Imagine holding a lottery ticket that could either save your franchise or haunt it for a decade. That’s the First Pick Paradox in a nutshell—a high-stakes gamble where “can’t-miss” prospects sometimes miss spectacularly while overlooked gems shine. It’s like “Black Mirror” meets “Draft Day,” where every decision splits the timeline into infinite possibilities. For the Tennessee Titans, holding the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft isn’t just a golden ticket—it’s a Schrödinger’s cat of pressure, hope, and sleepless nights.

Now, picture this: A team with the league’s worst record (3-14) suddenly holds the keys to draft royalty. Do they grab a franchise quarterback or a generational edge rusher? It’s the NFL’s version of “The Hunger Games”—survival hinges on strategy, not just talent. The Titans aren’t just picking a player; they’re choosing a path that could redefine their future. And as free agency shakes up the board, the paradox sharpens: Do you fix glaring needs or chase transcendent talent?

The Titans’ Generational Gamble

Tennessee’s front office claims they won’t pass on a “generational talent” at No. 1. Translation: Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter, who led college football with 24 tackles for loss in 2024, is their target. But here’s the twist—Centerstage Sports agent Drew Rosenhaus recently revealed Carter has a stress reaction in his right foot, though he insists his client will “put on a show at his pro day.” Meanwhile, the Titans released veteran Harold Landry, creating a gaping hole at pass rusher. Carter’s raw power and explosiveness could fill it, but is he worth skipping a quarterback in a Quarterback-driven league?

It’s a classic First Pick Paradox playbook. Think “Moneyball” meets “Ocean’s Eleven”—weighing analytics against gut instincts. The Titans’ 2024 defense ranked 28th in sacks (27), and Carter’s 6’3”, 250-pound frame screams “game-wrecker.” But passing on a quarterback like Miami’s Cam Ward, the 2024 Davey O’Brien Award winner, risks repeating the Deshaun Watson-era Browns’ mistakes. Ward threw for 4,313 yards and 43 touchdowns last season, yet Cleveland’s quarterback carousel still spins like a “Stranger Things” upside-down world.

Meanwhile, the New York Giants at No. 3 are flirting with Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, a polarizing prospect with 41 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2024. GM Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll were spotted chatting up Sanders at the East-West Shrine Bowl, sparking rumors of a smokescreen—or genuine interest. Besides, either it’s the biggest smokescreen ever, or the Giants are in love. In today’s NFL, drafting for upside often trumps immediate fixes.

But the First Pick Paradox cuts deeper. For every Patrick Mahomes, there’s a JaMarcus Russell. The Titans’ choice will ripple across the draft, forcing teams like the Patriots (No. 4) and Jaguars (No. 5) to pivot. Will they chase Travis Hunter’s two-way stardom or Mason Graham’s defensive anchor potential? The clock’s ticking—and the stakes are higher than a “Squid Game” elimination round.

Ripple effects and reinvented blueprints for the first pick

The First Pick Paradox isn’t just Tennessee’s problem—it’s a league-wide fever dream. Take the Browns at No. 2, who skipped quarterback for Colorado’s Travis Hunter, a Swiss Army knife who could play wide receiver or cornerback. “Hunter has a credible path to becoming a Pro Bowl player at either receiver or cornerback,” ESPN’s Field Yates noted. Cleveland’s gamble mirrors the NBA’s “positionless” trend, prioritizing versatility over traditional needs. But in a division with Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow, does avoiding QB2 spell doom?

Meanwhile, the Raiders (No. 6) doubled down on nostalgia, trading for Geno Smith and drafting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty—a Barry Sanders-esque rusher with 2,601 yards in 2024. New coach Pete Carroll is rebuilding his “Legion of Boom 2.0”, but in a pass-happy league, betting on a bell-cow back feels like rewinding to “Friday Night Lights.” Yet Jeanty’s 7.0 yards per carry and 30 touchdowns can’t be ignored. It’s a high-risk, high-reward play—the essence of the First Pick Paradox.

