Stadium News
Breaking News from the Bench to the Bleachers
The Falcons drew criticism after reports surfaced that they hoped to avoid the Saints' emotionally charged Monday Night Football anniversary game. The post Falcons Called ‘Soft’ After Reported Saints Schedule Request appeared first on HEAVY.
Now that the 2026 NFL schedule has been released, fans of every team are poring over their favorite franchises' prospects when things kick off in about four months. Every team has questions to answer — some far more than most — and though the schedule doesn't account for radical variance in roster ...
Which NFL team has the easiest schedule entering the 2026 season? The Saints and Bengals were highlighted on PFSN's "Football Debate Club."
The Carolina Panthers made bold choices in the draft. They’re happy with their first pick and the fact that a veteran offensive tackle will be hanging around awhile. Looking ahead, here are the Panthers’ game-by-game predictions after the 2026 NFL schedule release. Coming off an 8-9 finish and a playoff berth, the Panthers’ hopes are […] The post Panthers game-by-game predictions after 2026 NFL Schedule release appeared first on ClutchPoints.
There’s good news for the Atlanta Falcons as the Kyle Pitts Sr. situation is resolved. And there’s plenty of enthusiasm about the draft picks. But what kind of season will it be? Here are the Falcons’ game-by-game predictions after the 2026 NFL schedule release. Coming off an 8-9 season, the Falcons missed the playoffs despite […] The post Falcons game-by-game predictions after 2026 NFL Schedule release appeared first on ClutchPoints.
The complete 2026 NFL regular season schedule is finally here! Now fans can begin booking trips and fantasizing about some of this fall’s best upcoming matchups. The Lions certainly have some exciting games ahead, with an international game in Munich and five primetime games in front of a national audience. Is Detroit in for a […] The post Lions game-by-game predictions after 2026 NFL Schedule release appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Fernando Mendoza gives the Raiders long-term hope, but Las Vegas’ 2026 schedule leaves little room for an easy rookie transition.
The complete 2026 NFL regular season schedule has finally arrived! New York is ready to take the league by storm in 2026 after hiring John Harbaugh and making massive upgrades across the roster. The NFL seemingly recognized that the Giants could be a fun team to watch this fall, awarding them four primetime games. Could […] The post Giants game-by-game predictions after 2026 NFL Schedule release appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Check out all of the 2026 NFL schedule release videos from across the league following Thursday night's official announcements.
There has been no shortage of notable NFL players who got released in cap-saving moves at the start of the offseason. That list included Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa, Kirk Cousins, Jawaan Taylor, Joe Mixon, and Stefon Diggs. But don’t think for a second that the big-name offseason roster cuts end there. Many teams are strategically waiting until June 1st to release certain players, knowing they’ll save more in cap space. With that, let’s dive into the 10 biggest NFL names most likely to still get cut this offseason. Which popular NFL players might get cut this offseason? Brandon AiyukBrandon Aiyuk (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) The Aiyuk-49ers saga is unlike any other we’ve seen. In the 2024 NFL offseason, he agreed to a four-year contract extension worth $120 million, weeks after initially requesting a trade. He got off to a slow start that year, then suffered season-ending ACL and MCL tears in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs. The 49ers expected their superstar wide receiver to return at some point in the 2025 season while they were in an intense playoff push. But Aiyuk reportedly refused to train with his teammates as he was getting healthier, preferring to keep to himself. Sure enough, the season passed with no return of Aiyuk. GM John Lynch then publicly stated that Aiyuk had played his last game as a 49er, all but assuring a divorce. Cutting Aiyuk would save the 49ers $6.3 million in 2026, $33.1 million in 2027, and $34.987 million in 2027. And by the way? The 49ers don’t exactly need Aiyuk anymore after signing future Hall of Famer Mike Evans and using the No. 33 pick on Ole Miss wideout De’Zhaun Stribling. Aiyuk once looked like a player who was on a Hall of Fame trajectory. He’ll either be traded or cut by the 49ers before Week 1 rolls around. It’s a matter of when, not if. Alvin KamaraDec 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs with the ball against the New York Giants during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Before the 2025 NFL trade deadline, Kamara said he would retire if the New Orleans Saints traded him. Even with New Orleans well out of playoff contention, Kamara made it clear that he wasn’t interested in chasing a ring elsewhere. But it’s not up to Kamara if he plays in New Orleans next season. The Saints signed former Jacksonville Jaguars star running back Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year deal worth $48 million, another clear indicator they don’t plan to keep Kamara around long-term. Cutting Kamara would only save the Saints $376,000, essentially pocket change. But this is a team in transition mode, having already bid farewell to other fan favorites like Cameron Jordan, Demario Davis, and Marshon Lattimore. The Saints would not have thrown money at Etienne if they weren’t planning to make him their RB1. Kamara isn’t a young man anymore at 31, either. We can’t imagine he’d be happy to take on an RB2 role, given all he’s done for the New Orleans organization. If Kamara won’t accept a trade, the Saints’ best bet is to cut the five-time Pro Bowler and let him decide if he’d actually retire. Either way, nobody should be surprised if Kamara is let go before the preseason rolls around. Denzel WardDec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (21) celebrates after the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Don’t let a third straight Pro Bowl nod deceive you. Ward has been on the decline for a couple of years. He’s just lucky that Pro Bowl voting is largely a popularity contest Few cornerbacks were as elite as Ward from 2018 to 2023. In each of his first six seasons, he allowed a passer rating of 78.3 or lower, according to Pro Football Reference. That included a hilarious 56.2 passer rating in 2023. Inexplicably, Ward’s regression began in 2024 — after arguably