$12.5 Million QB Listed as a Top Free Agency Option for Jets: Analyst

Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston reacting in the middle of an NFL game.

There is a world where Aaron Rodgers is not the starting quarterback for the New York Jets in 2025.

If that transpires, the team will need to add another arm to the bullpen.

Justin Melo of The Draft Network believes veteran quarterback Jameis Winston would fit the bill for the Jets in 2025.

“Aaron Glenn is the new head coach of the New York Jets. Glenn’s highest priority will be to improve what was a toxic culture this season. That probably begins with moving on from controversial quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Rodgers gamble failed miserably on East Rutherford and it’s now time for a reset,” Melo explained.

“The Jets must focus on rebuilding from within throughout Glenn’s first campaign. New general manager Darren Mougey is aligned with Glenn, who spent a season with Winston in New Orleans (2020). Together, they probably won’t want to make any rash decisions at quarterback this offseason that carry a multi-year impact. The Jets need to do some soul-searching, and Winston would be an ideal candidate to simply get them through a recharging 2025 season.”

Pro Football Focus projects Winston to sign a two-year deal for $12.5 million with $7 million guaranteed in free agency this offseason. That $6.25 million annual salary would rank No. 27 among the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL, per Over The Cap.

A Very Different Potential Jets QB Room in 2025

Rodgers is a future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer. When he is on your roster he carries with him some gravitas and expectations.

If the Jets pivot away from that, the other options at the QB position aren’t great this offseason.

Winston, 31, would join a quarterback room with fellow veteran Tyrod Taylor and unproven youngster Jordan Travis.

The former Florida State product is a living breathing roller coaster ride on the football field.

“Winston injected some life into the league’s worst offense, previously led by one of the league’s worst quarterbacks, in a backup role for the Browns, leading to a breakout season for wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, who was acquired in the offseason from the Denver Broncos and extended to a deal that now looks like a major bargain. This alone was a welcome development and important to learn going forward, as Cleveland traded away Amari Cooper at the deadline. As for Winston, he is who we thought he was: a true gunslinger who is just as likely to keep his team in a game as take them out of it,” PFF explained.

Last season with the Browns, Winston enjoyed some incredible highs with 13 touchdown passes in spot duty, but he also suffered some incredible lows tossing 12 interceptions.

That is exactly what Winston has proven to be throughout his 10-year journey in the NFL. During that run, Winston has thrown for 24,225 passing yards, 154 touchdown passes, and 111 interceptions.

Winston is a gunslinger through and through. If you’re on the Winston train you’re going to score some touchdowns, have some fun, but you should hold on for dear life.

Rodgers Jets Update

Rodgers was interviewed while golfing at the WM Phoenix Open this week.

He confirmed to reporter Kira Dixon that he and the Jets have already spoken

“We will figure things out when we figure things out,” Rodgers added.

Well that’s a very interesting Aaron Rodgers #Jets update…

Rodgers told @KiraDixon at the @WMPhoenixOpen that he has already talked with the Jets 👀, ‘we will figure things out when we figure things out.’

Controversy Erupts as New Orleans Saints Owner Gayle Benson Considers Cutting Key Players’ Salary for Cost-Saving Measures…

The usually vibrant atmosphere surrounding the New Orleans Saints has been clouded by controversy as owner Gayle Benson explores the possibility of reducing the salaries of key players to alleviate financial pressures. This potential move has ignited a firestorm of debate among fans, players, analysts, and within the broader NFL community, raising questions about team loyalty, player compensation, and the business side of professional sports.

Benson, who inherited the Saints franchise after the death of her husband Tom Benson in 2018, has been lauded for her commitment to the team and the city of New Orleans.

However, recent reports suggest that the financial implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with escalating player costs, have prompted the ownership to consider measures that were once deemed unthinkable.

The specific details of the proposed salary cuts remain undisclosed, but sources indicate that the reductions could impact some of the team’s highest-paid and most influential players. This has sent shockwaves through the Saints’ locker room, creating an undercurrent of uncertainty and unease.

The players’ union has expressed its concerns, emphasizing the importance of honoring existing contracts and protecting the rights of its members. They argue that players have already made significant sacrifices, including pay cuts and other concessions, to help the league navigate the financial challenges posed by the pandemic.

Fans, meanwhile, are divided. Some express understanding for the financial realities facing the team, acknowledging that difficult decisions may be necessary to ensure the Saints’ long-term viability.

Others, however, view the potential salary cuts as a betrayal of the players who have dedicated their careers to the franchise and brought so much joy to the city.

