Latest news with #AFCWildCardPlayoff
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Russell Wilson Fully Embracing Mentor Role With Giants
At his peak, Russell Wilson was an elite-level quarterback who delivered a Super Bowl to the Seattle Seahawks. However, heading into the 2025 campaign, he finds himself in a completely different situation. Contending might not be on the horizon for the veteran QB, but he is still prepared to leave a mark on the league in a different way. Following a one-year stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Wilson inked a one-year deal with the New York Giants in free agency. Though it was spilled out, it's evident why the franchise brought him in. He will be a stopgap at starting quarterback while the team develops 2025 first-round pick Jaxson Dart behind the scenes. As the veteran QB, Wilson will be expected to help show Dart the ropes as he navigates his first year in the NFL. That said, he feels his mentorship role in New York goes much deeper than that. Along with Dart, Wilson wants to be someone the whole team can come to for guidance or advice. BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 11: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC Wild Card Playoff at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11,... BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 11: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC Wild Card Playoff at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. Steelers QB Russell Wilson reveals team has not spoken to him about a new contract. More"I've always viewed it as you're always trying to be the best version of you, and then you're always giving back to everybody else," Wilson said, via ESPN. "I think that it's not just about one teammate, it's about all the teammates. It's about everybody in the building. It's about from all the way to the quarterback room, to the receivers, to the running backs, to the tight ends, to the O-line, and the relationship there, all the way to the defensive line, to the corners, and all the way to the training room." Given his career arc, Wilson can be a good mentor for a young Giants team looking to turn things around. Having gone through his fair share of highs and lows, he's seen it all during his time in the NFL. With his experience, he can help the young players stay on the right track. While Wilson might want to be a leader for the entire locker room, mentoring Dart should be one of his top priorities. As the franchise's next QB of the future, they'll need him to be ready to take the reigns in 2026. Aside from looking out for his younger teammates, the Giants are also going to need Wilson to take care of business on the field. Their sights might not be set on a Super Bowl, but New York will still want to be competitive. With the NFC East set to be one of the more cutthroat divisions in the league this season, the Giants have to hope they can get quality production from their biggest offseason addition.
CBS News
21-05-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Dallas Cowboys receiver George Pickens joins CeeDee Lamb, Dak Prescott at practice for the first time since his trade
By the time Dak Prescott got to his phone after the Dallas Cowboys agreed to a trade for receiver George Pickens, the star quarterback said he had about six missed calls from owner Jerry Jones' assistant. "Literally no idea what it could've been about and actually had a voicemail from Jerry, 'Hey, I've got some good news I want to share with you,'" Prescott said Tuesday. "So I called him back and he was excited. Just a lot of excitement from the both of us." The Cowboys entered the offseason after the end of a three-year playoff run knowing they lacked a proven No. 2 receiver behind CeeDee Lamb. Then they skipped the position altogether in the draft. In their mind, they still don't have a No. 2 receiver. Dallas thinks it has two No. 1s after giving the Pittsburgh Steelers a third-round pick in next year's draft while the teams swapped late-round 2027 choices in the deal announced May 7. "I think CeeDee said it best," first-year coach Brian Schottenheimer said. "I saw his comments where we don't have a one, we don't do A's and B's, we think that there's a one over there. If you look over there, there's a one there. So I think that's the way that we view [Pickens]." Prescott, Lamb and Pickens were on the field together for the first time this week in organized team activities. Dallas Cowboys' George Pickens (13) runs a play against teammate Kaiir Elam during NFL football practice at the Cowboys' facility, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. Jessica Tobias / AP "We can complement each other," Lamb said of Pickens. "Just being his backbone and being here for him and letting him know that he has some help on the other side that's a dog and that's willing to win. I'm going to do everything in my power to do that." Going into his 10th season, Prescott potentially has the most dangerous second option at receiver since Amari Cooper was traded three years ago, back when Lamb was considered the No. 2 guy. After finishing second in MVP voting in 2023, Prescott missed the final nine games last season with a torn hamstring. Now he has plenty of reasons to feel confident about a reset coming off just the second losing season for Dallas since he became the starter. "Looking at the guy's tape, you see what he does, the kind of receiver he is, he's going to win on one-on-ones," Prescott said of Pickens. "He can win two vs. one if he has to. Very, very talented guy. When you can add him alongside a CeeDee and the rest of the weapons we