the best season of his career. He allowed 716 yards in coverage and a passer rating of 92.8. In 2025, he allowed a career-worst 61.3 completion percentage when targeted and a passer rating of 88.1. Thanks to the stupid Deshaun Watson trade and contract, the Browns are in a salary cap predicament this NFL offseason. One easy way out of this mess? Releasing the veteran cornerback. Doing so would save the Browns $17.4 million for 2026 and a whopping $20.5 million for 2027. Cole KmetSep 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (85) misses a throw during the first quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Many were surprised when the Chicago Bears used their 2025 first-round pick on Michigan tight end Colston Loveland. They already had plenty of pass-catching weapons, including veteran tight end Cole Kmet. Turns out, the Bears knew what they were doing the entire time. Loveland finished the year with 58 receptions for 713 yards and six touchdowns — all tops on the team. His contributions helped Caleb Williams enjoy a breakout year, guiding Chicago to an NFC North division crown and a surprise trip to the Divisional Round. While Loveland enjoyed a superb rookie year, Kmet’s production dropped significantly. He finished with just 30 receptions for 347 yards and two touchdowns. Kmet has two years remaining on a $50 million extension he signed in the 2023 NFL offseason. Cutting him would only save the Bears $2.35 million against the cap for 2026, but that number increases to $10 million for 2027. Absolutely worth it. Kmet’s role is only going to continue reducing while Williams forms better chemistry with young studs like Loveland, Rome Odunze, and Luther Burden. Ideally, Chicago would find a taker for Kmet and get something in return. Otherwise, it only makes sense to cut Kmet and save the cap space. The offense will be more than fine without him. Kristian FultonDec 25, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Kristian Fulton (8) misses an interception during the second quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images The Kansas City Chiefs already made one notable roster cut, moving on from veteran offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor. That was at the start of the new league year. By no means should one believe that GM Brett Veach is done clearing out cap space. Last year, the Chiefs signed former Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Kristian Fulton to a two-year deal worth $20 million. Fulton struggled in his transition to Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive scheme and was limited to eight games in 2025 due to injury. Kansas City remade its cornerback room in the NFL offseason. They traded Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams and let Jaylen Watson walk to free agency. KC then moved up to take LSU corner Mansoor Delane with the No. 6 pick. Cutting Fulton would save the cap-strapped Chiefs $5 million before the 2026 season. That cap space could be used for Veach to bring in another serviceable veteran or two before preseason begins. Plus, the Chiefs always seem to develop rock-solid cornerbacks out of nowhere. The rest of their CB room outside of Delane and Fulton may be filled with nobodies. But cutting Fulton is worthwhile if it means saving precious cap dollars. Veach can just trust Spags and Andy Reid to develop quality replacements, too. Patrick QueenDec 7, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) reacts after a defensive stop against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images Queen had four up-and-down seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, who decided the bad outweighed the good. He left in 2024 free agency, signing with the archrival Pittsburgh Steelers on a three-year deal worth $41 million. Queen was supposed to add more juice to a stacked Pittsburgh front seven already featuring TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Cameron Heyward. He had a solid first year with the Steelers, but regressed miserably in 2025 to finish the year with a Pro Football Focus grade of 44.0. Pittsburgh’s expensive and underperforming defense needs a reset, and cutting Queen could be the starting point. If the Steelers cut him, they would save a hefty $10.8 million against the salary cap. If GM Omar Khan can find a taker via trade, Pittsburgh would save $13.3 million. The reality is, Queen’s inconsistent production doesn’t justify his hefty salary. And new Pittsburgh head coach Mike McCarthy wasn’t here when Pittsburgh signed Queen. If he doesn’t think the two-time Pro Bowler fits, the Steelers have no reason to keep him. It feels like the Steelers are ready to rebuild from scratch when Rodgers inevitably retires next year. Why not get a head start now by moving on from one of your overpaid veterans? Arik ArmsteadJacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Arik Armstead (91) walks off the field after the game of an NFL football AFC Wild Card playoff matchup, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Bills defeated the Jaguars 27-24. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] Following his release from the 49ers in 2024, Armstead was scooped up by the Jacksonville Jaguars on a three-year deal worth $43.5 million. After a miserable 2024 campaign, the veteran defensive end bounced back nicely with 5.5 sacks — his best since 2021 — helping the Jags to a surprise 13-win season and AFC South division crown. But the fact remains that Armstead makes too much money for a non-Pro-Bowl-caliber defensive lineman. And the Jaguars would save $14.48 million if they cut him before the regular season. Jacksonville already has two premier edge rushers in Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. Rookies Albert Regis and Wesley Williams could seek meaningful reps as well if the Jaguars were to cut Armstead. And shed no tears for Armstead if the Jaguars decide to cut him in the 2026 NFL offseason. He would draw plenty of interest from other teams. Marlon HumphreyMarlon Humphrey. Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images Humphrey was once in the discussion as the NFL’s best cornerback. The 2017 first-round pick has been a mainstay in the Baltimore Ravens’ secondary, earning four Pro Bowl and two First-team All-Pro selections. But as everyone knows, the Ravens’ usually-stingy defense kept getting worse and worse under John Harbaugh before he was fired after the 2025 season. And Humphrey’s inexplicable regression was a key reason why the Ravens couldn’t hold onto double-digit fourth-quarter leads to save their lives. According to Pro Football Reference, Humphrey allowed 920 yards in coverage and an 84.6 passer rating when targeted. Numbers like that would get a cornerback benched mid-season on most teams. Just saying. The Ravens have a problem with being too loyal to certain players. Look at Mark Andrews, who just got a three-year extension even though he hasn’t been a difference-maker since 2022. And it’s amazing how long Rashod Bateman has lasted with “checks notes” one good season in five years. At some point, the loyalty thing has to go out of the window. They can at least start now. Cutting Humphrey, who’s entering the final year of his contract, would save Baltimore $15.2 million against the cap in 2026. And yes, the Ravens’ secondary should be just fine with Kyle Hamilton, Malaki Starks, and Nate Wiggins leading the way. Tony PollardTennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (20) exits the field after the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025. The one-time Pro Bowler has lived up to the first two seasons of a three-year deal he signed with the Tennessee Titans in 2024 free agency. Pollard has proven that he wasn’t a product of the Dallas Cowboys system, recording consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons in Tennessee. But Titans GM Mike Borgonzi wasn’t here when the Titans signed Pollard. And Borgonzi just hired a new head coach in Robert Saleh, with ex-New York Giants HC Brian Daboll taking over as the new OC. So, the loyalty aspect doesn’t apply here. Cutting Pollard would save the rebuilding Titans $7.25 million against the salary cap. They also have veteran Tyjae Spears waiting for a bigger role. Also, Borgonzi used a fifth-round pick on Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton. We doubt the Titans would draft Singleton to simply be a No. 3 running back. Pricy veterans with plenty of mileage are hard to trade. If the Titans could find someone to take on the last year of Pollard’s contract this NFL offseason, great. But that’s much easier said than done. So, Tennessee may as well cut Pollard and use an RB-by-committee approach with Spears and Singleton. With Pollard getting up there in age, he might even welcome a fresh start if it allows him to play on a more competitive team. Not like the Titans will do much in 2026. Anthony RichardsonIndianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Richardson lost his starting job to free agent signing Daniel Jones last year. With Danny Dimes putting together a career year before his season-ending injury, an A-Rich trade felt inevitable. And yet, it still hasn’t materialized. How much has Indy given up on Richardson? So much so that they brought a 44-year-old Philip Rivers out of a five-year retirement to take over as the QB1 after Jones tore his Achilles. The Colts gave Richardson permission to seek a trade before the new league year began. But even with the draft well behind us, the No. 4 pick of 2023 is still on Indy’s roster. Indy seems to like Riley Leonard as a backup to Jones. So, unless they find a trade partner for Richardson, the Colts should do the right thing and release him. There is no benefit to keeping around a young QB who needs a fresh start that would just leave in 2027 free agency anyway.
The NFL schedule has been slowly trickling out. Here's a look at the premier matchup of the international slate.
The NFL revealed its 2026 international schedule on Wednesday, a day ahead of the full schedule release on Thursday. Nine games are on the slate this season across seven countries, the most in league history and the contractual maximum under a 2023 resolution that allows the league to play up to eight overseas games in…
Nov 22, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) adjusts his helmet during the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports One season. That’s all it took. One season of highlight-reel catches, jaw-dropping numbers, and Pro Bowl hype — and then… nothing. Gone. Like they never existed, not like the greats for each NFL team. Today, we’re counting down ten NFL wide receivers who had the entire football world convinced they were about to become superstars — and then completely fell off the map. If you’ve ever drafted one of these guys in fantasy football the year after their breakout, you already know the pain. This one’s for you. Stay until the end — because number one might genuinely surprise you. And look, we want to be clear about what we mean here. We are not talking about wide receivers who were never any good. We’re not dunking on career backups or practice squad guys who got a cup of coffee. We’re talking about players who had one legitimate, statistically dominant, make-you-a-believer season — a season where scouts were nodding, fantasy managers were celebrating, and front offices were drawing up massive contracts. And then the very next year, sometimes the year after that, they just… vanished. The league adjusted, production cratered, and those big seasons became outliers rather than launching pads. It happens more than you’d think. And every single time, it’s a story worth telling. Let’s count it down. Which wide receivers had one good season, then fell off the map? 10. TRAVIS TAYLOR The Baltimore Ravens selected this wide receiver out of Florida with the 10th overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft. First round. Top ten. The expectations were enormous from day one. Taylor showed flashes in his first few seasons but never quite put it all together — until 2003, when he finally delivered what Ravens fans had been patiently waiting for: 70 receptions, 942 yards, and 6 touchdowns. For one season, he looked like the player Baltimore had always believed they were drafting. But that was the peak. Taylor never topped 400 receiving yards in any season that followed. The big games stopped coming, the targets dried up, and he was eventually released. He bounced around the league before calling it a career. The cruel irony? His best season came in year four. Some guys just take time to develop — and then run out of time right after they do. 9. DEVERY HENDERSONNovember 28, 2011; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devery Henderson (19) carries the ball against the New York Giants during the second quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports Speed kills — until it doesn’t. Henderson was a burner out of LSU who spent most of his early career as a role player and return specialist with the New Orleans Saints. He was always dangerous in the open field, but in 2008, something clicked. Drew Brees found him 40 times for 793 yards and 5 touchdowns. Defenses were genuinely terrified of him leaking behind the secondary. For one season, he was a legitimate deep threat in one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. The following year, he dropped back down to 35 catches for 453 yards. By 2010, he was a part-time contributor, and by 2012, his career was effectively over. Here’s the thing about pure speed receivers — once defensive coordinators game-plan for you, once the film is out and corners know your tendencies, and once your legs lose even half a step, there is nowhere to hide. Henderson’s entire game was predicated on getting behind people. The moment the league figured out how to keep him in front of them, the magic disappeared. 