The Atlanta Falcons are expected to release quarterback Kirk Cousins before March 17 when his $10...

The Atlanta Falcons are expected to release quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/14947" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/14947">Kirk Cousins</a> before March 17 when his $10-million roster bonus for the 2026 season is due, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43081294/sources-falcons-expected-cut-kirk-cousins-10m-bonus-due">Adam Schefter of ESPN</a>.The veteran signal-caller signed a four-year, $180-million contract with a no-trade clause in March. It's widely expected across the league that the Falcons won't be able to trade Cousins and will be forced to cut him, Schefter reports.Atlanta benched the 36-year-old earlier this week after Cousins went 1-4 with one touchdown and nine interceptions in his last five contests. Cousins' 88.6 passer rating in 14 games is his worst since becoming a full-time starter in 2015.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Cousins is scheduled to carry a $40-million cap hit in 2025, according to <a href="https://overthecap.com/player/kirk-cousins/1443">Over The Cap</a>. He spent six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings before landing in Atlanta last offseason.<a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199749">Michael Penix</a>, who the Falcons drafted eighth overall this year, will get his first career start Sunday against the New York Giants. Penix finished second in Heisman voting behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199756" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199756">Jayden Daniels</a> in 2023 and led Washington to the national championship after throwing for 4,903 yards with 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.Atlanta's passing offense ranks 29th in EPA/dropback over the last five weeks. The Falcons will face a Giants pass defense that sits 26th in dropback success rate through 14 games, according to <a href="https://rbsdm.com/stats/stats/">Ben Baldwin's database</a>.The Falcons are 7-7 and just one game back of the NFC South-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 08: Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 08, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Falcons 42-21.

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Report: Falcons expected to move on from Cousins after season

Teddy Bridgewater hinted at a return to the NFL after winning a state championship in his first y...

Teddy Bridgewater hinted at a return to the NFL after winning a state championship in his first year as head coach of Miami Northwestern High School."Let's see how these next week-and-a-half, two weeks play out. Might be signing with a team or something then returning back to coach high school football in February," Bridgewater told <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1869178616493285639">NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero</a>.Bridgewater wouldn't tell Pelissero and Rapoport if he's already agreed to sign with a team.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bridgewater was last with the Detroit Lions in 2023 but never attempted a pass with the team. He ultimately retired after the season and became a high school football coach at his alma mater. The 32-year-old was a full-time starter with the Denver Broncos in 2021 and suited up in five games with the Miami Dolphins in 2022. The Minnesota Vikings selected Bridgewater in the first round of the 2014 draft. He became the starter and went 6-6 in his rookie campaign after sitting behind Matt Cassel for a few games. Bridgewater secured Pro Bowl honors in 2015 after an 11-5 season and led the Vikings to the playoffs.However, the Louisville product suffered a torn ACL and dislocated knee joint in August 2016 that sidelined him for over a year. Bridgewater spent time with the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers before landing with the Broncos.

CHARLOTTE, NC - AUGUST 25: Detroit Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (17) during a preseason NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the Carolina Panthers on August 25, 2023, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.

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Bridgewater hints at NFL return: 'Might be signing with a team'

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix will start Sunday against the New York Giants, the team...

Atlanta Falcons quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199749" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199749">Michael Penix</a> will start Sunday against the New York Giants, the team announced Tuesday.The move will send <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/14947" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/14947">Kirk Cousins</a> to the bench after the veteran went 1-4 with one touchdown and eight interceptions in his last five games. Atlanta selected Penix eighth overall in the 2024 draft despite adding Cousins from the Minnesota Vikings earlier in the offseason."After review, we have made the decision Michael Penix will be the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback moving forward," head coach Raheem Morris said in a <a href="https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/atlanta-falcons-name-michael-penix-jr-the-starting-quarterback-kirk-cousins">statement</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"This was a football decision, and we are fully focused on preparing the team for Sunday's game against the New York Giants."Morris wouldn't commit to Cousins as the starting signal-caller Tuesday when speaking to reporters. The head boss said in previous weeks that the club would stick with Cousins, but things changed after Monday's 15-9 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders."We didn't play particularly well at the quarterback position," Morris said. "We didn't play well (Monday) at that spot. I like to be open and honest about those things."He added: "It's always going to be those questions marks. It's always going to be those question marks when it comes to head coach, when it comes to the quarterback."Cousins completed 11 of 17 passes for 112 yards with one touchdown and one interception against Las Vegas. He posted a 9.0 quarterback rating, the lowest mark he's had in a game this season, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/gamelog/_/id/14880/kirk-cousins">ESPN</a>. Cousins has thrown for 3,508 yards with 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in 14 games this season. The 36-year-old signed a four-year, $180-million contract with the Falcons in March that includes a no-trade clause. Atlanta would have to eat a $40-million dead cap charge if the club releases him this offseason and $25 million in 2026, per <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1869200923228319913">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>.Penix, 24, dominated the Pac-12 conference in his final two seasons at Washington before entering the NFL. He threw for 9,544 yards with 67 touchdowns and 19 interceptions from 2022-23 and led the Huskies to the national title game last year.Atlanta is 7-7 and one game back of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South heading into Sunday's game.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 16: Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up prior to a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Falcons to start Penix vs. Giants