Even contenders aren’t immune. The Chiefs (No. 31) grab Ohio State tackle Josh Simmons to protect Patrick Mahomes after their Super Bowl LIX loss exposed shaky tackles. “Simmons allowed just one QB pressure and no sacks on 152 pass-blocking snaps last season, which was good for the lowest pressure rate allowed (0.7%) by any tackle with at least 100 pass block snaps. Kansas City gets a steal here,” per CBS Sports. For Philly (No. 32), replacing Josh Sweat with Texas A&M’s Nic Scourton (29 TFL since 2023) keeps their trenches fearsome. These picks aren’t sexy, but they’re chess moves in a league where championships are won in the trenches.

The paradox reshapes everything. Teams now draft like “Moneyball” savants, blending analytics with existential dread. Do you chase the next Travis Kelce (Michigan TE Colston Loveland to the Chargers) or lockdown corners (Texas’ Jahdae Barron to Green Bay)? The answer lies in balancing desperation with vision—a tightrope walk where one misstep triggers a rebuild.

The draft’s new reality

The First Pick Paradox isn’t going away. It’s the NFL’s version of “The Matrix”—a system where choices define realities. For the Titans, picking Carter or Ward will write their next chapter. For the Giants, Sanders could be Daniel Jones’ successor or another cautionary tale. And for the league, 2025’s draft in Lambeau Field isn’t just about talent—it’s a referendum on risk, patience, and the eternal quest for the perfect pick.

In the end, the paradox reminds us: There are no sure things, only calculated leaps. Whether teams soar or crash depends on how they wield the double-edged sword.

Main Image: Sarah Kloepping/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK

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As free agency is in full swing, potential free agent gem Elijah Moore could receive interest soon in the coming days. According to a report, the Browns could lose one of their wideouts as the team will probably rebuild a new regime after trading for quarterback Kenny Pickett. Moore is a free agent for the first time in his career after requesting a trade out of the Jets for his second year in his NFL tenure. Originally selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the former Ole Miss product has been fading in the background of the Browns offense, recording just 61 receptions for 538 yards and one touchdown.

Even though the Browns are bringing back quarterback Deshaun Watson on a new contract, it doesn’t mean his job is safe as the starter. Pickett could wind up starting for the organization in the right situation if the Browns don’t win ball games. For Moore, he should be one of the best available at the right price for any team that needs a consistent pass catcher. A change of scenery is what he needs and a contender could bring out the best of his versatility and he has room to grow at 24 years old.

He isn’t going to record more than 1,000 yards in his first season on a new team but these five teams could see something in him that anyone least expects.

Potential Free Agent Gem Elijah Moore Could Receive Interest Soon – 5 Suitors Likely to Emerge

Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys have yet to find a new wide receiver despite re-signing KaVontae Turpin to a new deal. He’s more of a specialist player so they need a solid replacement for Brandin Cooks who could leave for the right situation. Elijah Moore might be a quiet free agent but with this offensive system at Dallas, he could thrive catching the ball from quarterback Dak Prescott.

Los Angeles Chargers

By the looks of it, the Chargers are going cheap again this offseason and that is shown evidently by signing Najee Harris to a one-year deal. If that’s the case, they might be better off signing Moore on a cheap contract. They were looking into a trade for DK Metcalf but failed to get him in time before the Steelers. Moore might not be spectacular but teaming with Ladd McConkey could pave the way for both to become homegrown weapons for the Chargers.

Baltimore Ravens

For the Ravens, the team got away with signing DeAndre Hopkins on a one-year deal after failing to get anything out of Diontae Johnson last year. Nelson Agholor probably won’t come back as Hopkins is in town. This means they could sign Moore as a WR4 to pair with DeVontez Walker to continue to develop behind the scenes.

Kansas City Chiefs

If anyone can bring out the best in wide receivers, it’s quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Justin Watson is a perfect example of that but since he’s leaving with Hopkins, they need another weapon to pair with Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Marquise Brown. Moore doesn’t need to do much but make big plays in critical moments to move the chains.

Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers have yet to add another pass catcher as the team has been doing housekeeping on their defense. Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker are two promising starters but they eventually need a third man to take over Adam Thielen when he retires. Moore might not be on the same level as Thielen but it gives quarterback Bryce Young another wideout to establish a long-term chemistry with.