Critics argue that Benson, as a billionaire businesswoman, should absorb the financial burden rather than jeopardize the team’s on-field performance and the morale of its players. They point to the Saints’ rich history and the unwavering support of its fan base, suggesting that the team’s ownership has a responsibility to prioritize the well-being of its players and maintain a competitive roster.

The controversy surrounding the potential salary cuts has also reignited the debate about the ever-increasing financial demands of professional sports.

Critics argue that exorbitant player salaries and escalating franchise values have created an unsustainable economic model that ultimately hurts the fans and undermines the integrity of the game

As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on Gayle Benson and the Saints’ front office. Their decisions in the coming weeks will not only impact the team’s immediate future but also set a precedent for how other NFL franchises navigate the complex financial landscape of professional sports.

The outcome of this controversy will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications, shaping the relationship between owners, players, and fans for years to come. It serves as a stark reminder that even in the realm of sports, where passion and loyalty often take center stage, the bottom line remains a powerful force.

Matthew Stafford, the former quarterback for the Lions, is predicted to be replaced in a surprise move.

Matthew Stafford, a quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams and a former Detroit Lion, is at the heart of the most recent blockbuster trade proposal.

As evidenced by his gift of an autographed Stafford jersey to a Lions fan who sold it to take his daughter to the Lions’ playoff game against the Washington Commanders, former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford still has a soft spot for his hometown. He joined the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, though, and he appears ready to play in the NFL for at least another season.

It is now anticipated that Stafford will eventually be replaced by a quarterback who has a lot of starting experience but hasn’t yet made an impression.

The former quarterback for the Detroit Lions is once again at the center of trade rumors.

NFL analyst and expert Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports offers a list of offseason quarterback trade blockbusters in a feature published on January 28. It’s not outlandish to believe that there may be a lot of veteran quarterback trading taking place during the offseason, even though some teams may choose to fill their quarterback voids with college quarterbacks selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. This class isn’t the best in terms of signal-callers.

“A number of high-profile starters are on track to become free agents in March, and a number of others could also be available via trade,” Benjamin says in the feature. Benjamin’s total includes 17 quarterbacks who were traded to different teams.

Daniel Jones, a former New York Giants and current Minnesota Vikings quarterback, will join the Rams as a replacement for Stafford in the future, according to Benjamin. Although he doesn’t believe Jones will take Stafford’s place immediately, Benjamin argues that Rams coach Sean McVay will want to lead Jones to victory.

Benjamin stated in the feature that “Matthew Stafford is the undisputed starter if he returns, but he’s soon to be 37.” “Sean McVay needs a younger arm to grow, and he has previously supported reclamation projects (like Baker Mayfield).”

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the former Lions quarterback does not yet have plans to retire, despite the fact that he will turn 37 in February. He has two options: stay with the Rams or leave. Additionally, Stafford and the Rams still need to reach an agreement, according to Rapoport.

From The Insiders in Mobile: According to sources, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford intends to return and play in 2025, but a deal will probably need to be negotiated, Rapoport wrote in a post on X on January 29.

After the Rams’ playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Stafford echoed that sentiment. Stafford told reporters at a press conference after the game that “I feel like I was playing some pretty good ball” and that he would “take some time to think about” the possibility of retiring.

Stafford specifically responded, “Sure feels like it,” when a reporter asked him if he still had football left in him.

Last summer, Stafford signed an adjusted contract with the Rams, which has a $49.66 million cap hit.

The Honolulu Blue quarterback trade proposal is rejected.

Benjamin makes no mention of any quarterback trade rumors involving the Detroit Lions in his article. Although Goff is obviously off the table, backup quarterback Hendon Hooker has been mentioned as a potential trade target in the NFL community at large.

But according to John Maakaron’s February 2 feature for Sports Illustrated, that isn’t the case.

According to people familiar with the situation, new offensive coordinator John Morton is very interested in the quarterbacks on the Lions’ roster, including Hooker. “Those close to Hooker expect him to stay in Motown to continue his development,” he said.

Erickson, AnneAward-winning reporter Anne Erickson works for Heavy.com, where she covers college football and the NFL. With years of experience covering the NFL and other sports, Erickson’s work has appeared on Fox Sports, ESPN, and other outlets. She has conducted interviews with some of the biggest names in sports, such as Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions. Erickson is a radio host from Detroit who also hosts a number of podcasts.Additional information about Anne Erickson

SAINTS NEWS: ALVIN KAMARA’S HARD WORK AND DETERMINATION EARN HIM NFL’S BEST PLAYER HONOR AFTER HISTORIC WIN…

Alvin Kamara is far from finished, and his greatest moments may still lie ahead.

