reed, whose age and track record could make him an attractive option to any number of outside suitors.

Other corners on expiring contracts include Carlton Davis, Charvarius Ward, Brandon Stephens, Byron Murphy and Benjamin St-Juste. Reed will certainly be a name to watch as part of that group and a new Jets pact will of course remain a possibility until March. Given his comments, though, it would not come as a shock if he were to depart in the near future.

Bears Looking Into Brian Flores For HC; Candidates Curious About Kevin Warren’s Role

December 30th, 2024 at 10:22pm CST by Sam Robinson

Brian Flores is prepared to once again pursue a head coaching job while simultaneously suing the NFL and several teams regarding his previous HC stay and some of his interviews. The Vikings’ defensive success may allow him to land a second-chance role before his discrimination lawsuit wraps, as interesting as that would be.

While the Bears may well have another NFC North candidate higher on their preference list, Flores joins Lions OC Ben Johnson among candidates Chicago is studying. The Bears are indeed looking into Flores, per SI.com’s Albert Breer, with connections involving both GM Ryan Poles and team president Kevin Warren noteworthy here.

[RELATED: Ben Johnson “Intrigued” By Bears’ HC Post?]

Poles and Flores played together at Boston College in 2003; the latter joined the Patriots as a scout a year later while the former’s college career continued. Poles went into the front office ranks after his college run. The two have never worked together, but that overlap would make for an interesting reference — especially considering Johnson has been quite choosey while on HC carousels. Warren has also vetted Flores with former Vikings contacts, as the current Bears president was on Minnesota’s staff for 15 years previously. Thus far, per Breer, that vetting effort has generated “strong reviews” for the bounce-back coordinator.

Flores, 43, has said he wants to be a head coach again. Minnesota’s success on defense this season may yield such an opportunity, but his background also may work against him. Although the Bears have been connected to seeking a “leader of men”-type HC, Breer now adds candidates who do not have a background coaching quarterbacks would need a clear and sustainable plan for Caleb Williams‘ development. This could work against Flores, who will undoubtedly need to explain what happened during Tua Tagovailoa‘s first two Dolphins seasons. The current Miami starter was not complimentary of Flores’ hard-edged coaching style when asked earlier this year. Tagovailoa also took major steps forward after Flores’ ouster.

Leading the Vikings to a fourth-place ranking in scoring defense during their 14-2 season, Flores is likely to book multiple interviews on the 2025 HC carousel. He met with the Cardinals in 2023 and with the Bears, Giants, Saints and Texans in 2022. Flores did not meet about a head coaching gig this year, but Minnesota’s success figures to change that. He has come up as a candidate far more frequently than OC Wes Phillips, and the connection to Poles — who is running Chicago’s HC search — may be important.

For anyone considering the Bears, however, it appears Warren’s presence is a sticking point. Top HC candidates are curious about Warren’s role with the team, Breer adds. It was initially reported the president — hired in January 2023 after a role as Big Ten commissioner — would run the business side, but it has become clear this gig has brought football-ops responsibilities. Warren has offered key input regarding football matters, including a recent comment indicating the Bears job would be the most coveted of 2025’s openings.

Poles reports to Warren, and the team president is expected to be heavily involved in this HC search — even if the GM is running it. This power structure, which canned Matt Eberflus (the team’s first in-season HC firing) while letting him speak to the media following a disastrous Thanksgiving loss, will be something HC candidates take into consideration. Warren took players’ input for an extensive period following the loss in Detroit and has held an “active role” on the football side since coming to Chicago.

Thomas Brown seeing his interim tag removed would be borderline shocking based on how the post-Eberflus period has gone, but Breer notes Bears brass does have sympathy for the challenge this situation has brought. With Williams’ development the central issue for Chicago, it would stand to reason the team will start over on offense. Johnson should be expected to meet with the Bears, Breer adds, but it does not seem the third-year Lions play caller is a lock to take that job if offered. He will be selective once again, keeping the door wide open for other Bears HC candidates.

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