News Commanders Team Notes

[Washington Commanders]

Daily Slop - 8 Jun 25 - Giants fans have Week 1 home game vs Commanders circled on the calendar

Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, and a sprinkling of other stuff

Commanders links​

Articles​

Commanders Wire​

Laremy Tunsil displaying leadership while away from the Commanders​

Natalie Spala of ABC News 7 in Washington, D.C., recently caught up with offensive line coach Bobby Johnson after OTAs this week in Ashburn. Johnson revealed that Tunsil was the first person to reach out to Conerly after the Commanders selected him 29th overall in the 2025 NFL draft.

“He was the first guy to reach out to Josh when Josh got drafted,” Johnson said. “So, you automatically see a guy who is willing to be a leader and how he can help this young guy. I’m excited to see how fast that accelerates Josh’s development. Because here is a guy who has done it at a high level, who’s very talented, that can kind of give Josh the answers to the test.”

This is interesting because, reportedly, Tunsil’s play wasn’t the issue in Houston. Here’s what Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated wrote about the Tunsil trade from the Texans’ perspective:

In short, DeMeco Ryans feels like the culture he wants across the board is in place on defense but not on offense and that a toxic atmosphere in the offensive line room was a root cause. And while Tunsil wasn’t a bad guy (he was actually well-liked), he wasn’t the type of leader to turn the ship—and needed to be as one of its captains.

Essentially, Houston preferred going younger at offensive tackle and didn’t want to give Tunsil (31 in August) another lucrative extension. The Commanders were thrilled to land Tunsil to protect quarterback Jayden Daniels’ blind side. Washington believes Tunsil has several years of high-quality play remaining.

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Commanders Wire​

One potential cause for concern remains for the Commanders​

Cornerback Marshon Lattimore didn’t exactly impress last year after he was traded from the New Orleans Saints for three draft choices. Lattimore not only struggled, but he was targeted by opposing passing games. Yes, we are aware he dealt with a hamstring injury.

Lattimore had an opportunity to demonstrate that he is aware of the importance of having an offseason that builds rapport with teammates and coaches. He needs to build confidence in others who will be playing with him and coaching him.

Certainly, Lattimore doesn’t think he had a good season in Washington, does he? I mean, how could he? Why doesn’t he feel he has something to prove in Washington? One has to wonder how aware Lattimore is of his actual position. Does Lattimore even realize he is a big question mark right now?

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Riggo’s Rag​

Commanders might have cracked the code to finally unleash Javon Kinlaw​

Joe Whitt Jr. has an interesting plan for Washington’s high-priced free agent acquisition.

Commanders DC Joe Whitt JR. said they'll use Javon Kinlaw all over the line. Said he'll be tough for TE's to block if/when outside. Can be a problem inside. "He's an intriguing young man to work with."

— John Keim (@john_keim) June 4, 2025​

It’s no secret that Washington’s defensive line is going to require some creativity to perform at an acceptable standard in 2025. Kinlaw will likely spend most of his snaps lining up at defensive tackle alongside Daron Payne, who is in a make-or-break season following the departure of his longtime running mate Jonathan Allen.

On the edge, Washington’s situation is even bleaker. Some combination of veteran journeymen Dorance Armstrong Jr., Clelin Ferrell, Deatrich Wise Jr., and Jacob Martin will be asked to be the primary contributors, barring someone unexpectedly emerging or the Commanders making another signing.

For that reason, giving Kinlaw some run at the defensive end spot might not be a bad idea at all.

He could be a mismatch against opposing tight ends while allowing Washington to fill the interior with additional run-stoppers. Last year’s second-round pick Johnny Newton had impressive moments as a rookie, and Eddie Goldman is another veteran free agent signing who figures to play a key reserve role.

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Riggo’s Rag​

Commanders plan to get Jordan Magee more involved in 2025​

Jordan Magee was a fifth-round pick by the Commanders in 2024 but didn’t see the field very much as a rookie. He appeared in only eight games due to injury, recording nine tackles and no other statistics. He did enough to impress defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., who wants to get the second-year player from Temple more involved in 2025.

Magee figures to compete with Dominique Hampton, Kain Medrano, and more for backup snaps at linebacker in Whitt’s defense, which generally runs a 4-2-5 scheme. [Though Whitt] also notes that the Commanders could utilize more three-linebacker sets this upcoming campaign.

There’s certainly room for him to find a regular place on the field. Should Wagner or Luvu be forced to miss time due to injuries, the player’s role would become even more crucial.

Whitt says that even last year, he wanted to get Magee more reps. However, it was hard to give him a proper acclimation to the NFL after he missed the first seven games of Washington’s season with a knee issue that required surgery.

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Podcasts & videos​

ICYMI yesterday, Craig Hoffman took a deeper dive into what other insiders are saying about the Terry McLaurin contract situation: https://t.co/es8B8Vyjir pic.twitter.com/v7Roedy0sK

— The Team 980 (@team980) June 7, 2025​

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NFC East links​

Big Blue View​

Survey results: Giants fans can’t wait for Week 1​

Giants fans want Washington.

We’re in the season of hope, and Week 1 should be our first chance to see Russell Wilson, Abdul Carter, Darius Alexander, and Cam Skattebo on the field. The Giants will get to test themselves against a division rival that played in the NFC Champhionship, and prove that they’re better than they’re given credit.

And the chance to, perhaps, start Jayden Daniels sophomore season on a sour note is compelling as well.

It’s still early yet and a lot can change over the coming months. But FanDuel Sportsbook lists the Giants as 6.5-point underdogs on the road against Washington.

That, however, also illustrates just how rapidly life can change in the NFL.

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Pro Football Talk​

Giants DC Shane Bowen tells his players to “be a damn pirate”​

Giants defenders have celebrated turnovers during their organized team activities by depositing footballs into a treasure chest and defensive coordinator Shane Bowen was asked about the new tradition during a press conference this week. Bowen said he got inspiration from his son playing on the Pirates in his tee-ball league and he’s using the chest to motivate players after the Giants forced just 15 turnovers a year ago.

“The main thing is emphasizing takeaways,” Bowen said, via a transcript from the team. “We got to get better at takeaways. Somehow got the idea of piracy, violent, attacking to steal possessions or goods, right? You’ll hear our guys say it. I say it ad nauseum: Be a damn pirate. We got to find ways to get the ball. And, again, you get what you emphasize. We’re making it a priority this year to make sure we find ways to get the ball.”

Bowen noted that 12 of the 14 playoff teams — the Buccaneers, who have a pirate ship in their stadium, were tied for 16th — were in the top half of the league in turnovers last season and the Giants are trying to get back to the postseason for the first time since 2022.

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A.J. Brown averaged 3.04 yards per route run

2nd in the NFL

However, Philly’s game scripts crushed his second-half volume (only 2.5 targets per game after halftime)

If the Eagles are forced to throw more, Brown could explode

Full WR Rankings:https://t.co/jFoLJ7QCyQ pic.twitter.com/m77p5pyUuE

— Sharp Football Analysis (@SharpFBAnalysis) June 7, 2025​

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NFL league links​

Articles​

NFL.com​

Seven NFL enigmas in 2025: Kyler Murray, Kyle Pitts, Bryce Huff among a confounding group of players​

George Pickens - Dallas Cowboys · WR​

The big-play specialist has terrorized opponents during stretches as a vertical playmaker with exceptional size, length and leaping ability. Over his first three NFL campaigns, Pickens averaged a whopping 16.3 yards per catch and scored 13 touchdowns despite playing on a team lacking competent quarterback play. And yet, Pittsburgh still traded for DK Metcalf this offseason before dealing Pickens to Dallas. Clearly, the Steelers chafed at the 24-year-old’s immaturity and inconsistency, ultimately preventing the team from committing to Pickens as the No. 1 option. But with the Cowboys, Pickens could be the perfect WR1/WR2 hybrid to share the marquee with CeeDee Lamb. Considering the number of 1-on-1 chances Pickens will receive in an offense that is committed to pushing the ball down the field with Dak Prescott at the helm, Dallas’ newest pass catcher could take a major step forward in a contract season.

Kayvon Thibodeaux - New York Giants · OLB​

As the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Thibodeaux was expected to take the league by storm as an explosive pass-rushing threat off the edge. Though the fourth-year pro has amassed 21 sacks, six forced fumbles and 46 quarterback hits in 43 career games, the polarizing defender has not blossomed into the game changer some envisioned when the Giants added him to a front that desperately needed an impact player on the edge. With Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns and 2025 No. 3 overall pick Abdul Carter poised to command significant attention from opponents this fall, Thibodeaux will have plenty of chances to show off his pass-rushing prowess against favorable 1-on-1 matchups at the point of attack.

All-Paid Team of Tomorrow: Lamar Jackson, Micah Parsons poised to reset market at respective positions​

WIDE RECEIVER​

Drake London -Atlanta Falcons · 24 years old

• Projected APY: $40+ million
• Free agent after: 2026

London emerged as a star in his third season with the Falcons, finishing with 1,271 receiving yards in 2024 (fourth-most in the league). London was one of the league’s dominant intermediate threats, joining Ja’Marr Chase as the only receivers with 600-plus yards on targets in the 10–19 yard range, per NGS. London also had 67 first-down grabs in 2024, trailing only Chase (75) and Amon-Ra St. Brown (73).

If the start of the Michael Penix Jr. era is any indication, London might be going to the moon in 2025. He averaged 117.3 receiving yards per game in Penix’s three starts last season, the most by any starting QB-receiver duo in the NFL (minimum three starts). His 6-foot-4 frame and basketball background make him an elite jump ball threat — his 40 contested catches over the last two seasons lead the NFL, per PFF.

It’s hard for any receiver this side of Justin Jefferson to make a case to be paid higher than Chase. However, as the salary cap continues to grow, players will challenge Chase for the top average annual salary. As the pie gets bigger so do the slices.

ON THE RADAR:

Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders: McLaurin has thrived regardless of who is throwing him the football in Washington. He’s led the team in receptions and receiving yards in each of his first six seasons. In his first year with Jayden Daniels under center, McLaurin almost doubled his previous high in touchdown catches (from 7 to 13) and finished with his fifth straight 1,000-yard season. He’s consistently made his quarterbacks better (he led the NFL with 24 contested catches in 2024). McLaurin turns 30 in September and is in the final season of his deal. He won’t challenge Ja’Marr Chase’s salary, but he’ll be paid like a clear WR1 soon.

OFFENSIVE LINE​

Rashawn Slater - Los Angeles Chargers · 26 years old

• Projected APY: $29+ million
• Free agent after: 2025

Slater has proven to be one of the NFL’s best pass protectors since entering the league.

A Pro Bowler as a rookie in 2021, Slater missed 14 games due to a ruptured bicep the following season. He returned without missing a beat in pass protection but did struggle in the run game in 2023. The latter aspect of his game improved greatly in his first season under head coach Jim Harbaugh. He earned the fifth-highest PFF run-blocking grade among tackles and remained elite as a pass blocker, grading out as PFF’s third-best offensive tackle in pass protection (90.3 grade).

