Aaron Rodgers Drops Major Hint On His Future Plans
FLORHAM PARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 21: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets speaks to the media during the New York Jets OTA Offseason Workout at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on May 21, 2024 in Florham Park, New Jersey.
(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

 

Aaron Rodgers continues to dominate NFL offseason headlines, with speculation about his next destination refusing to die down.

The veteran quarterback has been linked to several teams, but recent comments may have revealed where he wants to land.

During a recent Mike Stud concert, Rodgers participated in a fan Q&A session.

When a young fan asked about potentially joining the Chicago Bears, his response drew laughs and provided what many see as a major hint.

“No, but I believe there’s a team that might play in Chicago — for a road trip, I don’t know. I love Chicago though — way more than they love me,” Rodgers replied.

The comment feels calculated, especially with the Pittsburgh Steelers scheduled to visit Chicago in Week 12 of next season.

Rodgers made sure to reference his dominant 24-5 career record against the Bears, a rivalry that has defined much of his career.

This response has intensified speculation about a potential move to Pittsburgh.

The Steelers have been frequently mentioned as a destination for Rodgers, and his reference to playing in Chicago as a visitor seems deliberate.

Rodgers was also linked to Minnesota in March before they committed to J.J. McCarthy.

Rodgers wants to move on from a rough stretch with the New York Jets.

His first season ended immediately when he tore his Achilles in the opening series.

In 2024, he returned for a full campaign, completing 63% of his passes for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.

Whether Pittsburgh actually becomes his destination remains unclear, but his recent remarks suggest the speculation might have merit.

The post Aaron Rodgers Drops Major Hint On His Future Plans appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Analyst Believes 1 NFL Team Could Take ‘Massive Leap’ In 2025
BALTIMORE - OCTOBER 26: A general view of the official NFL ball taken during the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Oakland Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium on October 26, 2008 in Baltimore, Maryland.
(Photo by: Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

 

Change is coming to Las Vegas as the Pete Carroll era officially begins with the 2025 season.

After a disappointing 2024 campaign that ended with a 4-13 record and a fourth-place finish in the AFC West, the Las Vegas Raiders are searching for a fresh start under new leadership.

This offseason brought notable acquisitions while the team retained crucial talent, creating genuine momentum heading into the new season.

The optimism building in Vegas has caught the attention of analyst Steve Palazzolo, as he suggests that this team might be positioned to make a massive leap in 2025.

“There are still some questions that need answering here for the Raiders… (But) This feels like the team that could just take a massive leap this year, though. With Pete Carroll coming in, with Geno Smith coming in, and some of the talent that they have added. And just getting a healthy Max Crosby, healthy Christian Wilkins, those are the types of things I think could help the Raiders quite a bit here,” Palazzolo said.

The quarterback position represents the most significant upgrade.

Compared to what the Raiders endured with Aidan O’Connell or Gardner Minshew, Smith brings a major step forward.

He provides structure, stability, and the ability to maximize the weapons around him.

The offensive pieces are finally falling into place.

Brock Bowers enters his second year with increased expectations, while dynamic rookie back Ashton Jeanty adds another dimension to the ground game.

Solid receiving options like Jack Bech give the passing attack legitimate firepower to work with.

The offensive line continues to develop, particularly if DJ Glaze can hold his own at right tackle.

The team clearly trusts him with that responsibility, and early signs suggest he might be ready for the challenge.

While the defense still needs work, the modern NFL rewards explosive offensive play, and the Raiders appear ready to embrace that philosophy.

The post Analyst Believes 1 NFL Team Could Take ‘Massive Leap’ In 2025 appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Brock Purdy Reveals His First Big Purchase After New Contract
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 17: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on before playing the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on November 17, 2024 in Santa Clara, California.
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

 

The journey from Mr. Irrelevant to securing $181 million in guaranteed money represents one of the most unlikely success stories in recent NFL history.

Brock Purdy’s rise with the San Francisco 49ers forced him to navigate the financial realities of being a seventh-round draft pick.

Those lower-paying days are now behind him, and with a massive $265 million contract extension now secure, Purdy finds himself in unfamiliar territory.