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The NFL draft is usually a quarterback lovefest—think The Bachelor finale, but with more playbooks and less rose-giving. This year? The 2025 Quarterback class cupboard feels emptier than a nacho platter at a Super Bowl party. With no surefire franchise saviors hogging the spotlight, positions like defensive line, tight end, and even safety are crashing the first-round conversation like uninvited guests who end up stealing the show.

Welcome to the 2025 draft, where “Who’s that?” might just be the most asked question. While teams scramble to find the next Patrick Mahomes, the real drama lies in the trenches and beyond. Think of it like Stranger Things shifting focus from Hawkins High to the Upside Down—less obvious, but way more intriguing.

Quarterback carousel spins into uncertainty

The New York Jets’ signing of Justin Fields feels less like a grand romance and more like a rebound fling. After 14 straight playoff misses and a messy breakup with Aaron Rodgers, Gang Green tossed Fields a two-year, $40 million “prove it” deal. But let’s be real: Fields’ résumé—4-2 as a Steelers starter last year, 16 career fumbles in 2022—is about as reliable as a TikTok weather forecast. Yet here we are.

BREAKING: Jets signing QB Justin Fields to two-year, $40M deal with $30M guaranteed. (via @rapsheet, @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/YJVKoikwuM

— NFL (@NFL) March 10, 2025

The 2025 Quarterback class? It’s thinner than the plot of Riverdale’s final season. Scouts are lukewarm on Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Miami’s Cam Ward, while Alabama’s Jalen Milroe and Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart feel like lottery tickets with scratch-off odds. Hence, this isn’t a group that’ll have GMs sprinting to the podium. So, what’s a Quarterback-needy team to do?

The Jets, for example, are betting on Fields’ legs (1,143 rushing yards in 2022) and a young supporting cast featuring Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall. But if this experiment flops? Cue the Curb Your Enthusiasm theme—it’s back to the drawing board for a franchise that’s mastered the art of disappointment.

While the Jets’ Fields experiment grabs headlines, other Quarterback-needy teams are navigating the draft’s murky waters with varying strategies. The Pittsburgh Steelers, left scrambling after Fields’ exit, are eyeing a reunion with Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers. While flirting with trade targets like New England’s Joe Milton—a raw but rocket-armed project buried behind Drake Maye.

Speaking of the Patriots, they’re all-in on Maye as their franchise cornerstone. As they leave Milton as trade bait despite his untapped potential. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans (picking first overall) face a dilemma: reach for a shaky Quarterback prospect like Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, or snag Penn State’s generational pass-rusher Abdul Carter and kick the Quarterback can down the road.

Even teams like the Saints and Rams, lurking in the mid-rounds, are gambling on developmental options. Options like Tyler Shough or Jaxson Dart—proof that in a Quarterback drought, desperation and creativity go hand in hand.

Defensive Linemen Steal the Spotlight

If quarterbacks are the draft’s main course, this year’s defensive line class is the loaded nachos you can’t stop eating. Penn State’s Abdul Carter, a 6’3”, 250-pound edge rusher with a stress fracture and a top-five grade, headlines a group so deep it could fill a Marvel ensemble. Georgia’s Mykel Williams (6’6”, 260 lbs) and Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart (4.67-second 40-yard dash at 267 lbs) bring Black Panther-level athleticism, while Michigan’s Mason Graham anchors the interior like a fridge full of bricks.

“You can’t have enough good ones,” Bears GM Ryan Poles said, referencing the Eagles’ D-line dominance in Super Bowl 59. Eleven defensive linemen could go in Round 1—a tidal wave of talent that’s forcing teams to rethink their boards. Even Colorado’s Travis Hunter, the two-way unicorn, is getting CB1 buzz despite playing receiver 50% of the time.

Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders’ draft stock is slipping faster than a grocery bag with a hole. Critics point to his “uneasy” pocket presence, but Kurt Warner offered context: “I just want to see him more solid in the pocket and the ability to process quickly so he doesn’t have to get uneasy after first look and go create a throw. To stay in there, see it, understand it, and get the ball out a little bit more on time than I saw.”