8. IKE HILLIARDJan 6, 2002; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Giants receiver Ike Hilliard (88) in action against the Green Bay Packers at Giants Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lou Capozzola-USA TODAY NETWORK Playing alongside Amani Toomer with the New York Giants, Hilliard had a legitimate breakout campaign in 1999 — 72 catches, 996 yards, and 7 touchdowns. He was four yards shy of a 1,000-yard season and had established himself as a genuine playmaker on a team going places. Giants fans penciled him into the lineup for the next decade. He was young, productive, and looked completely comfortable as a starting wide receiver. Then the injuries came. And they didn’t stop. Hilliard battled through a string of physical setbacks that robbed him of his explosiveness and his availability. He never cracked 500 receiving yards in a single season after 1999. Think about that — one near-thousand-yard year, and then nothing close to it ever again. He eventually finished his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a long way from the player the Giants thought they had. His story is less about the league adjusting and more about the randomness of injury — how one wrong landing, one awkward tackle, can permanently alter the trajectory of a career that had every reason to thrive. 7. JERRY PORTERNov 18, 2007; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Oakland Raiders receiver Jerry Porter (84) reacts after catching a 28-yard pass in the fourth quarter of 29-22 loss to Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports The Oakland Raiders wide receiver had what genuinely looked like a superstar breakout in the 2005 season — 74 catches, 942 yards, and 9 touchdowns. He was a big, physical receiver who won contested catches and generated yards after contact. He looked like the kind of player you build an offense around for the next decade. Raiders fans were excited. The league was on notice. Then came front office drama. Feuds with the coaching staff. A suspension. A total implosion that had nothing to do with his talent and everything to do with the chaos around him — and some of the chaos within him. Porter played only scattered games of note in the following seasons and never came anywhere close to replicating that 2005 output. He signed with Jacksonville, tried to revive things, and eventually faded out. His case is a reminder that football is a team sport in every sense — and when the organization around you is dysfunctional, even legitimate talent can get swallowed up. 6. DONTE' STALLWORTHJul 30, 2013; Richmond, VA, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth (14) runs onto the field prior to a morning walkthrough as part of the 2013 NFL training camp at the Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports In 2007, with the New England Patriots — yes, that Patriots offense, the one that nearly went 19-0 with Tom Brady breaking every record in sight — Stallworth hauled in 46 catches for 697 yards and an almost absurd 11 touchdowns. The touchdown total alone would make any receiver look elite. With Randy Moss commanding every safety and corner in the building, Stallworth was picking apart single coverage all season long. He was a genuine weapon and earned every penny of his reputation that year. The following offseason, the Cleveland Browns handed him a massive free agent contract worth over $35 million. The result? Three catches. In the entire 2008 season with Cleveland, Donte’ Stallworth caught three passes for 46 yards and played only eight games. It was one of the most jarring single-season collapses you will ever find in a wide receiver. The lesson here is hard but important: context is everything. System matters. Quarterback matters. When you go from Tom Brady and the greatest offense of a generation to a struggling Cleveland Browns squad, the numbers will not follow you. Stallworth’s talent was real. The situation in New England was just unrepeatable. 5. DAVID GIVENSFeb 06, 2005; Jacksonville, FL, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver #87 David Givens runs after making a catch against the Philadelphia Eagles defense during Super Bowl XXXIX at Alltel Stadium. The Patriots won the game 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports Another Patriots wide receiver on this list — and honestly, that’s not a coincidence. The New England system was incredible at making receivers look better than they were. Givens was a legitimate contributor during the dynasty years, but his true breakout came in 2004 — 56 catches, 874 yards, and 3 touchdowns. He was reliable, smart, ran clean routes, and had genuine chemistry with Brady. The Tennessee Titans looked at that production and rewarded him with a massive free agent deal worth up to $24 million. A huge payday. A fresh start. A new chapter. He played four games in his first Tennessee season before a serious knee injury ended his year. He managed six games the following year before another injury struck and ended his NFL career entirely. David Givens never played another snap in the league. One of the most heartbreaking entries on this entire list because there was no failure of talent, no drama, no system mismatch — just a body that couldn’t hold up when it mattered most. Football is violent and random, and sometimes the cruelest outcomes have nothing to do with anything a player could control. 4. SAMMIE STROUGHTERAug. 28, 2008; Stanford, CA, USA; Oregon State Beavers wide receiver Sammie Stroughter (19) reacts after wide receiver Darrell Catchings (not pictured) fumbled the ball for a touchback during the fourth quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, CA. Stanford defeated Oregon State 36-28. