Wed Apr 23 12:47pm ET
Field Level Media
The Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Chargers will meet July 31 in the 2025 Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, as part of enshrinement week.
Antonio Gates, who spent his entire career as a tight end with the Chargers (2003-2018), is among the enshrinees to the 2025 class.
The game will be played in Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton and televised by NBC Sports. The Lions will serve as the home team.
"This game features two teams that can be considered legitimate contenders to reach Super Bowl LX next February," said Jim Porter, president and CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. "For them to face each other right out of the gate in Canton, Ohio, should create a dynamic opening to another spectacular NFL season."
This will be the fourth appearance in the exhibition game for the Lions and the third for the Chargers, but the first for both since 1994.
Gates is expected to be joined at the game by fellow Class of 2025 members Eric Allen, Jared Allen and Sterling Sharpe.
Dallas Cowboys All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons said that he's taking part in the team's voluntary offseason program to build his relationship with new head coach Brian Schottenheimer and to grow as a leader, but he also indicated that he might not do all of the on-field work as the offseason progresses. As he heads into the final year of his current deal, the 25-year-old linebacker is still looking for a new long-term extension, and it doesn't appear like the two sides are at all close to a resolution after owner Jerry Jones bypassed Parsons' agent in contract talks at the beginning of April. If the two sides are still at a contract impasse by the summer when training camp is about to start, it's very possible that we'll be talking about a potential hold-in for the four-time Pro Bowler. Contract issues aside, Parsons is a fantasy stud in IDP formats with 52.5 sacks in his four NFL seasons.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay didn't rule out the possibility of the team trading for Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey. "You would certainly never rule out the possibility of that... There's a lot of layers that would need to be worked out with a player of his magnitude... but you would never eliminate the possibility of adding a total stud," McVay said. The 30-year-old former first-rounder (fifth overall) by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016 out of Florida State played for the Rams from 2019-22. He spent the last two seasons in Miami, but it sounds like his time in South Beach is coming to an end. The seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro played in all 17 games in 2024 and had 60 tackles (39 solo), six tackles for loss, two interceptions and 11 pass breakups while playing at a high level. There will be plenty of suitors for Ramsey, who could be dealt during this week's NFL draft.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, who is locked in a position battle with Daniel Jones for the starting QB job this offseason, said he worked extensively on "footwork" and "being able to just stay calm in the pocket." The former fourth overall pick in 2023 was benched in favor of veteran Joe Flacco in 2024 and has missed considerable time due to injuries in his first two years in the league. The 22-year-old signal-caller has elite rushing ability, but he has posted just a 50.6% career completion rate, which is why the Colts brought in Jones this offseason to push the physically-gifted athlete. The Colts have said they've received encouraging reports on Richardson's progress this offseason, but the proof will be in the pudding of whether he can beat out Jones and stay healthy. In a best-case scenario, Richardson will win the starting gig and be an upside QB2 target in fantasy due to his rushing ability.
From RotoBaller
The Atlanta Falcons are bound to be having many trade conversations during this week's NFL draft that involve quarterback Kirk Cousins, and The Athletic's Dianna Russini points out the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings as the most likely suitors for Cousins, who signed a four-year deal with Atlanta in free agency last year, only to play 14 games before being benched by rookie Michael Penix Jr. The Vikings, where Cousins played for six seasons, is the least likely of the trio to trade for Cousins, who must approve any trade. Russini writes that he's not eager to go to a team with a promising young QB like J.J. McCarthy. If the veteran signal-caller is traded during this week's draft, it would likely happen on Saturday. The Falcons have made it clear that they're moving forward with Penix as their starter, and Cousins has told the team that he would rather play elsewhere as a starter than back up Penix again.
