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jeremy fowler
Making bold predictions on the upcoming NFL season is a difficult task. It’s like the draft – it’s very hard to get 40-50% of first round picks.
We love the challenge so much here at ESPN that each January we ask industry sources from around the league to make predictions for the season. The possibilities are endless: free agency signings, retirements, contenders and contenders, trades and MVP favorites.
last year’s forecast Reminds us how much of a fast-moving target the NFL news cycle really is. Even if the concept is correct – DK Metcalf Being traded – You may have picked the wrong team (Chargers instead of Steelers). Sam Darnold Didn’t go to the Raiders, as we predicted, but went to the man he replaced in Seattle. geno smithDid. This is a league that’s impossible to figure out, that thrives on hold-my-beer theatrics. And the impact of the offseason is just beginning. Just look at the coaching carousel, which was supposed to be somewhat cool — until 10 jobs opened up, including highly regarded coaches like Mike Tomlin (stepped down), John Harbaugh and Sean McDermott.
We’re still a few weeks away from a strong trade market and teams changing quarterbacks. Even if preposterous, here are some bold predictions from league executives, coaches and scouts.
ravens trade lamar jackson to the attackers
This potential pair has found its place via rumor millAnd several people I talked to who keep track of such things used one of their boldest predictions in this exercise to name Jackson a Raider.
Agreeing with Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti means Jackson will remain in Baltimore. Bisciotti was clear He wants a contract extension for Jackson until March.
But if we’re being adventurous…
“It seems like there’s some nervousness out there regarding Lamar and the Ravens and this being Mark Davis’ final move,” said an NFL personnel evaluator. “I’m not even sure everyone in Vegas will be on board with this, but it would solve their quarterback problems immediately.”
From chemistry issues with the previous coaching staff to concerns about his availability, Jackson’s relationship with the Ravens is not looking to be in the best place. Baltimore probably realizes that life with a two-time MVP is better than life without, which would mean a big contract offer is coming. But this is a monitoring situation, and how Jackson adjusts to the new head coach seems important.
eagles trade aj brown for bills
The Browns have a very low happiness percentage in Philly. He is a great player and it is difficult to replace great players. But the Eagles have never been afraid to make a move because of salary cap implications. The Eagles could actually save $7 million on the cap by trading Brown after June 1.
And it feels like the time has come. Some league officials have felt that way since October.
“The Bills have to upgrade there – their best receiver is Khalil ShakirAn NFL personnel evaluator said, “Joe is a good player but he’s not a top guy.” “Brown is an immediate upgrade and he’s still young [turning 29 in June]. And the Eagles can build a passing game devonta smith And a high draft pick.”
Other potential fits via NFL scouts: tennessee titans, cleveland browns, san francisco 49ers And las vegas raiders.
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There has been a perception for some time that Cousins’ time in Atlanta was short – especially after the two sides restructured his contract that included $67.9 million in 2027 salary, which vested on March 13. The Falcons will want nothing to do with that number. But contracts can be amended – or players can be cut and re-signed – and the arrival of coach Kevin Stefanski could make keeping Cousins as a bridge option at least a little attractive.
Stefanski was Cousins’ offensive coordinator at Minnesota in 2019, when Cousins completed nearly 70% of his passes for 3,603 yards, 26 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Cousins knows Stefanski’s wide-zone scheme well.
“[The Falcons] Bets were made on Michael Penix that he wouldn’t get hurt, and he got hurt,” said an NFC executive. Penix had an ACL repair in his left knee in November, his fifth major surgery during college.
“They’re going to need someone early in the season because of injuries, and Cousins played fine for them late last year. Cousins always seems to have respect for Kevin. Both sides have a good option in their back pockets.”
The flip side: Cousins may want out after two years of uncertainty in Atlanta, and he has a mechanism to do so with a contract amendment. Perhaps he wants to make himself available to Minnesota or others.
malik willis for dolphins or browns
If Daniel Jones returns to indianapolis colts As many expect, Willis will emerge as a potential top free agent at the position.
Willis racked up some coin with his performance in relief. jordan love In Green Bay, showing the dual-threat ability that a new offensive mind can mold.
“I just don’t think [the Browns] Get into the season with Shedure [Sanders] As their top option,” an NFC personnel person said. “And getting the right quarterback in the draft isn’t a guarantee of where they pick.”
The Browns have the No. 6 and 24 picks in the first round of April’s draft.
No regime will know Willis’ strengths better than Miami, which has hired the brain trust of GM John-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley from Green Bay. The Packers valued Willis’s development, and Miami reaped the rewards of that hard work.
Colts win AFC South for first time since 2014
When considering the talent on the roster and the four winning seasons during that span, NFL parity makes the Colts’ 11-year drought without a divisional title truly puzzling.
The Colts looked poised for a breakthrough 2025 with an 8-2 start before injuries derailed the season and prompted Indy to call up the 44-year-old. philip rivers Off the couch to quarterback the team.
An AFC executive said, “But they showed their proof of concept through 10 games.” “They had Daniel Jones playing well. There’s talent on the roster. They’re closer than people might think.”
First, Indy has several key free agents to try to re-sign, from Jones to wide receiver Alec Pierce to deal with correctly Braden Smith.
Pitts’ fifth season was his best as a professional, with 88 catches for 928 yards and 5 touchdowns.
The tag for tougher projects will be $15.9 million.
“This number is reasonable and a good basis for them to negotiate a long-term deal,” an AFC official said. “Not sure what they do drake london But keeping Pitts at this level seems like a good move.”
george pickens‘The situation has become difficult in Dallas
The Cowboys are expected to place the franchise tag on Pickens, paying him approximately $28 million next season. But Pickens would like a long-term deal above that number, and if Dallas doesn’t give him that, some around the league will wonder if he’ll be away from the team for a large portion of the offseason or even training camp.
“I don’t see them coming out of their season welcoming the tag with open arms,” said one veteran AFC coach.
If tagged, both sides will have until July 15 to reach an agreement. Pickens may choose not to sign the tag as a leverage method.
jeno smith, tua tagovailoa And kyler murray All jets are provided for
This assumption isn’t exactly bold – it appears that all three quarterbacks are not in the long-term plans of their current franchises. But they are both former Pro Bowlers and many teams have a desperate need at the position every year.
An AFC executive said, “Do the Jets get one of those three – that’s really the question I have.” “They may be young and ready for the 2027 draft at quarterback, but the head coach [Aaron Glenn] “Maybe he needs to win, so he might need a more reliable option.”
Miami and Arizona are tied to big guarantees on deals with Tagovailoa and Murray, respectively. New York would make more sense for Murray, given Tagovailoa’s ties to the AFC East, but not everyone is convinced that Arizona owner Michael Bidwill will pay a significant portion of the $37 million he is guaranteed to pay Murray if he does not play in Arizona. Smith’s contract is more manageable, with $18.5 million already guaranteed for 2026 (another $8 million becomes fully guaranteed on the third day of the new league year). The 35-year-old spent his first four seasons with the Jets, throwing 28 touchdowns and 36 interceptions before moving on.
The Jets will need to make significant plans for a veteran passer.