Slater is currently slated to play 2025 on his $19 million fifth-year option. Harbaugh values his offensive line as much as anyone. In Slater, the Chargers have an improving run blocker and one of the league’s best pass protectors on Justin Herbert’s blindside. It would be a shock if Slater doesn’t have a new deal before Week 1.

ON THE RADAR:

OT Laremy Tunsil, Washington Commanders: With protecting Jayden Daniels being the main mission in Washington, the Commanders traded for Tunsil, one of the league’s best pass blockers. It’s unlikely the team will let Tunsil walk anytime soon, given the draft assets it parted with to acquire him. He has two years left on his current deal and will turn 31 in August. A Pro Bowler in five of the last six seasons, Tunsil should get a multi-year contract at the top of the market, barring a huge decline in his first season in D.C.

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Discussion topics​

Pro Football Talk​

Judge approves landmark college sports settlement​

The deal includes $2.8 billion in payments to players over the past 10 years along with payments to players moving forward.

This hardly ends the chaos currently consuming college sports. The major conferences have launched the College Sports Commission (which is different from the presidential commission that was under consideration for like a week) to regulate NIL collectives that have in many instances become pay-for-play programs.

Here’s the problem. Any collective action by independent businesses that restrict the earning capacity of the athletes potentially creates a fresh antitrust problem.

Friday’s settlement resolves (in theory) the manner in which the schools will directly compensate players. The NIL issue is separate.

And it should be open season, thanks to the American system of free enterprise. That’s why the colleges want the federal government to throw them a lifeline with legislation that would include an antitrust exemption.

The only truly effective solution would come from creating a nationwide union and negotiating rules regarding key issues like compensation limits and transfer rights. With that, however, the players would have the ability to secure protections against, for instance, unlimited padded practices and a year-round schedule of intense workouts that leave the players with very little time to themselves — especially relative to pro athletes.

So the settlemen isn’t the end. It’s more like the end of the beginning, with plenty more work to be done.

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This is outstanding news.

And this is the key to keep aware of. The settlement buys schools 10 years, but unless they follow the lead of other pro leagues, they're gambling on Congress bailing them out of just being in antitrust hell again in 2035. https://t.co/wsgkqVjgPC pic.twitter.com/sP8teSsPho

— Nick Korte (@nickkorte) June 7, 2025​

And I'll say again to anyone who enjoys our work at OTC and is ambitious in getting into similar work, there will be great opportunity to track and analyze what players are getting paid in college football that could be very useful for teams and players alike.

— Nick Korte (@nickkorte) June 7, 2025​

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All aTwitter​

Only player I considered - Chris Baker days until Washington football. Love ya Big Swag pic.twitter.com/G2JbEjx8pr

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) June 7, 2025​

how can you not be romantic about football? pic.twitter.com/DmHPARbZto

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 7, 2025​

Genius - you had an undrafted player and one from the international pathways program, both at LT, who turned out pretty well. I guarantee when they were signed no one thought either would amount to what they did!

But carry on… https://t.co/z5VwIZhO9T

— Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) June 7, 2025​

"I prayed over him while we were in the hospital."

Washington Commanders WR @KJ_Osborn shares his powerful story with @MattForte22 on the latest Sports Spectrum podcast. pic.twitter.com/s0xYCxurEl

— Sports Spectrum (@Sports_Spectrum) June 6, 2025​

ESPN sources: Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers was in the team’s training facility today to sign his one-year, $13.65 million contract that includes $10 million guaranteed and has a maximum value of $19.5 million. The deal includes $5.85 million worth of playtime and team performance… pic.twitter.com/a9DygTvufb

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 7, 2025​

QB Aaron Rodgers' oft-quoted $10MM-asking price may have been a discount only available to the #Rams:https://t.co/trkQyfjWuN

— Pro Football Rumors (@pfrumors) June 7, 2025​

Like it—keep 12 out of circulation.

I hate the trend of un-retiring numbers. They're retired for a reason (though Terry Bradshaw's number isn't officially retired, no Steeler has worn it since him.) https://t.co/1YhgtrcdMG

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) June 7, 2025​

next in a long line of Steeler greats to wear 8

torch passes from Tommy Maddox to Kenny Pickett to Aaron Rodgers https://t.co/dDO5RYTLKI pic.twitter.com/sRVHHZb5Vw

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) June 7, 2025​

#Ravens QB Lamar Jackson will surrender $750K in workout bonuses this offseason after failing to participate in 27 of 32 workouts. His 2025 compensation drops from $43.5MM to $42.75MM as a result:https://t.co/iU4HLqhHMS

— Pro Football Rumors (@pfrumors) June 7, 2025​

Pacman Jones Arrested For Assaulting Officer, Public Intoxication | Click to read more https://t.co/4aGOKlAPDa

— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) June 7, 2025​

Current D.C. Defenders and former Dallas Cowboys cornerback Kelvin Joseph was arrested and charged with DWI and collision involving personal injury or death following an accident that killed a 27-year-old woman riding a motorcycle this morning, per @wfaa. https://t.co/yFKIoXcNhx

— Jake Russell (@_JakeRussell) June 7, 2025​

Wild: Golden Tate explains his beef with Jalen Ramsey who has multiple kids with Tate’s twin sister.

Thanksgiving dinner must be awkward

(via @BussinWTB)

pic.twitter.com/BVftY1vZjo

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 7, 2025​

COCO GAUFF HAS DONE IT #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/WUZFaCwXYk

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 7, 2025​

Spencer Carbery of the @Capitals is this year’s winner of the Jack Adams Award! #NHLAwards

The Jack Adams Award is presented annually to the NHL coach adjudged to have contributed the most to his team’s success.

Read more: https://t.co/xM1fywP29e pic.twitter.com/7LFozssz2j

— NHL (@NHL) June 7, 2025​

Beautiful moment for Spencer Carbery as he’s surprised by his family and #allcaps with the 2025 Jack Adams Award as coach of the year.

All of those stops along the way, leading you to right where you’re supposed to be.pic.twitter.com/xgXgjxUn9w

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 7, 2025​

An inspiration and role model for coaches near and far.

A message from our DMV family. pic.twitter.com/KYzy3RE170

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) June 7, 2025​

This is awesome: Adam Sandler has responded to Derrick Henry’s challenge and accepted it:

If Henry rushes for 2,000+ yards this season, Sandler will put him in a movie and treat him to dinner.

King Henry is in store for a MASSIVE season

(via @dpshow) pic.twitter.com/Mw9p3MNdJt

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 8, 2025​

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Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/6/8/...me-game-vs-commanders-circled-on-the-calendar

 

[Washington Commanders]

The 5 O’Clock Club: The 18-game schedule may not need to be hard on players, if...

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere…

The 5 o’clock club is published from time to time during the season, and aims to provide a forum for reader-driven discussion at a time of day when there isn’t much NFL news being published. Feel free to introduce topics that interest you in the comments below.

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CLICK HERE to see the full 5 o’clock club archive

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I read a proposal for an expanded 18-game schedule recently in the Athletic, and let me tell you up front: I don’t like it.

The proposal is for a ‘compromise’ that would move the NFL to an 18-game season in a way that offers something to all stakeholders. I don’t support it.

But then, I don’t like the 17-game season.

While we’re at it, I was opposed to the 16-game season when it was adopted, and because of it, I don’t really acknowledge any “records” set by players after 1977, when the 14-game season — the only truly correct number of games for an NFL schedule — was abandoned.

People who try to say that season-long records achieved in 17 games aren’t legitimate because they should be compared to 16-game seasons are simply wrong and suffering from recency bias. I grew up watching 14-game seasons and nothing but records set in a 14-game season are really acceptable to me.

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As an aside, I did admire one thing about the 16-game schedule. That was the fact that every team in the NFL played the exact same number of games against 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th placed teams from the season before — 4 of each. I found that symmetry appealing. The extreme lack of symmetry in a 17-game season (not even the same number of home games for each team) is deeply disturbing to my OCD tendencies.

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With all that said, and with the clear understanding that I acknowledge the 14-game schedule as the ideal one (albeit recognizing the symmetrical appeal of 16 games), let me offer you this extended extract from the Athletic article for your consideration:

I propose a solution. It’s one that indeed expands the schedule to 18 regular-season games (owners stand up and cheer wildly) … but states that players can participate in no more than 16 games (players stand up and cheer wildly).

I call it The 1816 Compromise.

It’s a rare everyone-wins scenario. The schedule grows by one game, which brings all the extra revenue — from broadcast deals, ticket sales, parking fees, etc. — the owners have been pining for. The fans get an extra week of real football. The players, meanwhile, not only won’t have to suffer the wear and tear of an extra game, they’ll play one fewer game than they’ve played the last four seasons (the entire arena rises and cheers wildly).

Other 1816 benefits:

• More strategy, more intrigue. If a player misses two games with, say, a thumb injury, that counts as the two contests he must sit out.

• More rest, more recovery. The NFL season already goes into February and an 18th game would make it longer. Having two mandated games off, along with bye weeks, would serve as rest stops for players.

• More opportunities. The compromise would guarantee that younger or lesser-known players get to start at least two games. Maybe that means expanding practice squads from 16 players. It’s another win for the players union.

• Fewer asterisks. Limiting players to 16 games will get individual records back to where they were from 1978 to 2020. [BiB: Again, no post-1977 ‘records’ are legitimate anyway, so this supposed “benefit” doesn’t move the needle for me in the slightest]

I can envision some grumbling.

- For instance, teams might have trouble signing players to new deals in a league in which revenue is greater but the players’ overall workload has decreased. That might be a hurdle initially, but the market ought to solve that over time.

- No one wants to shell out $600 to take their family to a Kansas City Chiefs game only to find that a healthy Patrick Mahomes is in street clothes and Gardner Minshew is starting instead. So perhaps an exception is made for the faces of the NFL, the quarterbacks. After all, the 1816 proposal is about player safety and there are already all sorts of rules to protect quarterbacks.

- [M]aybe we grant an exception for the specialists as well. They don’t suffer the cumulative pounding other players do — four of the five oldest players currently on NFL rosters are specialists — and owners definitely wouldn’t want to keep multiple long snappers and punters on the payroll.

Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/6/9/...chedule-may-not-need-to-be-hard-on-players-if

 

[Washington Commanders]

Terry McLaurin not attending mandatory minicamp; Looking for new deal with Commanders

Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

No Terry in June

As expected, Terry McLaurin is not attending the Washington Commanders mandatory minicamp. He was with the team for the first phase of OTAs, but stopped going during Phase 2 and continued to skip last week's final phase.

McLaurin will be turning 30 in September and is entering the final year of his previous contract extension. He skipped OTAs and mandatory minicamp during the last round of negotiations, but signed his new 3-year extension worth up to $71 million on July 5th, 2022, three weeks before the start of training camp.

Terry McLaurin has a $25.5 million cap hit for the final year of his deal, and then a $5.6 million cap hit for a void year next season. McLaurin is expected to get a 3-year extension in the $90-100 million range, but we'll have to wait a little longer to see when he will sign and what's holding up the deal.