The Arizona Cardinals are signing safety Budda Baker to a three-year extension, the team announce...

The Arizona Cardinals are signing safety <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/88739" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/88739">Budda Baker</a> to a three-year extension, the team announced Tuesday.It's a three-year, $54-million deal with $30 million guaranteed, according to <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1869175809023578547">Adam Schefter of ESPN</a>.Baker is enjoying a stellar season, leading the NFL in solo tackles with 88. He's also racked up 142 total tackles with two sacks and three passes defended.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 28-year-old was set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season. He was in the final year of the four-year extension he signed in 2020.Arizona selected Baker in the second round of the 2017 draft. The two-time first-team All-Pro has 879 tackles, seven interceptions, and six forced fumbles in 119 career games.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 01: Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) looks on before the NFL game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Minnesota Vikings on December 1st, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN.

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Cardinals signing Baker to 3-year extension reportedly worth $54M

Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs believes Josh Allen deserves to win MVP this season.  "...

Houston Texans wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/65482" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/65482">Stefon Diggs</a> believes <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/94699" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/94699">Josh Allen</a> deserves to win MVP this season."He definitely should win it, he's been balling," Diggs told <a href="https://x.com/KyleBrandt/status/1869048488425906647">NFL Network's Kyle Brandt</a>. "Obviously it's no secret that Josh Allen is amazing."He added: "He's making those plays. It's not new to me at all. ... (He's) finally getting that credit that he deserves. He's playing at a very high level, I feel like he deserves (MVP)."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Diggs and Allen were teammates in Buffalo from 2020-2023 before the Bills traded Diggs to the Houston Texans this offseason. The Bills made the playoffs every season during Diggs' tenure with the franchise and reached the AFC Championship in 2020.Allen has been red hot over the last three games, racking up 1,020 total yards with 13 touchdowns and zero interceptions. Out of 25 qualifying quarterbacks this season, Allen ranks first in EPA/play and third in success rate, according to <a href="https://rbsdm.com/stats/stats/">Ben Baldwin's database</a>.Buffalo defeated the Detroit Lions on Sunday, improving their record to 11-3. They clinched the AFC East and are second in the conference with three games remaining. However, they lost 35-10 to the Baltimore Ravens and quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97162" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97162">Lamar Jackson</a> in September."Only person that could kind of compete with (Allen) is Lamar Jackson, who's playing hell of ball, too," Diggs said.The 31-year-old Diggs is out for the year after suffering a season-ending knee injury in late October.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 17: Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermot, Josh Allen #17 and Stefon Diggs #14 stand for the national anthem before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Highmark Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. The Bills beat the Cowboys 31-10.

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Texans' Diggs: Allen deserves to win MVP

Norfolk State is hiring former NFL star Michael Vick as its next head coach, Vick confirmed on hi...