have, I'm super excited." Pickens left behind questions in Pittsburgh, where the 2022 second-round pick showed he could be a dynamic playmaker but struggled to keep his emotions in check. Lamb has had a few sideline moments himself, usually when frustrated that he wasn't getting the ball enough. George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a catch against Brandon Stephens #21 of the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter during the AFC Wild Card Playoff at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. / Getty Images "Obviously, just watching him with the Steelers and how passionate he is about the game, I think they kind of get it confused when you're so passionate about something, you're willing to do anything for it," Lamb said. "As far as winning goes, just being happy in an organization. Not saying that he wasn't, not saying that he was, you never know. He hasn't stopped smiling since he got here, so I'll start with that." Pickens now has had a chance to show people from the outside that smile after dealing with most of the questions about his three-year Pittsburgh tenure by phone. "I'd probably say staying humble," Pickens said when asked about a chance for a fresh start. "That's kinda what I always did even when the story was what the story was. I always kept working and staying humble." Lamb will go through a full offseason and training camp with Pickens after missing everything in a contract holdout last year. He played through a painful shoulder injury most of last season and experienced for the first time a season in which his catches, yards and touchdowns weren't higher than the previous year. Of course, it would have been difficult to match his first All-Pro season in 2023, when Lamb led the NFL with 135 catches and had 1,749 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns. While heaping praise on Pickens, Lamb offered a subtle reminder of his own credentials. "The last time I had OTAs and training camp," Lamb said, "was 2023."
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Looking at best remaining NFL free agents after the 2025 draft
The Atlanta Falcons managed to address their two biggest needs in the 2025 NFL draft, but they probably aren't done tinkering with their roster. Expect the team to add a few more free agents before the start of the 2025 season rolls around in September. The Falcons could still look to upgrade the center position after losing Drew Dalman. Plus, we wouldn't be surprised to see the team add another wide receiver, running back or defensive lineman in free agency. Here's a look at the top remaining NFL free agents following the 2025 draft. Quarterbacks Aug 25, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Desmond Ridder (19) during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports Aaron Rodgers Desmond Ridder Brett Rypien Jeff Driskel Jake Fromm Running backs Dec 29, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams (21) during warm ups against the Las Vegas Raiders at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images Nick Chubb Jeff Wilson Jamaal Williams Ameer Abdullah JaMycal Hasty Wide Receivers Dec 22, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) runs after a catch against the Detroit Lions during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images Keenan Allen Amari Cooper DJ Chark Brandon Powell Jamison Crowder Tyler Boyd Tight Ends Cleveland Browns tight end Jordan Akins (88) runs for yards after a catch during the second half of an NFL football game at Huntington Bank Field, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio. Jordan Akins Peyton Hendershot Nick Vannett Offensive linemen Dec 3, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots center David Andrews (60) walks off of the field after a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports David Andrews Jedrick Wills George Fant Will Hernandez Brandon Scherff Defensive Linemen ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 12: Jordan Phillips #97 of the Buffalo Bills looks on during warm ups before the the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Highmark Stadium on January 12, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo) Jordan Phillips Foley Fatukasi Preston Smith Za'Darius Smith Linebackers Sep 29, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) runs with the football against San Francisco 49ers linebacker De'Vondre Campbell (59) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images CJ Mosley De'Vondre Campbell Kyzir White Cornerbacks Sep 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (26) reacts after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports Asante Samuel Jr Stephon Gilmore Kendall Fuller Rasul Douglas Mike Hilton Eli Apple Safeties Oct 3, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) is pursued by Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons (31) in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Justin Simmons Rayshawn Jenkins Quandre Diggs Marcus Williams Jordan Poyer Kickers Jan 7, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals place kicker Matt Prater (5) warms up prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports Nick Folk Matt Prater Eddy Pineiro Advertisement Check out our latest Falcons 53-man roster prediction and projected starting lineups for 2025! This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: NFL Free agents: Best remaining players after 2025 NFL draft
Newsweek
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
2025 NFL Draft: Identifying Broncos' Best And Worst Draft Selection