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports In 2009 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Stroughter had a legitimate eye-opening rookie season — 56 catches for 680 yards, flashing open-field instincts and route-running ability that had people genuinely excited about where his career was headed. For a young receiver coming out of a smaller program, those numbers were impressive. Tampa Bay looked like they had found something. The following year: 3 catches for 26 yards. Not a typo. Three. The year after that, he was out of the NFL altogether. His rookie season now reads almost like a statistical anomaly when you look at the rest of his career. What happened? The league happened. Defensive coordinators studied his tendencies, corners stopped giving him free releases, and Stroughter couldn’t make the adjustments fast enough. It’s one of the most dramatic single-season disappearing acts you’ll find in recent NFL history. 3. FREDDIE MITCHELLFeb 06, 2005; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Philadelphia Eagles receiver Freddie Mitchell (84) is hit by New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi (54) and Roman Phifer (95) during Super Bowl XXXIX at Alltel Stadium. The Patriots won the game 24-21. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports Oh yes. Number three is Freddie Mitchell — aka FredEx —, and if you watched Philadelphia Eagles football in the early 2000s, you already have strong feelings about this man. The Eagles selected Mitchell in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft, and in 2002, he assembled a genuinely solid season: 55 catches, 750 yards, and 6 touchdowns. More importantly, he made one of the most memorable catches in Eagles playoff history — hauling in that miraculous reception on 4th-and-26 against the Green Bay Packers to keep Philadelphia’s season alive. In that moment, FredEx was a legend. What followed was one of the most spectacular collapses — both on and off the field — of that entire era for a wide receiver. His production fell off a cliff almost immediately. He feuded openly with the organization. He made bizarre and boastful quotes to the press. And he called out opposing players by name before games in which he contributed almost nothing. He thanked his own hands in a postgame press conference. Mitchell was released after the 2004 season, attempted a comeback with Kansas City that went nowhere, and never played meaningful NFL football again. The talent was real — that 4th-and-26 catch proved it forever. The rest of it? Not so much. 2. MIKE WILLIAMSDec 31, 2006; Irving, TX, USA; Detriot Lions wide receiver (88) Mike Williams celebrates a touchdown in the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports (c) copyright 2006 Tim Heitman Mike Williams was supposed to be Detroit’s next big-time weapon after dominating at USC, but his NFL career never came close to matching the hype. After sitting out the 2004 college season due to eligibility issues, Williams still went 10th overall to the Lions in 2005, joining a receiving corps that already included Charles Rogers and Roy Williams. But his lack of speed, conditioning concerns, and struggles separating from NFL defenders quickly became major problems. He lasted only two seasons in Detroit, catching just 37 passes before bouncing around the league. For a player once viewed as one of college football’s most unstoppable wideouts, Williams became one of the clearest examples of a receiver whose peak came before the NFL ever really began. 1. KELLEY WASHINGTONAug 19, 2005; Landover, MD, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver #87 Kelley Washington celebrates his touchdown against the Washington Redskins during the second quarter at Fed-Ex Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports Copyright © 2005 Geoff Burke Now hear us out, because this is precisely what makes the one-hit wonder wide receiver so devastating. Washington was a big, physical pass-catcher for the Cincinnati Bengals who, in 2004, genuinely flashed the kind of versatility and contested-catch ability that makes scouts salivate. He was getting meaningful targets, producing in the run-after-catch game, and looked like he could be a legitimate long-term starter in that offense. The hype was real. The potential was real. Then came the slow fade. Injuries mounted, the opportunity window closed, and he bounced from Cincinnati to New England to Baltimore to Tampa Bay — barely a footnote in each city. No scandal, no enormous bad contract, no catastrophic single injury moment. Just a career quietly evaporating before it ever fully arrived. And that’s why he’s number one — because his story is the most common version of this tale. Not every burnout is dramatic. Most of them look exactly like Kelley Washington: a guy who showed you just enough to believe, and then disappeared before you could prove yourself right.
CBS Sports identified one thing the Steelers should be hoping for when the NFL unveils the 2026 schedule on May 14. The post Steelers Get Clear Wish List Ahead Of NFL Schedule Release appeared first on HEAVY.
Former North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton revealed a connection with fellow former Bison star Carson Wentz recently. The post Cole Payton Reveals Significant Carson Wentz Connection appeared first on HEAVY.
The NFL strength of schedule has been revealed. Here's a look at each of the 32 teams' expected difficulty of schedule.
Pro Football Sports Network's Jacob Infante predicted the Green Bay Packers to sign veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore. The post Packers Pegged Landing Spot for $97 Million CB appeared first on HEAVY.
With the New Orleans Saints coming off the 2026 NFL Draft, the team has made some picks that hopefully could end up being future building blocks for the franchise. When it comes to the Saints’ prospects, there is one that has an interesting background, as it deals with undrafted free agent Brock Rechsteiner. For professional […] The post Saints UDFA Brock Rechsteiner opens up about WWE family Scott Steiner, Bron Breakker appeared first on ClutchPoints.
The NFL strategically builds suspense for the new campaign, turning what used to be fairly straightforward league business into high-profile events. The next big one on the calendar happens to be the calendar itself. Fans will soon get the chance to start predicting win-loss records and mapping out their in-season plans. The entire schedule will […] The post When will full NFL schedule, international games be released? appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Saints may trade Alvin Kamara, and Cowboys have shockingly been named a possible landing spot sportingnews.com
The Chicago Bears need more help with their pass rush, but they may miss out on a top candidate if they don't act soon. The post Bears Now Predicted to Miss Out on 3-Time All-Pro Pass Rusher appeared first on HEAVY.