Norfolk State is hiring former NFL star Michael Vick as its next head coach, Vick confirmed on his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMikeVick/posts/pfbid0onSd3X6ba7pGn51phZwknmnNR26miXN7hF7kdpWJHb73cVRswfScc6YyaZZjFCvl">Facebook</a> page Tuesday."Looking forward to coming back home," he wrote.Vick had a storied playing career at both Virginia Tech and in the NFL but has no coaching experience at either level. He was an intern for the Kansas City Chiefs under Andy Reid in 2017 and was a consultant for the Atlanta Legends of the Alliance of American Football in 2019.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I know how to lead, and I know what it takes," Vick <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3161859" href="https://thescore.com/news/3161859">said</a> recently, adding that the program initiated conversations about the opportunity.Vick was also <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3161949" href="https://thescore.com/news/3161949">reportedly</a> in discussions with Sacramento State about its head coaching vacancy.The Virginia native has already reportedly reached out to potential assistant coaches and support staff. Norfolk State went 4-8 in 2024 and plays out of the MEAC in the FCS division. The program fired head coach Dawson Odums in November after four years.Vick was the first overall pick in the 2001 draft by the Atlanta Falcons. He secured three Pro Bowls with Atlanta before spending 18 months in prison for his involvement in a dog-fighting ring. The 44-year-old resurrected his career with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2010 after taking over the starting quarterback job. He led the Eagles to the playoffs and finished second in MVP voting that year. Vick is the NFL's all-time leading rusher for a quarterback with 6,109 yards.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 09: Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick attempts a pass during a celebrity flag football game at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center on February 09, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Norfolk State hiring Vick as head coach

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris wouldn't commit to Kirk Cousins being the starting quart...

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris wouldn't commit to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/14947" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/14947">Kirk Cousins</a> being the starting quarterback Sunday against the New York Giants."We just got back. We still have to go through that process," Morris said Tuesday, according to <a href="https://x.com/JoshTheAthletic/status/1869145041677263316">Josh Kendall of The Athletic</a>. "All those things will happen over the course of the week. We didn't play well enough at the quarterback position."Cousins struggled again Monday night against the Las Vegas Raiders, completing just 11 passes for 117 yards with one touchdown and one interception. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Out of 32 quarterbacks who've taken at least 100 snaps since Week 10, Cousins ranks 30th in EPA/play and 27th in completion percentage, per <a href="https://rbsdm.com/stats/stats/">Ben Baldwin's database</a>. He's gone 1-4 during that stretch, throwing just one touchdown to nine interceptions in those games. "When you go through the stretch that we're going through right now, you're not going to have that same confidence and the same swagger he had in the first two months or three months ... of the season," Morris added Tuesday, according to team reporter <a href="https://x.com/TerrinWaack/status/1869146696825069922">Terrin Waack</a>.Atlanta signed Cousins to a four-year, $180-million contract this offseason. The Falcons then selected <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199749" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199749">Michael Penix</a> eighth overall in the 2024 draft weeks later.The 24-year-old Penix shined in his final two years at Washington, throwing for 9,544 yards with 67 touchdowns, and led the Huskies to the College Football Playoff National Championship game in 2023.Atlanta is 7-7 and one game back of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the top spot in the NFC South with three games remaining.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 16: Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Falcons defeated the Raiders 15-9.

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Falcons' Morris won't commit to Cousins starting vs. Giants

Former Alabama defensive lineman Jehiem Oatis is transferring to Colorado, he told ESPN's Pete Th...

Former Alabama defensive lineman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/172335" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/172335">Jehiem Oatis</a> is transferring to Colorado, he told <a href="https://x.com/PeteThamel/status/1868834909852512743">ESPN's Pete Thamel</a>.Oatis is the top defensive player in the transfer portal and the No. 5-ranked overall player, according to ESPN.The 22-year-old announced he'd enter the portal in October due to a lack of playing time. He started 13 games during his three-year tenure with the Crimson Tide, racking up 57 tackles and 1.5 sacks.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Oatis was the 38th-ranked recruit and the fourth-highest-rated defensive lineman in the 2022 class, per the <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/240666/jaheim-oatis">ESPN 300</a>.

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - SEPTEMBER 28: Jehiem Oatis #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates after his team's victory against the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

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Former Alabama DL Oatis transfers to Colorado

There's no structural damage in Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith's knee, head coach Mike M...

There's no structural damage in Seattle Seahawks quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/13368" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/13368">Geno Smith</a>'s knee, head coach Mike Macdonald told reporters Monday, including <a href="https://x.com/NikoTamurian/status/1868804559575138676">Niko Tamurian of KOMO News</a>.Macdonald added he's optimistic Smith can practice this week and hopeful he can suit up Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings."Geno's a beast man," the head coach said. "He was in here working out in the morning. We'll get through, and I know he's still feeling it. But this guy's tough as nails."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Smith exited Sunday night's contest against the Green Bay Packers in the third quarter after taking a low hit while attempting a pass. He spent time in the medical tent before heading to the locker room and never returned to the game. The 34-year-old completed 15 of 19 passes for 149 yards with one interception before exiting. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174211" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174211">Sam Howell</a> replaced the injured Smith and struggled, completing just 5 of his 14 passes for 24 yards and a pick.Seattle dropped to 8-6 with the loss Sunday and now sits second in the NFC West after leading the division heading into the game against Green Bay.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 15: Geno Smith #7 of the Seattle Seahawks throws a pass against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at Lumen Field on December 15, 2024 in Seattle, Washington.

