Ladies and gentleman, the NFL offseason is officially starting to heat up. It might not be much but mandatory mini camp is underway so we’re getting real clips of players and coaches at the facilities, doing football activities. I mean, even the Madden NFL 25 closed beta is out! Dynasty rankings and rookie drafts are in our rearview, best ball season is here, and the Scott Fish Bowl is right around the corner. There’s no putting football back in the bottle!

 

 

 

And with that we’re going to start hitting on the important NFL news and rumors every Friday to keep you in the loop. Even if you are perpetually on Twitter, a lot can fall through the cracks (as I see myself every time I do research for this article). So pop in with us quick every Friday to see the going ons - worst case scenario you say “I saw that already” and move on!

 

Tom Brady Joining Patriots Hall of Fame

Some teams have a “ring of honor”, the New England Patriots call it their Hall of Fame (I wonder if Tom Brady will make the NFL Hall of Fame too?) With the ceremony this week the Patriots announced that Tom Brady’s jersey will be retired and that they will erect a 12 foot statue in his honor. Fitting tribute to a great player.

 

Aaron Rodgers Unexcused Absence From Jets Mini Camp

Another all time great quarterback made the news this week for the wrong reasons as Aaron Rodgers apparently missed practice for an event that is “important to him”. And the Jets have not told media what that event was as of now. If you are surprised by any of this, you have not been paying attention to the Aaron Rodgers saga…

 

 

 

The Jacksonville Jaguars Extend Trevor Lawrence To A Mega Contract

There you have it folks. The deal is a five year extension worth $275 million with $200 million guaranteed, $142 million fully. That’s $55 million a year and makes Trevor Lawrence one of the highest paid QBs along with Joe Burrow. Whether you like the deal boils down to your thought on Trevor Lawrence - I like Lawrence so I think he deserves the “going rate” but many don’t think he’s earned it yet. And that take is also fair. The future will tell us whether it was a good deal or not.

 

Darren Waller Announces His Retirement

The great tight end had dealt with serious hamstring issues in recent years and he decided to call it quits. Even if he didn’t pan out for the Ravens (who originally drafted him) or the Giants who traded for him, we can all look back on Darren Waller as an example of someone who battled his demons to make a tremendous comeback and succeed at the highest level. And fantasy football gamers will always remember his break out season and subsequent monster follow up seasons. Lot of trophies were won with Darren Waller.

 

 

 

The Atlanta Falcons Are Punished For Tampering

When you hear that the Falcons were found guilty of tampering with Kirk Cousins, Darnell Mooney, and Charlie Woerner is sounds pretty bad. But they were only docked a fifth round pick and fineed a total of $300,000. So more of a slap on the wrist in NFL terms. And probably worth it to secure those players. Just don’t do it again or you’ll be in trouble! 

 

The Pittsburgh Steelers Extend Mike Tomlin

Mike Tomlin is being extended to a three year contract through 2027. He’s quite literally never had a losing season as a coach so you have to be happy with that. The safest job in football might be Mike Tomlin’s and the most dangerous one continues to be his offensive coordinator.