The quarterback already has his sights set on his first major splurge, and it reflects his personality perfectly.

“We’re still thinking about some stuff, but, I don’t know, I’ve always been a big fishing advocate. So I was telling my wife, and she’s annoyed with me, but, I’ll say it. I’d like to get a bass boat one day. That’ll be my first big purchase,” Purdy said, via 49ers on NBCS.

The choice speaks volumes about his character. While other players might immediately gravitate toward luxury cars or expensive jewelry, Purdy remains focused on his preferences.

This grounded approach makes sense given his unconventional path. After years of earning well below market value while watching teammates cash in on lucrative deals, Purdy deserves the financial reward his performance has earned.

The 49ers made it clear they view him as their franchise quarterback with this extension, which runs through the 2030 season, providing stability for both sides.

Despite lengthy negotiations, Purdy maintained professionalism throughout, even participating in voluntary offseason workouts before landing his new deal.

A bass boat might seem modest compared to other NFL spending sprees, but it perfectly captures who Purdy is as a person.

The post Brock Purdy Reveals His First Big Purchase After New Contract appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Cardinals Lose Top Defender For Season
A Arizona Cardinals helmet sits on the field before the start of the Cardinals game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 13, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Cardinals won 21-17.
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

 

The Arizona Cardinals’ secondary suffered a crushing blow as the team prepares for minicamp.

Cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting will be out for the season after suffering an undisclosed injury.

“Cardinals have placed CB Sean Murphy-Bunting on the reserve/non-football injury list,” B/R Gridiron wrote on X. “His [2025 season] is over.”

The veteran started 15 games last season and was expected to anchor the defensive backfield again.

While the team hasn’t disclosed specific details about his injury, the timing couldn’t be worse for Arizona’s defensive plans.

Murphy-Bunting delivered solid production during his debut season with the Cardinals in 2024 as he recorded 52 combined tackles, two forced fumbles, three interceptions and five passes defended.

Those numbers painted a picture of reliable coverage, though opposing quarterbacks found success when targeting him, completing 70.7 percent of passes in his direction with an 84.1 passer rating.

His absence creates both a talent gap and a financial consideration for Arizona.

Murphy-Bunting was scheduled to earn almost $7.7 million in 2025 as part of a three-year, $22.5 million contract he signed last offseason. That money now becomes available for other roster moves.

The Cardinals had addressed their secondary through their recent draft strategy.

They selected cornerback Will Johnson in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, adding depth to a position group that already features promising young talent.

Max Melton, a second-round pick in 2024, and 2023 third-round choice Garrett Williams, are expected to compete for starting cornerback roles as the position battle becomes much more intense and worth monitoring closely.

Arizona entered this offseason focused on upgrading its front seven and made significant investments in proven veterans, but Murphy-Bunting’s injury shifts attention back to the secondary.

The post Cardinals Lose Top Defender For Season appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Analyst Reveals Where Jalen Hurts Ranks On Short-Yardage Runs
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 08: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles scores a touchdown in the second quarter of a game against the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field on December 08, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

 

When the Philadelphia Eagles need a yard or two, fans know exactly what’s coming next.

Jalen Hurts has established himself as the master of short-yardage situations through the Eagles’ famous “Tush Push.”

This signature play has turned into Philadelphia’s go-to weapon when every inch matters.

Recent data from the 2024 season reveals just how much the Eagles lean on Hurts in these critical moments.

Among NFL quarterbacks, he attempted a league-high 27 conversions on third-and-1 and fourth-and-1 plays, successfully converting 22 of them for a solid 81 percent success rate.

However, the breakdown also exposes an interesting truth about short-yardage dominance across the NFL.

“The Tush Push may be the NFL’s most well-branded play, but the Eagles are not the best team in the league when it comes to short yardage, nor is Hurts the best short-yardage QB,” FOX Sports wrote on X.

The data reveals that three quarterbacks actually outperformed Hurts in conversion efficiency.

Washington Commanders rookie Jayden Daniels delivered the most impressive showing, going a perfect 12-for-12 for a flawless 100 percent conversion rate.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen wasn’t far behind, converting 17 of 18 attempts for an outstanding 94 percent success rate.

