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5 NFL Rivalries That Are Heating Up and 5 That Are Completely Dead

Some rivalries define NFL eras. Others just… fade away. Right now, the NFL landscape is shifting. Legendary coaches are leaving. Young stars are taking over. And some rivalries that were dead for decades? They’re suddenly the most compelling matchups in football. Let’s break down five rivalries that are absolutely heating up—and five that are officially dead. Which NFL rivalries are lighting up, and which ones have died down? HEATING UP: Packers vs Bears The NFL’s oldest rivalry is back—and it might be better than it’s ever been. For years, this “rivalry” was a joke. The Packers and Aaron Rodgers owned Chicago for a decade. It just wasn’t competitive. Then Ben Johnson arrived. Six minutes into his introductory press conference, Johnson turned to reporters and made some choice remarks about beating Matt LaFleur twice a year. Keep in mind, he hadn’t even coached a game in Chicago yet—and he was already picking a fight with Green Bay. LaFleur didn’t take it well. At the NFL’s annual meeting, they exchanged the coldest, most awkward handshake you’ve ever seen. LaFleur later told reporters, “I don’t know Ben Johnson. Do I have beef? I don’t know Ben Johnson.” The tension only grew as the season unfolded. In Week 14, the Packers beat the Bears 28-21 at Lambeau. LaFleur gave Johnson another drive-by handshake.  Two weeks later? Caleb Williams threw a 46-yard touchdown to DJ Moore in overtime. Bears win 22-16. They’d erased a 10-point deficit in the final two minutes, recovered an onside kick, and pulled off a miracle. But the real fireworks came in the playoffs. Wild Card weekend. Soldier Field. The Bears fell behind 21-6 entering the fourth quarter. Green Bay had a 99% win probability. Williams led three consecutive touchdown drives in the fourth quarter, the third coming with the Bears down 27-24 with under two minutes left, when Williams found DJ Moore wide open for a 25-yard touchdown. Bears 31, Packers 27. Johnson became the first Bears coach to win a playoff game in his first season. In the locker room afterward, he grabbed the microphone and screamed: “F*** the Packers! F*** them. I f***ing hate those guys.” That’s not a corporate rivalry anymore. That’s real. And here’s why this matters long-term: Both teams are set. Williams just set the Bears’ single-season passing record with 3,942 yards. Jordan Love is entering his prime. Johnson and LaFleur could be facing off twice a year for the next decade. The NFL’s oldest rivalry finally has stakes again. DEAD: John Harbaugh vs Mike TomlinDec 5, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh (left) and Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin (right) talk on the field before their teams play at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports For nearly two decades, John Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin defined what an AFC North rivalry should look like. Forty head-to-head meetings. Two Super Bowl-winning coaches. The NFL’s longest-tenured coaching tandem at their respective franchises. But in January of the 2026 offseason, that all changed, as both were gone within a week. Their final meeting was Week 18—winner takes the AFC North, loser goes home. It was the first winner-or-go-home game in AFC North history. Classic Steelers-Ravens: four lead changes in the fourth quarter, brutal defense, everything on the line. With the game tied 24-24 and seconds remaining, Ravens rookie kicker Tyler Loop lined up for a 44-yard field goal to win Baltimore the division.  Unfortunately for Baltimore, he missed it, and the Ravens were eliminated. Two days later, owner Steve Bisciotti fired Harbaugh after 18 seasons.  One week after that, Tomlin stepped down. Nineteen seasons without a losing record—an NFL record—and he walked away. Tomlin hasn’t landed anywhere yet. Jesse Minter is now the Ravens’ head coach. The two longest-tenured coaches in the league are suddenly gone, and now, one of football’s fiercest rivalries is in new hands. The games will still be good, but they will be missing what made this NFL rivalry special—two coaches who genuinely respected each other while doing everything possible to destroy each other twice a year. When all was said and done, Tomlin finished with the advantage 23-17 against Harbaugh in head-to-head meetings. It will be interesting to see how the next evolution of the rivalry comes into form, but for now, one of the NFL’s great coaching rivalries is officially dead. HEATING UP: Mike Vrabel vs Tom Brady Here’s an NFL rivalry nobody saw coming: Two guys who