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Denver Broncos surprised many by making the playoffs in 2024. The team's improbable run came on the back of an impressive debut season for quarterback Bo Nix. Nix started off slow but by the end of the season, appeared to take several steps forward. Head coach Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos takes the field before the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 12, 2025. Head coach Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos takes the field before the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 12, 2025. Elsa/Getty Images To try and build the roster further, the team added some quality players in free agency like tight end Evan Engram and linebacker Dre Greenlaw. Then, in the 2025 NFL Draft, the team selected talented defensive back Jahdae Barron out of Texas in the first round. Barron is a versatile defender who could help out at cornerback or safety. In the second round, the team added talented UCF running back R.J. Harvey to improve the ground game. Javonte Williams left in free agency, so running back figured to be a big need. Some of the other picks include edge-rusher Sai'vion Jones and wide receiver Pat Bryant. Now, let's identify the best and worst pick the team made during the draft. Best: Round 1, Pick 20- Jahdae Barron, DB, Texas Jahdae Barron is a really nice player who could immediately thrive in Denver. Most mock drafts had the team selecting a running back or wide receiver in the first round, so it was a bit surprising to see Barron be the pick. However, this could be the best possible pick for an immediate impact. Barron will likely play in the slot next to Riley Moss and Pat Surtain II. This gives the Broncos a young, promising corner trio that could excel for years to come. Some mock drafts had Barron going even higher than No. 20, so this is great value for the Broncos. Expect Barron to contribute immediately and be in the running for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Worst: Round 4, Pick 134- Que Robinson, EDGE, Alabama The pick of Que Robinson in the fourth-round was strange. The Broncos selected another SEC edge-rusher just one round earlier in Sai'vion Jones. I don't hate the idea of doubling up at the position, but Robinson wasn't the best value pick here. Robinson collected just 6.5 sacks over four seasons at Alabama and didn't have the athleticism or speed off the edge to build up his draft stock. The Broncos would have been much better off addressing another team need with this pick, such as defensive tackle or center. For example, instead of taking Robinson, the team could have taken defensive linemen like Tonka Hemingway or Joshua Farmer or even an interior offensive lineman like Drew Kendall.
Newsweek
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
2025 NFL Draft: Identifying Steelers' Best And Worst Draft Pick
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Pittsburgh Steelers made the playoffs in 2024, even with mediocre quarterback play. The team took steps to change that this offseason, as passers Russell Wilson and Justin Fields were both allowed to leave in free agency. It's widely expected that the Steelers will end up signing Aaron Rodgers to lead the team for at least 2025. During the 2025 NFL Draft, the Steelers added some quality players at other positions to bolster the roster even further. Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the first half of the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2025. Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the first half of the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, the first round, the team added talented defensive lineman Derrick Harmon. Harmon should immediately start next to Cameron Heyward and Keeanu Benton, making the team's defensive front a force to be reckoned with. The team didn't have a second-round selection after sending that pick to Seattle for D.K. Metcalf. In the third round, though, the team added solid running back Kaleb Johnson to help replace Najee Harris. Elsewhere, the team added nose tackle Yahya Black, edge-rusher Jack Sawyer, and quarterback Will Howard, among others. Now, let's identify the best and worst pick the team made over the weekend. This was a solid draft, so there was some stiff competition for this piece. Best: Round 3, Pick 83- Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa Kaleb Johnson was widely expected to go in the second round, so the Steelers got good value in the third round. Johnson was extremely productive at Iowa, rushing for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2024. The Iowa product led the Big Ten in both yards and touchdowns and has the durability to be a capable replacement for Najee Harris. Some mock drafts had the Steelers taking a running back like Omarion Hampton in the first round. However, the team made the right decision by adding to the defense in the first and waiting for Johnson in the third. In 2025, don't be surprised if Johnson ends up with more yards than any rusher other than Ashton Jeanty. Worst: Round 7, Pick 10: Carson Bruener, LB, Washington Look, the Steelers had a great draft, so it's hard to find an obvious worst selection. If I had to nitpick though, I'd select the pick of Bruener in the seventh round. The Washington product doesn't have any elite traits and figures to be a special-teamer if he makes it in the NFL. This wasn't a horrible pick by any means, but the team could've taken a wide receiver or developmental offensive tackle instead. Receivers like Tez Johnson or Kaden Prather or an offensive lineman like Garrett Dellinger or Mason Richman would've made more sense.