Denver Broncos rookie Bo Nix also managed to edge out Hurts, converting 12 of 14 chances for an 86 percent rate.

The irony in all this is that three teams with top-performing short-yardage quarterbacks reportedly voted to ban the Tush Push, possibly because they are so successful without it.

However, 10 teams ultimately voted against banning the play, preventing it from reaching the required votes needed to do so.

While these statistics don’t diminish Hurts’ value, they do show that the Eagles’ short-yardage volume, and their signature play, doesn’t necessarily translate to the highest efficiency rate in the league.

The post Analyst Reveals Where Jalen Hurts Ranks On Short-Yardage Runs appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Peyton Manning Shares Memories Of Jim Irsay
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 08: Peyton Manning and Jim Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts, pose for photos during a ceremony retiring Manning's jersey during the halftime of the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)

 

The Indianapolis Colts organization faces a profound loss as the NFL community mourns the passing of Jim Irsay at the age of 65.

The owner transformed the Indianapolis Colts into a championship contender after taking control in 1997, culminating in their Super Bowl XLI victory against the Chicago Bears.

Peyton Manning, the quarterback who became synonymous with the franchise, reflected on Irsay’s deep impact on his life and career.

“He loved the Colts, he loved the players that played for him, and I’ll always be indebted to him for giving me my chance in the NFL,” Manning said on ESPN, via Adam Schefter.

Manning’s tribute came from a place of genuine appreciation for an owner who operated differently than most.

The Hall of Famer recalled his 1998 NFL Draft experience with vivid detail. While most owners delegate those responsibilities, Irsay showed up personally.

He physically handed over the draft card bearing Manning’s name and ensured the quarterback had his No. 18 jersey ready before the selection was even announced.

That gesture wasn’t typical NFL protocol. It demonstrated Irsay’s hands-on approach and personal investment in his players.

Manning understood immediately that his new owner was completely committed to success.

The moment resonated because such personal attention was rare across the league.

Irsay’s legacy extends beyond football accomplishments. His generous spirit touched countless lives across Indiana and beyond.

Whether supporting local Indianapolis communities or championing national causes, Irsay consistently demonstrated that giving back wasn’t an obligation but a passion.

The post Peyton Manning Shares Memories Of Jim Irsay appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Lions Kicker Gets Unique Honor From UFL Team
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 18: Jake Bates #39 of the Detroit Lions watches his kick during warmups prior to playing the Washington Commanders during the NFC Divisional Playoff at Ford Field on January 18, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.
(Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

 

Jake Bates’ rise from an unheralded signing to becoming a crucial piece of an NFL roster speaks to the power of seizing opportunities when they arise.

Before Bates was nailing kicks for the Detroit Lions, he was making his mark in the United Football League with the Michigan Panthers.

His ability to connect on clutch kicks from long distances caught the attention of scouts and set the stage for his NFL breakthrough.

Now, the Panthers are preparing to honor their former kicker in a special way that celebrates his incredible journey.

“Jake Bates bobblehead day. The Michigan Panthers are giving them to the first 2,000 fans at the game on May 31,” Brad Galli of WXYZ Detroit wrote on X.

Reports suggest Bates might even attend the upcoming UFL game, which would be a perfect full-circle moment given his dominance in the league during its 2024 season.

He connected on 17 of 22 field goal attempts, including a perfect 7-for-7 performance from 40-49 yards and six successful kicks from beyond 50 yards.

The Lions, having watched Brandon Aubrey’s success after his USFL stint, recognized the value in alternative talent.

They secured Bates with a two-year contract, benefiting from the fact that he was already familiar with Ford Field through his time with the Panthers.

This bobblehead giveaway serves as a fitting tribute from the UFL organization, acknowledging how Bates elevated the franchise during his time there.

It directly opened the door to his NFL opportunity, where he continued his reliable work by making 26 of 29 field goals and 64 of 67 extra point attempts for the Lions last season.

The post Lions Kicker Gets Unique Honor From UFL Team appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Giants Make Contract Move To Sign Abdul Carter
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - MAY 09: Abdul Carter #51 of the New York Giants during rookie minicamp at NY Giants Quest Diagnostics Training Center on May 09, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
(Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

 

The New York Giants’ salary cap situation reached a critical point, forcing the front office into creative financial maneuvering to accommodate a prized rookie.

