Latest news with #then-Titans
NBC Sports
2 days ago
- Business
- NBC Sports
Howie Roseman details the last-minute negotiations to get the A.J. Brown deal done
To acquire wide receiver A.J. Brown, Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman had to get two deals done on draft day: A trade with the Titans, and a new contract with Brown and his representatives. That wasn't easy. Roseman detailed on Bussin with the Boys how he made a deal with then-Titans General Manager Jon Robinson on the day of the first round of the draft, but the trade of a first-round pick and a third-round pick was contingent on the Eagles reaching an agreement on a new contract with Brown, who at the time was heading into the final year of his rookie deal. 'We had the trade done, the terms agreed to in the morning. We had to get a contract done with him,' Roseman said. 'I said, Jon, if we can't get a contract done, we can't do this trade. We can't trade you a one and a three for one year of a player. We've got to get the contract done first.' Roseman didn't want word to leak out that the Titans had agreed to trade Browns to the Eagles, because he didn't want to be left holding the bag if Brown declined to sign a new contract with the Eagles. 'I'm trying to finish the contract, and so nobody knew except a couple people that we were even doing it because I said, Imagine this falls apart, I'm going to be the GM who can't get a deal done with AJ,' Roseman said. Once Brown agreed, a few picks before the Eagles' first-round pick came up so they could send it to the Titans and make the trade official, Roseman told Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie and head coach Nick Sirianni that the rest of the team's personnel department and assistant coaches could find out about the deal once the Eagles were on the clock. 'I turned to Jeffrey and Nick and I said, We're going to surprise our room when we're on the clock. They don't know anything about it. When we get ready to pick I'm going to say, We're picking AJ Brown. And they're all going to look at me like, What the fuck is going on? But they're going to be excited as shit. It was really fun. It was great energy,' Roseman said. Roseman's comments point to how easily such a deal can fall through, and the likely fact that other such deals have fallen through — there likely have been other big trades that were close to finalized on draft day, only to fail to reach the finish line before the team trading its pick was on the clock. The Eagles are very glad that they got the trade done.
NBC Sports
24-07-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Aaron Rodgers's first pass of first team period was picked off
Ten years ago (yes, it's been ten years), breathless reports tracked then-Titans rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota, who went umpteen practices in a row without throwing an interception. At that time, then-Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said, essentially, that practice is the time to throw interceptions. In his first pass of his first team period of his first training camp with the Steelers, Rodgers threw an interception. Here's the video, via Mike DeFabo of Linebacker Patrick Queen made the interception. But, again, that's what practice is for. When the games count, Rodgers doesn't throw many interceptions. Only 1.4-percent of his regular-season passes have been picked off, an all-time record. Whether he needs to be willing to cut it loose and risk throwing more interceptions in 2025 is a different issue.
Fox Sports
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
NFL breakout candidates: One player from each AFC team primed to make a leap in 2025
Now's the time for daydreaming. We know the star players who will shape the 2025 NFL season. But every team that makes a playoff run this fall will get contributions from a new name or two. The next Super Bowl champion could be sparked by a guy no one was talking about before the season — just ask the Philadelphia Eagles about Zack Baun. Not every breakout player in 2025 is going to be selected All-Pro, win a Super Bowl and sign a lucrative new contract, like Baun, but their contributions will be felt across the league. So, we're going to look across the league. Let's find a potential breakout player for all 32 teams. In the interest of creativity, we'll look past the quarterback position and try to find someone that's truly off the radar. Here are my AFC picks. RELATED: One player from each NFC team primed to make a leap in 2025 AFC East Buffalo Bills: WR Joshua Palmer Maybe I'm cheating a bit by listing a guy who just signed a $29 million contract as a breakout candidate, but it really feels like people are sleeping on this addition in Buffalo. Palmer was a solid receiver for four years in L.A. without truly having a breakthrough season, but I think that could change this year. You're talking about a guy who can separate vertically and make contested catches. Roughly 40% of Palmer's receptions were explosive gains last year. And you're dropping him into an offense with Josh Allen? There's some very fun potential here. Miami Dolphins: OT Patrick Paul Call this one breakout by necessity. The Dolphins drafted Paul with an eye on him succeeding Terron Armstead, and that time has come. The second-year pro figures to start at left tackle, and