Midwest Sports

It looks like the Minnesota Vikings are rolling with QB, JJ McCarthy as their starter, but who will be his backup? Currently the only other QB on the roster is Brett Rypien.  The Vikings may have been considering Aaron Rodgers, but he brings too much drama, is too much of a me guy, and thinks he doesn't need to show up for OTAs. Apparently Minnesota is talking with Ryan Tannehill. Tannehill took last season off. Usually taking a year off from football doesn't lead to very productive play. Should the Vikings try and sign Russell Wilson, Joe Flacco, Drew Lock, Carson Wentz, Case Keenum, or Tyler Huntley? Hopefully McCarrhy plays well and the Vikings won't need to turn to their backup QB at all throughout the season. 

The Cleveland Browns should of never let QB, Baker Mayfield go. Mayfield brought the Browns to the playoffs in 2020 ending an 18 year playoff drought.  Then 2022 comes along and Cleveland made possibly one of the worst trades in NFL history. They traded three first round picks, a third round pick, and a fourth round pick for QB, Deshaun Watson and gave him a five year fully guaranteed $230 million contract. Oh and he was suspended for the fist 11 games of 2022. He has played a total of 17 games for the Browns throwing for 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. I'm guessing Head Coach, Kevin Stefanski can't wait to find a new QB if he keeps his job long enough. 

It is looking like corner, Jaire Alexander will most likely play for the Packers this coming season. General Manager, Brian Gutekunst didn't do much to help the cornerback room in Green Bay (or anywhere else via free agency apart from signing CB Nate Hobbs and OG Aaron Banks). Alexander and Hobbs could be one of the better cornerback duos in the NFL if they both stay healthy. 

Apparently quarterback, Anthony Richardson has never had a completion percentage of above 55 dating back to his high school seasons. Perhaps bringing in Daniel Jones for competition will help both Richardson and Jones try and live up to being a top 10 first round pick.

Detroit missed out on trading for pass rushers Myles Garrett (Cle) and Maxx Crosby (LV). The Lions were decimated by injuries last year especially on the defensive side of the ball. Getting healthy will help this coming season, but the Lions should now try and trade for edge rusher, Kayvon Thibodeaux (NYG). He is still on his rookie deal and can be kept for a 5th year option in 2026. Pairing him with Adian Hutchinson could be a headache for opposing offensive lines to try and stop.

Chicago brought in free agent wide outs, Mecole Hardman Jr and Rondale Moore. Neither signed with the Bears. Instead both went to their division rivals - Hardman to the Packers and Moore to the Vikings.  Bears instead signed pro bowl return specialist, Devin Duvernay who should boost Chicago's special teams play.

The Cincinnati Bengals had the triple crown winner with Ja'Marr Chase leading the league with 127 receptions, 1,708 yards, and 17 touchdowns. They rewarded Chase with being the highest paid non quarterback. The Bengals had another triple crown winner in guard, Alex Cappa who gave up 51 pressures, 36 hurries, and 8 sacks. They rewarded Cappa by releasing him.  Cincinnati signed free agent guard, Lucas Patrick. He literally can't play worse than Cappa.

The Browns defense regressed from 2023 to 2024. In 2024 they struggled in coverage, pass defense, and tackling. They did sign linebacker, Jerome Baker (Sea). Cleveland's offense ranked dead last in scoring last year. Having four different players at quarterback throughout the season didn't help. They didn't sign many playmaker this offseason. The Browns signed wide out DeAndre Carter (Chi). They also traded for quarterback, Kenny Pickett (Phi). Other offensive weapons still available are wide outs Stefon Diggs, Amari Cooper, and Keenan Allen and running backs Nick Chubb and JK Dobbins.  It is hard for Cleveland to do much with quarterback, Deshaun Watson taking such a big cap hit. Kirk Cousins is staying in Atlanta and Jameis Winston signed with the Giants. The Browns had Russell Wilson for a visit, but haven't signed him. He may be waiting to see where Aaron Rodgers signs.

