The Philadelphia Eagles will be carefully monitoring Saquon Barkley’s workload next season following a historic 2024 campaign where he became just the ninth running back in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards.

While delivering 2,005 yards on the ground, Barkley shouldered a career-high in rushing attempts (345) and total touches (378). After helping lead the Eagles to their second Super Bowl championship, general manager Howie Roseman rewarded Barkley with a groundbreaking extension just one year into his deal — making him the first running back in NFL history to command $20 million annually.

Will Shipley, entering his second year with the Eagles, is positioned for an expanded role in 2025. His rookie campaign yielded modest production with 82 rushing yards on 32 carries and 35 receiving yards on four receptions.

With reliable backup Kenneth Gainwell departing for the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year deal, the Eagles have now signed a running back who missed the entire 2024 season with a neck injury to round out their backfield rotation.

Philadelphia Eagles bring in former second-round draft pick

According to multiple reports, including NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Eagles have signed former Green Bay Packers running back A.J. Dillon to a one-year deal.

Dillon, the Packers’ second-round selection from the 2020 NFL Draft, missed the entire 2024 season with a neck injury but has received medical clearance from top specialists.

After a season out with a neck injury, RB A.J. Dillon is on his way back to the NFL. Headed to the #Eagles on a one-year deal, source says. Dillon has received clearance from the top neck specialists in the country. pic.twitter.com/E1fdL5kpue

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 12, 2025

During his four-year stint in Green Bay (2020-2023), Dillon amassed 2,428 rushing yards on 597 carries with 16 touchdowns. He’s also proven himself as a capable receiver out of the backfield, recording 86 receptions for 763 yards and two additional scores.

Beyond his ball-carrying abilities, Dillon brings valuable pass-protection skills with his ability to pick up blitzing defenders.

Also an important part of AJ Dillon’s game if he’s to help on passing downs, especially with Will Shipley still developing as a blocker. https://t.co/fOgqXwIpmK

— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) March 12, 2025

Contract details remain undisclosed.

More must-reads:

• NFL insider says Carolina Panthers panicked in free agency
• Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shockingly allows four-time Pro Bowl defensive stalwart to walk for nothing
• Pittsburgh Steelers sign former New York Jets player, but it’s not Aaron Rodgers

The Carolina Panthers made significant investments into the trenches for the second offseason in a row. Only this time instead of focusing on offense, the Panthers are adding to their defense, which allowed the most points in the NFL last season.

Yet, just because the Panthers made a big money signing with Tershawn Wharton, it doesn’t mean it was worth the cost.

Related: 6 biggest winners from NFL free agency Day 2

Carolina Panthers win ‘Panic Award’ for Tershawn Wharton signing

The Carolina Panthers struck quickly early on during NFL free agency, signing former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton to a three-year, $45 million contract. While that’s a significant investment, the Panthers originally had a different target in mind, Milton Williams, who agreed to a four-year, $104 million contract with the New England Patriots.

Carolina was reportedly negotiating with Williams until the Patriots presented an offer that was too good to refuse. Thus, the Panthers pivoted to signing Wharton instead.

Yet, according to ESPN’s NFL analyst Ben Solak, the decision to pivot to Wharton and pay him an average of $15 million per season was a panic move.

Wharton will be asked to play a big role in Carolina and with how much the Panthers paid him, he’ll be expected to produce at a very high level. If he doesn’t this move will come back to bite them, costing them the chance to spend on other players who do contribute to their potential success.

Related: Top 10 free agents available ahead of NFL free agency Day 3

More must-reads:

• Philadelphia Eagles sign running back who missed entire 2024 season with neck injury to back up Saquon Barkley
• Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shockingly allows four-time Pro Bowl defensive stalwart to walk for nothing
• Pittsburgh Steelers sign former New York Jets player, but it’s not Aaron Rodgers

It’s been a frustrating offseason for Dallas Cowboys fans, to say the least.