#Commanders WR Terry McLaurin, who is seeking a new deal and has been away from OTAs, is not attending minicamp, sources say. pic.twitter.com/CQ5cAhFdbt

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 10, 2025​

If he skips all 3 days he’ll be fined a total of $104,768.

— John Keim (@john_keim) June 10, 2025​

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Commanders WR Terry McLaurin is frustrated with contract negotiations and will not be attending minicamp, per source.

McLaurin skipped OTAs and minicamp three years ago before he inked his last extension.

Now, as he enters the final year of his deal, he is not showing up again. pic.twitter.com/QI4Kd3HY7P

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) June 10, 2025​

Offseason programs are critical for young QBs, and as Jayden Daniels looks to build on a strong rookie season, it’s surprising the team hasn’t prioritized a new deal for Terry McLaurin — especially after the All-Pro WR’s career year. https://t.co/fz7lfW1Gvo

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 5, 2025​

Definitely can understand McLaurin's frustration. Top 15 WR's by annual salary are all players who signed extensions. Most were resolved by June.

— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) June 5, 2025​

What is Albert Breer hearing about Terry McLaurin contract talks? "I don't think it's in a great place right now." pic.twitter.com/bbidXlEfx4

— 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) June 5, 2025​

Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/6/10...oking-for-new-deal-with-washington-commanders

 

[Washington Commanders]

Commanders Reacts Survey: Roster confidence

Photo by Timothy Nwachukwu/Getty Images

Poll questions!!

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Washington Commanders fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

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This week we have two related questions in the Reacts survey that focus on three position groups that some sports writers and fans have expressed concerns about this offseason.

Setting aside undrafted college free agents, the Commanders elected to go into 2025 training camp with the same group of tight ends, led by 34-yr-old Zach Ertz, as they finished last season with, while the only non-UDFA addition to the running backs room, led by an inconsistent Brian Robinson and 30-yr-old Austin Ekeler, was the 7th round RB Bill Croskey-Merritt.

It’s a different story with the defensive line, where veteran DT Jonathan Allen was cut at the end of the season and 2024 team sack leader Dante Fowler was allowed to leave in free agency. While there were no draft picks in this position group, veteran additions include Jacob Martin, Javon Kinlaw, Deatrich Wise and Eddie Goldman.

In today’s survey, we ask you to identify which of these three position groups you are most and least confident about.

Comments & Results​

Of course, we invite you to answer the survey questions below, but also feel free to expand on your answers and provide nuance in the comments section. I rely on those comments when discussing the results of the survey when they are posted in a separate article the next few days.

POLL QUESTIONS​

Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/6/10/24446743/commanders-reacts-survey-roster-confidence

 

[Washington Commanders]

Washington Commanders Injury Update: Noah Brown carted off the field

Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Not good

The Washington Commanders are practicing for the second day of mandatory minicamp and they’re already dealing with some injuries. Michael Gallup is dealing with a hamstring strain, and hasn’t practiced. Noah Brown has been at practice after ending last season on IR with a kidney injury. He was carted off the field after a 7-on-7 drill, and had a towel over his head as he headed inside team headquarters. He threw his helmet, and walked to the sideline before getting on the cart. There haven’t been any updates on the injury since the initial reports.

He went down during 7v7. Threw his helmet after being helped to the sideline. https://t.co/8WGm5Q1aSr

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) June 11, 2025

Noah Brown heading inside via the cart. He’s sitting up with a towel over his head. Happened in a 7-7 drill.

— John Keim (@john_keim) June 11, 2025

Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/6/11...injury-update-noah-brown-carted-off-the-field

 

[Washington Commanders]

All aTwitter: It’s a busy week at Commanders minicamp!

We follow X so you don’t have to

The goal of All aTwitter is to give readers a detailed or quirky look, through the unique lens of Twitter, at the Commanders, the NFL, and sports in general, along with a smattering of other things.

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Click here for Washington Commanders Beat Writers Twitter Feed​

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Click here for NFL News, Rumors & Reports Twitter Feed​

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Tip: If a tweet isn’t fully visible on your screen, clicking on the date at the bottom of the tweet will open it up individually in either the X app or your browser.​

Source: The #Commanders have signed special teams ace Jeremy Reaves, one of the NFL’s highest-paid at his position, to a 1-year extension. He’s now under contract with the team through 2026. pic.twitter.com/SGoJQDe3XN

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 11, 2025​

"It's nice to just be wanted."#Commanders special teams ace Jeremy Reaves earned himself a contract extension today. His one-year extension now has him staying in Washington through 2026.

Beyond well-deserved. pic.twitter.com/qBQBopkRcr

— Natalie Spala (@_nataliespala) June 11, 2025​

Dan Quinn on Jeremy Reaves: pic.twitter.com/rh8GLGHBh6

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) June 11, 2025​

The Commanders need their secondary to be better and rookie Trey Amos has shown early signs that he could be part of the solution. From The Insiders. pic.twitter.com/8QGk6HzeyL

— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) June 11, 2025​

Today is a planned vet rest day for Laremy Tunsil, Zach Ertz and Daron Payne.

— John Keim (@john_keim) June 11, 2025​

Noah Brown was just carted off the field following a catch on the ground. Stayed down for a few extra beats. Then slowly walked to the sideline, then carted to the building.

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) June 11, 2025​

What did Ben Standig see with Noah Brown's injury? pic.twitter.com/w2SyMGkvPn

— 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) June 11, 2025​

Terry McLaurin in 2024:

10 TDs vs Single Coverage (1st)
135.3 rating when targeted (1st) pic.twitter.com/t4AZrfad0z

— PFF (@PFF) June 11, 2025​

So @ngreenberg did the math on a McLaurin deal and says pay up: "I have faith the front office will get it done. I think this is just a blip and something to talk about in the offseason...Aging isnt apparent, if anything he's taking steps forward now with a competent QB."

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) June 11, 2025​

Luuuuuuuuuuuke!!! pic.twitter.com/XTkkaRLFTR

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 11, 2025​

Dan Quinn spoke about Brandon Coleman moving inside during yesterday's media session and the specific role at LG with @JOEL9ONE on the @greenlight podcast. This may lead to Nick Allegretti becoming the Sam Cosmi fill in.pic.twitter.com/KtBoQsYrWh pic.twitter.com/bBLgqJyYFu

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) June 11, 2025​

I caught up with @Commanders D-Line coach Darryl Tapp after Day 2 of Mandatory Minicamp

Why did the run defense struggle in 2024?

Take a listen pic.twitter.com/i8WVYK1HR7

— Lynnell Willingham (@Nell_BTP) June 12, 2025​

defensive duo is running it @frankluvu7 x @Bwagz

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 11, 2025​

What does a Year 2 Ben Sinnott look like?

The #Commanders tight end weighs in, plus praises the familiarity with the coaching staff, saying it's huge to have the same staff as last year: "you know the standard that these guys hold and it's a really high one." pic.twitter.com/CnOww4yEJS

— Natalie Spala (@_nataliespala) June 11, 2025​

Making an impact

We hosted over 100 HS coaches at today's minicamp practice pic.twitter.com/pai729syiT

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 11, 2025​

Commanders LT Brandon Coleman with a good bait technique here.

Good to see from the rookie. @b_coleman74 #RaiseHail #NFL pic.twitter.com/eSEnBODYxQ

— Last of the Fullbacks (@TheLastFullback) October 17, 2024​

How can Jayden Daniels avoid a sophomore slump after winning OROY? @BuckyBrooks says it's all about the three Ps pic.twitter.com/dEwBEpUU3p

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) June 12, 2025​

https://t.co/bHCbN1MayA pic.twitter.com/Fwn9u8FyMQ

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) June 11, 2025​

Jayden Daniels had the 4th highest-selling jersey over the past year. Get yours for 20% off this week!https://t.co/BpyufXMYyN https://t.co/xr6azrp1bp

— COMMANDERS FOOTBALL (@HogsHaven) June 11, 2025​

Most receiving yards by running backs in the last three seasons:

Alvin Kamara - 1,499
Austin Ekeler - 1,498
Christian McCaffrey - 1,451
Breece Hall - 1,292
Rachaad White - 1,222 https://t.co/n1kUaTejQn pic.twitter.com/PwBLf4Pv4M

— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) June 11, 2025​

Leader: Travis Hunter does NOT care that his Madden rating is a 76 overall:

“I’m not worried about a Madden rating right now. I’m worried about playing football.”

Travis only wants to focus on football pic.twitter.com/hHsi28Xs4f

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 12, 2025​

Just ran the @PFN365 NFL Playoff Predictor for the first time in a few days. This was the playoff picture that it spit out on the first attempt.

What part of this result is least likely? pic.twitter.com/CtQxoaLdOA

— Matt Infante (@MattInfante) June 11, 2025​

Will Saquon be the best RB in NFL history at the end of his career? @IamSTANBACK | @MJAcostaTV pic.twitter.com/T0vxyNf1iP

— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) June 11, 2025​

“That was a possibility.”

Sean McVay on Aaron Rodgers becoming an LA Ram @gmfb pic.twitter.com/YIpro7zlss

— Kyle Brandt (@KyleBrandt) June 11, 2025​

New from @BryKno on @FTNFantasy: Aaron Rodgers' bad year. We measure passing +/-, how many passes QBs complete compared to expectation, and Rodgers had one of the worst figures since 2006. Goff, Hurts, and Geno Smith were on top.https://t.co/MbWY2ncvE4

— Aaron Schatz (@ASchatzNFL) June 10, 2025​

Veteran edge rusher Za'Darius Smith recently made it clear that he wanted to return to the #Lions in 2025.https://t.co/ckDrK9aS83

— Pro Football Rumors (@pfrumors) June 11, 2025​

Commanders and IHeartMedia D.C. have extended their flagship radio broadcast partnership.

— David Harrison (@DHarrison82) June 11, 2025​

Bobby Wagner (@Bwagz) announced today that he partnered with Children’s National Hospital in D.C. to launch the Phenia Mae fund to support the hospital’s pediatric stroke program. This is fourth such fund Wagner has created in honor of his mother, who died from complications from… pic.twitter.com/eMy0wRXmWI

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) June 11, 2025​

Celebrating the start of summer at Boone Elementary School with @dcck! pic.twitter.com/xDzS3KcljF

— Washington Commanders Community (@commandersCR) June 11, 2025​

Social Media’s Most Popular U.S. Teams Share One Similarity https://t.co/SnVa8yI9yf

— Sportico (@Sportico) June 11, 2025​

A foul ball in Baltimore landed right between Cal Ripken Jr. and John Harbaugh

: MLB pic.twitter.com/VCjzsGzMFh

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) June 12, 2025​

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Hogs Haven Media Information​

Podcasts: Apple Podcasts | Pandora | Spotify | Podbean | iHeartRadio

Facebook Page: Click here to like our page

Twitter: Follow @HogsHaven

Instagram: Follow @Hogs_Haven

Threads: Follow @hogs_haven

Blue Sky: Follow Hogs Haven

Manager: Scott Jennings: Follow @ScottJenningsHH

Buy Washington gear at the Hogs Haven Fanshop

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Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/6/12/24447894/all-atwitter-its-a-busy-week-at-commanders-minicamp

 

[Washington Commanders]

Pictures, videos, news, and notes from the Washington Commanders Mandatory Minicamp Day 3

The last camp before training camp!