From RotoBaller
With new head coach Mike Vrabel at the helm, the New England Patriots are open to trading players from the previous coaching staff, sources tell FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz, and one name to watch is wide receiver Kayshon Boutte. The former LSU wideout will turn 23 in May and had 43 catches for 589 yards and three touchdowns on 68 targets over 15 games (13 starts) in his second year in the NFL. The Patriots selected the 22-year-old pass-catcher in the sixth round (187th overall) in the 2023 NFL draft. Boutte only had two catches on seven targets for 19 yards in his rookie campaign in five games played in New England, and although receiver is a position of need for the organization despite the fact that added Stefon Diggs this offseason, it sounds like Boutte is expendable. Even if Boutte isn't traded, expect the Patriots to address their receiver depth in this week's NFL draft.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) said that his back injury from the 2024 season is in the past and he didn't require surgery on his back. He said he was cleared to play last month and thinks he's done the work necessary to get past the fractured back that he played through last year. In addition to shaky quarterback play and Anthony Richardson eventually being benched in favor of veteran Joe Flacco, Pittman battled a busted back to finish with only 69 receptions, 808 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 16 games, which were all the lowest marks of his five-year NFL career since his rookie campaign in 2020 in which he played in only 13 games. The 27-year-old might be better off from a fantasy perspective if Daniel Jones wins the quarterback competition over Anthony Richardson this offseason, but either way, fantasy managers are going to be more skeptical of Pittman as a WR2 in 2025.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's Brooke Pryor writes that Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan shut down speculation that the team could trade wide receiver George Pickens, who is eligible for a contract extension this summer, to add a second-rounder in this week's NFL draft. "We're glad we have George and DK here," Khan said. "I think they're going to be exciting for everyone to watch." The Steelers have six picks in this week's draft, but they are without a second-rounder after using the No. 52 overall pick as part of the trade to land receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks. The 24-year-old Pickens fell short of 1,000 yards -- he had 900 yards and three touchdowns on 59 receptions -- and could be more volatile of a fantasy asset in 2025 with Metcalf now in the picture. That's especially true with Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson as the only quarterbacks currently on their roster.
From RotoBaller
Though there is good value in a deep running back class in this year's NFL draft, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said he believes Jaylen Warren can be the team's top running back after the departure of 2021 first-rounder Najee Harris in free agency to the Los Angeles Chargers. "I certainly feel comfortable with his ability to do so," Tomlin said of Warren. "He got hampered by injury some in 2024. He appears to be ready to answer that. I know he's really excited about his opportunity. I don't think myself or anyone within the organization question his talents in regards to managing the ability to manage potentially that role." The 26-year-old signed his one-year, $5.35 million restricted free-agent tender on Tuesday, but that doesn't mean the two sides won't work out a long-term extension. Warren's 2025 fantasy value will depend on whether the Steelers add a RB in this week's NFL draft.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has signed a one-year, $5.3 million deal with the organization on Tuesday. Warren signed as a restricted free agent as he enters his final year before free agency. Warren figures to be the lead back for the first time in his professional career this upcoming season. Najee Harris has departed via free agency, which opens a door for Warren to be the No. 1 back in this offense. It's possibly that the Steelers do draft a running back in the upcoming NFL Draft. Nonetheless, Warren should get the first chance to be the lead back in 2025. Last season, Warren finished with 511 rushing yards and 310 receiving yards in 15 games as the primary backup in Pittsburgh. The assumption is that his fantasy value is going to rise with a move to the lead back spot.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis is expected to stick with the organization a little bit longer. Recently, general manager Mike Borgonzi said Levis is a quarterback in their room. He continued saying Levis is still developing and learning, but he has experienced some good moments. It seems increasingly likely that the Titans are going to select Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. That means, Levis is going to be stuck as a backup going forward with Ward presumably viewed as the new franchise quarterback. It's never a bad idea to have depth, but Levis is only 25 years old and could potentially still help another organization. For now, the Titans seem interested in keeping Levis, but that might change over time.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (knee) says that he has been participating in his offseason program without any restrictions. Head coach Kyle Shanahan noted that McCaffrey is healthy and doing great at the moment. The oft-injured back was only able to play in four games last season due to injuries. When healthy, McCaffrey is a stud, but he has only been healthy for two full seasons since 2020. The 28-year-old is a no-doubt RB1 when he's a full-go, so hopefully that will be the case in 2025.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah has returned for the start of the offseason program. Owusu-Koramoah suffered a scary neck injury in late October when he collided with running back Derrick Henry. He was carted off the field and didn't see the field again after that. The fact that Owusu-Koramoah is back with the team on Tuesday is a good sign. General manager Andrew Berry said Owusu-Koramoah is progressing, but he doesn't have a timetable for his return. In 2023, Owusu-Koramoah recorded 101 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 16 games with Cleveland. He was limited to eight games last season, but is a stud when healthy.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle did not report to the start of team offseason activities, according to NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. The six-time Pro Bowl selection is entering the final year of his contract and is set to earn a base salary of $14.4 million. The Iowa product put another fantastic season together in 2024, collecting 78 receptions for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns in 15 games. The 31-year-old is one of the best tight ends of his generation and has five seasons of at least 900 receiving yards on his career resume. If Kittle wants a contract extension and a raise, he has earned it. He currently ranks behind Trey McBride, Travis Kelce, and T.J. Hockenson in average salary among tight ends and is likely to take on a bigger workload after the departure of Deebo Samuel Sr.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy reported to the start of the team's offseason activities, according to NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. The 2022 seventh-round pick is entering the final season of his rookie deal and is slated to earn $5.35 million in base salary. Purdy, who has thrown for 9,518 yards, 64 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions in 40 career games, is making well below the starting quarterback market as a clear starter, and he could receive a lucrative extension this offseason. Entering 2025, Purdy will be without Deebo Samuel Sr., who was traded to the Washington Commanders. Additionally, Brandon Aiyuk (knee) could miss the start of the season after suffering a torn ACL in 2024. Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall could be his top two wideouts to begin the year, but the Niners could be aggressive in targeting a wideout in the 2025 NFL Draft.