it'd be big for the stability of the entire offensive line if the transition goes smoothly. Armstead himself has said Paul is up to the task, so here's hoping. New England Patriots: LB Jack Gibbens I love to connect the dots when I'm doing an exercise like this. Gibbens got his first crack as an NFL starter in 2023 from then-Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. Two years later, it's no surprise to see him pop up with Vrabel in New England. He's smart, tough and has a knack for making tackles, which has to remind Vrabel of himself a little bit. Marquee free-agent signing Robert Spillane owns one of the starting linebacker jobs in New England, but there's plenty of room for Gibbens to make an impression. New York Jets: OT Olu Fashanu We all know Fashanu's name because he was the No. 11 overall pick in last year's draft, but we didn't see that much of him as a rookie. With just 534 NFL snaps to his name, there's still plenty of room for Fashanu to grow. If the Jets' current roster reset is going to work as well as they want it to, they'll be hoping to see Fashanu's arrow point up. AFC North Baltimore Ravens: S Malaki Starks Unfortunately for the Ravens, the stakes have been raised for their latest first-round pick. When Baltimore picked Starks in April, they were no doubt hoping Ar'Darius Washington would build on his fantastic 2024 season and take some pressure off the rookie. That plan went awry just two weeks later, when Washington tore his Achilles. There's still a ton of talent in the Ravens' secondary, but it would be big if Starks is ready for a big role from the jump. Cincinnati Bengals: OT Amarius Mims Mims was my pick here last summer. While it didn't quite come to fruition, I'm comfortable doubling down. Mims missed a sizable chunk of training camp and still allowed just four sacks in 13 starts. There's plenty to work on, but I'm still betting that Mims — who is still just 22 — can grow into a force for the Bengals' offensive line. Cleveland Browns: LB Carson Schwesinger Perfect combination of talent and opportunity. Draftniks were pumped when Cleveland made Schwesinger an early second-round pick this year, having fallen in love with his instincts and nose for the ball. There's also a clear path to the field in Cleveland. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is out for the year due to injury, which means the Browns are somewhat thin. Here's guessing draft nerds aren't the only ones who know his name by October or November. Pittsburgh Steelers: C Zach Frazier This feels like a layup, because Frazier is already on his way to being a standout center. As a rookie, PFF graded him fourth among all starting centers in run block grade, and sixth in pass block grade. He allowed just 12 pressures and one sack in 15 appearances. If he continues on this trajectory, Frazier should be the Steelers' first Pro Bowl center since Maurkice Pouncey called it a career in 2020. AFC South Houston Texans: WR Jayden Higgins There's playing time available for someone who wants it. It looks likely that Tank Dell is going to miss the entire 2025 season due to the timing of last year's gruesome injury. Even with Christian Kirk joining the squad, there's still an open job alongside him and Nico Collins. Ironically, there are a couple rookies out of Iowa State to choose from, but I'll roll with the 6-foot-4 guy who can separate. Indianapolis Colts: S Nick Cross Colts fans will probably say that Cross has already broken out, but I'm not sure how many outsiders are aware that the former third-round pick out of Maryland racked up 146 tackles and three picks last year in his first season as a starter. What makes this fun is that Cross should have more help now. The Colts' secondary was a bit understaffed in 2024, but the front office addressed that by signing proven vets in Charvarius Ward and Cam Bynum. Indy's secondary could be an actual strength this season, and that's an exciting prospect for a guy trying to raise his profile, like Cross. Jacksonville Jaguars: DT Maason Smith Smith is the classic case of a guy who saw the light toward the tail end of his rookie year. It wasn't always a smooth ride, as the 2024 second-round pick was a healthy scratch six times last year. But once he got back into the lineup in Week 13, it seemed to click. Of Smith's 17 tackles as a rookie, 12 came in the last six weeks of the season. The same can be said for his pass rush stats — 11 of his 14 pressures and two of his three sacks happened in December and January. If he can carry that progress over into Year 2, it'd be huge for a defensive front that already employs several quality pass-rushers. Tennessee Titans: OT J.C. Latham Here's guessing Latham's life is about to get a lot easier. That's not to say he was bad as a rookie, but it's tough when you're forced to switch to left tackle and protect a rotating cast of quarterbacks. Year 2 looks better for a lot of reasons. For starters, he's back at right tackle, where he started. And maybe more importantly, Cam Ward's poise, pocket presence and maneuverability should make life easier on the Titans' entire offensive line. Latham wasn't bad last year, it's just that I have high hopes for how much better this year could be. AFC West Denver Broncos: RB R.J. Harvey The Broncos are running it back with a very similar lineup to last