After staggering to a 7-10 season where they missed the playoffs entirely, Dallas fired Mike McCarthy only to promote offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to head coach in what many consider an underwhelming move.

According to OverTheCap.com, the Cowboys are sitting on over $53 million in cap space, yet their only significant investment has been a four-year, $80 million extension to defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa.

They’ve made minor moves elsewhere – signing wide receiver/return specialist KaVontae Turpin to a reported three-year, $18 million deal and trading for cornerback Kaiir Elam, a former first-round draft pick, from the Buffalo Bills.

Meanwhile, owner Jerry Jones has yet to secure All-Pro Micah Parsons with an extension as his market value continues to climb, and the roster adjustments so far have lacked the impact needed for a genuine turnaround.

Now, a four-time Pro Bowler is exiting Dallas after 11 seasons.

Defensive stalwart leaves Dallas Cowboys for Seattle Seahawks

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that four-time Pro Bowl defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence is departing the Cowboys and signing a three-year, $42 million deal ($18 million guaranteed) with the Seattle Seahawks.

Lawrence appeared in just four games during 2024 after a foot injury sidelined him for most of the season. Despite his limited action, he was remarkably productive, recording three sacks, four tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, and one forced fumble in those appearances.

For Demarcus Lawrence, a 3-year, $42M max deal with $18M guaranteed, a contract negotiated by @davidcanter and @NessMugrabi of @aurasportsgroup. https://t.co/DTtr1ypLYz

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2025

This represents a devastating loss for a Cowboys defense that already struggled mightily in 2024, ranking 28th in the league while surrendering 355.2 yards per game. The Seahawks, meanwhile, add a proven edge rusher to bolster their 14th-ranked defense.

Lawrence, a second-round selection in the 2014 NFL Draft, spent his entire 11-year career in Dallas, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier defensive ends.

During his tenure with the Cowboys, Lawrence amassed 61.5 sacks, 97 tackles for loss, 126 quarterback hits, two interceptions, 20 pass breakups, and 21 forced fumbles.

More must-reads:

• Philadelphia Eagles sign running back who missed entire 2024 season with neck injury to back up Saquon Barkley
• NFL insider says Carolina Panthers panicked in free agency
• Pittsburgh Steelers sign former New York Jets player, but it’s not Aaron Rodgers

Rumors are swirling that Aaron Rodgers could become the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting quarterback for 2025.

With Justin Fields signing a two-year deal with the New York Jets and Russell Wilson visiting both the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants this week, Pittsburgh finds itself hunting for a new signal caller.

Rodgers, who has now officially been released by the Jets after two turbulent seasons, has reportedly long been a favorite of Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.

If the Steelers do sign Rodgers, they would acquire a 41-year-old future Hall of Fame quarterback who brings considerable baggage. He threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns during a disappointing 5-12 Jets season in 2024, though context matters – he attempted the second-most passes in the league while often playing from behind.

As Pittsburgh awaits Rodgers’ decision, the team has already secured one of his former teammates.

Pittsburgh Steelers sign former New York Jets cornerback

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the Steelers have signed former Jets cornerback Brandin Echols to bolster their secondary depth and special teams.

The #Steelers are expected to sign former #Jets CB Brandin Echols, sources say. He should provide key secondary depth and more. pic.twitter.com/t5fQIVJOcf

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2025

The Jets selected Echols in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Last season, he appeared in 16 games (making four starts), recording two interceptions, three pass breakups, and one fumble recovery while playing 38% of defensive snaps. He also contributed on special teams for 46% of plays.

Throughout his four-year stint in New York, Echols appeared in 57 games with 19 starts, amassing five interceptions, two pick-sixes, and 16 pass breakups.

Contract details remain undisclosed.

This signing follows Pittsburgh’s recent acquisition of cornerback Darius Slay on a one-year, $10 million deal after his release from the Philadelphia Eagles.