The Washington Commanders are in Ashburn, VA for the third, and final, day of this year’s mandatory minicamp. This will be the last time the entire team and coaching staff are together until the start of training camp next month.

Noah Brown was carted off the field yesterday, but head coach Dan Quinn didn't provide any updates on the nature and severity of the injury. Michael Gallup has been dealing with a hamstring strain and rookie WR Jaylin Lane joined him on the side fieldd today before heading inside during practice. Sam Cosmi is rehabbing a torn ACL from the playoffs in January, and he was here my some work in outside today.

Sam Cosmi:​

Great to see Sam Cosmi getting some work in outside today at #Commanders minicamp.

— CWallSports (@cwallse) June 12, 2025​

Michael Gallup and Jaylin Lane on the side field:

#Commanders WRs Michael Gallup & Jaylin Lane initially working a bit outside off to the side, then went inside the facility.

— CWallSports (@cwallse) June 12, 2025​

Day 3:​

Day 3 of minicamp. pic.twitter.com/EWddGognD4

— John Keim (@john_keim) June 12, 2025​

Day 3 pic.twitter.com/eqqwnxq4sQ

— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) June 12, 2025​

Vibes are high on the final day of minicamp pic.twitter.com/WTk24kmTV1

— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) June 12, 2025​

Owners at minicamp:​

Ownership in attendance today: Josh Harris, Mitch Rales and Mark Ein. Also, Bob Myers is here. Will be a BBQ for players and families after practice.

— John Keim (@john_keim) June 12, 2025​

Commanders ownership + Bob Myers are here for the last day of minicamp. The team is having a family cookout after practice (bounce house included).

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) June 12, 2025​

Former Warriors GM Bob Myers was at the final day of Commanders minicamp.

He is a consultant for the Washington Commanders. pic.twitter.com/MUlQ95kuY8

— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) June 12, 2025​

John Bates:​

TE John Bates now headed inside……looks totally fine.

— CWallSports (@cwallse) June 12, 2025​

Trey Amos:​

Commanders rookie CB Trey Amos stole the show today with his dance moves on the final day of minicamp!

pic.twitter.com/TRKWdLdMN1

— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) June 12, 2025​

Jayden Daniels:​

It's officially summer break for Jayden Daniels and the rest of the Commanders players.

Here is :33 seconds of JD5 during today's final day of minicamp.

You're welcome. pic.twitter.com/InCNzPtHlF

— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) June 12, 2025​

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Pictures:​

minicamp @TreyAmos21 says #staychill during the break pic.twitter.com/S2XsW8r9z3

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 12, 2025​

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Notes:​

Final minicamp notebook. Washington coaches told their players to stay prepared as they enter the dead periodhttps://t.co/8MqFDWFogj

— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) June 12, 2025​

Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/6/12...ashington-commanders-mandatory-minicamp-day-3

 

[Washington Commanders]

The 5 O’Clock Club: UDFA spotlight: WR Jacoby Jones

Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere…

The 5 o’clock club is published from time to time during the season, and aims to provide a forum for reader-driven discussion at a time of day when there isn’t much NFL news being published. Feel free to introduce topics that interest you in the comments below.

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CLICK HERE to see the full 5 o’clock club archive

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Searching the internet for information about Jones is problematic insofar as most of the Google returns point to the late Jacoby Jones, former WR and punt/kick returner with the Texans and Ravens who earned a Super Bowl ring at the end of the 2012 season, and who passed away last year.

The Jacoby Jones who will attend Commanders training camp is an undrafted rookie who will need a lot of skill and luck to equal the achievements of the former Raven.

The Commanders team website lists undrafted rookie Jacoby Jones at 6’3”, 228 pounds. Multiple websites (here; here) list his UCF pro day measurements at 6’1”, 225 pounds. That 2-inch height disparity means the difference between Jones being ‘one more’ 6’1” Commanders WR and being a big-bodied receiver who can differentiate himself.

After all, with a 4.68 time in the 40-yard dash, he’s not likely to win in the NFL with his speed.

Jacoby Jones attended Northwest Mississippi Community College for three years, and joins four other Northwest alums in the NFL — Gardner Minshew II (Kansas City), Damien Lewis (Carolina), Brandin Echols (New York Jets) and Jerrick Reed II (Seattle). Jones suited up for the Rangers for three seasons from 2019-21, earning an extra year of eligibility due to COVID-19.

During his three seasons there, he helped Northwest to three straight MACJC/MACCC playoff appearances, including the 2020 MACCC and National Community College Football championships. Jones was also a member of the 2021 squad that competed in the inaugural NJCAA Division I Football Playoffs, falling to New Mexico Military Institute. In three years, Jones caught 63 passes for 929 yards and five touchdowns.

He later signed with Ohio to continue his career, earning Preseason All-MAC Third Team Offense by Athlon Sports prior to the 2023 campaign.

In 2022, Jones moved to Ohio University for his Junior year. Following a 2023 season that was short-circuited by injury, he finished his eligibility as a 2024 senior at the University of Central Florida.

Receiving	Rushing	Scrimmage
Season	Team	Conf	Class	Pos	G	Rec	Yds	Y/R	TD	Y/G	Att	Yds	Y/A	TD	Y/G	Plays	Yds	Avg	TD	Awards
2022*	Ohio	MAC	JR	WR	14	45	777	17.3	6	55.5	2	11	5.5	0	0.8	47	788	16.8	6
2023*	Ohio	MAC	SR	WR	3	8	147	18.4	0	49.0	0	0	0	0.0	8	147	18.4	0
2024	UCF	Big 12	SR	WR	12	22	327	14.9	2	27.3	0	0	0	0.0	22	327	14.9	2
Career	29	75	1251	16.7	8	43.1	2	11	5.5	0	0.4	77	1262	16.4	8
Ohio (2 Yrs)	17	53	924	17.4	6	54.4	2	11	5.5	0	0.6	55	935	17.0	6
UCF (1 Yr)	12	22	327	14.9	2	27.3	0	0	0	0.0	22	327	14.9	2

Receiving & Rushing Table

Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 6/4/2025.

The 24-year-old rookie now faces an uphill battle to crack a deep WR group headlined by Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel — though with this week’s reported Noah Brown injury, it may not be as deep as it seemed before the start of minicamp.

In 2024, the Commanders started and finished the season with 7 wide receivers.

Currently, the 2025 roster locks at the position group appear to be:

1. Terry McLaurin
2. Deebo Samuel
3. Noah Brown
4. Luke McCaffrey
5. Jaylin Lane

That leaves 6 players competing for between 1 to 3 roster spots (partly depending on Brown’s health) and maybe 2-3 practice squad places:

• KJ Osborn
• Michael Gallup
• Chris Moore
• MIke Strachan
• Ja’Corey Brooks
• Jacoby Jones

My feeling is that Jacoby Jones is probably the 11th guy in an 11-man WR group (including practice squad). His otherwise slim chances to make the roster in some capacity may be enhanced if Noah Brown proves to have a serious injury.

JACOBY JONES (UCF) II Full 2024 Highlights​

UCF Football: WR Jacoby Jones Press Conference - Arizona State Week​

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Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/6/13/24443076/the-5-oclock-club-udfa-spotlight-wr-jacoby-jones

 

[Washington Commanders]

Daily Slop - 13 Jun 25 - With July 15th deadline nearing, politics take a front seat in RFK Stadium site discussions

A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, and a sprinkling of other stuff

Commanders links​

Articles​

Front Office Sports​

$3.8B Commanders Stadium Deal at Risk Over Political Rift​

The $3.8 billion proposal for a new Commanders stadium has devolved into a political back-and-forth between the District of Columbia’s top two officials.

Less than two months after first completing the stadium deal with Commanders owner Josh Harris, D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser said that delays by the D.C. Council to approve the latest budget are already imperiling a plan for the facility targeted for a 2030 opening.

“A delay sacrifices our exclusive seat at the table and $2.7 million in private investment,” Bowser said. “The Commanders and my team are ready to iron out the details with the Council and respond to any concerns. It should be clear, but let me emphasize: If the Council strips the deal terms or budgeted dollars from the budget, it kills our agreement with the Commanders.”

The agreement between Bowser and the Commanders does require preliminary approval of the stadium plan by July 15, at which point the team would be able to talk with other jurisdictions. Neighboring Maryland and Virginia have made separate pushes toward a new stadium, but never got as far in negotiations as D.C.

D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson, already a skeptic of the $1.1 billion in public support targeted for the Commanders stadium and related infrastructure, called Bowser’s comments inaccurate. He also said, despite the language in the stadium deal, there is more time to work with than what Bowser suggests.

“The Commanders have said the earliest they would need the District’s money and go to the bond markets to finance construction is next summer,” Mendelson said. “We will work within the Commanders’ 2030 timetable.”

Part of the backdrop of the political battle between the two officials is Bowser’s late May delivery of a proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, weeks later than expected and a particular source of public frustration for Mendelson, as he claimed it has unduly compressed the Council’s legislative work to fund the upcoming year.

Let’s level-set about RFK. pic.twitter.com/73Y5ep3JMN

— Councilmember Zachary Parker (@CMZParker5) June 12, 2025​

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Commanders.com​

Minicamp notebook | Coaches tell Commanders to stay prepared for their moment​

— Neither Jayden Daniels nor Marcus Mariota participated in the 11-on-11 periods, leaving Sam Hartman and Josh Johnson to lead the offense during the period. Hartman had his moments, like when he tossed a touchdown to Luke McCaffrey, but he also threw an interception to Car’Lin Vigers near the goal line.

— Noah Brown left practice Wednesday with an undisclosed injury and did not return for the rest of the day. He also didn’t participate in Thursday’s practice, and when asked about his status, Quinn didn’t have an update other than to say Brown was supposed to get an MRI.

— Quinn said running back Chris Rodriguez has “really applied himself” to the suggestions he and the rest of Washington’s staff given him this offseason. Rodriguez was elevated to the active roster at various points in 2024 and had strong moments but could not hold onto an active roster spot. Quinn wants Rodriguez to be “at his absolute best” so he can compete in what Quinn called a “crowded” running back room. Being in the best shape possible might help him stand out and earn a consistent spot in the rotation.

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Commanders.com​

‘A true Commander’: Reaves inks extension with Washington​

“I’m just filled with gratitude, man,” Reaves told reporters after Wednesday’s minicamp practice. “I was just talking to some of the young guys and telling them if you take anything from me, just understand that the turtle does win the race.”

Reaves, a 2018 undrafted free agent who originally signed with the Philadelphia Eagles before joining Washington’s practice squad later that year, has become a fixture of the Commanders’ roster after years of waiting for his opportunity. He spent four seasons going through a cycle of being released, added to the practice squad and elevated to the active roster before finally making roster cuts ahead of the 2022 season.

