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Panthers | Rico Dowdle may not return (2026-01-31 13:54:00) [jump to this story] Jets | Tag possible for Breece Hall (2026-01-31 13:42:00) [jump to this story] NFL | Garrett Nussmeier puts together solid week (2026-01-31 11:37:00) [jump to this story] |
NFL | Rayshaun Benny to play early? Sat Jan 31, 10:03 PM
Michigan DT Rayshaun Benny 'will be in the mix' to be the first defensive tackle selected in the 2026 NFL Draft after his performance at the Senior Bowl, according to Dane Brugler of The Athletic, and Brugler believes Benny will 'make an impact right away' in the NFL.
Link to storyOhio State CB Davison Igbinosun's 'handsy play style' won't be a fit for some NFL teams, according to Dane Brugler of The Athletic.
Link to storyVanderbilt QB Diego Pavia struggled with his timing on throws down the field during Senior Bowl practices and didn't 'move the needle' when it comes to his draft stock, according to Dane Brugler of The Athletic.
Link to storyGreen Bay Packers defensive pass game coordinator Derrick Ansley will have the same title with the Dallas Cowboys, according to a league source.
Link to storyArizona Cardinals cornerbacks coach Ryan A. Smith will join the Dallas Cowboys and fill the same position on their coaching staff.
Link to storyFormer Baltimore Ravens offensive analyst Ian Kolste is being hired by the Cleveland Browns, according to a league source.
Link to storyOklahoma RB Jaydn Ott had a strong week of practice at the Senior Bowl and was able to show some good pass protection skills.
Link to storyTexas Tech WR Reggie Virgil was one of the most impressive receivers at the Senior Bowl this week, according to NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah.
Link to storyMiami Dolphins RB De'Von Achane recorded 719 rushing yards after contact during the 2025 regular season, which ranked third in the NFL in that category.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings defensive pass game coordinator/defensive backs coach Daronte Jones was officially hired by the Washington Commanders Friday, Jan. 30, as their new defensive coordinator.
Link to storyDetroit Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs recorded 819 rushing yards before contact this season, which ranked third in the NFL in that category.
Link to storyJahmyr Gibbs player page
Dallas Cowboys RB Javonte Williams recorded 25 broken tackles during the 2025 regular season, which ranked second in the NFL in that category.
Link to storyJavonte Williams player page
Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix recorded a league-leading seven game-winning drives during the 2025 regular season.
Link to storyChicago Bears QB Caleb Williams produced a league-leading six fourth-quarter comebacks during the 2025 regular season.
Link to storyLas Vegas Raiders QB Geno Smith was sacked 55 times during the 2025 regular season, which was tied for the most in the NFL.
Link to storyGeno Smith player page
Tennessee Titans QB Cam Ward was sacked 55 times during the 2025 regular season, which was tied for the most in the NFL.
Link to storyDallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott was blitzed 163 times during the 2025 regular season, which ranked second in the NFL.
Link to storyDak Prescott player page
Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff had 2,424 of his 4,564 passing yards this season come after the catch, which led the league in that category.
Link to storyJared Goff player page
Denver Broncos defensive pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard was officially hired by the Buffalo Bills Saturday, Jan. 31, as their new defensive coordinator.
| Footballguys view: Leonhard is a fast-riser in coaching circles. He's only coached in the NFL for two seasons with the Broncos, but the former 10-year NFL safety is seen as a bright mind and future head coach. The Broncos' defense, ran by Vance Joseph, taught Leonhard a lot, and now he'll take those lessons to Buffalo. New Bills HC Joe Brady will run the offense, and now Leonhard is entrusted with a defense that needs improvement. |
Jim Leonhard player page
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, but QB Baker Mayfield said he expects Evans to return to the team next season.
| Footballguys view: There are rumblings out there that Evans will not return to the Buccaneers in free agency. That seems a bit odd because we can't imagine him playing for another team. However, things change in the NFL - even for long-time veterans like Evans. Coming off his first non-1,000-yard receiving season, Evans may be looking for a fresh start. He's not quite the player he used to be, but Evans could be in for a bounce-back season in 2026...in Tampa or somewhere else. |
Mike Evans player page
Arizona Cardinals special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers was officially hired by the Buffalo Bills Saturday, Jan. 31, to be their new special teams coordinator.