The Colts have a much improved secondary signing one of the best free agent cornerbacks in Charvarius Ward (SF) and one of the best safeties in Camryn Bynum (Min). They also signed Corey Ballentine (GB). Their new secondary has a history of getting their hands on the ball and making plays.  Indianapolis signed running back Khalil Herbert (Cin) who is a nice back up and change of pace back to workhorse, Jonathan Taylor.  The Colts lost both center, Ryan Kelly and guard, Will Fries to the Vikings. They resigned their depth and are looking to have guard, Danny Pinter and center, Wesley French take over. Look for the Colts to draft some offensive linemen as well.  Lastly, Indianapolis brought in free agent quarterback, Daniel Jones (Min) to compete for the starting spot with Anthony Richardson. Richardson has struggled early in his career, but the Colts need to see if he can be their long term answer at quarterback. He'll have to beat out Jones who is looking to be this year'...

Detroit Lions lost cornerbacks, Carlton Davis to the Patriots and Kindle Vildor to the Bucs. They were able to resign corner Khalil Dorsey and signed Avonte Maddox (Phi) and Rick Ya-Sin (SF). Lions resigned linebacker, Derrick Barnes as well. Their defense will be dominant like last year. The Lions had one of the best offensive lines in the NFL last year. They lost offensive guard, Kevin Zeitler to the Titans, but may have his replacement already on their roster. A 2024 sixth round pick - Christian Mahogany who apparently was a steal in last year's draft. 

The Kansas City Chiefs have quietly signed quality players. They resigned defensive end, Charles Omenihu who had 7 sacks last year. They also brought in backup quarterback, Gardner Minshew to be the veteran behind Mahomes. If Mahomes misses any games, Minshew is capable of winning a couple until Mahomes is healthy enough to come back (hopefully it doesn't happen though). Chiefs also signed cornerback, Robert Rochell who played with the Packers last year.  The Packers have lost three corners in free agency this offseason. They are Rochell to the Chiefs, Eric Stokes to the Raiders, and Corey Ballentine to the Colts. The Packers also need to figure out the Jaire Alexander situation. Is he going to be healthy and play in 2025? Will Jaire take a pay cut? Will the Packers cut or trade him? Green Bay should see if they can restructure Jaire's contract and make it more incentive based if they can.

The Cincinnati Bengals signed Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to four year contracts worth $161 million and $115 million deals. I read the Bengals actually gave guaranteed money to a non quarterback in year two of the deals as well. This assures the Cincinnati offensive should be just fine, but their defense could of used some upgrades. The Bengals scored over 30 points in four games last year in which they lost. Hopefully they figure out a way to extending Trey Hendrickson or hit on defensive players in this year's draft. 

Chicago had a plan that started with both lines as well. They added offensive linemen Drew Dalman (center), Jonah Jackson (guard), and Joe Thuney (guard). I expect them to add an offensive tackle as well. As a rookie, quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked a ton (68 times). Beefing up the o-line should give him more time to make plays downfield.  Bears added defensive tackle, Grady Jarrett to help with pressure up the middle as well as edge rusher, Dayo Odeyingbo. They resigned corner, Josh Blackwell who played well for them. Chicago has 4 picks in the top 72 in the upcoming NFL draft. Look for them to add a running back, wide receiver, left tackle, and edge rusher. 

The Vikings went into free agency with a plan to address the trenches. They signed center, Ryan Kelly and guard, Will Fries and actually traded their worst offensive lineman - Ed Ingram for a draft pick. Then they signed defensive tackles, Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave.  They resigned corner, Byron Murphy, safety Harrison Smitn, and signed corner Isaiah Rodgers for the secondary.  Minnesota then resigned running back, Aaron Jones and traded for running back Jordan Mason. Mason ran all over the league when he filled in for Christian McCaffrey last year.  Minnesota's offense has weapons! Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, TJ Hockenson, Aaron Jones, and Jordan Mason. And with two of the best offense tackles in Darrisaw and O'Neill pairing with free agents Kelly and Fries, JJ McCarthy should have plenty of time to get the ball to his playmakers. Defensively, Flores should be able to get to after the opposing quarterback with his front four. The only question is whether McC...

Not really sure what the Packers are doing. For a team that had two losses to the Lions, Vikings, and Eagles each last year I don't see much improvement with free agent signings. Green Bay resigned kicker, McManus and linebacker, McDuffie. Their big signings were in Guard, Aaron Banks and cornerback, Nate Hobbs. Banks was one of the top guards available and they needed to sign Hobbs because we still don't know what the Packers plan to do with Jaire Alexander.  I just don't see those signings bringing them over the hump to beat the best NFC teams right now, but Green Bay has historically drafted well so we'll see how this year's draft goes for them.

