Latest news with #PFN
USA Today
25-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
49ers linked to trio of best remaining NFL free agents
San Francisco training camp is officially underway from the SAP Performance Facility in Santa Clara, Calif. That means the 49ers' 2025 NFL season is finally getting close. As San Francisco ramps up for the campaign ahead during training camp, there could still be a move or two left by the front office before the season arrives. Pro Football Network likes three of the best remaining NFL free agents as potential fits with the 49ers. PFN included free agent wide receivers Amari Cooper and Gabe Davis and free agent running back Jeff Wilson Jr. as players that would make sense in San Francisco. Cooper reeled in 44 catches for 547 yards and four scores a season ago across 14 games with the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills. The five-time Pro Bowler would make sense for a 49ers squad that doesn't have a timetable for Brandon Aiyuk's return and that has another top receiver in Jauan Jennings angling for a contract extension. Here's what PFN said about Cooper and a possible with with the 49ers: Arguably the top free agent still available, Amari Cooper has a tremendous track record and was a Pro Bowl just two seasons ago. Though he had 1,250 receiving yards in 2023, he dipped down to 547 yards between stints in Cleveland and Buffalo in 2024. Neither team used him as the top target he had previously been. Cooper deserves a chance at a starting role to prove he still has a lot left in the tank. The five-time Pro Bowl could make sense for WR-needy teams pushing for a deep playoff run like the Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers. - PFN Another option at wide receiver could be Davis. Still just 26 years old, Davis was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars just one season into a three-year, $39 million contract after a disappointing 2024 campaign where he caught just 20 passes for 239 yards and a pair of touchdowns. It was easily the least productive season of Davis' career to this point and it concluded with a season-ending torn meniscus after just 10 games played. Maybe that sets the 49ers up to land Davis at a discount, though. Davis is only 26 years old, so he should have plenty of football left in him, even after his injury. He would be best suited in an offense that allows him to maximize his vertical capabilities. That said, keep an eye on some playoff contenders to consider him on a discounted one-year deal before he signs another contract next offseason. - PFN Lastly, PFN linked San Francisco to Wilson. The 29-year-old began his career as an undrafted free agent with the 49ers where he was San Francisco's leading rusher during the 2020 season with 126 carries for 600 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Wilson had just 16 carries last season with the Dolphins and a return to San Francisco is a fit that might make sense for all parties. The 49ers still have $45.3 million in effective cap space according to Over The Cap.
USA Today
22-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Experts say Kansas City Chiefs would be ideal 'landing spot' for these three free agents
The Kansas City Chiefs' roster will evolve over the course of training camp and the preseason, and the experts at Pro Football Network don't seem convinced that the reigning AFC champions are done making moves. In a recent article that predicted the landing spots for each of the NFL's best free agents, PFN identified three veterans who could become key contributors for the Chiefs next season. While Kansas City's front office has been hard at work hammering out deals to keep the Chiefs' biggest stars under contract for the foreseeable future — rather than acquiring new talent — fans shouldn't underestimate general manager Brett Veach's willingness to add free agents during training camp. Take a look at each of the veterans that PFN highlighted as potential fits for Kansas City, with their analysis about each player: WR Gabe Davis "Just one year into his three-year deal, the Jacksonville Jaguars released Gabe Davis after a disappointing 2024 season that ended in a season-ending torn meniscus. A lackluster Jaguars offense didn't do him any favors, but he still finished with a career-low 20 catches for 239 yards. Davis is only 26 years old, so he should have plenty of football left in him, even after his injury. He would be best suited in an offense that allows him to maximize his vertical capabilities. That said, keep an eye on some playoff contenders to consider him on a discounted one-year deal before he signs another contract next offseason." DB Justin Simmons "After eight seasons with the Broncos, Justin Simmons spent 2024 with the Falcons, finishing with 62 tackles and two interceptions in 16 games. It wasn't the All-Pro level of play he's displayed in recent years, but he was still a serviceable starter on the back end. As a four-time All-Pro and a two-time Pro Bowler, Simmons may want to look for a chance to win a Super Bowl in 2025. Philadelphia, Kansas City, and Buffalo are all perennial Super Bowl contenders, where he could push for a starting job. Though not at the same level, Carolina could give Simmons a good opportunity to start, as well." DB Julian Blackmon "Julian Blackmon turns just 27 years old in August, so he still has plenty left in the tank. He's a versatile defensive back who can cover as a deep safety and defend in the box at a pretty high level. He has seven interceptions between his last two seasons with the Colts. The aforementioned Eagles, Chiefs and Panthers could look at Blackmon on a one-year rental and see if he's capable of becoming a long-term answer for them at safety. Keep an eye on Dallas as a landing spot, as former Colts DC Matt Eberflus is now the defensive coordinator there."
