Let’s dive into the biggest NFL stories making headlines today:
Trouble for Derek Carr
Tough news out of New Orleans — Saints quarterback Derek Carr is dealing with a serious shoulder issue that could force him to miss the start of the 2025 season. He’s currently weighing his options, including the possibility of surgery. This development might impact the Saints' draft strategy — relying on Spencer Rattler or Jake Haener for the first quarter of the season isn’t exactly ideal. Interestingly, sportsbooks have already dropped the odds on the Saints selecting Shedeur Sanders.
Patrick Peterson Announces Retirement
Veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson is hanging up his cleats. He’ll sign a symbolic one-day contract with the Arizona Cardinals on Monday to officially retire with the team that drafted him fifth overall in 2011. Over 13 seasons, Peterson earned 8 straight Pro Bowl nods (2011–2018) and was named First-Team All-Pro three times — a legendary run.
Related: NFL News Roundup: Colts Release Matt Gay, Lazard Takes Pay Cut, Bengals Seek Stadium Funds & More
Joe Flacco Re-Signs with Browns
In case you missed it: 40-year-old quarterback Joe Flacco has signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the Cleveland Browns. Last season, Flacco helped lead the Browns to the playoffs and won NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Cleveland’s current QB room: Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, and the still-injured Deshaun Watson.
Drew Lock Returns to Seattle
Quarterback Drew Lock is heading back to the Seahawks, where he’ll serve as the backup to Sam Darnold. Lock originally landed in Seattle back in 2022 as part of the Russell Wilson trade with the Broncos. Ironically, he just left the Giants — where Wilson now plays — before returning to the Pacific Northwest.
Texans Extend Jalen Pitre
The Houston Texans have locked down nickel cornerback Jalen Pitre with a 3-year, $39 million extension — $30 million of it guaranteed. Pitre’s 2023 season was cut short after a Week 12 injury, but he still had one year left on his rookie deal. The Texans clearly believe in his long-term value.
Vontae Davis Autopsy Inconclusive
Tragic and still mysterious: an autopsy has failed to determine the exact cause of death for former NFL cornerback Vontae Davis, who was found unresponsive in his home gym on April 1, 2024. Police confirmed no signs of foul play. Toxicology reports detected both amphetamines and methamphetamines in his system, though the autopsy findings did not align clearly with the scene, leaving the cause of death officially undetermined. Davis was 35.
Related: How Many Super Bowls Has Patrick Mahomes Won?
L'Jarius Sneed Facing $1M Lawsuit
A Texas man has filed a $1 million lawsuit against Tennessee Titans defensive back L'Jarius Sneed. The plaintiff claims that while he was sitting in his car at a dealership lot, shots were fired from a vehicle leaving the same location — allegedly occupied by Sneed and an associate. Both were arrested shortly after. The plaintiff said he saw Sneed inside the dealership earlier but didn’t recognize him as an NFL player. He believes the shooter may have mistaken him for someone else.
Russell Wilson Holds Private Workouts with Giants Receivers
While official team activities are still restricted, new Giants quarterback Russell Wilson is already getting to work. He’s currently holding private training sessions with wide receivers Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson, and tight end Theo Johnson. Wilson’s off-the-record initiative shows he’s wasting no time building chemistry with his new teammates.
Deshaun Watson Injury Insurance Could Save Browns Over $55M
Details have emerged about the insurance policy the Cleveland Browns took out in the event of a Deshaun Watson injury. If the claim is validated, the Browns could recover more than $55 million — not just in cash but also in future salary cap relief. Of course, that hinges on whether the team can prove the case with the insurance company.
More stories to follow as the offseason unfolds — and the draft looms large.