The Kansas City Chiefs may look to sign left tackle, Cam Robinson (Min). Robinson was a one year rental for the Vikings when Christian Darrisaw went out with an injury. Robinson played respectively, but had his worst game of the year in the wildcard loss to the Rams when he gave up a sack, allowed 12 pressures, and 11 quarterback hurries.

Davante Adams signs 2 year deal for $46 million. 

The Minnesota Vikings resigned running back, Aaron Jones to a 2 year deal worth $20 million. That is a good start to free agency keeping all of quarterback, JJ McCarthy's offensive weapons is key to his success. Having Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, TJ Hockenson, and Aaron Jones we'll benefit them down the stretch of 2025. 

The Detroit Lions released defensive end, Za'Darius Smith. He has played for Green Bay, Minnesota, and Detroit (also Baltimore). He might as well sign with Chicago to complete the NFC North teams.

The Cincinnati Bengals are the only team in the NFL that does not give any guaranteed money to non-quarterbacks after the first year of a contract. No wonder they keep tagging wide out Tee Higgins and don't want to give one of the best defensive players in Trey Hendrickson an extension. Hendrickson has 35 total sacks the past two seasons! The Bengals have said they want to make Ja'Marr Chase the highest paid non-quarterback but how will they do that without any guaranteed money after year one of the contract? People shouldn't have to wonder why they haven't won a superbowl yet.

It looks like quarterback, Sam Darnold will not resign with the Vikings. Now that JJ McCarthy is expected to be cleared for spring practices the Vikings should follow through with their plan having JJ McCarthy as their starter. Minnesota signed safety, Theo Jackson to a two year deal. That isn't a flashy signing, but a good one since Camryn Bynum is a free agent and Harrison Smith is contemplating retirement.  The Vikings may look to add offensive guard, Aaron Banks (49ers) via free agency. Minnesota gave up 43 total pressures and 9 sacks against the Rams in their wildcard loss. They need to beef up the line. Also reading a lot about rumors that the Vikings may sign quarterback, Aaron Rodgers (NYJ). I hope that isn't the true. He is 41 years old and looked older at times last year. Plus Rodgers comes with a lot of drama. How committed is he to winning now? Ask Packer fans how often Aaron Rodgers attended OTAs.

Should the Green Bay Packers try and trade for defensive end, Trey Hendrickson (Cin)? The Packers could use help in getting after the opposing teams quarterback. No one on the Packers last year had more than Rashan Gary with 7.5. Trey Hendrickson had 17.5 in each of the past two seasons. 35 total sacks the last two seasons. And what makes it more impressive is that the Bengals were down a lot of those games which means opposing teams were running the ball more. It would cost the Packers a 2nd or 3rd round pick. Do it! As for wide receivers there are free agent options, Chris Godwin (TB) is coming off a broken ankle and Stefon Diggs (Hou) is coming off a torn ACL. Green Bay might be able to get Darius Slayton (NYG) without breaking the bank. Amari Cooper (Buf) and Keenan Allen (Chi) are too old. Packers should sign their old pal Davante Adams (NYJ) or trade for DK Metcalf (Sea). Only problem with Metcalf is he said he wants to play where it is warm, he wants a new contract, and he wants...

Apparently Vikings quarterback, JJ McCarthy may request a trade if Minnesota signs Sam Darnold to a multiple year deal. At the beginning of February, McCarthy said "all I can ask for is a fair opportunity." Why can't he compete for the starting QB spot? If I'm Minnesota I would go with McCarthy and try and capitalize with him on his rookie deal and spend money elsewhere like the offensive line and defense.

The Chicago Bears have made a couple trades that past few days (aren't official until March 12th) involving offensive linemen.  Bears traded a 2025 6th round pick to acquire Jonah Jackson (LAR) and a 2026 4th round pick for Joe Thuney (KC). These trade should help quarterback, Caleb Williams, who was sacked 68 time last year, stay upright and make more plays.

The Indianapolis Colts and Cleveland Browns may be interested in signing quarterback, Daniel Jones (Min). Jones could sign a similar one year deal that Sam Darnold did with the Vikings last year. Jones would have a shot to start with both the Colts and Browns. 

What midwest teams will sign cornerback, Darius Slay (Phi) If he gets released? Many teams need to sign cornerbacks including the Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings.  Cincinnati's defense needs help so Slay would be plugged in as a starter. Slay would be a good fit with an already good Detroit defense. Slay could replace Jaire Alexander for the Packers. He would start for the Vikings who lose most of their corners from last year.