More must-reads:

• Philadelphia Eagles sign running back who missed entire 2024 season with neck injury to back up Saquon Barkley
• NFL insider says Carolina Panthers panicked in free agency
• Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shockingly allows four-time Pro Bowl defensive stalwart to walk for nothing

The Cleveland Browns and New York Giants are still trying to formulate their quarterback plans for the 2025 season. Right now, the Browns’ presumed starter is former first-round pick Kenny Pickett, who they traded for earlier this week.

As for the Giants, it’s wide open, but former undrafted free agent Tommy DeVito is the leading candidate by default. Neither options are ideal and now both franchises are considering other options, including a former Super Bowl winner.

Related: 10 biggest winners from NFL free agency Day 1

Russell Wilson visiting Cleveland Browns and New York Giants

With the start of the new NFL year kicking off earlier today, the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants aren’t wasting any time.

According to The Athletic’s NFL insider Dianna Russini, the Browns and Giants are set to host 10-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson for a visit later this week. Wilson will visit the Browns first, on Thursday, before taking a trip to New York for the Giants’ visit on Friday.

The 36-year-old Wilson is coming off a 6-5 season with the Steelers in which he led them to the playoffs and a quick elimination in the Wild Card round. Yet, while Pittsburgh is seemingly open to bringing the former Super Bowl winner back to town, they’re currently waiting to hear back from four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers.

Wilson doesn’t need to go on a visit to Pittsburgh to know what they offer, but taking a trip to Cleveland and New York not only provides leverage during contract negotiations, but it gives him a chance to see what else is out there.

Related: New York Giants have had ‘great conversations’ with this All-Pro QB

More must-reads:

• Philadelphia Eagles sign running back who missed entire 2024 season with neck injury to back up Saquon Barkley
• NFL insider says Carolina Panthers panicked in free agency
• Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shockingly allows four-time Pro Bowl defensive stalwart to walk for nothing

The San Francisco 49ers appear to be in full rebuild mode as they’ve stripped their roster down to the studs over the last several days, parting ways with a dozen players.

So far, San Francisco has bid farewell to:

• Wide receiver Deebo Samuel (traded to Washington Commanders)
• Fullback Kyle Juszczyk (cut)
• Defensive end Leonard Floyd (cut)
• Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (cut)
• Defensive tackle Maliek Collins (cut)
• Linebacker Dre Greenlaw (signed three-year, $35 million deal with Denver Broncos)
• Cornerback Charvarius Ward (signed three-year, $54 million deal with Indianapolis Colts)
• Safety Talanoa Hufanga (signed three-year, $45 million deal with Broncos)
• Guard Aaron Banks (signed four-year, $77 million deal with Green Bay Packers)
• Offensive tackle Jaylon Moore (signed two-year, $30 million deal with Kansas City Chiefs)
• Running back Elijah Mitchell (signed one-year, $3.5 million deal with Chiefs)
• Quarterback Josh Dobbs (signed two-year, $8 million deal with New England Patriots)

It’s been a stunning fall from grace for the 49ers since their Super Bowl appearance during the 2023 season. Last season’s 6-11 crash-landing saw them tumble to the NFC West cellar during a campaign where injuries ravaged their star-studded roster.

Now, one NFL analyst believes if the 49ers are truly embracing the rebuild, they should go all-in and move on from perhaps their most valuable chess piece.

NFL analyst: San Francisco 49ers need to trade three-time Pro Bowler

During Wednesday’s episode of “Get Up,” ESPN NFL analyst Ryan Clark didn’t mince words about what San Francisco should do with two-time All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey.

“I would absolutely trade Christian McCaffrey and I would try to get as much as I could possibly get for him,” Clark stated. “When you look at what [head coach] Kyle Shanahan has been able to do, it’s run the football. And I know we thought last year they missed some of the things with the versatility of Christian McCaffrey. But when you trade Juszczyk, you let some of that versatility go, you let some of the things you can do formationally go.”