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Geno's knee has no structural damage, could play Sunday vs. Vikings

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder is expected to start Monday night against the Atlant...

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174062" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174062">Desmond Ridder</a> is expected<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174062" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174062"> </a>to start Monday night against the Atlanta Falcons.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188217" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188217">Aidan O'Connell</a> is inactive and listed as the emergency third quarterback due to a knee injury. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199873" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199873">Carter Bradley</a> is the other quarterback active for Las Vegas.O'Connell was carted off in an air cast during last week's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was diagnosed with a bone bruise, avoiding a major injury. The Raiders previously listed O'Connell as questionable after not practicing all week.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Ridder, 25, has appeared in three games this season, completing 28 of 44 passes for 239 yards with one touchdown. He started 17 games for the Falcons after they selected him in the third round of the 2022 draft.The Cincinnati product will be the third starting quarterback for Las Vegas this season.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 24: Desmond Ridder #10 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks to pass in the fourth quarter of a game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium on November 24, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Raiders' Ridder to start vs. Falcons with O'Connell inactive

Sacramento State is in discussions with Michael Vick about making him the program's next head coa...

Sacramento State is in discussions with Michael Vick about making him the program's next head coach, sources told <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1868766205734953200">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>.The Hornets - who currently play at the FCS level - plan to move up to the FBS with a new stadium and currently have $50 million in NIL funding, Schefter adds.Sacramento State has been ramping up donations in hopes of getting a spot in the Pac-12 conference, according to <a href="https://www.si.com/fannation/name-image-likeness/nil-news/sacramento-state-committee-raises-massive-amount-of-money-for-nil-spending">Kenneth Teape of Sports Illustrated</a>, with a target of raising $50 million earlier this year.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Vick has no NFL or college coaching experience outside of an internship under Andy Reid with the Chiefs in 2017. He was also a consultant for the Atlanta Legends of the Alliance of American Football in 2019.The 44-year-old has also <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3161859" href="https://thescore.com/news/3161859">reportedly</a> interviewed for the head coaching job at Norfolk State. Vick spent 13 seasons in the NFL after being selected first overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 2001. He served 18 months in prison for his involvement in a dog-fighting ring from 2007-08 and was ultimately released by the Falcons.The Virginia Tech product signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009 and eventually took over the starting job the following season. He secured the Comeback Player of the Year award in 2010 after leading the Eagles to the playoffs. Sacramento State went 3-9 this season and plays out of the Big Sky Conference in the FCS.

BLACKSBURG, VIRGINIA - OCTOBER 17: Michael Vick looks on prior to a game between the Virginia Tech Hokies and the Boston College Eagles at Lane Stadium on October 17, 2024 in Blacksburg, Virginia.

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Report: Sacramento State in talks with Vick about becoming head coach

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs will undergo season-ending knee surgery, reports Jay Glaze...

Dallas Cowboys cornerback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/110128" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/110128">Trevon Diggs</a> will undergo season-ending knee surgery, reports <a href="https://x.com/JayGlazer/status/1868024155729531314">Jay Glazer of Fox Sports</a>.Diggs has a knee cartilage issue and experienced swelling in recent weeks, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JFowlerESPN/status/1868056707265601772">ESPN's Jeremy Fowler</a>.The cornerback was listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers, but the club downgraded him to out Saturday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 26-year-old returned to the lineup last week after missing the previous two games with groin and knee injuries. He's recorded 42 tackles and two interceptions in 11 games this season.Diggs' ailment adds to a long list of devasting injuries Cowboys players have suffered this season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188178" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188178">DeMarvion Overshown</a> was ruled out for the year after tearing his ACL, MCL, and PCL against the Cincinnati Bengals, while quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/50470" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/50470">Dak Prescott</a> underwent season-ending hamstring surgery in November.Diggs, a two-time Pro Bowl defensive back, missed the 2023 season after tearing his ACL during training camp. The repair from the ACL injury remains intact, but Diggs' current ailment is believed to be different from that issue, according to <a href="https://x.com/toddarcher/status/1868048001681465817">ESPN's Todd Archer</a>.Dallas is 5-8 heading into Sunday's contest.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 09: Trevon Diggs #7 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on from the sideline during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at AT&T Stadium on December 9, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.