Reaves went on to become one of the best special teams players in the league. He finished the 2022 season with a career-high 33 tackles, 17 of which came as a special teams player. He finished second in the league in terms of special teams tackles and was selected to the Pro Bowl on top of getting First Team All-Pro consideration from the Associated Press and NFLPA.

Reaves had another solid campaign in his first season playing under head coach Dan Quinn, recording 20 tackles and a forced fumble. When asked about the extension, Quinn started by saying, “That honestly makes me smile.”

“This is a true Commander, one of our heavy hitters and an absolute all around BMF, in every way,” Quinn added. “It’s no surprise he was elected one of the captains when the postseason began but he affects all sides of the ball.”

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Riggo’s Rag​

Michael Gallup’s hamstring strain could put his Commanders’ chances in doubt​

Gallup was absent from Commanders’ minicamp on both Monday and Tuesday as he tended to what is being reported as a strained hamstring. It’s unclear when or how the veteran suffered this complication, but it’s not good news for either the player or the team.

The Commanders brought him in as a low-risk flyer, with no expectations of playing anything more than a backup role and no guarantee that he would even make the roster. It was simply a shot in the dark to provide the former Cowboy with an opportunity to get another shot in the pros.

That said, the Commanders are thinner than expected at wide receiver right now. Not only has McLaurin been absent, but Noah Brown was carted off the field on Tuesday with an undisclosed injury. That, along with Gallup’s issue, means that Washington’s top available receivers are currently Samuel, Lane, and 2024 third-round pick Luke McCaffrey.

It’s not ideal. And for Gallup, it feels like a missed opportunity.

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The Draft Network​

Commanders’ 2025 Make Or Break Player: Brandon Coleman​

Coleman is now tasked with making a successful transition from tackle to guard. A failed experiment could see him lose his standing as a Commanders’ starting offensive lineman. Good thing Coleman possesses the skills required to develop into a quality blocker inside.

Coleman worked specifically at left guard during OTAs and again at the first practice of mandatory minicamp. Coleman did have some experience playing across the interior in college.

Now that the Commanders are moving Coleman to his best predicted position, he’ll face a make-or-break year at left guard. Last year’s starter in that role was Nick Allegretti, who played 99 percent of Kliff Kingsbury’s offensive snaps. The Commanders are placing Coleman in that spot, possibly demoting Allegretti to reserve swing lineman.

However, Allegretti could potentially compete with Andrew Wylie, who is also making the full-time transition from tackle to guard, for the right-sided interior role. Guard Nate Herbig is also in that mix. Regular starter Sam Cosmi suffered a season-ending torn ACL injury in the divisional round matchup with the Detroit Lions. The lateness of that setback threatens to derail the start of his 2025 season.

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Podcasts & videos​

Final day of Commanders’ minicamp: Noah Brown out; Sam Cosmi update; Zach Ertz and details; family BBQ; Frankie Luvu working on his rush (from Wed!) and more. @ESPNRichmond https://t.co/yXQHLYNJ6X

— John Keim (@john_keim) June 12, 2025​

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Episode 1,093 - Commanders Minicamp report:
- Noah Brown carted off field
- Jeremy Reaves extension
- Marshon Lattimore opens up
- Dan Quinn on having so many players in contract seasons

Also, interesting info I got on potential Skins throwback uniforms.https://t.co/jJrsw5Yteq

— Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) June 12, 2025​

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Interesting question - the Commanders coaches believe Lattimore and Kinlaw are studs. If they're right, how good can this defense be? New All Ears is live - https://t.co/8R6xvofGTD

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) June 12, 2025​

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NFC East links​

Pro Football Talk​

Dak Prescott: I want to win a championship for my personal being, my sanity​

The Cowboys quarterback has a 2-5 postseason record and has never advanced past the divisional round despite being the No. 1 seed in 2016. The franchise won its last championship in 1995.

Winning a championship is personal for Prescott.

“I want to win a championship,” Prescott said, via Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “The legacy, whatever comes after I finish playing, will take care of itself. I want to win a championship. Be damned if it’s just for my legacy or if it’s for this team. It’s for my personal being, for my sanity. The legacy will take care of itself.”

Prescott is returning from a torn right hamstring, which ended his 2024 season in Week 9.

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NFL league links​

Articles​

The Athletic (paywall)​

NFL executive Brian Rolapp leaving for PGA Tour CEO position​

Brian Rolapp of the NFL is expected to be announced soon as the PGA Tour’s new CEO, sources confirmed to The Athletic. Jay Monahan, the current commissioner of the PGA Tour, will remain in his role, but Rolapp, who has held various executive positions at the NFL since 2003, will lead the tour’s new for-profit arm, PGA Tour Enterprises.

He has held his current role since 2014, and many believed he could be Goodell’s successor as NFL commissioner.

Goodell’s contract has been extended again, as The Athletic reported last month, making it a logical step for Rolapp to seek experience elsewhere and demonstrate his ability to direct the future of a major sports organization. The PGA Tour CEO role is a newly created position.

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ESPN​

Shemar Stewart leaves Bengals minicamp amid contract dispute​

Bengals rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart left Cincinnati’s mandatory minicamp Thursday amid a contract dispute.

Stewart, the Bengals’ first-round draft selection, has not participated in any of the team’s offseason workouts. According to a source, the dispute is centered on interpretation of language in the contract that could affect guaranteed money.

Stewart isn’t the only Bengals pass rusher trying to iron out a contract situation.

Trey Hendrickson, a four-time Pro Bowler and an All-Pro selection last season, skipped the entire mandatory minicamp as he seeks a long-term contract extension. He has said he has no intention of playing out the final year of his current deal.

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Pro Football Talk​

Impasse between Bengals and Shemar Stewart comes down to one specific contract detail​

The Bengals and Stewart are haggling over language regarding the potential voiding of his future guarantees.

Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the Bengals want to include a phrase that causes a default in the current year to trigger a default in all remaining years. The problem is that the contract signed by last year’s first-round pick, tackle Amarius Mims, does not not include the language that the Bengals are now attempting to insert into Stewart’s deal. And Mims was taken one spot lower in 2024 (No. 18) than Stewart was picked in 2025 (No. 17).

The key phrase, we’re told, also doesn’t appear in contracts signed earlier this year by receiver Ja’Marr Chase and receiver Tee Higgins.

So, basically, the Bengals hope to pivot from their existing contractual language regarding the voiding of guarantees to new language, with Stewart’s contract being the first one to get it. One one hand, the Bengals should be able to change their policies and procedures. Every business at some point does. On the other hand, in an industry where the contracts for the key employees develop a clear pattern and practice, it’s not typical to make a sudden shift to a new way of doing things.

It would be easy for the Bengals to justify the change by saying, “Well, other teams use contracts that apply a default in one year to all remaining years.” However, other teams pay out more of the signing bonus up front, too.

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Discussion topics​

Front Office Sports​

NFLPA Reignites Grass-Turf Debate Ahead of Club World Cup​

The NFLPA has lobbied for years for teams to change the playing surface at stadiums from turf to grass.

The Club World Cup might be struggling to sell tickets, but at least it got the attention of the NFL Players Association.

The union weighed in on the installation of a grass field at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey ahead of its hosting of the preliminary rounds.

Looks nice ... #SaferFields https://t.co/Vugv4teNxI

— NFLPA (@NFLPA) June 11, 2025​

The NFLPA’s crusade to get all of the league’s stadiums switched from turf to grass has been years in the making. Players prefer it, though the league disputes that data show any difference in safety. Major international men’s tournaments require grass, which is in about half of NFL stadiums. But the temporary grass isn’t perfect either: The new surface for the Copa America at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium was criticized for being bumpy.

Next summer, seven NFL stadiums will have to make the temporary switch from turf to grass in order to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The World Cup has long been a rallying cry for the NFLPA to point out that team owners can switch the playing surface at their stadiums if they really wanted to.

“We’ll remind everyone that just saying ‘it can’t be done,’ or ‘we’re not going to do it,’ well, you’re doing it,” NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell previously told Front Office Sports at the NFL Scouting Combine.

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All aTwitter​

Offseason program = complete

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 12, 2025​

Laying the foundation

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 12, 2025​

15 11 pic.twitter.com/DausyytpG3

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 12, 2025​

minicamp @TreyAmos21 says #staychill during the break pic.twitter.com/S2XsW8r9z3

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 12, 2025​

just like the shirt says ‍ pic.twitter.com/WXWiB5yDKJ

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 12, 2025​

Laremy Tunsil on Josh Conerly Jr.: pic.twitter.com/O300rVbdqB

— John Keim (@john_keim) June 12, 2025​

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Part of this is incorrect. Terry McLaurin DID attend early portions of the offseason program (phases 1 and 2) before skipping on-field work (phase 3).

Bottom line: No reason for panic unless the sides remain far apart when training camp begins/starts. https://t.co/2CxeFck02J

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) June 12, 2025​

“Hasn’t participated in any offseason activities” pic.twitter.com/2ipzFb61ZO

— brady (@burgermanders) June 13, 2025​

Terry McLaurin has accounted for 31.2% of his team's receiving yards since entering the league

Jefferson: 35.2% ($35M)
Chase: 31.5% ($40M)
AJ Brown: 31.8% ($32M)

MCLAURIN: 31.2% ($23M)

Lamb: 30.4% ($34M)
Hill: 29.2% ($30M)
St. Brown: 28.5% ($30M)
Metcalf: 26.7% ($33M) pic.twitter.com/eyRNRu1nGd

— RefTheDistrict (@RefTheDistrict) June 12, 2025​

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"Jayden Daniels looks like the most likely of those young QBs to be that future MVP and future best QB in the game." @SamMonsonNFL isn't holding back pic.twitter.com/Si4a5jXt8S

— Check the Mic with Steve Palazzolo & Sam Monson (@CTM_Show) June 13, 2025​

Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter begins splitting time on offense, defense during same practicehttps://t.co/HxXrts3GfC

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) June 13, 2025​

We have signed free agent LB Germaine Pratt. In a corresponding move we have waived S Jonathan Sutherland. pic.twitter.com/46fKgwKvYO

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) June 12, 2025​

Rams Signed OT D.J. Humphries https://t.co/w08ch1FiMa

— NFLTradeRumors.co (@nfltrade_rumors) June 12, 2025​

Per the arrest warrant: Antonio Brown allegedly punched a man, then appeared to grab a security guard’s gun and fire two shots as he ran toward the man. The victim said he was grazed in the neck. Surveillance and cellphone video appear to capture the altercation.

Brown was… https://t.co/jRLYAxBzl4 pic.twitter.com/tOw8TVobsP

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 13, 2025​

The NFL is promoting my QB! This what I’ve been waiting for!