When you’ve been sacked 94 times in two years, wouldn’t you twitch? Behind Colorado’s Swiss cheese O-line, Sanders’ toughness (playing through injections, per Deion Sanders) might be his best selling point. Besides, this draft isn’t about finding a hero…

It’s about building a roster that can survive without one. With Quarterbacks stuck in purgatory, teams are stockpiling defensive monsters, versatile tight ends (Penn State’s Tyler Warren is this year’s Gronk-lite), and hybrid playmakers. The Jets’ Fields gamble? It’s a subplot in a bigger story.

In a year without a Caleb Williams, you either get creative or get left behind. So grab your popcorn. The 2025 Quarterback class might lack star power, but the chaos? That’s must-see TV.

Main Photo Credit: Stephanie Amador Blondet-Imagn Images

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The Cleveland Browns will cut veteran defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson who is now a free agent. According to the breaking news, the Browns are releasing Tomlinson at the beginning of the league year on Wednesday where they will designate him as a post-June 1 cut. Originally selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the former Alabama product began his career with the New York Giants fighting for a starting job against several others in training but eventually won the position. Tomlinson was starting out as a defensive end until the Giants traded Damon Harrison to the Detroit Lions and that’s when the Giants moved him to defensive tackle.

The Vikings gave him an opportunity after that on a two-year contract worth $22 million but he didn’t make much of an impact there. It was later that the Browns gave him a four-year contract hoping to be a solid contributor to Cleveland’s defensive trenches paired with Maurice Hurst who is also a free agent. The Browns are thin at the position but Tomlinson should have some type of interest in the coming days as he’s free to sign anywhere he wants now. Tomlinson will probably need to sign a one-year prove-it deal but after posting 54 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 30 quarterback hits and six sacks, he’s a solid veteran that has something in the tank.

Breaking: Browns Cut 16-Sack Veteran Dalvin Tomlinson, 5 Suitors May Emerge

Possible Next Teams

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens need experience at the defensive trenches to help Nnamdi Madubuike. After losing Yannick Ngakoue, the team should at least sign a one-year veteran to bolster experience for the defense. To no surprise, the Ravens have been quiet in free agency despite losing Jadeveon Clowney last offseason. Tomlinson could come at a cheap cost now that he’s available and could be a reliable force with Madubuike, Odafe Oweh and Travis Jones at the line.

Kansas City Chiefs

Meanwhile, the Chiefs have been somewhat busy signing a Trenches guy on offense in Jaylon Moore. However, they need another rotational man to pair with Chris Jones. George Karlaftis and Derrick Nnadi haven’t been replicating the same energy that Jones has been putting in. Perhaps, they could use a guy like Tomlinson for experience.

Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys finally made a free agent signing as of this posting after getting Javonte Williams to bolster the running back room. The team hasn’t extended Micah Parsons but they did well extending Osa Odighizuwa. Dallas needs another answer to maximize his potential and pairing with Tomlinson could bring out the best in him.

Los Angeles Chargers

It was a fairly quiet free agency for the Chargers as well. Despite signing Teair Tart on another one-year deal, the team did lose Poona Ford. The team has money to burn for another trenches guy and if they want to viable replacement, they could get that out of Tomlinson.

New Orleans Saints

For the Saints, they can’t afford any type of free agent this offseason. However, they are losing Chase Young to another team coming soon. Tomlinson might not be a defensive end but the Saints could bring out his rookie self again.

The post Breaking: Browns Cut 16-Sack Veteran, 5 Suitors May Emerge appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

Cleveland Browns Myles Garrett wants a trade, and recent reports suggest no amount of money will convince him to stick with his current organization. The first-overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Garrett quickly established himself as an elite player in the league, terrorizing defenses annually despite an inconsistent supporting cast. However, the pass rusher will be 29 at the start of the 2025 season and wants to spend his final years competing for a title. Thanks to the Deshaun Watson trade, the Browns won’t be legitimate contenders for at least a few more years, and Garrett is tired of being part of a losing culture.

Usually, this type of complaint can be solved with a raise. However, according to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, that isn’t the case here. In a recent article, the Browns insider says Myles Garrett is “not open” to an extension with the team and will continue to request a trade. The Browns have insisted they won’t trade their elite pass rusher, but perhaps he forces his way out. Every team in the league would love to have Garrett on their roster, but these five make the most sense.