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Report: Cowboys' Diggs to undergo season-ending knee surgery

Bill Belichick personally reached out to the New York Jets a few weeks ago to express interest in...

Bill Belichick personally reached out to the New York Jets a few weeks ago to express interest in their head coaching vacancy before taking the UNC job, a source told <a href="https://x.com/BrianCoz/status/1867981877157749131">Brian Costello of the New York Post</a>.The two parties didn't meet or have a formal conversation, Costello adds.Belichick was supposed to be New York's head coach after Bill Parcells stepped down following the 1999 season. He famously rejected the role by writing on a napkin "I resign as HC of the NYJ" just one day after the team announced his promotion. Belichick would explain his reasoning at a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkcKAPdNbto">press conference</a>, stating issues with the incoming owner, Woody Johnson.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>New England ultimately traded a first-round pick to New York for the rights to hire Belichick. He would go on to win 266 regular-season games as the Patriots' head coach, securing six Super Bowls during the 24-year tenure.The Jets fired Robert Saleh just five games into the 2024 season and will begin a search for a permanent replacement after the year. "That's kind of what it's been like with the Jets. Barely won over 30% (of games) in the last 10 years. The owner, being the owner. Just ready, fire, aim," Belichick said on ESPN's "<a href="https://nypost.com/2024/12/14/sports/bill-belichick-had-interest-in-jets-before-landing-at-north-carolina/">Manningcast</a>" after they dismissed Saleh, per <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/12/14/sports/bill-belichick-had-interest-in-jets-before-landing-at-north-carolina/">Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post</a>.Belichick accepted the head coaching job at North Carolina earlier this week. NFL owners believe Belichick had generated almost no NFL interest for the 2025 coaching cycle, according to <a href="https://x.com/JFowlerESPN/status/1866986355684937873">ESPN's Jeremy Fowler</a>.The 3-10 Jets face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 12: Head Coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks on during a press conference on December 12, 2024 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

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Report: Belichick reached out to Jets about coaching vacancy

Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson, head coach Kevin Stefanski, and general manager Andrew Berr...

Cleveland quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/84667" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/84667">Deshaun Watson</a>, head coach Kevin Stefanski, and general manager Andrew Berry are all expected back with the Browns in 2025, sources told <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/browns-deshaun-watson-kevin-stefanski-gm-andrew-berry-expected-back-in-2025-amid-lost-season/">Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports</a>.Stefanski and Berry signed extensions this offseason. Owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam have been planning their return all season long, Jones adds. They were hired to their respective roles in 2020.Watson suffered a torn Achilles in late October. It's unclear what his role will be in 2025, per Jones.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 29-year-old Watson signed a five-year, $230-million contract with Cleveland in 2022 that runs through the 2026 season with a void year in 2027. It'd cost Cleveland $100-plus million to move on from Watson this offseason, and he has $72-million cap hits in 2025 and 2026, according to <a href="https://overthecap.com/player/deshaun-watson/5596#google_vignette">Over The Cap</a>.Watson has gone 9-10 in 19 starts with the Browns since being acquired for three first-round picks. He's thrown for 3,365 passing yards with 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Watson was suspended for the first 11 games of the 2022 season due to violating the league's personal conduct policy after being investigated for his involvement in numerous allegations of sexual misconduct and assault.Out of 31 signal-callers who've played at least 750 snaps since 2022, Watson ranks 29th in EPA/play and 30th in completion percentage, according to <a href="https://rbsdm.com/stats/stats/">Ben Baldwin's database</a>. Stefanski, 42, has won AP Coach of the Year twice since joining the Browns (2020, 2023). He holds a 40-40 record heading into Sunday's contest against the Kansas City Chiefs.The Browns are 3-10 through 13 games this season and are in last place in the AFC North.

BEREA, OHIO - MARCH 25: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns is introduced by general manager Andrew Berry (L) and head coach Kevin Stefanski during a press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on March 25, 2022 in Berea, Ohio.

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Report: Watson, Stefanski, GM Berry expected back with Browns in 2025

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is expected to retain head coach Jerod Mayo for the 2025 ...