The game in Spain is going to be so fun! #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/laAjvWQfkr

— SJM (@DMVCommanders) June 13, 2025​

#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/WCCn3bGhED

— Hilary (@HilareeBanks) June 12, 2025​

@TreyAmos21 gone have my dawgs fired up all season #RaiseHail Lock Shit Up pic.twitter.com/0kJsB3AScz

— Greg Johnson (@Peanut_501) June 13, 2025​

The Stanley Cup has been nearly perfect. Incredible first few games. pic.twitter.com/qE91kji0lU

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) June 13, 2025​

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Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/6/13...-a-front-seat-in-rfk-stadium-site-discussions

 

[Washington Commanders]

Daily Slop - 14 Jun 25 - Lots of focus on Commanders wide receivers and cornerbacks in today’s leading stories

A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, and a sprinkling of other stuff

Commanders links​

Articles​

Washington Post (paywall)​

Seven takeaways as the Commanders pack up shop until training camp​

Washington is bigger and perhaps better after its offseason moves, as seen during minicamp, but we’ll learn plenty more when the team returns to action.

The secondary might have three really good corners.​

Washington will need them to shore up its coverage, as noted above. Marshon Lattimore opened up about his recovery from a hamstring injury last season and said it hindered his play and confidence after he was traded from New Orleans. He believes his explosiveness is back, and if he can stay healthy, the Commanders may finally see the fruits of their investment.

Perhaps even more promising is the prospect of Trey Amos, the team’s second-round pick out of Mississippi, who started taking first-team reps with the defense.

“Oh, he got technique,” Lattimore said of Amos. “His technique is there. From what I see as far as his technique, he looks complete. He’s a rookie, and it’s early, but throughout the season, I just feel like he’s going to keep that up and get better as the season goes.”

There’s at least one spot up for grabs at wide receiver.​

Noah Brown...was carted off the field with an undisclosed injury Wednesday. Brown, the recipient of Washington’s Hail Mary touchdown against the Chicago Bears last season, missed the last six games because of a kidney injury.

Quinn declined to specify Brown’s latest injury or its severity, saying only that he would have an MRI this week for further evaluation.

Meanwhile, Michael Gallup, the former Cowboys wideout who signed a one-year deal in free agency after sitting out last season, did not participate in on-field work during minicamp because of a strained hamstring.

The hope, of course, is that all three receivers are back for training camp. But even with their return, there is plenty of competition for the final roster spot or two, depending on how many receivers the team wants to keep. McLaurin, Deebo Samuel, Brown, Luke McCaffrey and rookie Jaylin Lane figure to make it.

Veteran Chris Moore impressed in the team periods during minicamp and has a chance to earn more in training camp. KJ Osborn is back after getting claimed off waivers in December, and he joins Gallup and undrafted rookies Ja’Corey Brooks and Jacoby Jones in fighting for a spot. Don’t discount the possibility Washington adds to the receivers room before training camp.

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Commanders.com​

3 standouts from Commanders minicamp​

Luke McCaffrey​

There was never a question about McCaffrey’s work ethic or determination last season, but it was clear that he needed more time to develop into a more polished NFL receiver. Now, the former third-round pick’s hard work is starting to pay off.

Head coach Dan Quinn praised McCaffrey for the attention to detail he showed in his route running, and that showed throughout OTAs and minicamp. One of his best moments came when he was able to shake off Marshon Lattimore during seven-on-seven drills and get open for a decent gain. He also made a tough sideline catch with Tyler Owens providing tight coverage and scored a touchdown on a catch-and-run later in the day.

“Those are the things that I’ve seen from him this offseason as a really polished receiver,” Quinn said. “Was I surprised that he did it? No, because I knew he’s a person [who] if I go back to the competitor, he’s going to find a way or make a way.”

McCaffrey wants to have a bigger role in the offense during his second season. He’ll need to keep showing progress in camp, but he’s off to a good start.

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Commanders.com​

Laremy Tunsil sees bright future for Josh Conerly​

“You know who I’m really impressed with, though? JC [Conerly],” Tunsil said after Thursday’s minicamp practice. “JC’s gonna be a dog, and I’m not just saying that just to blow smoke up his a**.”

Conerly excelled at that in Oregon, allowing just two sacks in the final two seasons with the Ducks. They also valued the type of competitor Conerly was and appreciated his dedication to improving his skill set.

“Just great feet, great lower body structure, great bend, and just super talented for a big man,” Peters said after the team drafted Conerly. “And then you start hearing about the type of person he is, just human being. And then you hear about the type of football like person he is in terms of in the locker room, the leader, the worker, how routine oriented he is, how he’s like a true pro already, despite being really young.”

Tunsil agrees with all that and more.

“Just the way he moves, the way he bends,” Tunsil said of Conerly. “He’s athletic, smart, very intelligent. I think he’s got all the tools to be a good player in this league.”

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Washington Post (paywall)​

D.C. Council members say stadium approval is likely, but they need more time​

The mayor wants the council to approve the Commanders deal next month, but members say they need time on a deal that involves more than $1 billion in taxpayer funds.

The prospect of the council delaying a vote on the $3.7 billion deal has the team “outraged,” Bowser said this week, and “sacrifices our exclusive seat at the table and $2.7 billion in private investment.” Bowser has wanted the council to approve the deal with the Commanders as part of the council’s fiscal year 2026 budget process — and the Commanders said this week that any delay beyond that threatens the team’s construction timeline.

But council members argued it was only fair that they take more time to consider a deal that involves more than $1 billion in taxpayer funds — especially since they said they still lacked key information, such as a full explanation of the Bowser administration’s revenue projections for the project and an analysis of how much the proposed tax exemptions for the Commanders will cost the city.

“The mayor thinks that her deal is perfect, and that’s great for her,” said council member Christina Henderson (I-At Large). “I feel like there are areas where we can certainly improve.”

The timeline tensions came into public view Tuesday, after NBC Washington reported on a closed council meeting where members discussed the possibility of voting on the terms of the RFK deal separately from the overall budget, which lawmakers are expected to approve in late July. The council would still approve the capital funding Bowser has allocated for the development with the budget, two lawmakers said this week.

But voting on the deal in the fall would violate a deadline that Bowser negotiated with the Commanders; a term sheet between the two parties set July 15 as a deadline for a council vote and says the team would no longer exclusively negotiate with the city if the council did not vote on the deal by then, or if the council “materially changes” the deal’s terms. And Bowser said in an interview Friday that even if the council voted to approve the capital funds, that would mean little without them also approving the terms. “The team can’t take that to the bank,” she said.

Henderson cast some doubt on the idea that an additional couple of months of council consideration would cause the Commanders to walk away from the city. “Every indication that I have from them, from the NFL, from their extraordinary involvement,” she said, “is that they want to be here, which is great.” Henderson has said she would support a stadium deal, but only if it is improved for taxpayers and has a stronger labor agreement.

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Pro Football Focus​

NFL’s top WR-CB battles: Recent one-sided and tight matchups​

WR A.J. Brown vs. CB Emmanuel Forbes​

The Commanders selected Forbes in the first round (16th overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft, but he was no match for Eagles All-Pro wideout A.J. Brown, who got the best of him twice that season. Brown was targeted 10 times in their Week 4 contest, catching six passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns (143.8 passer rating).

The second matchup between Washington and Philadelphia that year wasn’t quite as noteworthy as far as the individual matchup (two receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown), but Brown accounted for an 8-130-2 line overall for the game. He was simply unstoppable for the Commanders’ defense, no matter who covered him that day.

WR DeVonta Smith vs. CB Kendall Fuller​

Smith’s best game of 2022 came in Week 3 versus Washington when he caught eight of 12 targets for 169 yards and a touchdown (92.5 PFF game grade). Most of his production was with cornerback Kendall Fuller (38.4) in primary coverage — six targets, five receptions, 95 yards, one touchdown and a perfect 158.3 passer rating when targeted.

Smith’s dominant performance was even more impressive when you consider that Fuller was one of the 15 highest-graded cornerbacks in the league that season (76.6) and was coming off a year in which he ranked third (81.5) at his position.

WR Mike Evans vs. CB Marshon Lattimore​

Evans versus Lattimore has been one of the most publicized battles in the league for years now, as the two clashed many times as NFC South rivals. Their rivalry was renewed last year in the wild-card round after the Washington Commanders acquired Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints late in the season.

Evans dominated that matchup, catching all six targets thrown his way for 84 yards and a touchdown (158.3 passer rating). Evans (91.8 PFF game grade) gave Lattimore (26.5) fits all night, also drawing a defensive pass interference penalty in the end zone before his touchdown just one play later.

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Podcasts & videos​

Wrapping up mini-camp by wondering if I'm taking crazy pills re: *controversy* with Deebo Samuel's speed and weight. More on the WR room and rookies. @AndyBitterVT joins for insight into WR/PR Jaylin Lane.https://t.co/dk6t0LZuGv

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) June 13, 2025​

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Episode 1,094 - The Commanders' offseason program ends. I discuss key comments from Dan Quinn on:
- can Luke McCaffrey be WR3 if Noah Brown is out?
- Deebo Samuel's speed
- high expectations for 2025
- Jayden Daniels
- right side of OL
- Chris Rodriguez Jrhttps://t.co/RzOjimcs0o

— Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) June 13, 2025​

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Photos​

Signing off

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 13, 2025​

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NFC East links​

Blogging the Boys​

Micah Parsons reportedly ‘puzzled’ that Cowboys are costing themselves in contract negotiations​

Just about everybody is confused why the Cowboys are continuing to wait on a Micah Parsons extension

Dallas Cowboys fans all agree that a Micah Parsons extension should have been taken care of by now. Parsons, who was first eligible for an extension last offseason, seems to remain puzzled by this himself.

It should be reiterated that the Cowboys had a chance to get Parsons done as early as last offseason and that if they had they could have, from a salary cap standpoint, taken advantage of an extra year of his rookie contract as far as allocation of funds were concerned. Had they taken care of him last year they likely would have beaten not only Watt and Hendrickson to the punch, but also Myles Garrett who got a four-year deal with the Cleveland Browns at the beginning of this offseason. It averages $40M per year.

Waiting, dragging your feet or however else you want to put it only serves to make what you are trying to do more difficult. We have all procrastinated something in our lives, but if you kept getting failing grades because you were not studying for your tests, didn’t you make an adjustment? At some point did you not learn from this pattern of behavior?

It is hard to believe that the Cowboys cannot learn from their mistakes or that they aren’t aware of this idea. In fact, we know that this is not the case.

Consider that Stephen Jones said back in March that the team puts “zero credence” into the notion that they wait too long.

“We’ve done the early before, and we’ve waited until the end to do them,” Jones said. “A lot of it is just the negotiation itself. Some of them take longer than others. And we put about zero credibility or credence into people saying you wait too long.”

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NFL league links​

Articles​

Pro Football Talk​

Saints sign free agent RB Cam Akers​

The Saints signed free agent running back Cam Akers on Friday, according to the NFL’s transactions report.

Akers participated in the team’s minicamp this week on a tryout basis.

He joins Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, Devin Neal and Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the running backs room.

Akers, 25, spent last season with the Texans and Vikings. Between the two teams, he rushed for 444 yards and two touchdowns on 104 carries and added 14 catches for 68 yards and three touchdowns.

