Cleveland Browns Reshape Offense Ahead of 2025 Season
The Cleveland Browns have made sweeping changes to their offense after finishing last in scoring during the 2024 season. The team cycled through four starting quarterbacks last year, leading to a complete overhaul of the quarterback room and coaching staff. Tommy Rees replaces Ken Dorsey as offensive coordinator, while Mike Bloomgren steps in as the new offensive line coach. The Browns used five of their seven draft picks on offensive players, signaling a clear focus on improvement.
At organized team activities, Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett split first-team reps, while rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders worked with backups. The Browns’ management insists that all four quarterbacks will compete for the starting job, with no set pecking order yet. Head coach Kevin Stefanski says the focus is on exposing all quarterbacks to different concepts, not establishing a depth chart at this stage. The Browns’ running back room also looks different, with Nick Chubb unlikely to return after injury. Rookies Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson join Jerome Ford in a backfield that ranked 29th in rushing last year. The wide receiver group is led by Jerry Jeudy and Diontae Johnson, but remains largely unproven beyond those two. Tight end David Njoku aims to rebound from injuries, and rookie Harold Fannin Jr. could add versatility. The offensive line, anchored by Joel Bitonio and Jack Conklin, hopes for better health and consistency under new leadership.
Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots Shuffle Quarterbacks
The Dallas Cowboys continue their search for a developmental quarterback, trading for Joe Milton after a previous attempt with Trey Lance did not pan out. Milton, a former New England Patriots draft pick, faces a steep learning curve as he adapts from Tennessee’s college system to the NFL. Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer stresses that quarterback development is a constant process, even for veterans like Dak Prescott. The Patriots, meanwhile, drafted Drake Maye third overall and signed Joshua Dobbs as a backup, prompting the trade of Milton before offseason programs began. Milton remains positive about his new opportunity, despite the challenges of changing teams and systems.
Chiefs’ Travis Kelce Motivated for Another Run
Speculation about Travis Kelce’s future with the Kansas City Chiefs has been a major storyline this week. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes says Kelce is not acting like someone preparing for retirement, noting his high motivation and work ethic. Kelce’s 2024 season was below his usual standards, with 823 receiving yards and three touchdowns, but he remains focused on returning to form. In the playoffs, Kelce had a strong divisional round but struggled in the final two games, including the Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Kelce has confirmed he will return for another season, aiming to redeem himself and help the Chiefs contend for another title. At age 36 and entering the last year of his contract, this could be Kelce’s final season, making his performance especially significant.
Salary Cap Moves and Post-June 1 Roster Changes
The NFL’s post-June 1 period has brought significant salary cap changes for several teams. The San Francisco 49ers lead the league with $84.6 million in dead money after a major roster purge, while the Seattle Seahawks have the second-highest dead money total. The Patriots entered the offseason with the most cap space and still lead after spending heavily in free agency. The Cowboys rank sixth in available cap space, despite being among the lowest spenders in free agency. Teams can use the post-June 1 designation to spread out cap hits and create more immediate space, with several high-profile players released under this rule.
Trade rumors continue to swirl around players like Jalen Ramsey of the Miami Dolphins and Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons. Ramsey has been on the trade block since April, and a post-June 1 move could save Miami nearly $10 million. Cousins, who skipped voluntary workouts, could be traded this summer, but his full no-trade clause complicates matters. The Pittsburgh Steelers are also monitoring the free agency status of Aaron Rodgers, whose decision could impact other quarterback moves across the league.
Patriots May Cut Stefon Diggs Amid Uncertainty
A new rumor emerged this week that the Patriots may cut wide receiver Stefon Diggs before the season. Scott Zolak, a broadcaster with close ties to the team, says the move is being seriously considered due to concerns about Diggs’ commitment and behavior, not just a recent viral video. Diggs’ contract includes $16.6 million fully guaranteed, but language about his pre-existing knee injury could allow the Patriots to release him without financial penalty if he fails a physical. The situation remains fluid, and the team’s motives are unclear, but the possibility of Diggs being cut is real.
Other Notable Team and Player Updates
The Detroit Lions are adjusting to life without former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who left to coach the Chicago Bears. Quarterback Jared Goff says the offense will feature new wrinkles under coordinator John Morton, but the goal is to improve and not use Johnson’s departure as an excuse. The Lions are focused on building chemistry and adapting to Morton’s style, aiming to take a step forward this season.
Elsewhere, the New York Giants signed rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart to a four-year, $17 million contract. The Tennessee Titans have reportedly made Will Levis their backup despite trade rumors, and Scott Hanson will return as host of NFL RedZone for a record seventeenth season. The Green Bay Packers are considering a split with cornerback Jaire Alexander, and the Dolphins could move on from wide receiver Tyreek Hill for financial reasons.
Looking Ahead
With less than 100 days until the NFL season kicks off, teams are finalizing rosters and making key decisions. Quarterback competitions, salary cap moves, and player motivations are shaping the league’s landscape. As training camps approach, expect more roster changes and storylines to develop, especially around high-profile veterans and teams with new coaching staffs. The next week promises more news as teams prepare for the 2025 season.