After Achilles and calf injuries delayed McCaffrey’s season debut until Week 10 against Tampa Bay, his comeback lasted just four games before a PCL injury against Buffalo in Week 14 shut him down for good.

Following a transcendent 2023 season where he claimed Offensive Player of the Year honors while leading the league in rushing yards (1,459), scrimmage yards (2,023), touches (339), and total touchdowns (21), McCaffrey managed just 202 yards and zero trips to the end zone in his abbreviated 2024 campaign.

Clark sees opportunity in McCaffrey’s market value still outweighing his recent availability concerns.

“So why not change your entire philosophy from thinking about Christian McCaffrey as this Swiss Army knife? Getting pieces for him and allowing guys like Ricky Pearsall to touch the football more, with running the football, and doing different things on quick screens,” Clark suggested. “Adding other players based on the assets that you can get for him. Also understanding you’re looking for more available players than Christian McCaffrey was last year.

“You had a good stretch with him, you took your run at the Super Bowl, you didn’t get it. If you’re going to rebuild, rebuild completely.”

The financial implications make sense too. McCaffrey is owed $8.5 million this season but carries no guaranteed money in 2026 and 2027. His current cap number sits at $9.4 million. According to OverTheCap.com, a post-June 1 trade would be optimal for San Francisco, leaving just $5 million in dead money for 2025.

The 49ers originally acquired McCaffrey from the Carolina Panthers at the 2022 trade deadline, a move that helped fuel their Super Bowl run a year later. Now, they might find themselves on the selling end of a similar transaction as they potentially press the reset button on the Shanahan era.

More must-reads:

• Philadelphia Eagles sign running back who missed entire 2024 season with neck injury to back up Saquon Barkley
• NFL insider says Carolina Panthers panicked in free agency
• Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shockingly allows four-time Pro Bowl defensive stalwart to walk for nothing

The Cincinnati Bengals have a collection of high-priced superstars. Two of them, Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson, are looking for new contracts. Higgins has been slapped with the franchise tag for the second year in a row and the Bengals are eager to work out a long-term extension with their 6-foot-4 wide receiver.

Hendrickson, on the other hand, is the NFL’s reigning sack leader, and he’s seeking a pay raise over the $15.8 million salary he’s set to make in 2025. Yet, Hendrickson has requested a trade and the Bengals intend to honor the All-Pro pass-rusher’s request.

However, just because Hendrickson is on the trade block, it doesn’t mean that he can be acquired easily. Higgins isn’t even on the trade block, but the Bengals haven’t been able to reach a long-term extension with him either, which has teams inquiring about his potential trade cost too.

Related: Top 10 free agents available on NFL free agency Day 3

Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson’s trade cost scaring teams away?

No one really expects the Cincinnati Bengals to trade Tee Higgins this offseason. Trey Hendrickson is a different story.

Already on the trade block, the Bengals will try getting as much as possible for the four-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher, but it may not be what they expect.

According to NFL Network insider Cameron Wolfe, the current trade market for Higgins and Hendrickson is a bit out of control.

The Bengals already hold the 17th overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. If they can’t secure another first-round selection by trading Hendrickson, then perhaps they’d prefer to package No. 17 plus Hendrickson in a bigger trade up the draft board.

Related: 6 ideal Trey Hendrickson trade landing spots after NFL sack leader’s trade request from Cincinnati Bengals

More must-reads:

• Philadelphia Eagles sign running back who missed entire 2024 season with neck injury to back up Saquon Barkley
• NFL insider says Carolina Panthers panicked in free agency
• Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shockingly allows four-time Pro Bowl defensive stalwart to walk for nothing

The Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks entered last season expecting to make the playoffs. Yet, while the Packers won 11 games and the Seahawks won 10, only Green Bay reached the postseason, but they didn’t get far after being eliminated in the Wild Card Round.