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin

Kamara has been named the NFL’s Best

Player following a historic victory that

showcased his exceptional talent, work

ethic, and leadership on the field.

Kamara, known for his electrifying

speed, versatility, and game-changing

ability, has once again proven why he is

one of the league’s most dominant

playmakers.

With this prestigious honor, Kamara

cements his place among the NFL’s elite,

solidifying his reputation as a player who

consistently delivers when it matters

most. His performance in the Saints’

latest triumph was nothing short of

spectacular, leaving fans, analysts, and

opponents in awe of his incredible skill

set.

A Performance for the Ages.

Kamara’s path to earning the title of the

NFL’s Best Player was paved with

breathtaking plays and jaw-dropping

stats. In the Saints’ latest victory, he put

on a masterclass, torching the opposing

defense with a combination of explosive

runs, precise route running, and clutch

plays that secured the win for New

Orleans.

“There’s no one like him in the league

right now,” said an NFL analyst. “His

ability to impact the game in so many

ways—whether it’s as a runner, receiver,

or even a decoy—makes him an absolute

nightmare for defenses.”

From breaking tackles to making

defenders miss in the open field,

Kamara’s ability to dominate the game

was on full display. His historic

performance saw him rack up

impressive stats, reinforcing why he

remains one of the most feared offensive

weapons in football.

The Road to Greatness.

Kamara’s journey to becoming the NFL’s

Best Player has been defined by hard

work, resilience, and an unwavering

commitment to excellence. Since

entering the league, he has been a

consistent force in the Saints’ offense,

delivering highlight-reel moments

season after season.

Despite facing challenges along the way,

Kamara’s dedication to improving his

craft has never wavered. His offseason

training, attention to detail, and

relentless drive to be the best have all

contributed to his rise to superstardom.

“This award is a reflection of the work I

put in every day,” Kamara said. “I love

this game, and I’m always striving to be

better. But this is just the beginning—

there’s still more to accomplish.”

The Impact on the Saints.

Kamara’s dominance isn’t just about

individual accolades—it’s about elevating

his team. The Saints have relied heavily

on his ability to change the game in an

instant, whether it’s through a crucial

third-down conversion, a game-breaking

touchdown, or an explosive play that

swings momentum in their favor.

His leadership extends beyond the field

as well. Teammates and coaches

frequently praise his work ethic and

ability to inspire those around him. As

the Saints continue their quest for

another championship, Kamara’s

presence will be a key factor in their

success.

What’s Next for Kamara?

Winning the NFL’s Best Player award is a

monumental achievement, but for

Kamara, it’s just another step in his

pursuit of greatness. With his sights set

on leading the Saints to further success,

he remains focused on improving,

adapting, and finding new ways to

dominate the game.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be

on Kamara to see how he builds on this

remarkable achievement. If his past

performances are any indication, fans

can expect more unforgettable moments

from the Saints’ superstar.

One thing is certain—Alvin Kamara isn’t

done yet, and the best may still be to

come.

Five Detroit Lions free agents who could join Aaron Glenn at the New York Jets

Aaron Glenn could try to bring one or more of the Lions’ free agents with him to the Jets.
Aaron Glenn has been named the new head coach of the New York Jets, following weeks of speculation.

So the Detroit Lions are looking for a new defensive coordinator, which is exactly what head coach Dan Campbell expected. While some Lions assistant coaches may follow Glenn to New York, it’s possible that some players may also leave in free agency.

According to reports, Glenn is looking for an experienced defensive coordinator, and Steve Wilks has been mentioned frequently since Glenn took over as head coach of the Jets. But the Jets’ core defensive philosophy will undoubtedly bear Glenn’s imprint, which is to say (assuming he brings his philosophy from Detroit) that they will blitz frequently and play a lot of man coverage.

The Jets appear to have some defensive players who fit Glenn’s defensive style well. But he will undoubtedly want some players who are already familiar with his scheme/philosophy and who fit in well. And, when it comes down to it, some upcoming Lions free agents who developed a relationship with Glenn during his four years in Detroit may be willing to follow him to New York.

Here are five upcoming Lions free agents who may follow Glenn to New York.