Browns Myles Garrett Won’t Sign Extension, Continues to Demand Trade

Possible Fits

Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl with the NFL’s most well-rounded roster, and the rich could get richer. Milton Williams and Josh Sweat are both impending free agents, and recent reports suggest Sweat will not return. If the Browns trade Myles Garrett, Philadelphia will need the edge defenders and should be willing to meet Cleveland’s asking price. Garrett is an elite player, and adding him to an already-loaded front seven will only make the Eagles’ quest for consecutive championships that much easier.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers made the playoffs in the first year of the Jim Harbaugh Era despite inheriting a messy salary cap situation from the previous regime. Now, Los Angeles cleared the books and has over $66 million in cap space. With Joey Bosa a probable cut candidate and Khalil Mack a free agent, the Chargers could call the Browns and see what a Myles Garrett trade would entail. The Chargers have a strong roster, but they need someone like Garrett to compete in a competitive AFC West.

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears have the biggest competitive advantage in football: a franchise quarterback on a rookie contract. Caleb Williams showed promise as a rookie, and first-year head coach Ben Johnson should be able to get the most out of the USC product. However, this team can’t win it all without an improved defense, and Myles Garrett would give this organization a much-needed boost off the edge. The Bears knocked it out of the park with the Khalil Mack trade in 2018, and history could repeat itself in 2025.

Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills are $10 million over the salary cap and might not have the financial freedom to trade with the Browns for Myles Garrett. However, this would be a match made in heaven if they find a way to make the money work. Von Miller will almost certainly be released, opening up a spot on Buffalo’s defensive line. Garrett can be everything the Bills paid Miller to be and could turn out to be the missing piece in this team’s long-awaited quest for a championship.

Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers are not contenders in the traditional sense, but they could make a leap in 2025. Bryce Young looked like the real deal down the stretch, and the supporting pieces are all returning to support his growth. However, this team won’t seriously compete until they fix the defense. If the Browns trade Myles Garrett to the Panthers, Carolina could shore up their biggest need and use their remaining offseason resources to fix the secondary and linebacker position. With the right moves, this team should have a shot at winning a weak NFC South.

Main Photo: Phil Masturzo – Imagn Images

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Impending free agent Nick Chubb is one of the best players in the history of the Cleveland Browns, but the four-time Pro Bowler may have played his last snap with the team. A second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Chubb became one of the league’s best pure runners during his first five seasons with the Browns. Making the Pro Bowl in every season from 2019 to 2022, Chubb was the team’s lone consistent weapon before suffering a gruesome knee injury early in 2023.

While he returned to the field in 2024, he didn’t look like his old self. Averaging just 3.3 yards per carry and entering his age-30 season, General Manager Andrew Berry recently said that the teams “expects Nick [Chubb] to hit the market.” While he didn’t rule out re-signing the veteran, the Browns are in a rebuild and might not have the roster space for an aging running back who may not have anything left in his tank. Chubb makes the most sense for an up-and-coming contender, and these five teams could land the star playmaker.

Top 5 Team Fits For Impending Free Agent Nick Chubb

Los Angeles Chargers

Nobody believes in the power of the run game more than Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh. The former NFL quarterback has always operated a run-heavy approach, and his philosophy didn’t change with an elite quarterback in Justin Herbert running his offense. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have a reliable running back, as J.K. Dobbins is a free agent and Gus Edwards disappointed in Year 1. While the team could invest in the stacked running back class, signing Nick Chubb as a free agent would give the team some much-needed veteran stability atop the depth chart.

Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys will reportedly be “selectively aggressive” in free agency, which is just code for saying they won’t spend big on expensive free agents. It’s going to be another cheap offseason in Dallas, as the team saves up for the inevitable Micah Parsons extension. Nick Chubb shouldn’t cost much as a free agent, and the veteran has the track record to handle a three-down role. If he can return to form with more time to recover from his knee injury, he could be a solid buy-low candidate that could easily outplay a cheap one-year contract.