year, and the newcomers — Evan Engram, Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, are all known names. That doesn't leave a lot of options for breakout stars, but I'm excited about the rookie running back. Harvey joins a wide-open group with no true favorite for playing time. Working with a playcaller of Sean Payton's caliber, there's big opportunity for Harvey to jump onto the radar. Kansas City Chiefs: S Jaden Hicks It's always telling when a successful team lets a free agent walk out the door. Justin Reid was an underrated piece of the Chiefs' dynastic defense during the three years he was in Kansas City, so it piqued my interest when they let him walk in the spring. Then again, if you watched Hicks during his rookie year, maybe you aren't surprised. Despite playing just 330 snaps on defense, Hicks still managed to finish with 29 tackles, three interceptions and five pass breakups. Give him a full year of starts under Steve Spagnuolo, and we might be looking at the next star safety in that secondary. Las Vegas Raiders: C Jackson Powers-Johnson It's not that Powers-Johnson was bad as a rookie, it's mainly just that there'll be a reason to watch him in 2025. Pardon the pun, but the Raiders were a black hole for relevance last season when Powers-Johnson made his debut. That won't be the case now, as he gets set to block for Ashton Jeanty and protect Geno Smith. Los Angeles Chargers: LB Daiyan Henley You've probably heard the story, but it bears repeating. Henley tore the labrum in his left shoulder during a Week 4 loss to Kansas City last year, and he proceeded to play through it. Not only did he gut it out, he thrived to the tune of 147 total tackles — including a streak of six-straight games with double-digit stops. Needless to say, the guy's a beast. If that's what he can do with a bum shoulder, here's guessing he'll be a Pro Bowler by the end of Year 3. David Helman covers the NFL for FOX Sports and hosts the NFL on FOX podcast. He previously spent nine seasons covering the Cowboys for the team's official website. In 2018, he won a regional Emmy for his role in producing "Dak Prescott: A Family Reunion" about the quarterback's time at Mississippi State. Follow him on Twitter at @davidhelman_ . Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? 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The Advertiser
07-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Raiders eye winning send-off for record-breaker Papalii
Ahead of becoming Canberra's most-capped NRL player, Josh Papalii has been heralded as the key to a long-awaited title for his beloved Raiders. Sia Soliola, Papalii's former Raiders teammate on the field and long-term friend off it, says the young Raiders squad have what it takes to win the club's first premiership in more than three decades. And Big Papa's experience will be crucial. "We always relied on him, and a lot was put on Paps' shoulders," Soliola told AAP. "He has always stepped up in crucial times when we've needed someone. He's the guy that still produces the moments in a game where you need something special. That's where Paps' presence really comes to life, and I think that'll play a big part for the Raiders this year." His second-half spell to help inspire the Raiders' comeback win against the Sydney Roosters was a case in point. Papalii will be the first to admit his athleticism isn't where it once was, but even at 33 the copious Queenslander is still a vital cog for coach Ricky Stuart's side. Sunday's clash against South Sydney will be another crucial one for the Green Machine, who could go top with a win, before a much-needed first bye of the season. His comrades will be even more determined to get the two points to celebrate Papalii notching 319 games with the Raiders to surpass fellow one-club man Jason Croker as the most-capped player in Canberra's history. But it's the "off-field stuff" the boy from Logan will look back on most fondly. "The club's been so loyal to me. If you sort of think about what I've been through off-field, I probably should have been sacked 12 years ago, so the club's been such a loyal base for myself and my family," said Papalii, who has admitted this season will be his last for the Raiders. "I hope I've repaid that with love and sacrifice and in the way I've gone about my craft." Despite the inexperienced roster, Stuart has his squad firing on all cylinders, and there is a sense among the Raiders faithful - with GIO Stadium set for another sold-out crowd - that this season could be a special one. It would be a fairytale ending at the club for Papalii after missing out on a title in an agonising grand-final loss to the Roosters in 2019. "You see all these really great players that never really get to lift it, but the Raiders have got a really good opportunity this year," Soliola said. "If they keep going the way they're going they're definitely going to give themselves a shot at the business end. I think everyone in rugby league would want that to happen for someone like Paps." The Raiders would also dearly love to send off Jamal Fogarty on a high note. A part of club folklore even before he joined - Papalii's 2020 Dally M tackle of the year-winning ankle tap on the then-Titans halfback was immortalised on commemorative Budgy Smugglers - Fogarty has become a fan favourite since, but is bound for