5 Lions 2025 free agents who could join Aaron Glenn at the Jets
5. DE Marcus Davenport

The Lions took a one-year chance on Davenport last offseason, and while this year’s injury was rather random (an arm/elbow injury when Cardinals offensive tackle Paris Johnson chopped down on his arm in Week 3), the undeniable reality is he just can’t stay healthy (six games played over the last two seasons). He has also had only three sacks in his last 21 games, indicating that his potential as a former first-round pick is fading quickly.

So Davenport will be joining his fourth team in as many seasons in 2025. Where that will be is unclear, as his options are likely limited.

Glenn was a member of the New Orleans Saints’ coaching staff when he was draughted 14th overall in 2018. As far as low-risk options for bolstering their pass rush are concerned, the Jets could do worse than Davenport.

4. DL John Cominsky

Cominsky missed the entire 2024 season after tearing the MCL in his right knee during training camp. In his previous two seasons with the Lions, he had 66 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, six sacks, and 20 quarterback hits as a useful and versatile defensive lineman.

Cominsky found a home in Detroit after being claimed off waivers in 2022. This season’s injury makes it unlikely that he will be re-signed this offseason, but reuniting with Glenn in New York is definitely possible as the Jets retool their defence.

3. LB Derrick Barnes

Barnes’ 2024 season ended early (Week 3) due to a torn MCL and PCL in his right knee from a low block.His ACL remained intact, so there appeared to be a slim chance he could have returned before the season was over. But that was resolved before the regular season ended, and the Lions’ playoff run was short-lived.

Barnes has matured into an excellent all-around off-ball linebacker in Glenn’s defensive scheme over the last few seasons. Aside from any concerns about his injury recovery in March, the Lions have some good depth at linebacker and could let him go on the open market without fear of not being able to replace him.

Barnes was a college defensive end who made the full transition to linebacker once he reached the NFL. Glenn would value that versatility, as well as his familiarity with him. The Jets’ new defensive scheme (again, assuming Glenn’s success in Detroit) would necessitate more traditionally sized linebackers, rather than Jamien Sherwood, who thrived in the previous scheme this season but is a converted safety (216 pounds).

2. DL Levi Onwuzurike.

Onwuzurike was finally 100% healthy this season, and it showed. His traditional surface stats won’t blow your mind (28 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, one tackle for loss), but he did have 13 quarterback pressures (according to Pro Football Reference), and Pro Football Focus ranked him as a top-25 defensive tackle in the NFL.According to PFF, his pass-rush win rate of 12.5% ranked him among the top 15 defensive tackles.

“Onwuzurike has flashed whenever he’s been healthy during his first four seasons in the league, after being draughted one round ahead of recently extended interior defender Alim McNeill in 2021. The former second-round pick from Washington is the penetrating three-technique interior pass-rusher that every team covets, with a 12.5% pass-rush win rate in 2024 ranking among the top-15 at the position.”
-Professional Football Focus

One fully healthy season, no matter how good it was, will not allow Onwuzurike to completely break the bank in free agency (PFF projects a two-year, $16.5 million contract with $10 million guaranteed). However, he has most likely priced himself out of the Lions’ ability to re-sign him, leaving the Jets (and Glenn) as an easy landing spot.

1. CB Carlton Davis.

Davis proved to be the Lions’ ideal veteran cornerback this season, with his skills (77.0 passer rating allowed, 11 pass breakups) and swagger. He also finished the season sidelined with a broken jaw, continuing a run of injuries dating back to his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has missed at least four games in each of the previous four seasons, and durability concerns persist as players age.

During the Lions’ season-ending press conference on Thursday, general manager Brad Holmes acknowledged Davis’ outstanding performance and stated that no contract talks are currently underway.

“I thought we got some great play from him. I’ll be honest, I thought he played better this year than the previous year, or last year in Tampa, and he’ll tell you the same thing,” Holmes said. “So, no intense action yet, but we’re very aware of it and we’ll go through our normal process.”

Sauce Gardner is obviously the Jets’ top cornerback. However, D.J. Reed, a running mate, is a free agent and appears to be seeking new opportunities.

“I’m ready for free agency, bro. “I’m ready to see what’s next for me,” Reed told Tyler Dunne on The Go Long podcast late this season.

Davis is an obvious replacement for Reed if the Jets must go that route, almost too easy, given his connection to Glenn and familiarity with the new defensive scheme. The Lions must strike a balance between Davis’ age (28) and how many years and money they can commit to him, which will be difficult given that he is likely to have multiple suitors.

Davis may want to stay in Detroit. However, Glenn’s attraction to the Jets, assuming they are interested, appears to be strong.