The latest chapter in the Giants’ ongoing cap management saga came as they worked to finalize the deal for Abdul Carter, an edge rusher who was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Giants restructured the deal of veteran edge rusher Brian Burns to accommodate Carter’s $8.2 million rookie charge.

“In order to get far enough under the cap to complete the signing of Abdul Carter, the Giants restructured the contract of Brian Burns by converting $10M+ of his base salary into a signing bonus,” Field Yates of ESPN wrote on X.

Carter’s new contract spans four years and $45.2 million, including a $29.5 million signing bonus.

He joins fellow draft picks Marcus Mbow, Thomas Fidone II and Korie Black as signed rookies.

First-round quarterback Jaxson Dart, third-round defensive tackle Darius Alexander and fourth-round running back Cam Skattebo remain unsigned.

The NFL’s slotted contract structure locks in most terms based on draft order, leaving only details like offset language for negotiation.

Many analysts considered Carter the top overall player in the draft, and the Giants, with their rich history of dominant edge rushers, may have added their next franchise cornerstone.

The post Giants Make Contract Move To Sign Abdul Carter appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Saquon Barkley Makes Bold Statement About 2024 Eagles
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 16: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field on September 16, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

 

The Philadelphia Eagles entered the 2024 NFL season with a huge chip on their shoulders.

They were two years removed from a Super Bowl loss and didn’t close out the 2023 season on a high note.

Then, despite being one of the most stacked teams in the league, there was a lot of talk about their seemingly dysfunctional nature and whether coach Nick Sirianni could lead them to success.

Now, looking back, it’s hard to believe that some people legitimately thought they didn’t have what it took to win a championship.

With that in mind, running back Saquon Barkley went as far as to say that the 2024 Eagles might have been a top-five team in NFL history.

“I firmly believe when you look at our team that we had last year … I think we’re a top-five team of all time,” Barkley said, via Jeremy Bergman.

That’s a big statement to make, and it might be an overreaction, but there’s no denying that general manager Howie Roseman has done a superb job of stacking talent and putting that roster together.

The Eagles went against the usual trend of not spending on a running back to lure Barkley away from the New York Giants, and that paid off handsomely.

Barkley won Offensive Player of the Year after rushing 345 times for 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Now, the Eagles enter this season as the defending champions, and it’ll be interesting to see how they respond with fewer doubters.

The post Saquon Barkley Makes Bold Statement About 2024 Eagles appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Trevor Lawrence Sends Confident Message About Jaguars WR
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MARCH 06: NFL quaterback Trevor Lawrence plays during the pro-am ahead of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard at Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Golf Course on March 06, 2024 in Orlando, Florida.
(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

 

The Jacksonville Jaguars had another disappointing season in 2024.

However, as tough as things were, Brian Thomas Jr. was a beacon of hope.

The first-year wide receiver was one of the best pass-catchers in the NFL last season, and not only among rookies.

That’s why quarterback Trevor Lawrence has the utmost confidence in him ahead of his second season.

“I think the talent has always been there,” Lawrence said. “Now he has a full year under his belt. He’s one of the top receivers in the league. My confidence in him after seeing him do his thing for a year now, when you get the one-on-one, you feel really confident about our guy. I have a lot of confidence in him.”

Thomas led rookies with 1,282 receiving yards and 10 receiving touchdowns last season.

He was named to the Pro Bowl and was fourth in the voting for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Despite not entering the league with as much hype as Malik Nabers or Marvin Harrison Jr., Thomas proved to be a blossoming star.

The Jaguars’ offense struggled as a whole during a four-win season, but the early returns on his partnership with Lawrence were encouraging.

Now, they will have offensive guru Liam Coen as head coach to try to bring the best out of Lawrence.

The Jaguars added an elite weapon by trading up in the 2025 NFL Draft for Travis Hunter, who should have a prime role right away.

If Hunter turns out to be as good as expected, the Jaguars could have one of the best wide receiver tandems for years to come.

The post Trevor Lawrence Sends Confident Message About Jaguars WR appeared first on The Cold Wire.