Now, both teams are doing their best to try strengthening their roster in anticipation of another playoff run. The Seahawks have already been busy drastically transforming their roster, and the Packers have made several changes too. Now, the two teams could be competing to land the same former All-Pro talent.

Related: Worst moves from NFL free agency tampering period

Cooper Kupp drawing interest from Green Bay Packers; Seattle Seahawks could fit too

After trying to find a trade partner for the past month, the Los Angeles Rams finally released former All-Pro receiver on Wednesday at the start of the new league year. Kupp is free to sign with any team he desires, and there are two that are already viewed as leading candidates.

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah believes “Seattle would be a great fit” for Kupp. Meanwhile, the 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov says the Packers “are among several teams who have been eyeing” Kupp’s market.

Now that he’s a free agent instead of a trade candidate, Kupp shouldn’t have any trouble finding a new team. Set to turn 32 in June, Kupp’s biggest impediment has been his inability to stay healthy. The former Rams receiver hasn’t played in more than 12 games since 2021 and has just one 1,000-yard season on his resume.

However, if Kupp lands in the right spot, with a high-powered passing attack, he just might be able to help a contending team compete for another Super Bowl.

Related: 10 biggest winners from NFL free agency Day 1

More must-reads:

• Philadelphia Eagles sign running back who missed entire 2024 season with neck injury to back up Saquon Barkley
• NFL insider says Carolina Panthers panicked in free agency
• Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shockingly allows four-time Pro Bowl defensive stalwart to walk for nothing

A New York Giants insider offered up a horrifying idea as a backup option if the team can’t sign future Hall-of-Famers Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson in free agency this month.

It has been a very busy last few days for the Giants. General manager Joe Schoen entered the offseason feeling a lot of pressure to improve the roster in a big way after a pair of disappointing seasons. And thus far, the team is receiving positive reviews for the slew of signings they have made this week.

Not only did they re-sign veteran receiver Darius Slayton, but they improved the secondary by luring Paulson Adebo away from the New Orleans Saints, and Jevon Holland from the Miami Dolphins with a couple of big money contracts. However, they have yet to address their biggest need: Quarterback.

They have been linked to NFL legends Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson in recent weeks. However, they are not the only franchises pursuing the two veterans. There is a very real chance the Giants fall short in their chase. Considering that, New York Post Giants insider Paul Schwartz offered up a backup option in NFL free agency. And it will not thrill G-Men fans.

Related: New York Giants insider details player priority list as team makes hard pivot to signing QB next

Could New York Giants sign Joe Flacco if they fail to land Aaron Rodgers?

With far better teams like the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers interested in Rodgers and Wilson, Schwartz suggested that 17-year veteran Joe Flacco would be on New York’s radar as a backup option.

Would the former Baltimore Ravens star be better than Daniel Jones in 2025? Probably, but not by a lot. Giants fans are hoping for a team that can compete for a playoff spot next season. It seems like they would have a better chance to do that with Rodgers or Wilson. Not a 40-year-old journeyman or a rookie, he is mentoring.

• Joe Flacco stats (2024): 1,761 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 90.5 passer rating

Flacco was solid to good during stints with the Colts and Browns the last two seasons. He put together a 6-5 record in his starts the last two years with those teams.

Related: 6 biggest winners from NFL free agency Day 2, including the New York Giants

More must-reads:

• Philadelphia Eagles sign running back who missed entire 2024 season with neck injury to back up Saquon Barkley
• NFL insider says Carolina Panthers panicked in free agency
• Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shockingly allows four-time Pro Bowl defensive stalwart to walk for nothing

The Philadelphia Eagles’ top-ranked defense has already absorbed significant blows as free agency unfolds.