The NFL officially announced Friday that the Chicago Bears will learn their full 2026 regular season schedule on May 14. The anticipation continues building around one of the franchise’s most anticipated seasons in years. Mark your calendars 🗓️ The schedule drops May 14! — Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) May 8, 2026 The full NFL schedule release […] The post Chicago Bears Get Major News on 2026 Schedule, Opponents appeared first on HEAVY.
NFL quarterbacks aren’t just defined by their skill set and individual numbers. They’re also judged by their ability to perform under pressure as the main QB for their team. Look at Tom Brady vs. Philip Rivers. Joe Montana vs. Dan Marino. Patrick Mahomes vs. Lamar Jackson. You get the idea. With the 2026 NFL season just a few months away, how high is the pressure level of each team’s starting QB ? Let’s rank him from lowest to highest. Who are the most pressured QBs for each NFL team? 32. Cleveland Browns (Deshaun Watson)Deshaun Watson (Bill Streicher-Imagn Images) Two years ago, Watson would have placed higher on this list. But everyone has accepted that he’s washed up and done. So, there aren’t any expectations for him whatsoever. And if Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel end up taking over as the QB1? Same deal. Nobody is expecting anything from anyone in Cleveland’s QB room. Moving on… 31. New York Jets (Geno Smith) Smith may be fighting for his career at this point, but nobody is expecting much of anything from the former Seattle Seahawks’ Pro Bowler. Smith was awful with the Las Vegas Raiders last year. The 2026 Jets have even less talent than the 2025 Raiders, who finished as the NFL’s worst team. 30. Arizona Cardinals (Jacoby Brissett)Nov 9, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images Whether it’s Brissett, Gardner Minshew II, or rookie Carson Beck behind center, it doesn’t matter. The pressure is minimal on an Arizona team that’s in a good spot to win the Arch Manning or Dante Moore QB sweepstakes next year. Even if Brissett loses the starting job, he’ll be a bridge QB elsewhere in 2027. Pressure meter on Cardinals QBs: Sub-zero. 29. Miami Dolphins (Malik Willis) The Dolphins signed Willis to a three-year deal worth $67.5 million after cutting Tua Tagovailoa loose. They also cut Tyreek Hill and traded Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, leaving Willis with a practice-squad-level set of receivers. In other words, the heat level is low on Willis this year. The Dolphins gave him a multi-year deal and little to work with, which is another way of saying they’ll be patient with his transition into a full-time QB1 role. 28. Las Vegas Raiders (Kirk Cousins)Apr 8, 2026; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins speaks at a press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images Now on his third team in four years, the Pro Bowl version of Cousins is long gone. The Raiders gave him a one-year deal to serve as a temporary starter while they patiently develop No. 1 overall pick, Fernando Mendoza. Cousins isn’t playing for a long-term future in Sin City. He also joins a team that was far and away the worst in football last year. Despite his status as a household name, nobody is really expecting much from Cousins at this phase of his career. 27. New York Giants (Jaxson Dart)New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) walks on the field after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers at MetLife Stadium, Sep 28, 2025, East Rutherford, NJ, USA. Dart had a strong rookie season while fighting numerous injuries and dealing with a banged-up supporting cast. Though some Giants fans understandably want a jump to superstardom with John Harbaugh now calling the shots, it’s still important to be patient with Dart. The Giants aren’t going to become contenders overnight. It’s a work in progress. Dart established himself as the starting QB last year for this team. Let’s not act like he has to be MVP-caliber in year two. 26. Tennessee Titans (Cam Ward)Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) exits the field after an NFL pre-season game against the Minnesota Vikings at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. Yes, the Titans signed Wan’Dale Robinson and used the No. 4 pick on Carnell Tate to bolster the wide receiver corps for Ward. But again, nobody is realistically expecting Ward to break out in year two. The Titans enter 2026 with a brand new coaching staff, led by Robert Saleh. They play in a division with three playoff contenders. The Titans want improvement from Ward, but he’s not fighting for his job or under pressure to win a Super Bowl in 2026. 25. Seattle Seahawks (Sam Darnold)Sam Darnold (Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images) Among the established starting QBs for each NFL team in 2026, none can take a larger “chill pill” than Sam Darnold. The man exceeded expectations in his first year with the Seahawks, leading them to a Super Bowl 60 championship with a near-perfect postseason. Seahawks fans will want more, of course, hoping Darnold and the “Dark Side” defense can form a dynasty that Russell Wilson and the Legion of Boom couldn’t. But there’s not much pressure on Darnold for 2026. Repeating is hard. The main objective has been achieved once already. Anything after that is gravy. 24. New Orleans Saints (Tyler Shough)Tyler Shough (Image Credits: Imagn) Shough replaced Spencer Rattler mid-season and finished the season as the starter. He showed enough promise to maintain the starting QB job for 2026, and New Orleans got him more help by signing Travis Etienne Jr. and drafting Jordyn Tyson in the first round. The Saints are still rebuilding, so expectations are minimal for Shough this year. It would take a disastrous season on his end for New Orleans to seek a new option in 2026. That feels unlikely, given the upgraded weaponry around him. 23. Pittsburgh Steelers (Aaron Rodgers)Aaron Rodgers (Photo By Michael Longo/For USA Today Network-PA / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) We’re operating under the assumption that Rodgers ends up returning to the Steelers. If he doesn’t, well, Mason Rudolph isn’t gonna save the day. It’s hard to label Rodgers as a QB facing much pressure for this team. He’s above-average, but well past his best-before date at age-42. If he returns to Pittsburgh, they’ll be a playoff contender and nothing more. 22. Kansas City Chiefs (Patrick Mahomes)Patrick Mahomes (Photo Via Imagn Images) Hard to put much pressure on Mahomes here. He’s a three-time Super Bowl champion who’s gone to the big game in five of his eight seasons as the starter. With Mahomes also recovering from a season-ending ACL tear, it’ll be understandable if he’s not at 100 percent in 2026. 