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is expected to retain head coach Jerod Mayo for the 2025 season, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5993794/2024/12/14/nfl-news-belichick-jets-kyle-shanahan-49ers/">The Athletic's Dianna Russini</a>. Kraft has told people close to him he's committed to giving the first-year coach time and resources to grow in his role, Russini adds. Mayo was hired in 2024 to replace longtime head boss Bill Belichick. He was the inside linebackers coach under Belichick beginning in 2019 before being promoted to head coach.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>New England has a 3-10 record this season and is tied for last place in the AFC East. The team's minus-86 point differential ranks 25th in the NFL. The Patriots' defense, which was a strength under Belichick, sits 29th in EPA/play and 27th in success rate, per <a href="https://rbsdm.com/stats/stats/">Ben Baldwin's database</a>.Quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199741" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199741">Drake Maye</a> has been a bright spot for the club this season. The 2024 third overall pick has racked up 2,041 total yards with 12 touchdowns in eight starts.New England currently has the most cap space in the league for 2025 with $132 million, according to <a href="https://overthecap.com/salary-cap-space">Over The Cap</a>.

Foxborough, MA - January 17: New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo, left, and owner Robert Kraft pose for photos after Mayo's introductory press conference at Gillette Stadium.

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Report: Mayo expected to remain Patriots head coach for 2025

The Kansas City Chiefs have activated kicker Harrison Butker off injured reserve before Sunday's ...

The Kansas City Chiefs have activated kicker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/76940" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/76940">Harrison Butker</a> off injured reserve before Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns, the team announced Saturday.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/158564" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/158564">Matthew Wright</a> was released to make room for Butker on the roster. Wright nailed eight of nine field goals in two games with Kansas City and hit the game-winning kick against the Los Angeles Chargers last week.Butker has missed the last four games with a knee injury. He was placed on IR after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3128586" href="https://thescore.com/news/3128586">reportedly</a> undergoing surgery for a meniscus trim in November.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 29-year-old Butker has hit 18 of 20 field goals this season. Kansas City made him the highest-paid kicker in the NFL this offseason after he signed a four-year, $25.6-million extension.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 27: Place kicker Harrison Butker #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, at Allegiant Stadium on October 27, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Chiefs' Butker to return Sunday vs. Browns

Former Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold is transferring to Auburn, according to On3's Pete Nak...

Former Oklahoma quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/184474" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/184474">Jackson Arnold</a> is transferring to Auburn, according to <a href="https://x.com/PeteNakos_/status/1867935728363348394">On3's Pete Nakos</a>.Arnold entered the portal in early December after spending two seasons with the Sooners. The 2023 five-star recruit was the No. 3 prospect in his class and the top-ranked quarterback. The 20-year-old sat behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/138036" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/138036">Dillon Gabriel</a> in his first season at Oklahoma and earned the starting job in 2024. However, he struggled to start the year and was benched for freshman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/197842" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/197842">Michael Hawkins</a> in late September.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Arnold retook the starting job a few games later and finished the 2024 season with 1,865 total yards and 15 touchdowns in 10 contests.The Tigers were looking for an upgrade at quarterback after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/144667" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/144667">Payton Thorne</a> struggled this season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/185382" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/185382">Hank Brown</a>, Thorne's backup, also transferred to Iowa on Friday.Auburn's offense averaged 429.4 yards per game in 2024, ranking sixth in the SEC. The Tigers have an 11-14 record since Hugh Freeze took over in 2023.

NORMAN, OKLAHOMA - NOVEMBER 23: Quarterback Jackson Arnold #11 of the Oklahoma Sooners throws before a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 24-3.

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Report: Arnold transferring to Auburn

San Francisco linebacker De'Vondre Campbell isn't expected to play again for the 49ers this seaso...