Fresh off their second Super Bowl triumph in franchise history, the Eagles have watched Josh Sweat, Milton Williams, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Darius Slay, and Isaiah Rodgers all head for new destinations. The front office did manage to retain All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun on a three-year, $51 million deal while also securing Saquon Barkley with a groundbreaking contract extension that makes him the league’s first $20 million-per-year running back.

Maintaining roster continuity was always going to be challenging with the Eagles currently holding just $27.5 million in cap space, according to OverTheCap.com.

Philadelphia simply couldn’t match the offers for Sweat and Williams, who parlayed their standout seasons into lucrative paydays from the Arizona Cardinals (four years, $76.4 million) and New England Patriots (four years, $104 million), respectively. Rodgers departed for the Minnesota Vikings on a two-year, $15 million contract, while six-time Pro Bowler Slay is joining the Pittsburgh Steelers after being designated as a post-June 1 release. The Gardner-Johnson trade to the Houston Texans came as a particular shock, considering how his ball-hawking abilities and intensity had elevated the defense.

General manager Howie Roseman is clearly looking toward the future, with defensive tackle Jalen Carter, edge rusher Nolan Smith, and center Cam Jurgens all approaching extension eligibility. The Eagles already have their offensive core of Barkley, Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith locked in through the 2028 season.

Now, a prominent NFL insider reveals he expects the Eagles to trim even more salary this offseason.

NFL insider: Expect Philadelphia Eagles to shed more talent, not add to payroll

During an interview with Philadelphia sports radio station 97.5 The Fanatic, ESPN’s Adam Schefter emphasized that the Eagles are more likely to reduce payroll than increase it.

“I think they are more likely to shed more salary than acquire more salary. That’s how I feel right now. So, you’re asking if there’s a trick up their sleeve? No, again, I think they are more likely to shed — shed — more salaries, make more moves the other way, more outgoing than incoming, I think,” Schefter stated.

“I think they are more likely to shed more salary than acquire more salary. That’s how I feel right now. So, you’re asking if there’s a trick up their sleeve? No, again, I think they are more likely to shed – shed – more salaries, make more moves the other way, more outgoing than… pic.twitter.com/AKerdvTx8r

— 97.5 The Fanatic (@975TheFanatic) March 12, 2025

The Eagles have committed substantial resources to their offensive stars, and there’s only so much money available. The team has drafted well recently, adding Carter and Smith along with defensive tackle Jordan Davis and cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.

“The Eagles are paying their quarterback, and their running back, and their two wide receivers, and their offensive line, and they have Jalen Carter coming up and Nolan Smith coming up, and they just paid Zack Baun. Like, you can’t pay everybody, it just doesn’t work,” noted Schefter. “And so, would they have liked to keep some of these players? Of course, but it’s not practical. So, you have to start replenishing the cupboard with good, young players that you hope you hit on in the draft.”

“The Eagles are paying their QB, and their RB, and their two WRs, and their offensive line, and they have Jalen Carter coming up and Nolan Smith coming up, and they just paid Zack Baun. Like, you can’t pay everybody, it just doesn’t work.

And so, would they have liked to keep… pic.twitter.com/GbcfQTRDy3

— 97.5 The Fanatic (@975TheFanatic) March 12, 2025

With Philadelphia acquiring guard Kenyon Green, a former first-round draft pick still looking to fulfill his potential, from the Texans, it’s unlikely that Mekhi Becton will return despite revitalizing his career in 2024. Additionally, if the Eagles continue shedding salary, tight end Dallas Goedert could be on his way out. Goedert is due over $15 million in the final year of his contract and carries a potential $11.1 million dead cap hit.

Reports indicate the Eagles have made Goedert available in trade discussions. While he’s a premier tight end when healthy, his availability has been limited by injuries over the past few seasons.

More must-reads:

• Philadelphia Eagles sign running back who missed entire 2024 season with neck injury to back up Saquon Barkley
• NFL insider says Carolina Panthers panicked in free agency
• Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones shockingly allows four-time Pro Bowl defensive stalwart to walk for nothing