won three Super Bowls together as teammates are now competing against each other—and it’s already getting petty. When Mike Vrabel took over the Patriots in 2025, he immediately transformed one of the NFL’s worst rosters into a Super Bowl contender. New England went 14-3, won the AFC East for the first time since 2019, and reached Super Bowl LX. Meanwhile, Tom Brady became a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders–apparently after trying and failing to wiggle his way into the owner’s box in Foxborough. And when it came time for the Raiders to trade Maxx Crosby, Brady reportedly made sure his former teammate didn’t get the player he wanted. Reports quickly started to surface that Tom went out of his way to make sure that the stud defensive end was not sent to his former team. Instead, Brady shipped Crosby to Baltimore for two first-round picks, and the Patriots got nothing. These two are fiercely competitive people. Brady is widely regarded as the most ruthless winner in NFL history. Vrabel is the guy who still practices with his guys from time to time. Now they’re operating in the same conference, making decisions that directly affect each other’s franchises. Brady controls personnel in Las Vegas. Vrabel is building a dynasty in New England. And neither one is going to give the other an inch. DEAD: Jets VS. Patriots Remember when these two teams played meaningful games? Whelp… not anymore! The Patriots may be back under Vrabel’s leadership, but the Jets went 3-14 in 2025. They started 0-7—the last team in the NFL to win a game. Their defense didn’t record a single interception all season.  Meanwhile, the Patriots went 14-3 and made the Super Bowl. When these NFL teams met, it wasn’t a rivalry—it was a glorified practice. New England destroyed the Jets 42-10 in Week 13. The Jets committed a franchise-record 160 penalty yards.  Aaron Glenn’s first season as head coach was a disaster by any measure. The Justin Fields experiment failed spectacularly. By Week 12, Fields was benched, and the Jets held a fire sale at the trade deadline, shipping out Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner—two of their best defensive players for future draft assets. The Patriots and Jets used to define the AFC East. Now? The Jets are too bad to be rivals with anyone. This isn’t a rivalry anymore—it’s a recurring embarrassment for New York HEATING UP: Patriots vs Bills While the Jets collapse, the real AFC East rivalry is between New England and Buffalo. The Bills had won the division five straight years. They had the reigning MVP in Josh Allen. Bills fans thought the Pats were a thing of the past, and Buffalo was supposed to run the AFC East forever. Then Mike Vrabel showed up, Drake Maye emerged as a legitimate MVP candidate, and New England’s defense became one of the most feared units in football. The teams split the season series, but the Patriots got the edge this year by taking the AFC crown. This should be quite a battle for years to come… Both quarterbacks were finalists for MVP. Both teams finished with elite records and are young enough to do this for the next decade. DEAD: Patrick Mahomes VS. Josh AllenOct 16, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) hugs Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports For years, this NFL rivalry defined the AFC. Mahomes and Allen are meeting in the playoffs. Kansas City is finding a way to win every single time. Allen was never able to get over the hump. Four playoff losses to the Chiefs. In 2025, it all fell apart. The Chiefs went 6-11. They missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014. Mahomes had his worst statistical season as a starter—a 63.1 completion percentage, his career low, and 22 touchdowns in 14 games. Then came Week 15 against the Chargers. Mahomes scrambled to extend a play and got spun down by defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand. He grabbed his left knee immediately, and as many feared, it was a torn ACL, and his season was officially over. It even puts his start to the 2026 season in jeopardy. The typical recovery timeline is nine months, but there’s no guarantee Mahomes returns to his MVP form. At least not right away. For this matchup to matter again, Mahomes needs to get healthy. The Chiefs need to rebuild around him. And to be honest, once he is back, Allen needs to actually beat Mahomes in a playoff game to make it feel competitive. Right now, it’s just one great quarterback who can’t get it done in the playoffs and another one on the operating table. Check back in 2027. HEATING UP: Seahawks vs Rams The NFC West has a new defining rivalry—and it might be the