21. Los Angeles Rams (Matthew Stafford)Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images) Nobody seems to know how much longer Matthew Stafford is playing. But with a Super Bowl ring already on his resume, it’s hard to say there’s any real pressure on him. Of course, the Rams would like to win another Super Bowl before No. 9 calls it quits. But the NFC is brutally difficult this year. Nobody can hold it against him if they fall short of the ultimate prize again. 20. Carolina Panthers (Bryce Young)Jan 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) passes on the run against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images The No. 1 pick of the 2023 NFL Draft finally put it together in year three, leading Carolina to a surprise NFC South crown. With an improved supporting cast around him, there’s no reason to think Young is facing real pressure in year four. 19. Chicago Bears (Caleb Williams)Sep 21, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) gestures after throwing a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images Williams had a breakout year for the ages under Ben Johnson’s tutelage. He led the Bears to a surprise NFC North crown and their first playoff win since 2010. The No. 1 pick of 2024 has arrived, and he’s just entering his prime now as this team’s starting QB. No pressure here. Moving on… 18. Washington Commanders (Jayden Daniels)Oct 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates after a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images There’s pressure on Daniels to stay healthy and look more like his superstar form we saw as a rookie in 2024. But I mean, he’s a third-year QB who has limited talent around him. Not like the guy’s fighting for his job or anything. Washington won’t re-emerge as a contender without an improved ground game, pass protection, and defense. Those responsibilities don’t fall on Daniels. 17. Cincinnati Bengals (Joe Burrow)Nov 27, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) reacts against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images The weight isn’t really on Joe Burrow’s shoulders here. We all know he’s going to have a lights-out season in Cincinnati. The pressure is on the rest of the team to build a winner. We can see a scenario where he demands a trade Burrow memorably told reporters, “You think about a lot of things,” last December when asked about playing elsewhere. If things go well this year in Cincy, great. If not, Burrow has good reason to demand a trade. The pressure is hardly on him. 16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Baker Mayfield)Baker Mayfield. Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images Mayfield is entering the final year of his deal with the Bucs, who endured a brutal second-half meltdown to miss out on the postseason for the first time since 2019. The Bucs, even with their star QB, are a mushy middle team, not Super Bowl contenders. If Mayfield doesn’t play well enough to get an extension from Tampa, somebody else will pay him. And with their window closing, that’s not the worst scenario for Mayfield. 15. Minnesota Vikings (Kyler Murray)Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images) After his release from the Cardinals, Murray signed a one-year deal with the Vikings. It’s hard to think he’ll fare poorly with an elite set of weapons and a top head coach like Kevin O’Connell…but crazier things have happened. If Murray somehow flops in Minny, it could hurt his chances of securing a long-term starting job elsewhere. Play well, however, and he could get a nine-figure contract from the Vikings or somewhere else next year. 14. Denver Broncos (Bo Nix)Bo Nix (Photo via Imagn Images) If not for a season-ending ankle injury in the Divisional Round, Nix would have led the Broncos to the Super Bowl. And who knows? They might have even defeated Seattle in the big game. The Broncos are now bona fide Super Bowl contenders, but so are over a half-dozen teams in the hard AFC. Nix and the Broncos are facing natural pressure as the AFC runner-ups, but it’s not the end of his career if they don’t win it all in 2026. 13. Jacksonville Jaguars (Trevor Lawrence)Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) runs on the field before an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Texans 17-10. Lawrence finally regained that star-like form we saw in 2022, thanks to the masterful coaching of Liam Coen. With a long-term contract in his back pocket, Lawrence isn’t going anywhere. Obviously, it’d be great if the Jags could build on last year’s 13-win season and go on a deep playoff run. But there’s only room for one winner in the AFC. It’s not quite championship-or-bust for this young QB and the team in 2026. At least, not yet. 12. San Francisco 49ers (Brock Purdy)San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images) Hard as it is to believe, we’re now four years through Purdy’s career. Three playoff berths, two NFC Championship berths, and a Super Bowl 58 appearance are nothing to scoff at. But now, the pressure’s growing on Purdy. The short-handed 49ers were crushed by the Seahawks in the Divisional Round. No shame in that, but they’ll be healthy for 2026. With core players getting old, Purdy is running out of prime opportunities to win his first Super Bowl. His pressure meter isn’t scorching-scorching hot, but sunscreen is a good idea. 11. Philadelphia Eagles (Jalen Hurts)Dec 20, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) looks on before the game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images To some, it may feel weird putting Hurts this high after winning the Super Bowl a year ago. But folks, this is Philly. The market is unforgiving. Just look at how many Eagles fans turned against Nick Sirianni this past season. The Eagles are getting rid of AJ Brown, drafted Makai Lemon, and named Sean Mannion their new OC. So, the Hurts-Brown locker room drama is no longer an excuse. Nor is OC malpractice. If Hurts has another “down” season, there will be calls for Philly to trade him and/or fire Sirianni. In this ruthless Philly market, the pressure is ultra-high for Hurts to rebound. 