San Francisco linebacker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/71792" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/71792">De'Vondre Campbell</a> isn't expected to play again for the 49ers this season, head coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday, according to <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1867651805490118748">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>.Campbell went to the locker room Thursday night in the second half after saying he didn't want to enter the game.Shanahan said the 49ers "are working through semantics," adding that Campbell's abrupt exit is "not something you can do and still be part of our team," according to <a href="https://x.com/LombardiHimself/status/1867649333702926714">David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Campbell signed a one-year, $5-million contract with the 49ers this offseason. He's played in 13 games this year with 12 starts. Linebacker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/98910" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/98910">Dre Greenlaw</a> made his season debut Thursday after tearing his Achilles in the Super Bowl. Greenlaw's return moved Campbell out of the starting lineup.San Francisco tight end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/72637" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/72637">George Kittle</a> took offense with Campbell leaving the game, saying it was a "selfish decision.""I've never been around anybody that's ever done that, and I hope I'm not around anybody that does that again," Kittle <a href="https://x.com/Coach_Yac/status/1867438887032803501">told</a> reporters after the game.He <a href="https://x.com/MySportsUpdate/status/1867548692795851175">added</a>: "I don't like distractions on the sideline. I think that's ignorant. I think it's just dumb, it's just stupid. It's very immature, and I don't see how you can do something like that to your team."Campbell spent the previous three seasons with the Green Bay Packers. He made first-team All-Pro in 2021 and signed a five-year, $50-million deal the following offseason.The 31-year-old has 858 tackles in 128 career games.

San Francisco 49ers' De'Vondre Campbell walks to the locker room in 2nd half of 12-6 loss to Los Angeles Rams in NFL game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Thursday, December 12, 2024.

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Shanahan: Campbell won't be 'part of our team' after TNF exit

Marshon Lattimore will make his Washington Commanders debut Sunday against the New Orleans Saints...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/87888" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/87888">Marshon Lattimore</a> will make his Washington Commanders debut Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, the team announced Friday.The veteran cornerback has been out with a hamstring injury since being acquired at the trade deadline from New Orleans. He's been a full participant in practice this week after coming off the bye."Of course, I'd be lying if I said it didn't," Lattimore said when asked if it means something to debut for the Commanders against his former team, per <a href="https://x.com/NickiJhabvala/status/1867623181638381652">Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post</a>. "They traded me away, and I'm going back to show them why they shouldn't have."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He added: "I'm happy where I'm at, but you know how it be. Extra motivation for the game, that's all."Lattimore will boost a Washington pass defense that ranks 22nd in EPA/dropback. Head coach Dan Quinn said Lattimore will start, and the team is "pumped" to have him on the field Sunday, according to <a href="https://x.com/ZachSelbyWC/status/1867624042775425154">team reporter Zach Selby</a>.The four-time Pro Bowler has 88 passes defended and 15 interceptions in 97 career games.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 14: Marshon Lattimore #23 of the Washington Commanders looks on from the sidelines before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 14, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles won 26-18.

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Lattimore to make Commanders debut Sunday vs. Saints

Sweeping the San Francisco 49ers meant more to Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams than ...

Sweeping the San Francisco 49ers meant more to Los Angeles Rams running back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174196" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174196">Kyren Williams</a> than just a season-series victory. For Williams, it also represented a changing of the guard."It means everything," Williams <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CN2UPxJi_AI">told</a> reporters following the 12-6 victory Thursday night. "I don't think I've done that since I've been here. Being able to do that knowing how good of a team they are and knowing the history with the two organizations, it's huge."He added: "It shows that we're the big brothers now."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>This is the first time Los Angeles has swept the two-game season series since 2018. The Rams also defeated San Francisco 27-24 in late September after being down 21-7 midway through the third quarter.Los Angeles outgained the 49ers 302-191 on Thursday night. The rain initially slowed down both teams, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/680" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/680">Matthew Stafford</a> went 12 of 15 for 137 yards in the second half after throwing for only 23 passing yards in the first.Niners quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174189" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174189">Brock Purdy</a> struggled throughout, completing only 14 passes for 142 yards and one interception. He went 0 for 7 with one pick on throws of 20-plus yards, according to <a href="https://x.com/BenjaminSolak/status/1867414697886331026">ESPN's Benjamin Solak</a>.Los Angeles moved to 8-6 with the win, one loss back from the 8-5 NFC West-leading Seattle Seahawks. San Francisco fell to 6-8 and now has a less than 1% chance of making the playoffs, according to <a href="https://www.nfl.com/standings/playoff-picture">NFL.com</a>. The 49ers haven't missed the playoffs since 2020 and have made it to at least the NFC championship in each of the last three seasons.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 12: Kyren Williams #23 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates with Cooper Kupp #10 after a first down against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter in the game at Levi's Stadium on December 12, 2024 in Santa Clara, California.

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Rams' Williams: Sweeping 49ers proves 'we're the big brothers now'

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