most compelling matchup in football. The Seahawks and Rams played each other three times in 2025. Each game felt like a heavyweight fight. Seattle won the first regular-season meeting by three points. Los Angeles won the second by two. In the NFC Championship, the Seahawks pulled out a 31-27 victory to reach Super Bowl LX. But the real story is the chess match between coaches. Sean McVay revolutionized the NFL offense. He made the Rams the most explosive team in football. He’s been to two Super Bowls. Mike Macdonald might be his defensive counterpart. In just his second year as head coach, Macdonald led Seattle to a championship. His defense held opponents to the fewest points in the NFL. His scheme is so complex that McVay himself said playing against Macdonald’s unit “felt like you were playing against 13 players.” What makes this NFL rivalry work is the contrast. McVay’s Rams led the NFL in scoring. Macdonald’s Seahawks led the NFL in points allowed. When they meet, it’s the unstoppable force versus the immovable object. Plus, there is the friction that exists between the Shanahan tree and any good coach that didn’t spawn his career from it. Macdonald isn’t part of that club. He came up through the Ravens organization. He’s the outsider who crashed their party and won a championship. And now these two young coaches could be facing off for NFC supremacy for the next decade.  DEAD: Cowboys VS. 49ers Once upon a time, this was the NFL’s marquee rivalry. The 1990s saw Dallas and San Francisco meet in three consecutive NFC Championship games. The winner went on to win the Super Bowl each time. It was must-see television. Now? The Cowboys can’t even make the playoffs. Dallas missed the postseason for the second consecutive year in 2025—the first back-to-back playoff absences since 2000-2002.  Largely because their defense was one of the worst we’ve seen in some time. The 49ers, meanwhile, remain annual contenders–even in spite of all the injuries. They’ve won the last four meetings between these franchises and made a couple of Super Bowl appearances in recent years.  For this rivalry to matter, both teams need to be relevant. The Cowboys haven’t won a playoff game since January 2023. They haven’t won multiple playoff games in a single postseason since 1996. Their Super Bowl drought has reached 30 years. Jerry Jones keeps promising things will change, but we have heard that before, and until it does, this rivalry will remain a sleeping giant. HEATING UP: Ben Johnson vs Shanahan Coaching Tree This one’s personal. When Ben Johnson was hired by the Bears, he immediately positioned himself as an outsider. He called out Matt LaFleur. He dismissed the Packers. And he made it clear he wasn’t interested in making friends. What he didn’t realize—or maybe he did—was that he was picking a fight with an entire coaching ecosystem. LaFleur is part of the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree. So is Sean McVay. So is Matt LaFleur’s brother, Mike LaFleur, who serves as the Rams’ offensive coordinator. These guys vacation together. They share schemes. They’re a network. Johnson came up through the Dan Campbell and Miami Dolphins system. He’s an outsider to their world. After Johnson’s drive-by handshake with Matt LaFleur went viral, reports emerged that his antics “did not go over well with the McVay tree.”  Whatever that means… what are they? The coaching mafia?! But Johnson isn’t backing down. At the NFL Combine, he was asked about his relationship with LaFleur. His answer was blunt: “We don’t talk. Nope. No.” This isn’t just Bears-Packers anymore. It’s Ben Johnson versus an entire coaching fraternity. The Shanahan tree includes some of the most successful offensive minds in football. Johnson is the guy trying to prove he doesn’t need their approval. He’s made himself the villain, and he seems to love it. DEAD: Giants VS. Jets Two teams. One city. Zero reasons to care. The Giants went 4-13 in 2025. The Jets went 3-14. Combined record: 7-27… YIKES! The Giants dismissed Brian Daboll after a 2-8 start, while the Jets stuck with first-year coach Aaron Glenn despite historically bad results. I mean, we are talking about a Jets team that recorded zero interceptions all season.  The Giants showed some life early but lost Malik Nabers to a torn ACL in Week 4, further derailing their already-struggling offense.  Neither franchise has made the playoffs since 2010 for the Jets and 2022 for the Giants. Neither inspires any serious confidence heading into 2026. For years, Giants fans and Jets fans would argue about which team was better. Now? Nobody in New York or New Jersey has any fight left in them.