Could there be an Aaron Jones (Min) and Green Bay Packers reunion? Seems unlikely with the Packers having running back, Josh Jacobs who was one of the best signing last offseason.  Josh Jacobs did handle the ball a lot last year with 301 rushes and 36 catches. Jacobs had 16 total touchdowns and 1,671 total yards (1,329 rushing & 342 receiving).  Add those number of Jones last year who had 255 rushes and 51 catches for 7 total touchdowns and 1,546 total yards (1,138 rushing & 408 receiving). Having both of these backs, keeping each other fresh would be good.  Maybe sign Davante Adam (NYJ) when he gets released. Adding Adams and Jones to one of the youngest teams that has made the playoffs consistently might pay off next post season. 

The Cincinnati Bengals and Tee Higgins both confirmed that the wide out is getting tagged the second year in a row. Higgins will earn just over $26 million in 2025.  The Bengals report they hope to reach a long term deal with Higgins. Cincinnati also has Ja'Marr Chase looking for a new deal. Cincinnati's offense has been good with both Chase and Higgins. We'll see if the Bengals can finagle the salary cap to keep both WRs.

The Minnesota Vikings may be interested in signing fre agent offensive guard, Will Fries (Ind).  Fries is only 25 years old and a productive guard. Put him on an offensive line with tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O'Neill and next to center Garrett Bradbury (who hasn't had much help at either guard spot throughout his career) and suddenly the Viking's o-line looks much improved. 

There are rumors/reports that the Kansas City Chiefs are looking to possibly add free agent running back, Aaron Jones (Min). He may be the missing piece to revitalize the Chiefs' offense.  With the Vikings this past year Jones rushed for 1,138 yards and 5 touchdowns. He also added 51 catches for 408 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns. He placed in every game for the Vikings in 2024. Jones and running back, Isiah Pacheco would be a top 5 running back duo for Kansas City. 

Anthony Richardson is training with Buffalo Bills Quarterback, Josh Allen and biometric expert, Chris Hess. Allen credits Hess with helping him improve his completion percentage from 52.8% as a rookie to 69.2% in his third season.  Hopefully Hess helps Richardson as much as he did Allen.

Midwest NFL head coaches:  Dan Campbell (Det), Ben Johnson (Chi), Matt LaFleur (GB), Kevin O'Connell (Min), Andy Reid (KC), Kevin Stefanski (Cle), Shane Steichen (Ind), and Zac Taylor (Cin). 8th place is Ben Johnson. Not because I think he's a bad coach (I actually think he's going to be a good head coach), he's just the only first year head coach so he's defaulted to last place out of these head coaches.  7th place is Shane Steichen. He has been head coach of the Colts for two seasons. He hasn't made the playoffs in either of them. His regular season record is 17-17. His success as a head coach all depends on Anthony Richardson's progression. If Richardson doesn't improve and the Colts don't make the playoffs, Steichen could be looking for work come 2026. 6th place is Kevin Stefanski. He has been the Browns head coach since 2020. His regular season record is 40-44 and he is 1-2 in the playoffs. These are actually pretty good numbers when you conside...

The 49ers are trading Wide Out, Deebo Samuel to the Commanders for a 5th round pick. Why didn't more teams try and trade for him!? If Cincinnati can't resign Tee Higgins then they'll be kicking themselves for not trying to trade for Samuel. Who else is Joe Burrow going to throw to besides Ja'Marr Chase? Chicago has DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, but Keenan Allen is set to hit free agency. Deebo would of made their offense much better and helped out young Quarterback, Caleb Williams. Imagine the plays new Head Coach, Ben Johnson could of drawn up with Samuel as their Swiss Army Knife. Cleveland has Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, and Elijah Moore as their starting WRs. But only giving up a 5th round pick would of been worth it for Deebo to help out whoever is going to be their QB. The Detroit Lions have Amon Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams as their starting wide receivers. With Gibbs and Montgomery in the backfield, adding Samuel to that offense would of been fun to watch. Gre...

The Chicago Bears need to bulk up their offensive line. They have cap space and sounded like they were going to offer Guard, Trey Smith (KC) a big contract, but Smith is getting franchise tagged by the Chiefs. There are other good guards out there to sign such as Will Fries (Ind), Mekhi Becton (Phi), or Kevin Zeitler (Det). I always like to see division rivals poach players, it adds to the rivalries.  Next in the Bears list would be defensive line. They could sign Defensive End, Josh Sweat (Phi), but he would cost them (they can afford him). If they don't sign Sweat then Chicago could also try and sign Khalil Mack (LAC) for him to return to the windy city.