Denver Broncos

Javonte Williams is a free agent, and it’s safe to assume the former second-round pick is not in Sean Payton’s long-term plans. Williams never fully recovered from his 2022 knee injury, and now Payton must find an early-down bruiser that can take pressure off first-round pick Bo Nix. Nobody should expect Nick Chubb to return to his 1,500-yard form, but the free agent could make the most of his opportunity behind a strong offensive line.

Carolina Panthers

This one will depend on the long-term health of 2024 second-round pick Jonathon Brooks. Widely considered to be the best running back in his class, Brooks tore his ACL during his final collegiate season and this injury followed him to the professional level. After a longer-than-expected recovery, Brooks re-injured his knee after just three games. Chuba Hubbard is a reliable starter, but Chubb could ease his burden if the team is uncertain about Brooks’ long-term health.

Baltimore Ravens

It should go without saying that the present-day version of Nick Chubb cannot steal Derrick Henry’s starting job. However, if the running back cannot land a starting job, he’d make perfect sense as a high-upside backup in Baltimore’s offense. Henry is on the wrong side of 30 and, despite all evidence to the contrary, is a human being who will eventually slow down. If Henry needs a lighter workload, Chubb is more than capable of taking a few carries per game and succeeding in Lamar Jackson’s backfield.

Main Photo: Charles LeClaire – Imagn Images

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Matthew Stafford has had a very successful tenure with the Los Angeles Rams, highlighted by the Rams’ Super Bowl win in the 2021-2022 NFL season. However, all good things come to an end, and this might be the case for Stafford’s time in the city of Angels. Trade rumors have been swirling since the Rams’ season ended. It has been reported that these four teams are interested in a trade for Matthew Stafford.

Matthew Stafford Gaining Trade Interest From Four Teams

Matthew Stafford is set to make $27 million in the 2025 NFL season. Stafford has made it clear to the Rams that he wants a raise. In return, the Rams have made it clear that they have no intention of giving him one. This has led to a potential standoff between the two sides. If a new agreement can’t be reached, a trade would be a likely outcome. Reports indicate that the New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers are all interested in acquiring Stafford via trade.

New York Giants

The New York Giants have a very clear need at quarterback. New York had four different starting quarterbacks last season. This is not a recipe for success. The Giants hold the number three pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. However, there is a chance that Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward, the two most highly-touted quarterback prospects, go numbers one and two overall in the draft. This would leave the Giants with nothing to work with at number three as no other quarterbacks are expected to be first-round picks. Enter Matthew Stafford, who could be a trade candidate for New York regardless of what happens on draft night. Frankly, the Giants would likely be better suited to drafting Ward or Sanders if one is available. Stafford is aging and wants a ton of money while New York is not near contention.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders are in a similar situation to the Giants. They are a rebuilding team in need of a starting quarterback. However, New York has a better pick than Las Vegas in the draft. The Raiders have the sixth pick, making it much more difficult to draft a rookie quarterback. Although Stafford is aging, he makes some sense for Las Vegas. The Raiders have the necessary cap space to attract Stafford even though Las Vegas is not a contender. Pete Carroll was hired as the new head coach and is the oldest coach in the league. Carroll seems determined to win as quickly as possible, hence the Raiders interest in a Matthew Stafford trade.

Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns have a busy offseason ahead of them. First off, superstar defensive end Myles Garrett has requested a trade. Although it remains to be seen what will happen with Garrett, the Browns have made it clear they do not want to trade him. Second, Cleveland has the second pick in the upcoming draft which could be a franchise-altering selection. The good thing for the Browns is they have some choices with what they want to do at quarterback. If Cleveland is high on both Sanders and Ward, they can ensure that they get one of them with the second pick.

However, if the Browns don’t like one or both of these quarterbacks, a trade for Matthew Stafford could be an excellent move. Stafford would give Cleveland great production at quarterback and likely propel the franchise back to the playoffs. This would also allow the team to potentially draft their favorite non-quarterback prospect. Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter are two extremely highly touted prospects that are projected to be top five picks. Hunter plays both wide receiver and defensive back. If available, Cleveland could look to draft either of these prospects, specifically Hunter, as long as they address the quarterback position elsewhere.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers make the most sense of any team on this list. The rest of the roster is ready to compete now, besides the quarterback position. Matthew Stafford is a great trade target for Pittsburgh. The Steelers have the ninth most cap space this offseason, which means they can afford to give Stafford the $50 million he desires. Pittsburgh has a strong defense that has not had an offense to complement it for many years. Stafford would immediately elevate this offense and the Steelers organization back into Super Bowl contention.