Read more5 NFL Rivalries That Are Heating Up and 5 That Are Completely Dead

Steelers reporter drops intriguing hint on team’s NFL Draft plans at QB

It has been a while since the last time the Pittsburgh Steelers had a franchise quarterback. Following the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger, the AFC North franchise has cycled through different QB starters, the last being a watered-down version of future Pro Football Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers. The upcoming 2026 NFL Draft presents an opportunity … The post Steelers reporter drops intriguing hint on team’s NFL Draft plans at QB appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

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Former Vikings QB Kirk Cousins Gets ‘Hard No’ on Joining NFL Team

Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is getting a "hard no" from an official team reporter after being linked to one NFL team. The post Former Vikings QB Kirk Cousins Gets ‘Hard No’ on Joining NFL Team appeared first on Heavy Sports.

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WWE star Chelsea Green’s ‘broken ankle’ doesn’t stop her from nailing field goal with the Steelers

One thing is clear — Chelsea Green isn’t letting her “broken ankle” injury hold her back, as she kicked a field goal for the Pittsburgh Steelers ahead of WWE Friday Night SmackDown, which will emanate from the Steel City. The Steelers posted a video of Green kicking a field goal on their practice field. She […] The post WWE star Chelsea Green’s ‘broken ankle’ doesn’t stop her from nailing field goal with the Steelers appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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Commanders sign ex-Rams cornerback with Adam Peters connections

The Washington Commanders have made several moves throughout the offseason to improve their team as they look to get last year’s bad taste out of their mouth. They’ve recently made an addition to their secondary, agreeing to a contract with veteran cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. “The Commanders are signing veteran […] The post Commanders sign ex-Rams cornerback with Adam Peters connections appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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Grading the 20 Biggest NFL Free Agent Signings of 2026 — Who Won & Who Failed?