From RotoBaller
Veteran free-agent cornerback Stephon Gilmore was at the Dallas Cowboys' facility on Tuesday, but NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports no signing is imminent. The former No. 10 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft out of South Carolina spent the 2023 campaign with Dallas before a season with the Minnesota Vikings last year. Overall, Gilmore has tallied 617 tackles (521 solo), 149 pass deflections, 32 interceptions, eight forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one sack, and two defensive touchdowns in 180 career games with the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Cowboys, and Vikings. The Cowboys could be interested in bringing the five-time Pro Bowler back, but it would likely be after the 2025 NFL Draft if they strike out on targeted cornerback prospects.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins reported to voluntary OTAs on Tuesday, according to NFL.com. His arrival was a surprise to some Falcons staffers, but his presence in the building shows the relationship between him and the organization is still cordial. The Falcons have said they are willing to pay Cousins $27.5 million to back up second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr., but the veteran would prefer to be traded somewhere he can start. However, starting quarterback roles around the league are now scarce, and options will be further reduced following the 2025 NFL Draft. Cousins was benched for Penix last season after throwing for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions in 14 games. It remains to be seen how this situation will play out, but Atlanta could hold onto him in hopes of a fruitful trade offer at some point this offseason or during the 2025 campaign.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook did not report to the start of the organization's voluntary OTAs, according to general manager Brandon Beane. The former second-round pick out of Georgia posted his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season in 2024 and is seeking a contract extension worth $15 million annually. In 16 games last season, Cook posted 1,009 yards on 207 carries and caught 32 passes for 258 yards. He found the end zone 18 times. It remains to be seen if Cook is a candidate to hold out of mandatory OTAs or training camp, but for now, it's too early to have any significant takeaways. If he's the clear starter in Buffalo next season, he'll continue to have RB1 upside in an offense led by MVP quarterback Josh Allen.
From RotoBaller
In a media availability on Tuesday, Tennessee Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi confirmed the team will make a selection with the No. 1 overall pick rather than trading down. "We've come to a consensus," Borgonzi said. "We'll pick at No. 1 on Thursday night." Since at least the 2025 NFL combine, the belief has been that Tennessee will select Miami quarterback Cam Ward at the top of this week's draft, and Borgonzi's statement all but confirms that will be the case. After 2023 second-round pick Will Levis struggled in 2024 with 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 12 games, Tennessee is poised to bring in its franchise quarterback of the future. Ward threw for 4,313 yards, 39 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in his lone season with the Hurricanes and finished fourth in the 2024 Heisman Trophy voting behind Travis Hunter, Ashton Jeanty, and Dillon Gabriel.
From RotoBaller
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is the consensus top RB in a strong class in 2025, and he could very well come off the board within the first 10 picks on Thursday night. What sets Jeanty apart from the likes of North Carolina's Omarion Hampton, Iowa's Kaleb Johnson and Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins is hit tackle-breaking ability and penchant for gaining yards after contact. Jeanty had 1,733 rushing yards after contact last season with the Broncos, while Hampton, who is considered the No. 2 back in this class, has 1,660 total rushing yards in 2024. Jeanty's total rushing yards after contact are the most by any FBS player in a season in the last five years. The Las Vegas Raiders are the obvious candidates to take Jeanty at No. 6 overall, and multiple personnel people think the Chicago Bears are hoping he falls to them at No. 10.
From RotoBaller
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe was invited to attend this weeks' NFL draft in Green Bay, but ESPN's Peter Schrager writes that it doesn't mean the NFL expects him to be picked in the first round on Thursday night. The league invited Milroe to the draft because he's one of the top QB prospect, and even if he's not selected in Round 1, he could be in attendance on Friday night. Even though the 22-year-old might end up being a Day 2 pick, plenty of NFL teams are intrigued by him. "Rare physical talent," Browns general manager Andrew Berry said of Milroe. "Maybe the only quarterback who's faster than Lamar Jackson." The 6-foot-2, 217-pounder has the best speed at the QB position in this year's class, but in order to take the next step at the NFL level, he is going to need to improve as a passer, which is why teams might be skeptical on using a first-round pick on him.
From RotoBaller