Manly next season. The playmaker has been one of the league's outstanding halves this season and is a welcome boost to the Raiders' starting line-up after a one-week lay-off with a groin injury. Fellow Queenslander Corey Horsburgh will also hit a milestone on Sunday, playing his 100th NRL game. It's the last audition for "Big Red'' ahead of selection for State of Origin II, with the hulking prop's red-hot form making him a favourite for inclusion in Billy Slater's Maroons squad. Ahead of becoming Canberra's most-capped NRL player, Josh Papalii has been heralded as the key to a long-awaited title for his beloved Raiders. Sia Soliola, Papalii's former Raiders teammate on the field and long-term friend off it, says the young Raiders squad have what it takes to win the club's first premiership in more than three decades. And Big Papa's experience will be crucial. "We always relied on him, and a lot was put on Paps' shoulders," Soliola told AAP. "He has always stepped up in crucial times when we've needed someone. He's the guy that still produces the moments in a game where you need something special. That's where Paps' presence really comes to life, and I think that'll play a big part for the Raiders this year." His second-half spell to help inspire the Raiders' comeback win against the Sydney Roosters was a case in point. Papalii will be the first to admit his athleticism isn't where it once was, but even at 33 the copious Queenslander is still a vital cog for coach Ricky Stuart's side. Sunday's clash against South Sydney will be another crucial one for the Green Machine, who could go top with a win, before a much-needed first bye of the season. His comrades will be even more determined to get the two points to celebrate Papalii notching 319 games with the Raiders to surpass fellow one-club man Jason Croker as the most-capped player in Canberra's history. But it's the "off-field stuff" the boy from Logan will look back on most fondly. "The club's been so loyal to me. If you sort of think about what I've been through off-field, I probably should have been sacked 12 years ago, so the club's been such a loyal base for myself and my family," said Papalii, who has admitted this season will be his last for the Raiders. "I hope I've repaid that with love and sacrifice and in the way I've gone about my craft." Despite the inexperienced roster, Stuart has his squad firing on all cylinders, and there is a sense among the Raiders faithful - with GIO Stadium set for another sold-out crowd - that this season could be a special one. It would be a fairytale ending at the club for Papalii after missing out on a title in an agonising grand-final loss to the Roosters in 2019. "You see all these really great players that never really get to lift it, but the Raiders have got a really good opportunity this year," Soliola said. "If they keep going the way they're going they're definitely going to give themselves a shot at the business end. I think everyone in rugby league would want that to happen for someone like Paps." The Raiders would also dearly love to send off Jamal Fogarty on a high note. A part of club folklore even before he joined - Papalii's 2020 Dally M tackle of the year-winning ankle tap on the then-Titans halfback was immortalised on commemorative Budgy Smugglers - Fogarty has become a fan favourite since, but is bound for Manly next season. The playmaker has been one of the league's outstanding halves this season and is a welcome boost to the Raiders' starting line-up after a one-week lay-off with a groin injury. Fellow Queenslander Corey Horsburgh will also hit a milestone on Sunday, playing his 100th NRL game. It's the last audition for "Big Red'' ahead of selection for State of Origin II, with the hulking prop's red-hot form making him a favourite for inclusion in Billy Slater's Maroons squad. Ahead of becoming Canberra's most-capped NRL player, Josh Papalii has been heralded as the key to a long-awaited title for his beloved Raiders. Sia Soliola, Papalii's former Raiders teammate on the field and long-term friend off it, says the young Raiders squad have what it takes to win the club's first premiership in more than three decades. And Big Papa's experience will be crucial. "We always relied on him, and a lot was put on Paps' shoulders," Soliola told AAP. "He has always stepped up in crucial times when we've needed someone. He's the guy that still produces the moments in a game where you need something special. That's where Paps' presence really comes to life, and I think that'll play a big part for the Raiders this year." His second-half spell to help inspire the Raiders' comeback win against the Sydney Roosters was a case in point. Papalii will be the first to admit his athleticism isn't where it once was, but even at 33 the copious Queenslander is still a vital cog for coach Ricky Stuart's side. Sunday's clash against South Sydney will be another crucial one for the Green Machine, who could go top with a win, before a much-needed first bye of the season. His comrades will be even more determined to get the two points to celebrate Papalii notching 319 games with the Raiders to surpass fellow one-club man Jason Croker as the most-capped player in Canberra's history. But it's the "off-field stuff" the boy from Logan will look back on most fondly. "The club's been so loyal to