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The Athletic (paywall)​

Michael Penix Jr., Olu Fashanu, other 2024 NFL Draft first-rounders who need big seasons​

Six 2024 NFL Draft first-round picks were named to the 2025 Pro Bowl (Commanders QB Jayden Daniels, Patriots QB Drake Maye, Giants WR Malik Nabers, Raiders TE Brock Bowers, Rams edge Jared Verse and Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr.). A slew of others, including Chargers OT Joe Alt and Eagles CB Quinyon Mitchell, were key contributors on playoff teams. Overall, early returns on the ’24 class were strong.

Not necessarily everywhere, though. Let’s take a look at a few soon-to-be second-year NFL players who are in desperate need of a great sophomore campaign after either disappointing or getting hurt as rookies last year.

Michael Penix Jr., QB, Atlanta Falcons​

Entering one of the strangest rookie QB situations in some time, Penix made just 16 preseason dropbacks last summer. He then waited behind 2024 offseason signing Kirk Cousins, only to make his first start in Week 16 after Cousins bottomed out. In three starts to close the year, on an 8-9 team, Penix completed 58.1 percent of his throws for 775 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions — his best game coming in Week 18 vs. Carolina (21 of 38 for 312 yards, two touchdowns, one interception).

Accuracy, handling pressure and an inability to consistently anticipate over the middle were the biggest concerns about Penix coming out of Washington. And though it’s hard to knock him for his play in mop-up duty last season, some of those issues remained.

Not only did Atlanta take a QB at No. 8 in 2024, months after paying Cousins a fortune, it also took Penix ahead of J.J. McCarthy and Bo Nix. For Atlanta GM Terry Fontenot, this pick simply has to pan out. We’ll see soon how much growth has happened.

Tyler Guyton, OT, Dallas Cowboys​

Guyton was a polarizing prospect coming out of Oklahoma in 2024. He began his college career (at TCU) as a tight end and only fully transitioned to offensive tackle ahead of the 2022 season, following a transfer. He was an up-and-down player in college as a result but did offer both elite athleticism (34 1/2-inch vertical, 7.5-second three-cone time at 6-7, 322) and size (34 3/8-inch arm, 82 3/8-inch wingspan) outside.

It was a bit surprising how quickly Guyton earned a job in Dallas. He opened as the Cowboys’ Week 1 left tackle and wound up starting 14 games on the blindside — but it wasn’t always pretty. Guyton really struggled in protection over the first month of the year and wasn’t much better in the run game. Things steadied a bit down the stretch, but he still finished the year as the NFL’s second-worst graded starting offensive tackle, per PFF.

Cincinnati Bengals second-year OT Amarius Mims, a similar prospect to Guyton in size and athleticism, also could be on this list. He’s another young player who really needs a big second season.

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Discussion topics​

.@Nell_BTP's biggest question around the Commanders heading into summer is... What are they doing at safety??? pic.twitter.com/X37IQnxaru

— 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) June 13, 2025​

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#NoFeather #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/6nxMsNE8mi

— Hot Take Freddie (@HotTakeFreddie) June 11, 2025​

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All aTwitter​

mini moments pic.twitter.com/uwgUpHsjaH

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 13, 2025​

More than 48 hours since Noah Brown was carted off the field.

Zero word on his injury.

Dan Quinn on Thursday wouldn't even say on what body part Brown was getting an MRI.

Adam Peters, who learned under Bill Belichick, has Washington on lock in terms of leaks like never before.

— Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) June 13, 2025​

Complete.
Lack..
Of…
Intelligence…. https://t.co/Ha28gwtNWp

— Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) June 14, 2025​

QOTD: what's the most exciting thing you're doing this summer?@SeatGeek | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/Qy8irzzYvN

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 13, 2025​

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Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/6/14...e-receivers-and-cornerbacks-in-todays-stories

 

[Washington Commanders]

Daily Slop - 15 Jun 25 - With Commanders on hiatus until training camp, Terry McLaurin’s contract status tops the headlines

A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, and a sprinkling of other stuff

Commanders links​

Articles​

Pro Football Rumors​

Commanders Surprised By Difficulties In Terry McLaurin Extension Talks​

A team source informed ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler of the surprise at how the situation has arrived at this point (video link). The source confirmed Washington’s desire to keep McLaurin, 29, in the organization for the remainder of his career. To more of an extent than the Commanders expected, however, attaining that goal has proven to be challenging.

Early this offseason, general manager Adam Peters made it clear an extension was high on the team’s to-do list.

In spite of those two factors, it has become increasingly team and player have not made much in the way of progress at the negotiating table. McLaurin is aiming for a third Washington contract, but his absence from spring practices was the first of multiple illustrations of his frustrations.

Minicamp roundup on @SportsCenter

-J.J. McCarthy progress, #Vikings’ three-year plan
-Daniel Jones makes most of extra reps
-What’s next for McLaurin, Wilson, Sauce deals
-Browns QB workload

(With @SkubieMageza) pic.twitter.com/x0tYjz10ff

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) June 14, 2025​

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Yardbarker​

Commanders’ Terry McLaurin holds out, history says it’s worthwhile​

Washington Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin may discover holding out pays off, but only marginally.

The Commanders veteran didn’t report to mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, becoming an official holdout. McLaurin wants to renegotiate his contract with one year remaining.

McLaurin joins some legendary Washington players who have held out for more money. Most did only marginally better while the most infamous one was a big loss.

Maybe McLaurin hits a payday, but with his 30th birthday approaching in September, the team is reluctant to hand out a long-term deal. General manager Adam Peters worked for San Francisco before taking over Washington last year. The 49ers are known for long contract talks before settling around the opening of training camp. If McLaurin doesn’t sign by minicamp’s end on Wednesday, he’ll likely wait until late July for training camp’s opening, too.

"Come on Magic, pay the man!"

Calvin Johnson on Commanders WR Terry McLaurin.@heykayadams | @calvinjohnsonjr | @MagicJohnson pic.twitter.com/HaRriLpsPR

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) June 12, 2025​

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NFL.com​

NFL’s top 10 offenses in 2025 ​

By the metric of OFFENSIVE points per game — in which defensive and/or return scores do not count — these were the top-10 units from the 2024 regular season:

1. Detroit Lions: 32.4 ppg
2. Buffalo Bills: 29.5
3. Baltimore Ravens: 29.3
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 28.6
5. Washington Commanders: 28.1
6. Philadelphia Eagles: 26.7
7. Green Bay Packers: 26.6
8. Cincinnati Bengals: 26.4
9. Minnesota Vikings: 24.2
10. Los Angeles Chargers: 23.2

So, which teams will fill each of those slots in the coming campaign? Here’s my prediction in countdown order, from 10 to 1.

Rank 4 - Washington Commanders​

C.J. Stroud took the league by storm in Year 1 before taking a step back in Year 2. Can Jayden Daniels avoid the sophomore slump that befell his Offensive Rookie of the Year predecessor? That’s the question at hand. And given Washington’s placement in the top half of this ranking, I evidently believe he can.

Why? Well, Stroud’s regression didn’t occur in a vacuum — the foundation fell apart around him, with his offensive line turning into a sieve while his receiving corps was ravaged by injuries. Obviously, Washington can’t magically guard against the latter — frankly, the team is pressing its health luck with oft-injured receiver Deebo Samuel — but the Commanders did work to fortify their O-line this offseason. Oddly, the big-ticket move was acquiring Stroud’s blind-side protector of the last two years, Laremy Tunsil. The trade sent a shockwave through the league, leading to plenty of speculation as to why the left tackle fell out of favor in Houston. Whatever the case, Tunsil just made his fifth Pro Bowl in the past six seasons, posting Pro Football Focus’ fourth-highest pass-blocking grade among OTs. Still just 30 years old, Tunsil should have plenty left in the tank.

And beyond him, Washington’s O-line looks deeper and more talented than the group Houston rolled out last fall. If first-round pick Josh Conerly Jr. proves to be a quick learner, this unit could really take off.

What’s more, Daniels seems to be more simpatico with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury than Stroud was with OC Bobby Slowik, whom the Texans fired in January. Lastly, Jayden boasts something that C.J. doesn’t have: electric running ability. When all else fails, that’s the kind of trump card that can help a young quarterback stay on schedule.

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Riggo’s Rag​

Commanders insider projects major leap for Jordan Magee in 2025​

This was a sentiment echoed by Nicki Jhabvala from The Washington Post during an appearance on 106.7 The Fan. She thought Magee could be in for a massive year based on his early usage and the glowing references from those in positions of power. There is a long way to go, but all signs are pointing up.

“Jordan Magee has the chance to take a huge leap. In part because he played so few defensive snaps last season with injuries and whatnot. And he’s getting a lot of reps because Bobby Wagner doesn’t need these minicamp reps. And he does look more confident out there. I know DQ [Dan Quinn] and Adam Peters have raved about him. They really expect him to take a major leap this year.”

Nicki Jhabvala via 106.7 The Fan

Magee’s size, strength, and athleticism look tailor-made for Quinn and Whitt’s defensive concepts. He’s explosive and instinctive, which is almost a prerequisite for anyone looking to stake a claim in this system. Having experienced figures such as Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu to learn from isn’t the worst situation in the world either.

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Riggo’s Rag​

Andrew Hawkins claims Commanders have the best quarterback in the NFC​

On Thursday, the ex-Cincinnati Bengal and Cleveland Brown joined ESPN’s “Get Up” to discuss several subjects, including Daniels. He was given a true-or-false prompt about whether the Commanders’ signal-caller is the best quarterback in the NFC, and he answered true.

He then elaborated by pointing out that no one thought Washington’s situation was an ideal one for a rookie passer, and the Heisman Trophy winner immediately flipped the script. It’s this often-overlooked detail that makes Daniels’ rookie season all the more special. It’s also why Hawkins and Commanders fans have an extremely convincing argument.

Daniels’ primary competition for this honor would be Jalen Hurts. He has been to two Super Bowls and won one, but the Philadelphia Eagles’ roster is significantly better than Washington’s. Most importantly, he has the best offensive line in the NFL, and a dominant ground game led by Saquon Barkley to take the pressure off.

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Riggo’s Rag​

Laremy Tunsil hits back at criticism of Commanders OTAs no-show​

Tunsil opted to skip OTAs, which is a method he’s adopted in recent years. Although understandable, that didn’t stop Lynnell Willingham of 106.7 The Fan from launching a scathing attack on the blindside enforcer for his perceived lack of commitment.

It’s safe to say Tunsil had an emphatic answer for Willingham. The former first-round pick posted a video on social media showcasing how hard he was working away from the team. It also happened to include the direct quotes used by the reporter.

Didn't have a @Nell_BTP diss track on my bingo card today pic.twitter.com/ovZwqRgMQO

— Big Doug (@DougMcCrayNFL) June 13, 2025​

The not-so-subtle swipe provoked an inevitable frenzy on social media. But the fact that Tunsil showed up for Washington’s mandatory minicamp should put everyone’s fears to rest. If they had any, of course.