With most of the top NFL free agents of 2026 finding a new home this offseason, report card season is now in order. Without further ado, let’s dive into our final grades for the 20 biggest NFL free agent signings of 2026. Which offseason signings have the highest remarks in the NFL? Trey Hendrickson: A-Trey Hendrickson (Photo via Imagn Images) $112 million over four years is a lot of money for an injury-prone defensive end who turns 32 next season. But if you’re the Baltimore Ravens, it was simply a deal that had to be done this NFL offseason. In case you missed it, the Ravens nixed a blockbuster trade that would have netted them Maxx Crosby for two first-round picks. So, they keep those two selections and get another elite pass-rusher anyway. No harm, no foul. The Ravens haven’t had an elite edge rusher since Matt Judon left in 2021. Hendrickson fills the void for a team that’s built to win now. Malik Willis: B+Dec 27, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images After releasing Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins quickly pivoted to Willis. The ex-Green Bay Packers backup agreed to a three-year deal worth $67.5 million, immediately taking over as Miami’s new QB1. It’s a lot of money for a guy with six career starts, yet. But Willis was excellent as Jordan Love’s understudy in 2024 and 2025. He had a 78.7 completion percentage, six touchdowns, zero interceptions, 261 rushing yards, and three rushing scores.  Based on where the QB market is these days, it’s a fair contract for Willis. Miami had to move on from Tua, and they’re not in a position to draft a quality QB prospect this year. With plenty of cap space to spare, they can afford to take a big swing here. Kenneth Walker III: A+Dec 18, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images The Kansas City Chiefs had one of the league’s worst rushing offenses last season. Ageing veteran Kareem Hunt led the team with 611 yards and a lousy 3.7 yards per carry. Coming off the most disappointing season in franchise history, the Chiefs didn’t want to play around in the NFL offseason. GM Brett Veach inked the Super Bowl 60 MVP and hero on a three-year deal worth $43.05 million. So, Patrick Mahomes finally gets some help on offense with a game-changing running back. Remember, KC hasn’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since 2017, when rookie Mahomes was Alex Smith’s backup. The Chiefs get a two-time 1,000-yard rusher and big-game machine at a very reasonable rate. There is nothing to dislike about this deal, folks. Jaelan Phillips: B-Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jaelan Phillips (50) walks off the field after win against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images We won’t blame any Carolina Panthers fans who jumped for joy when their team landed Phillips on a four-year deal worth $120 million. He makes their defense better. He’s also a giant overpay. Both things can be true. Phillips has never topped 8.5 sacks in a season, so the contract is overly generous. But he immediately slots in as their new lead pass-rusher and will also shore up a leaky run defense.  Coming off a surprise NFC South division crown, the Panthers had to be aggressive — and Phillips unquestionably improves the unit. It’ll just be hard to live up to his $30 million average salary. Tyler Linderbaum: AJun 10, 2025; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum (64) looks on during an NFL OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images The Las Vegas Raiders landed the top free agent offensive lineman available, inking the former Raven to a three-year deal worth $81 million this NFL offseason. The Raiders’ offensive line was dreadful last year. Linderbaum can single-handedly change the dynamic, which is vital for both incoming No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza and running back Ashton Jeanty after a tough rookie year. Linderbaum ranked fourth in ESPN’s pass-rush win-rate for interior offensive linemen in 2025. Pro Football Focus also gave Linderbaum a run-blocking grade of 80 or better in three seasons with Baltimore. Yeah, Mendoza and Jeanty are going to love this guy. Mike Evans: A+Mike Evans (Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images) After spending his first 12 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Evans stunned the NFL by leaving for the NFC rival San Francisco 49ers. The future Hall of Famer signed a three-year deal worth $42.4 million to join Kyle Shanahan’s star-studded offense. We know Evans is 33 and coming off the first major injury of his career. But he’ll get plenty of favorable matchups with opposing teams having to focus on Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Ricky Pearsall. Evans will stretch the field and should rack up the touchdowns in the red zone. He’s the ideal fit for Shanahan’s offense and will have a golden opportunity to catch a second Super Bowl ring. Odafe Oweh: C-Nov 2, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Odafe Oweh (98) celebrates his sack with linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu (45) against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images One of our biggest pet peeves in free agency and the offseason is when a desperate NFL team overpays superstar money to a player who’s never been close to a superstar. Case in point: Odafe Oweh. The Washington Commanders gave Oweh a four-year contract worth $96 million after a strong finish to the 2025 season with the Los Angeles Chargers. That’s too much cash for a guy who’s logged double-digit sacks once in his career. The other issue? Washington’s defense is more than an Odafe Oweh away from becoming elite. How much is he really gonna move the needle? They would have been better off spreading that $96 million across various areas of need. Wan’Dale Robinson: C-Oct 6, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) tackles New York Giants wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (17) following a reception by Robinson during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images Yes, the Tennessee Titans had to overpay to upgrade the league’s worst pass-catching corps. It doesn’t mean they get a full pardon for giving Robinson an outrageous four-year, $70 million deal. Robinson had a career year in his final season with the New York Giants, catching 92 passes for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns. But folks, the guy was targeted 140 times for crying out loud. He’d better have good numbers. Also, his production didn’t spike until after superstar wideout Malik Nabers suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Week 4. The Titans regrettably gave Calvin Ridley big money in 2024 free agency. How has that worked out? And he’s a better receiver than Robinson. The only reason for optimism here is that new Titans OC Brian Daboll was Robinson’s coach in New York. Maybe that familiarity will help? But we’re not counting on it. Devin Lloyd: A+Jan 11, 2026; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (0) runs on the field before an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Buffalo Bills at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images We may have our questions on the Jaelan Phillips signing this NFL offseason. But good luck finding a legitimate complaint about the bargain three-year, $42 million deal the Panthers agreed to with Lloyd in free agency. Lloyd had five interceptions, seven pass breakups, and 81 combined tackles in his final season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He might not repeat that production in Carolina, but Lloyd nevertheless provides Carolina with the do-it-all linebacker they haven’t had since Luke Kuechly retired. Lloyd will instantly bolster Carolina’s pass rush, run defense, and coverage in the middle of the field. And he only cost $42 million. Perhaps the most underrated move in free agency. Travis Etienne Jr.: C+Dec 29, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) runs the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images The New Orleans Saints stunned everyone by winning the Etienne Jr. sweepstakes, landing the ex-Jacksonville star on a four-year deal worth $47.4 million. But only $24 million of it is guaranteed, all through the first two seasons. So if Etienne doesn’t pan out, the Saints have an easy out of his contract in 2028. It’s a risk worth taking. Tyler Shough had a superb rookie year and needs more weaponry. Alvin Kamara is past his best-before date. So the contract is fair for a three-time 1,000-yard rusher, though it might be difficult to sustain that type of production on a rebuilding New Orleans squad. Romeo Doubs: AGreen Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) rides a bicycle to practice in the DreamDrive before the eighth practice of training camp on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin The New England Patriots released top receiver Stefon Diggs in a cap-saving move, opting to land a new No. 1 pass-catcher in free agency and/or the NFL offseason. They signed ex-Packers standout Romeo Doubs to a four-year, $68 million contract. It seems like a lot of money for a non-superstar receiver. But Doubs should have no issue slotting in as Drake Maye’s new favorite target. Doubs put up good numbers on a Green Bay team loaded with playmakers, namely Josh Jacobs, Jayden Reed, Tucker Kraft, Christian Watson, and Dontayvion Wicks. He led the Pack with 724 yards in 2025, so imagine what he’ll do in an expanded role with his new team. 2026 is the year Doubs emerges as a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver. And that’s why we love this signing for both parties. Boye Mafe: BDec 8, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Cincinnati Bengals had to move quickly after losing Pro Bowler Trey Hendrickson in free agency. They found a suitable replacement in Boye Mafe, who helped the Seattle Seahawks win the Super Bowl last season. Mafe’s playing time was reduced in Seattle thanks to their deep group of pass rushers in 2025. But he had nine sacks in 2023 and six in 2024. The potential is there, and now he’ll get starter’s playing time in Cincinnati. Jamel Dean: ADec 15, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean (35) celebrates after a fumble recovery in the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images A longtime mainstay in the Bucs’ secondary, Dean left Tampa after seven seasons to join the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Super Bowl 55 champion signed a three-year contract worth $36.75 million with Mike McCarthy’s squad. Dean finished as PFF’s third-graded cornerback for 2025 at 80.6. He allowed a passer rating of just 63.1 and a completion percentage of 49.2 last season, per Pro Football Reference. Dean has also allowed just three touchdowns in coverage since 2024. In other words, he’ll significantly bolster a Steelers secondary that already has a quality cornerback tandem of James Pierre and Joey Porter Jr. John Franklin-Myers: B+Dec 7, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end John Franklin-Myers (98) reacts after a sack against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Titans may have overpaid the likes of Wan’Dale Robinson and Alontae Taylor in NFL free agency, but we can totally get behind the JFM deal this offseason. After two strong seasons with the Denver Broncos, Franklin-Myers signed a three-year deal with Tennessee for $63 million. That’s a very fair contract for a player who logged 14.5 sacks over his two years in Denver. The Titans have one of the league’s premier defensive tackles in Jeffery Simmons. Now he has a running mate to help him off the edge. Bradley Chubb: CJul 24, 