USA Today
18-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
One Jaguars player makes latest top 100 rankings, another was snubbed
On the latest top 100 NFL player rankings, one Jaguars player made it, while another obvious choice was left off. Pro Football Network's team of analysts recently put together their ranking of the top 100 players in the NFL ahead of the 2025 NFL season. One Jacksonville Jaguars player would make the list, while there was an obvious snub as well. Coming in at No. 85 on PFN's rankings was wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. As a rookie, Thomas finished third among all wideouts in receiving yards with 1,282. He also hauled in 10 touchdown passes. "Thomas' performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection and a fourth-place finish in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting," wrote PFN. "He showcased an ability to thrive despite inconsistent quarterback play. He ranked sixth in yards per route run (2.45) and 14th in yards after catch per reception (6.6)." As good as Thomas' rookie season was, there is more out there for him in 2025 with his role expanding, specifically when it comes to how he's utilized. Under Liam Coen, we are going to see more of Thomas lining up in the slot and routinely attacking all levels of the field. But as mentioned, Thomas was the only Jaguars' player on this list, which means that defensive end Josh Hines-Allen was not included. Last season, Hines-Allen didn't reach the 17.5 sack, 90 pressure marks like he did in 2023, but he was still one of the more disruptive defensive ends in football. His 63 pressures were tied for the 10th most last season, while he was also 17th in pass rush win rate. He also still had eight sacks as well. Under new defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, we are going to see more movement up front from the Jaguars' defensive line and a more attacking play style as well. Campanile also has Hines-Allen and a number of other defenders back at their more natural playing weights after former defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen had them bulk up last season. "I was 285," Hines-Allen said of his playing weight last season. "I was much bigger. My mindset was always to be as dominant but it was, obviously, holding a little bit more weight puts a little more wear and tear on the body. "It was a lot. Too much. Again, learned to adapt, have know what works best for you, something I tried, and something I'm like, alright, probably don't want to do that again. So we're working on maintaining a good goal for me this year and put some good tape out there." Still highly disruptive while playing one of the game's most important positions should have landed Hines-Allen on this list.
USA Today
30-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Mock draft points to possible DeAndre Hopkins replacement for the Ravens
Recent mock finds DeAndre Hopkins' replacement at a school that bred both wide receivers. This has to be the year. Lamar Jackson did that interview in the cold tub with Kevin Hart. They talked about a lot, but that's the most important takeaway. This is the year. The Baltimore Ravens have squandered a couple of opportunities, especially here recently. We are in luck. This team boasts a strong defense and an offense featuring star players. They have the potential to be formidable on both sides of the ball. However, winning just once is not their only goal; the Ravens are aiming to secure two or three Lombardi Trophies. They are counting on youthful talent and newly acquired veterans for the upcoming campaign. One such player is wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, although he is signed for only one season. However, Pro Football Network believes they have found his potential replacement. PFN mocks Antonio Williams to the Ravens in an early 2026 mock draft Welp! It appears PFN believes the Ravens are coming short again. Their recent 2026 NFL mock draft has Baltimore picking 28th. In other words, they would have had to lose in the AFC's Divisional Round to land in that position. Regardless, it is what it is. Another intriguing detail in their recent commentary is the mock draft selection of a wide receiver from the Clemson Tigers, similar to DeAndre Hopkins, who also started his career there. Antonio Williams is the standout player. He stands at five feet eleven inches tall and weighs 195 pounds. In 2024, he earned First-Team All-ACC honors. It's an interesting question regarding his position; the team already has Zay Flowers playing in the slot and Rashod Bateman on the outside. Williams seems to be another slot receiver, but could he potentially play outside? Devontez Walker and Tylan Wallace are also part of the conversation, but will they still be with the team next season? Let's see what PFN has to say about their selection and some of the madness before we give a listen to a recent breakdown of the Clemson wide receivers. "When you have a roster as loaded as the Baltimore Ravens', you can have the luxury of adding depth to your already strong receiver room. Antonio Williams is a dynamic playmaker whose play style would fit nicely in Baltimore's receiving unit." In three solid seasons at Clemson, Williams has been primarily available. His 2023 campaign was limited to only five games because of injury, but last season was his best. He notched 75 receptions, 904 yards receiving, and 11 touchdowns in 14 games. Keep an eye on him as we inch towards another college football season. The process of building a draft board has already begun.
USA Today
28-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Arizona Cardinals' biggest question mark is at WR, says Pro Football Network
What is the Cardinals' biggest question mark in 2025? Let's see what PFN has to say. As we wait for the start of training camp in late July, we have time to contemplate all the questions we have about the teams we cheer for. What is the biggest question mark for the Arizona Cardinals? There are many, but Pro Football Network put together the biggest question mark for every NFL team, and they picked one that many would agree with for the Cardinals. Arizona Cardinals' biggest question mark entering 2025 PFN says it is the Cardinals' wide receiver group. Marvin Harrison Jr. didn't have a bad rookie season, but after falling short of 1,000 receiving yards, he didn't live up to expectations in his first season with the Arizona Cardinals. Aside from Harrison, Arizona's receiving corps could use some improvement. Michael Wilson is a solid complementary piece, but they don't have a star. With him, Zay Jones, and Greg Dortch competing for touches, one of them will need to take the next step. This is fair. They truly have two position groups that are questionable — receiver and inside linebacker. Now, the question goes deeper than just the position. There are some questions that we might be able to answer by the end of the season. While Harrison wasn't great, he did have good games. But his usage was questionable. There was zero effort to try and get him the ball quickly and let him make things happen. Wilson and Dortch have not yet cracked 600 yards in a season. Jones had eight whole catches. It is certainly the least sure position the Cardinals have on offense. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