Link to storyCarolina Panthers impending free-agent RB Rico Dowdle may not return to the team next season since he likely will ask for a high salary this offseason, and the team already has RB Chuba Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks on the roster, in the opinion of ESPN.com's David Newton.
| Footballguys view: Dowdle is one of the best backs available in free agency, and it seems unlikely he would take a hometown discount to stay with the Panthers. Coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons on the ground, Dowdle may be playing on his third team in three years in 2026. We'll see how much interest RB-needy teams have in Dowdle later this offseason. He's an RB2 for Fantasy GMs in the right landing spot. |
Rico Dowdle player page
New York Jets impending free-agent RB Breece Hall may be a candidate for either the franchise tag or transition tag this offseason if the two sides are not able to reach an agreement on a new contract, in the opinion of ESPN.com's Rich Cimini.
| Footballguys view: Hall is arguably the best running back available in free agency this offseason. We could see several teams vying for his services if the Jets don't tag him. A franchise tag has a projected value at $14.1 million for a one-year deal. The Jets could tag him and then get until mid-July to work out a long-term contract. If they lose Hall in free agency, the Jets would be searching for a new lead back (among many other things). |
Washington Commanders impending free-agent TE Zach Ertz (knee) is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament but does want to continue his playing career, according to a source. Ertz is not expected to return to the Commanders next season.
| Footballguys view: Ertz suffered the injury on a dirty hit against the Vikings in Week 14. He's on the road to recovery, and now has had two major knee injuries in his career. Ertz can still be a reliable target, but he may not be ready to play until the midway point of the 2026 season. Returning to the Commanders on another one-year deal makes sense, but they'll be looking to add to their tight end room in the meantime. |
Zach Ertz player page
Former Pittsburgh Steelers secondary coach Gerald Alexander was named the Minnesota Vikings' new defensive pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach Saturday, Jan. 31.
Link to storyGerald Alexander player page
Minnesota Vikings assistant offensive line coach Keith Carter was promoted to offensive line coach Saturday, Jan. 31.
Link to storyFormer Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen was hired as the Minnesota Vikings' new defensive line coach and defensive run game coordinator Saturday, Jan. 31.
Link to storyFormer Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith was named assistant head coach of the Minnesota Vikings Saturday, Jan. 31.
Link to storyFormer Cleveland Browns assistant special teams coach Kyle Hoke was hired by the Los Angeles Rams to fill the same capacity Saturday, Jan. 31.
Link to storyStanford TE Sam Roush is the 'best pure drive blocker' at the position in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com.
| Footballguys view: Roush is a traditional "Y" tight end who can be counted on as a blocker and as a receiver. He's a mid-round pick with high football intelligence and the ability to contribute right away because of his blocking ability. While Roush is a good route-runner, he may get typecast into being primarily a blocker at the pro level. If that happens, it would clearly limit his fantasy value. |
Houston TE Tanner Koziol was 'the stud tight end' for the National Team during Senior Bowl practices, according to Justin Melo of The Draft Network.
| Footballguys view: Koziol certainly is a stud who can use his size and receiving ability to be a threat all over the field - and especially in the red zone. At 6-feet, 7-inches Koziol dominates 'above the rim' on the football field. He set a school record with 94 catches in 2024 at Ball State. Then, in 2025 with Houston, he led the team in catches (74) proving himself against tougher competition. With a standout performance at the Senior Bowl, Koziol could rise up draft boards. We believe he'll be a mid-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft. |
Louisville WR Caullin Lacy was an 'electric route runner' during Senior Bowl practices, according to Alan Saunders of Steelers Now.
| Footballguys view: Lacy knows how to cut a rug and get open against off coverage. His size and skill set projects him as a slot receiver at the pro level. Lacy's run-after-the-catch ability means he can take short passes and turn them into long gains. He also can contribute as a dangerous return man in the NFL. Lacy will need to learn the full route tree and prove himself against press coverage to play up to his full potential. He's seen as a Day 3 pick with upside. |
Cincinnati WR Cyrus Allen 'wreaked havoc' on the defensive backs during Senior Bowl practices and made several contested catches, according to Alan Saunders of Steelers Now.
| Footballguys view: Scouts know that Allen can 'churn and burn' on the football field. He's got blazing speed and is a big-play threat anytime he runs a route. Allen has a nose for the end zone as evidenced by his Big-12 leading 13 receiving touchdowns in 2025. He's got to become a more natural hands-catcher (too many body catches on film for our liking) and clean up his concentration drops. Allen is projected a Day 3 pick with upside. |
LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier's consistency stood out during Senior Bowl practices, according to Alan Saunders of Steelers Now.
| Footballguys view: It's a great week of work at the Senior Bowl for a quarterback who was once thought of as a first-round lock. Now, after an injury-plagued and inconsistent 2025 season we should see Nussmeier as a mid-round pick. Nussmeier is known as a smart quarterback who tends to go a bit too much into 'gunslinger' mode when under duress. With his performance at the Senior Bowl, Nussmeier might move into the late second or early third round. |
Baylor QB Sawyer Robertson 'stood out for his inconsistency' during Senior Bowl practices, according to Alan Saunders of Steelers Now, and Saunders estimates that 20% of Robertson's attempts resulted in 'uncatchable passes.'
Link to storyWashington Commanders assistant linebackers coach and pass rush specialist Ryan Kerrigan, assistant defensive line coach Sharrif Floyd and player development coach Pete Ohnegian were relieved of their duties Saturday, Jan. 31, according to a league source.