2024; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb (2) looks during training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports The first big move for Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane was trading for Chicago Bears star wideout DJ Moore. The second was signing veteran edge rusher Bradley Chubb to a three-year deal worth $43.5 million. It’s nice to see Beane being aggressive after winning a power struggle with Sean McDermott. But it’s odd that he chose to pay top dollar for a player with an injury history as long as Chubb’s. Chubb missed 12 games in 2019, 10 in 2021, and all of 2024. He’s not young anymore at 30. And he’s hit double-digit sacks once since 2019. There’s a lot of risk in Chubb, but we suppose he at least bolsters a pass rush devoid of real playmakers. Riq Woolen: ARiq Woolen (Photo By Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images) After winning his Super Bowl 60 ring with the Seahawks, Woolen stayed in the NFC to take a one-year, $12 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. Now, Woolen hasn’t returned to that All-Pro form we saw in his 2022 rookie year. But this is a guy who’s allowed a career completion percentage of just 54.2 and a 70.6 passer rating through four seasons. Borderline elite. Woolen joins a lights-out secondary featuring the young cornerback tandem of Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. This is a great deal for both sides. If Woolen proves to be a good fit in Philly, he’ll score a lucrative multi-year deal next year. Quay Walker: CJan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker (7) before action against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images The Raiders had money to spend in the NFL offseason, we get it. But $40.5 million for three years? That’s a little much for a player who’s never put it all together. If Walker couldn’t unlock his potential on a well-coached Packers team…how sure are the Raiders that they’ll get it out of him? Elite athleticism has always been there, but this is a guy who posted a 48.5 PFF grade last year. A one-year “prove-it” deal would have been better. Tua Tagovailoa: CTua Tagovailoa (Photo Via Imagn Images) After he was released by the Dolphins, Tagovailoa quickly signed a one-year pact with the Atlanta Falcons for the veteran’s minimum of $1.3 million. The signing is cheap, but it boggles us. Atlanta has poured all these resources into Michael Penix Jr. Now they want to make it an open competition between him and one of the league’s worst starting QBs of the last two years? Not sure what message that sends to Penix and the Atlanta locker room. If you’re Tagovailoa, it would have been wiser to go to a more QB-desperate team like the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, or even the Pittsburgh Steelers if Aaron Rodgers doesn’t return. Jaylen Watson: A+Nov 27, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson (35) returns an interception against Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images After completing a blockbuster trade for former Chiefs superstar cornerback Trent McDuffie, the Los Angeles Rams reunited the super-duo by signing Watson to a three-year, $51 million contract in free agency. Not sure about you, but that seems totally unfair to us. As if the NFC runner-ups weren’t already scary enough. The two-time Super Bowl champion has allowed a passer rating of under 80 in consecutive seasons. Throw in superb ball-hawking skills, and Watson will help significantly in reshaping the Rams’ secondary. It won’t just be McDuffie. Kyler Murray: A+Kyler Murray. Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Everyone knew the Minnesota Vikings would find competition for JJ McCarthy. Mission accomplished. Thanks to his release from the Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota was able to sign the No. 1 pick of 2019 to the veteran’s minimum: A one-year deal worth $1.3 million. Worst-case for Minnesota, McCarthy plays well enough to keep the QB1 job. And then they have the league’s best backup. Best-case: Murray wins the QB competition and gets to take over one of the league’s most star-studded offensive units. No risk, and a potentially very high reward here.

Read moreGrading the 20 Biggest NFL Free Agent Signings of 2026 — Who Won & Who Failed?

Cowboys Receive Surprising Update on Star WR George Pickens

The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2026 NFL offseason with a major question surrounding the future of star wide receiver George Pickens.Pickens was set to become a free agent this offseason. However, Jerry Jones and the front office decided to place the non-exclusive franchise tag on him. No update has been provided about whether the team […] The post Cowboys Receive Surprising Update on Star WR George Pickens appeared first on Heavy Sports.

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Steelers’ 3 sleeper prospects to target in 2026 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ ethos for decades has been recalibration. Even in their current mode of transition, it still holds. Of course, the 2026 NFL Draft presents a different kind of challenge. This isn’t about plugging obvious holes with obvious names. It’s about identifying the players who can quietly elevate a roster that already knows how […] The post Steelers’ 3 sleeper prospects to target in 2026 NFL Draft appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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5 Teams That Should Trade Up for Jeremiyah Love

There has been a renewed importance placed on the position of running back in the NFL in recent years, and it couldn’t have come at a better time for Jeremiyah Love. It’s no longer considered crazy to use a top 10 draft pick on a running back, and the Notre Dame star now appears to be a lock to go ...

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