me. If you sort of think about what I've been through off-field, I probably should have been sacked 12 years ago, so the club's been such a loyal base for myself and my family," said Papalii, who has admitted this season will be his last for the Raiders. "I hope I've repaid that with love and sacrifice and in the way I've gone about my craft." Despite the inexperienced roster, Stuart has his squad firing on all cylinders, and there is a sense among the Raiders faithful - with GIO Stadium set for another sold-out crowd - that this season could be a special one. It would be a fairytale ending at the club for Papalii after missing out on a title in an agonising grand-final loss to the Roosters in 2019. "You see all these really great players that never really get to lift it, but the Raiders have got a really good opportunity this year," Soliola said. "If they keep going the way they're going they're definitely going to give themselves a shot at the business end. I think everyone in rugby league would want that to happen for someone like Paps." The Raiders would also dearly love to send off Jamal Fogarty on a high note. A part of club folklore even before he joined - Papalii's 2020 Dally M tackle of the year-winning ankle tap on the then-Titans halfback was immortalised on commemorative Budgy Smugglers - Fogarty has become a fan favourite since, but is bound for Manly next season. The playmaker has been one of the league's outstanding halves this season and is a welcome boost to the Raiders' starting line-up after a one-week lay-off with a groin injury. Fellow Queenslander Corey Horsburgh will also hit a milestone on Sunday, playing his 100th NRL game. It's the last audition for "Big Red'' ahead of selection for State of Origin II, with the hulking prop's red-hot form making him a favourite for inclusion in Billy Slater's Maroons squad.
West Australian
07-06-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Raiders eye winning send-off for record-breaker Papalii
Ahead of becoming Canberra's most-capped NRL player, Josh Papalii has been heralded as the key to a long-awaited title for his beloved Raiders. Sia Soliola, Papalii's former Raiders teammate on the field and long-term friend off it, says the young Raiders squad have what it takes to win the club's first premiership in more than three decades. And Big Papa's experience will be crucial. "We always relied on him, and a lot was put on Paps' shoulders," Soliola told AAP. "He has always stepped up in crucial times when we've needed someone. He's the guy that still produces the moments in a game where you need something special. That's where Paps' presence really comes to life, and I think that'll play a big part for the Raiders this year." His second-half spell to help inspire the Raiders' comeback win against the Sydney Roosters was a case in point. Papalii will be the first to admit his athleticism isn't where it once was, but even at 33 the copious Queenslander is still a vital cog for coach Ricky Stuart's side. Sunday's clash against South Sydney will be another crucial one for the Green Machine, who could go top with a win, before a much-needed first bye of the season. His comrades will be even more determined to get the two points to celebrate Papalii notching 319 games with the Raiders to surpass fellow one-club man Jason Croker as the most-capped player in Canberra's history. But it's the "off-field stuff" the boy from Logan will look back on most fondly. "The club's been so loyal to me. If you sort of think about what I've been through off-field, I probably should have been sacked 12 years ago, so the club's been such a loyal base for myself and my family," said Papalii, who has admitted this season will be his last for the Raiders. "I hope I've repaid that with love and sacrifice and in the way I've gone about my craft." Despite the inexperienced roster, Stuart has his squad firing on all cylinders, and there is a sense among the Raiders faithful - with GIO Stadium set for another sold-out crowd - that this season could be a special one. It would be a fairytale ending at the club for Papalii after missing out on a title in an agonising grand-final loss to the Roosters in 2019. "You see all these really great players that never really get to lift it, but the Raiders have got a really good opportunity this year," Soliola said. "If they keep going the way they're going they're definitely going to give themselves a shot at the business end. I think everyone in rugby league would want that to happen for someone like Paps." The Raiders would also dearly love to send off Jamal Fogarty on a high note. A part of club folklore even before he joined - Papalii's 2020 Dally M tackle of the year-winning ankle tap on the then-Titans halfback was immortalised on commemorative Budgy Smugglers - Fogarty has become a fan favourite since, but is bound for Manly next season. The playmaker has been one of the league's outstanding halves this season and is a welcome boost to the Raiders' starting line-up after a one-week lay-off with a groin injury. Fellow Queenslander Corey Horsburgh will also hit a milestone on Sunday, playing his 100th NRL game. It's the last audition for "Big Red'' ahead of selection for State of Origin II, with the hulking prop's red-hot form making him a favourite for inclusion in Billy Slater's Maroons squad.