Main Photo: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

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The Cleveland Browns are cleaning house once again by releasing starting safety Juan Thornhill with just one year left on his current contract. According to the breaking news, the move will save the team just over $3.4 million in cap space so it’s something deeper why the Browns are moving on from the safety. Originally selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Virginia product was hoping to bring that championship pedigree from the Kansas City Chiefs into the culture of Cleveland but things didn’t pan out that way. The Browns had another disappointing season last year and injuries compiling into the equation didn’t help his stock to stay on the team any longer.

Despite Thornhill appearing in 22 games across two seasons, the safety should have a sizeable market. Following his release, he was quick to react to the news on his social media, posting a one-word message “Blessed.” The release is no surprise as the safety was already teasing it this past weekend. Thornhill had high hopes for Cleveland either way before arriving but the main priority for the Browns is to improve several positions on their offense and dealing Myles Garrett.

Since all of that is happening, the Browns are releasing as many players to bring in some financial relief to rebuild.

Cleveland Browns Release Juan Thornhill – 5 Suitors Could Emerge This Free Agency

Possible Destinations

Kansas City Chiefs

Juan Thornhill returning to the Kansas City Chiefs since they may lose Justin Reid in free agency due to the salary cap. The team has been phenomenal with Reid and Bryan Cook on top of the pecking order of the safety unit. However, this could all change even if Thornhill decides to return to possibly fill the hole. The Chiefs should sign Thornhill on a temporary one-year deal to test what he could do but no one should expect him to be on that same level as Reid.

New Orleans Saints

The Saints are cash-strapped too just like the Chiefs and they could benefit from adding a veteran like Thornhill. After an underwhelming season, he could allow the Saints to offer him a cheap contract that makes him prove what he’s worth. Meanwhile, the team is holding their breath to bring back Tyrann Mathieu to return since he’s a cap casualty but New Orleans should be able to figure it out and pair these two to give the secondary some new life.

Baltimore Ravens

Ar’Darius Washington is the future of this safety unit but with an aging Marlon Humphrey, they could use Thornhill’s presence as backup. Marcus Williams will likely get cut as Kyle Hamilton is setting himself up for a contract extension. Thornhill might not do much starting off but he could carve out a decent role to step in for Washington in situational moments.

Minnesota Vikings

Juan Thornhill joining the Vikings could be dependent on what happens this offseason. Harrison Smith teased retirement while Camryn Bynum could leave the team for another roster. If that happens, the Vikings may be better off grabbing a bargain steal like Thornhill who has two Super Bowls under his belt.

Los Angeles Chargers

There will be a lot of moving pieces in the Chargers secondary this offseason. After extending Elijah Molden, the future looks bleak for Derwin James to return to Los Angeles. Thornhill could be a solid third man while Molden and Alohi Gilman could emerge as their two starters.

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The Buffalo Bills remain a prime landing spot if the Cleveland Browns decide to honor a trade request from defensive end Myles Garrett this offseason. The six-time Pro Bowl selection could represent the missing piece of the franchise’s championship puzzle.

Garrett wouldn’t come cheap, though. Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic helped fuel the rumor mill by laying out the blueprint for a potential trade between the Bills and Browns:

• To Buffalo: Garrett, 2026 5th Round Pick, 2027 7th Round Pick
• To Cleveland: DE A.J. Epenesa, 2025 1st Round Pick, 2026 1st Round Pick, 2027 4th Round Pick

Bills general manager Brandon Beane may have to decide whether it’s worth paying that price or if it’s better to invest the organization’s limited resources, especially in terms of salary-cap space, elsewhere ahead of the 2025 NFL season. All cap information included below is courtesy of Spotrac.