10. Detroit Lions (Jared Goff)Jared Goff (Image Credits: Imagn) The Lions were a trendy pick to win Super Bowl 60 last year. Instead, a rash of injuries and poor performances in one-score games sank them to a 9-8 record and last-place finish in the NFC North. Since leading the Lions to the NFC title game in 2023, Goff hasn’t won a single playoff game. And remember, the knock against him in Los Angeles was that he couldn’t win the big one. Goff isn’t a young man anymore at age 32. Dan Campbell infamously told his players that losing in the 2023 NFC title game may have been their only shot. It’s up to the veteran QB to put that notion to bed and lead his team back into playoff contention. 9. Green Bay Packers (Jordan Love)Jordan Love (Image Credits: Imagn) After leading the Packers to the elite eight in 2023, Love has endured back-to-back losses in the Wild Card Round. That’s just not going to cut it in Green Bay. Love isn’t fighting for his job in 2026, but it’s also not a stretch to suggest he’s a playoff choker. If the Packers don’t at least reach the NFC Championship Game, questions about whether he’s the right guy in Green Bay will escalate. 8. New England Patriots (Drake Maye)Drake Maye (Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images) Maye’s sophomore season couldn’t have gone THAT much better. He was the MVP runner-up and led the Pats to a surprise AFC title before an overmatched Seattle team crushed them in the Super Bowl. But fair or not, expectations are now sky-high for Maye. Any year the Pats didn’t win it all with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick was considered a disappointment. Playing in New England means more pressure. Now, it’s up to Maye to show a) last year was no fluke and b) he won’t let the Super Bowl loss break him. 7. Dallas Cowboys (Dak Prescott)Sep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) looks at his helmet during warmups before the game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images When you’re the starting quarterback of the Cowboys, pressure will always go through the roof. Even though most NFL fanbases know these guys aren’t serious contenders, the Cowboys’ faithful and brass hold a “championship or bust” mentality each year. If there were a time for Prescott to lead Dallas on a deep postseason run, it’s now. He’s never had an offense this stacked, with CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Javonte Williams. If this team falls off and misses the postseason for a third straight year, you have to wonder if Jerry Jones will consider replacing their starting QB in 2027. 6. Los Angeles Chargers (Justin Herbert)Justin Herbert (Image Credits: Imagn) The knock against the Bolts early in Herbert’s career was that he had a bad offensive line, a weak defense, and coaching malpractice. Neither of those has been a problem in LA since Jim Harbaugh arrived. And yet, Herbert has delivered back-to-back stinkers in the Wild Card Round. His playoff record is now 0-3 with two touchdowns, four picks, and a 64.7 passer rating. Woof, we don’t wanna imagine how much worse his reputation will get if the Bolts can’t win at least one playoff game this year. 5. Indianapolis Colts (Daniel Jones)Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (Denny Medley-Imagn Images) Jones was enjoying a career year in Indy before, unfortunately, suffering a torn Achilles late in the season. The Colts decided to take the risk that it wasn’t a fluke, giving “Danny Dimes” a two-year extension worth $88 million. But folks, we’ve seen this story before. Jones had a career year for the Giants in 2022, then signed a $160 million extension in 2023. He was released in the midst of the 2024 season. If he flops in 2026 the way he did in 2023, he won’t be a starter again. Pure and simple. 4. Buffalo Bills (Josh Allen)Josh Allen (Image Credits: Imagn) Allen’s not a young man anymore at 30. If you thought Sean McDermott was the problem? Well, he’s long gone. The Bills replaced him with Joe Brady, who has helped Allen take his game to another level. The Bills’ championship window is closing, and quickly. If the Bills don’t get it done in 2026, then what do you do? The excuses for Allen have to end at some point. 3. Atlanta Falcons (Michael Penix Jr.)Sep 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) reacts after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images The Falcons signed Tua Tagovailoa to challenge Penix after his release from the Dolphins. So yeah, the pressure is really on Atlanta’s 2024 first-round pick to deliver this time. Penix has battled injuries and accuracy woes over his first two years. If he can’t deliver early for Kevin Stefanski, the Falcons will turn to Tua. And that will be that in this team’s young QB. 2. Houston Texans (C.J. Stroud)Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (Barry Reeger-Imagn Images) Stroud’s shaky 2025 season wasted a generational Houston Texans defense. He single-handedly cost them in their AFC Divisional Round loss against the Patriots. What happened to the guy who had an MVP-like season in his 2023 rookie year? Houston picked up Stroud’s fifth-year option, but his seat is burning-hot now. Houston has a championship-caliber roster. If Stroud is going to waste it again, they have to move on and find a QB who won’t keep screwing up when they need him most. 1. Baltimore Ravens (Lamar Jackson)Lamar Jackson (Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images) Lamar Jackson presumably wanted John Harbaugh gone after missing the postseason in 2025. The Ravens gave him a fresh start. So we’ve entered the “If not now, when” phase of Jackson’s career. Jackson and Harbaugh never got to the postseason together despite remarkable regular-season success. The 29-year-old QB isn’t getting any younger. If the fortunes don’t change under Jesse Minter, we might have to accept that Jackson will never win the big one.