It sounds like the Minnesota Vikings are not going to use the franchise tag on Quarterback, Sam Darnold. I doubt Darnold returns then to the Vikings. The Vikings have constructed their roster for a quarterback on a rookie deal. Quarterback JJ McCarthy has to start at some point. He'll have offensive weapons that includes wide outs Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, tight end TJ Hockenson, and possibly runningback Aaron Jones. Jim Harbaugh, who coached McCarthy in college and won a championship with him had nothing but positive things to say about JJ McCarthy's work ethic so hopefully he's ready to go week one of the 2025 NFL season.

 If the Detroit Lions don't end up trading for Myles Garrett (Cle), then they should strongly consider signing Linebacker, Khalil Mack (LAC). He still has plenty left in the tank. Pair him with Pass Rusher, Adian Hutchinson and they could be lethal. 

The Green Bay Packers have a decision to make with Cormerback, Jaire Alexander. When he is healthy he is a top tier CB. The problem is he has missed half of his NFL games due to injuries.  The Packers could trade him to a team like Kansas City or Pittsburgh, but would only probably get a 5th or 6th round pick in return. That is low for how high Jaire's ceiling is. Releasing him only saves Green Bay $6 million.  If they release him the Packers could poach Carlton Davis (Det) or Byron Murphy (Min) from one of their division rivals. Or they could sign Paulson Adebo (NO) or DJ Reed (NYJ).  Green Bay should keep Jaire, let him get healthy, and hope he stays healthy because if that happens then Green Bay's defense will be much improved from last year. 

Cleveland General Manager wants to extend pass rusher Myles Garrett. Garrett said he isn't interested and wants out of Cleveland. He wants to win a superbowl.  Garrett is under contract the next two seasons, so this could turn ugly and/or into a hold out. Having him play on the opposite side of Adian Hutchinson (Det) would be fun to see. Maybe that would push the Lions over the edge and they could make a deep playoff run. Cleveland would never trade him within the division, but having him play opposite Trey Hendrickson (Cin) would be interesting too.

The Indianapolis Colts' offense was solid last year, but they were poor in almost all defensive categories. Lou Anarumo should be an upgrade at Defensive Coordinator. He helped the Bengals reach the superbowl in 2021 and the AFC championship in 2022. He develop pass rusher Trey Hendrickson as well.  Indianapolis has struggled finding a quarterback since Andrew Luck unexpectedly retired. Who should the Colts bring in to compete with Anthony Richardson at Quarterback? They have signed older free agent quarterbacks in the past - Phillip Rivers, Carson Wentz, and Matt Ryan and those didn't work out. Signing Sam Darnold (Min) would be perfect. He's young like Richardson. The only problem is that Darnold will cost them. Other options would be Justin Fields (Pit), Russell Wilson (Pit), or Daniel Jones (Min). They have to sign someone to push Richardson. Through his first two seasons he's started 15 games, has a completion percentage of 50.6, thrown for 2,391 yards, 11 touchdow...

Cleveland is looking for a starting quarterback this season. It would be nice to see Kirk Cousins play with Kevin Stefanski again (Stefanski was his offensive coordinator in Minnesota). But Cousins is due a $10 million bonus on March 17th and then his cap hit is $40 million. The problem is Cousins didn't play well last season, but if the Falcons cut him they owe him $65 million. So it is cheaper to keep him then cut him. I don't see a team willing to trade for Cousins with those prices and he also has a no trade clause (he would have to approve of the trade). Is it detrimental to keep Cousins as the back up the Falcons benched last year with Michael Penix starting?

Can the Cincinnati Bengals afford to give big contracts to Ja'Marr Chase (WR) and Tee Higgins(WR)? Remember Joe Burrow's (QB) cap hit in 2025 is over $46 million. It is hard to keep the band together and pay them all. 

Looks like the Chiefs aren't going to let Trey Smith (LG) hit free agency. Kansas City used the franchise tag on him. Smith would of been the best free agent guard on the market. Other teams will have to look elsewhere.  The Chiefs will have a ton of money invested in their offensive line now. They have big bucks with Jawaan Taylor (RT), Joe Thuney (LG), Creed Humphrey (C) and now Trey Smith.