Bills, Myles Garrett Are Match Made in Heaven

Buffalo’s EDGE Situation

The Bills have four defensive ends under contract for next season: Epenesa, Von Miller, Greg Rousseau, and Javon Solomon. Change is needed, though. The defense finished 18th in sacks during the regular season (39). The pass rush also failed to make a substantial impact in the team’s AFC Championship Game loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Two weeks later, Buffalo watched as the Philadelphia Eagles‘ defensive front dominated the Chiefs’ offensive line in a Super Bowl blowout.

In turn, it’s clear the Bills must upgrade on the edge. It’s their most pressing need, and it’s not particularly close. That’s true despite a desire for upgrades at safety, cornerback, defensive tackle, and wide receiver.

Cutting Miller is the first order of business. Nobody blamed Beane for taking a risk when he signed the future Hall of Famer to a six-year, $120 million contract in 2022. The edge rusher owned a pristine résumé and he was coming off a Super Bowl run with the Los Angeles Rams.

VON. MILLER.

: @paramountplus & @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/AfFlC3wrVP

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 29, 2024

Miller suffered a torn ACL during his first season in Buffalo, however, and he simply hasn’t been the same player since his return. Now 35, he’s tallied just six sacks in 31 games, including the playoffs, over the past two years. That production is well short of the $23.8 million cap hit he’s set to carry in 2025.

Correspondingly, the Bills can release the longtime Denver Broncos standout to receive either $8.4 million (pre-June 1) or $17.4 million (post-June 1) in cap savings. Including Epenesa in the Garrett trade would represent an additional $3.3 million in savings.

Garrett’s NFL Track Record

Garrett is one of the league’s most impactful players. The 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year would give the Bills defense a rock-solid foundation in the same way quarterback Josh Allen, the 2024 NFL MVP, lays the groundwork offensively.

The 29-year-old Texas A&M product is coming off a 2024 campaign where he recorded 47 total tackles, 14 sacks, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and a pass defended while playing in all 17 regular-season games. His elite 92.3 Pro Football Focus grade ranked second among edge defenders.

It continued a career-long trend of wreaking havoc in the opponent’s backfield. His 102.5 sacks already rank 58th all-time, and he should have plenty of productive years left in the tank. His other accolades include six All-Pro selections (four First Team and two Second Team).

Dion Dawkins trying to get Myles Garret to time to Buffalo pic.twitter.com/B3CulLiyil

— BillsMuse (@BillsMusee) February 9, 2025

Garrett is also highly consistent. He hasn’t finished with less than double-digit sacks since his rookie year in 2017. That would be a welcome sight for the Bills pass rush. The group needs someone to lead the charge amid up-and-down play from Rousseau, who hasn’t developed into a high-end force.

Should Bills Meet Browns’ Asking Price?

Absolutely. The Bills and Garrett are a perfect match. The team gets a dominant edge rusher who can take over games. Garrett will also attract plenty of defensive attention. That would create a lot more one-on-one opportunities for the likes of Rousseau and Ed Oliver, as well.

Meanwhile, the defensive end would land with a championship contender after appearing in just three playoff games across eight years with the Browns. The chance to seriously compete for a Super Bowl title sits atop his wish list:

Myles Garrett has requested a trade.

His statement: pic.twitter.com/yx5Q9Exa0V

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 3, 2025

Sure, the trade cost could make some a bit queasy. Giving up two first-round picks along with a dependable reserve like Epenesa is a lot. It’s the type of package that could come back to haunt Buffalo if Garrett doesn’t produce like he has in the past.

On the flip side, the Bills’ 2025 first-round pick is No. 30 overall, and, barring an Allen injury, they’ll be picking late in the opening round next year, too. It’s exceedingly difficult to find an instant-impact defensive end at that point in the draft.

So, Buffalo should be treating this as an all-in situation. Beane should do everything in his power to get a deal done if Garrett is truly available. There are very few players beyond Allen who should be viewed as untouchable in talks with Cleveland. The Browns will have plenty of other interested teams to use as leverage, of course.

The Bills should have other options—such as trading for the Las Vegas Raiders‘ Maxx Crosby or signing free agent Khalil Mack, who played college football at the University at Buffalo—but landing Garrett could make them the Super Bowl LX favorites.

Main Photo: [Jeff Lange] – USA Today Sports

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