Link to storyRyan Kerrigan player page
Sharrif Floyd player page
Denver Broncos defensive passing game coordinator and assistant head coach Jim Leonhard is expected to be hired by the Buffalo Bills as their new defensive coordinator, according to multiple sources.
| Footballguys view: Leonhard is a fast-riser in coaching circles. He's only coached in the NFL for two seasons with the Broncos, but the former 10-year NFL safety is seen as a bright mind and future head coach. The Broncos' defense, ran by Vance Joseph, taught Leonhard a lot, and now he'll take those lessons to Buffalo. New Bills HC Joe Brady will run the offense, and now Leonhard is entrusted with a defense that needs improvement. |
Jim Leonhard player page
Minnesota Vikings executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski will lead all of the team's operations through the 2026 NFL Draft, as a result of former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah having been relieved of his duties. The Vikings plan to conduct a thorough search for their next general manager following the draft.
Link to storyCleveland Browns coaching fellow Michael Bearden was hired by the Atlanta Falcons as a coaching fellow/offensive assistant Friday, Jan. 30.
Link to storyGreen Bay Packers executive vice president/director of football operations Russ Ball received a multiyear contract extension Friday, Jan. 30. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Link to storyIowa OL Gennings Dunker, who played right tackle in college, took snaps at guard during Senior Bowl practices and said he is willing to move to guard in the NFL.
Link to storyArizona State OL Max Iheanachor was 'the most consistent pass protector' at Senior Bowl practices, according to Justin Melo of The Draft Network, and Melo believes Iheanachor has established himself as a top-50 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Link to storySeattle Seahawks OT Amari Kight (knee) did not participate in practice Friday, Jan. 30, and is considered doubtful for Super Bowl LX at this point. FB Robbie Ouzts (neck) and FB Brady Russell (hand) were limited during practice and are considered questionable. LB Chazz Surratt (ankle) fully participated in practice but is considered questionable. OT Charles Cross (foot) and TE Eric Saubert (hamstring) did not practice but do not have designations on the initial injury report. WR Jake Bobo (hand), QB Sam Darnold (oblique), CB Josh Jobe (foot), LB Ernest Jones (chest) and OT Joshua Jones (ankle, knee) were limited during practice but do not have designations. S Julian Love (shoulder) and LB Drake Thomas (shoulder) fully participated in practice and are not on the initial injury report.
Link to storyEric Saubert player page
Sam Darnold player page
Julian Love player page
Chazz Surratt player page
Jake Bobo player page
Drake Thomas player page
Seattle Seahawks QB Sam Darnold (oblique) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 30, but does not have a designation on the initial injury report for Super Bowl LX.
Link to storySam Darnold player page
New England Patriots RB Terrell Jennings (hamstring, head), LB Harold Landry (knee), QB Drake Maye (illness, shoulder), OT Thayer Munford (illness, knee) and LB Robert Spillane (ankle) did not participate in practice Friday, Jan. 30, and are considered questionable for Super Bowl LX at this point. DT Joshua Farmer (hamstring), TE Hunter Henry (non-injury), WR Mack Hollins (abdomen) and OT Morgan Moses (non-injury) fully participated in practice but are considered questionable.
Link to storyHunter Henry player page
Mack Hollins player page
Harold Landry III player page
New England Patriots WR Mack Hollins (abdomen) fully participated in practice Friday, Jan. 30, but is considered questionable for Super Bowl LX at this point.
Link to storyMack Hollins player page
New England Patriots TE Hunter Henry (non-injury) fully participated in practice Friday, Jan. 30, but is considered questionable for Super Bowl LX at this point.
Link to storyHunter Henry player page
Updating a previous report, New England Patriots QB Drake Maye (illness, shoulder) did not participate in practice Friday, Jan. 30, and is considered questionable for Super LX at this point.
Link to storyLas Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham was officially hired by the Pittsburgh Steelers Friday, Jan. 30, as their new defensive coordinator.
Link to storyAdam Schefter of ESPN reports that the Baltimore Ravens are going to hire Chicago offensive coordinator Declan Doyle as their offensive coordinator.
| Footballguys view: The Bears did not have to allow Baltimore to interview Doyle since the job would technically be a lateral move, but Doyle will get to call plays in Baltimore, which was not on his plate in Chicago under Ben Johnson. Doyle was a Sean Payton protege in New Orleans and Denver, most recently as a tight end coach, before joining Johnson's staff as the offensive coordinator last year. It's hard to predict exactly how the Ravens offense under Doyle will differ from what we saw under new Cleveland head coach Todd Monken, but it could also include more play action passing and different foundational running game concepts after Ravens run game coordinator Travis Switzer left to join Monken in Cleveland. This will be Doyle's first playcalling gig, but he has gotten to learn under Payton and Johnson, so he has some good role models. Doyle was a big part of Caleb Williams progress in Chicago, and we should assume that played a big role in Baltimore hiring him to work with Lamar Jackson. |

