Tunsil wasn’t involved much in the team portion of practice. This indicates he wasn’t in the best shape, but it might just be all part of the process.

301-230-0980

MY RESPONSE TO LAREMY TUNSIL https://t.co/IykPspvssP

— Lynnell Willingham (@Nell_BTP) June 13, 2025​

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Podcasts & videos​

S Will Harris, DT Johnny Newton & London Fletcher’s on the Money! | Get Loud | Commanders​

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Locked on Commanders: Dan Quinn’s culture plan is WORKING | Washington Commanders close minicamp strong​

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NFC East links​

Deadspin​

New York Giants Redshirting Jaxson Dart Is Smart​

Dart is looking to learn by watching veteran Russell Wilson and backup Jameis Winston, then eventually take the reins in 2026.

Dart recently held a platform that begged for a bold statement — a chance to make waves with his words before proving what his right arm and legs could do. Instead, he revealed his character and self-awareness during Friday’s YES Network broadcast of the New York Yankees-Boston Red Sox game. There were no boastful claims about winning a position battle from a room of cut-rate vets. Just respect for Wilson, Winston, Tommy DeVito and the rest of a Giants quarterback room loaded with experience and poise.

“Russ winning the Super Bowl, and, you know, to kind of pick their brains each and every day has been awesome for me, especially for how young I am,” Dart said. “But I think that my focus right now is to try to develop each and every day and do whatever I can to make the team better, and I just want to win.

“I can’t stand losing, and I’m gonna do whatever it takes to not let that happen. So, whatever my role is, I’m gonna play the best way that I can.”

Wilson, 36, signed a one-year deal with the Giants after sharing starts with Justin Fields for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024. The Steelers finished 10-7 and made the playoffs, though Wilson looked lost at times during an AFC wild-card loss at Baltimore.

A run to the NFC playoffs would be a long shot for the 2025 Giants. Still, with a retooled running game and a star receiver in Malik Nabers — plus a defense with some bite — there’s at least a chance for Wilson to show he still has starting-caliber stuff while grooming the guy who hopes to take his job.

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NFL league links​

Articles​

Pro Football Rumors​

Latest On Bengals’ Standoffs With Trey Hendrickson, Shemar Stewart​

Hendrickson is “very much dug in on his position” and will not sign a one-year extension, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero (via the Rich Eisen Show). The veteran edge rusher is not seeking to eclipse Myles Garrett‘s $40MM APY, but wants something just above $35MM per year in the range of Maxx Crosby and Danielle Hunter. Hendrickson is also looking for a stronger commitment from the Bengals in terms of length and guaranteed money.

Stewart, meanwhile, remains steadfast in his opposition to a specific clause that would void the remaining guarantees in his contract if he were to default in one year. That language is different than the contracts offered to the Bengals’ last two first-round picks, but it is the same as the majority of first-round picks around the league, including the players drafted right before and after Stewart, according to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic. At least one person inside the organization believes that the language used with Amarius Mims and Myles Murphy would have the desired voiding effect in case of a default, per Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio.

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For Discussion​

CBS Sports​

Predicting contracts, trades for Cowboys’ Micah Parsons, six other major NFL players in minicamp situations​

What’s next for some of the big-name holdouts and free agents?

[H]ere are our predictions for how some of the most buzzworthy situations will play out in the coming weeks:

McLaurin also skipped both spring workouts and mandatory June camp back in 2022, before securing his current extension with the club. This sure feels like the sequel to that short-lived saga, as Washington is committed to title contention in 2025, even adding a new running mate for McLaurin in Deebo Samuel. While he’s approaching 30, “Scary Terry” is also due for a raise after five straight 1,000-yard seasons, including a seamless connection with quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Prediction: Signs three-year, $90 million extension with Commanders

Of all the discontent pass rushers seeking new deals this offseason, Micah Parsons’ fight feels the tamest. Perhaps that’s reading too much into his generally jovial personality and public optimism regarding a future in Dallas. Perhaps it’s because, unlike Watt in Pittsburgh, he actually reported to minicamp, albeit as a “hold-in” steering clear of the practice field. Either way, the Cowboys tend to get things done; they just do things at their own pace. Like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb before him, Parsons is a face of this franchise, and he’ll likely be rewarded as such, if only after enduring a long offseason of speculation regarding his value. At the end of the day, our bet is Jerry Jones signs the check.

Prediction: Signs four-year, $162 million extension with Cowboys

The Philadelphia Eagles are due for a splash, though, and Jaire Alexander, who just happened to be born in Philly, would give them a higher-upside rental for their title-winning secondary.

Prediction: Signs one-year, $16 million deal with Philadelphia Eagles

---

UFL​

Pro Football Talk​

D.C. Defenders win UFL title, 58-34​

The D.C. Defenders defeated the Michigan Panthers in St. Louis on Saturday night, 58-34. It was the most points scored by any team in two seasons of UFL action.

Defenders quarterback Jordan Ta’amu completed 21 of 28 passes for 390 yards and four touchdowns. He added 28 rushing yards and another touchdown.

Via Mike Mitchell, 14,559 attended the game. While a solid number by UFL standards, it’s a steep drop from the attendance in St. Louis for the 2024 UFL title game between Birmingham and San Antonio of 27,396.

UFL COACH OF THE YEAR! Shannon Harris joins Craig Hoffman to discuss winning that award, and today's UFL Championship Game! https://t.co/eJLJnQUvs1 pic.twitter.com/FeOgaYQ3g4

— The Team 980 (@team980) June 14, 2025​

---

All aTwitter​

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!!!

DC IS TAKING HOME THE UFL CHAMPIONSHIP!!! pic.twitter.com/cwmAReafUb

— D.C. Defenders (@XFLDefenders) June 15, 2025​

JORDAN TA'AMU IS @THEUFL CHAMPIONSHIP MVP

The D.C. Defenders' QB1 thanked the fans after adding another trophy to the shelf pic.twitter.com/oKYohNZivQ

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) June 15, 2025​

Congrats to the @XFLDefenders on winning @TheUFL Championship.

Dominant title game. Hung 58 on Michigan in a clinical offensive performance. Jordan Ta'amu threw for 388 YDS and 4 TDs.

Fun team to follow all season. Good for these guys. Hopefully several get another NFL shot.

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) June 15, 2025​

Get better every day pic.twitter.com/aU9LoVS0vY

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 14, 2025​

had ourselves a week pic.twitter.com/pnZHvcZLR9

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 14, 2025​

Malik Nabers calls Jayden his “Brother for life”

and

his work ethic is what makes him the Ultimate Leader! #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/OZTG40Jjdh

— SJM (@DMVCommanders) June 14, 2025​

Joe Whitt Jr. on Daron Payne

“He's a leader, he doesn't talk much at all, alright. But he is leading by example and this year you can really see him taking that leadership role and taking it to the next step.” pic.twitter.com/3SSAX1VcRC

— All-Pro Reels (@allproreels) June 14, 2025​

From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: The #Jets have been in contract talks with their young stars, Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson, and both could end up with huge deals around the same time. pic.twitter.com/OZNYFZGcJ9

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 13, 2025​

Bradley Chubb: Dolphins 'were lying' about culture change last yearhttps://t.co/CbanhG7r3q

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) June 15, 2025​

Missouri's governor has signed the bill that will help pay for a renovated Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs now have to decide between staying put or building a new stadium in Kansas. https://t.co/2S9NIHLdBr

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) June 15, 2025​

was elite.

When you talk about all-time great tight ends, his name should be in the top 20.

He was Travis Kelse before travis Kelse but BETTER. #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/WadGCXpAGM

— Chris Bryant (@HogfarmerChris) June 9, 2025​

That time @darrellgreen28 sent us to the Super Bowl

️ https://t.co/M1hSSgGsln pic.twitter.com/IM6WwzxBs1

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 14, 2025​

The Bengals' new motivational slogan for this upcoming season...

Pretty embarrassing

(h/t @bengalsdrake) pic.twitter.com/uCZllmUQUk

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 14, 2025​

Confirmed: It’s real pic.twitter.com/zuky2Vhs1n

— Drake Burton (@bengalsdrake) June 14, 2025​

So for anyone who missed it, this is what Davey Martinez had to say following the Nationals’ 7th consecutive loss.

Interpret this how you will… #Natitude pic.twitter.com/UZPjqUDARx

— Bennett Lehmann (@DCBerk) June 14, 2025​

---

Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/6/15...-mclaurins-contract-status-tops-the-headlines

 

[Washington Commanders]

2024 REWIND: Week 11 - Commanders give up 20 points in 4th quarter to lose to Eagles 26-18

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

The second disappointing loss in a 2024 mid-season 3-game skid

For the first time since Week 2, the Commanders were not in first place in the NFC East in Week 11, but they had the opportunity to remedy that with a prime time road win against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Thursday night games are always a challenge for NFL teams, but Washington, with a Week 14 bye, was probably struggling a bit more than usual with team health.

That included the team’s newest defensive starter, CB Marshon Lattimore, who had already been dealing with a hamstring injury when the Commanders front office acquired him from the Saints at the trade deadline. Against a team as talented as the Eagles, Lattimore’s coverage skills would have been extremely welcome, but he wouldn’t play this week and, in fact, didn’t get onto the field of play until Week 16 when the Commanders traveled to New Orleans.

After stumbling to a 2-2 start and making headlines for the wrong reasons early in the season, the Eagles seemed to have righted the ship by Week 11. They had won five straight games against an admittedly soft lineup of opponents (Browns, Giants, Bengals, Jaguars, and the Dak-less Cowboys) with an overall record of 13-35, but aside from a one-score win against the Jags, the Eagles’ margins of victory had been emphatic.

Washington was aiming to bounce back from a stinging 1-point loss at home against the NFC North leading Steelers, whose defense probably posed the toughest challenge rookie QB Jayden Daniels has yet faced in his young career.

Philly would offer another stern test. The Steelers defense had been 10th in the NFL ranked by DVOA; the Eagles at the time were ranked 7th.

Offensively, Washington ranked 2nd by DVOA behind the Ravens, so it’s probably fair to say that this would be the toughest test the Philadelphia defense had had to face this season (and they still had a road game scheduled against Baltimore in Week 13).

Despite Washington’s loss in this game, the division title race was not decided since the Commanders would still host the Eagles for the 2nd matchup of the ‘24 season in 5 weeks.

---

First Quarter​

Philly opens with an 11-play drive, but no score
Within the first few plays, LG Landon Dickerson was hurt and had to be helped from the field.

The Eagles converted a pair of quick first downs to reach midfield before the first big play of the day — a 25-yard catch and run by WR AJ Brown to get the ball to Washington’s 2-yard line.

Hurts to Brown! Eagles moving down field.#WASvsPHI on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/ne9OKc8yHd

— NFL (@NFL) November 15, 2024​

After a loss and an offensive holding call, it was 2nd & 22 at the 35-yard line. Under pressure, Jalen Hurts ducked and threw the ball out of bounds to bring up a critical 3rd down. A simple handoff to Gainwell was not popular with the crowd who grumbled as the Eagles kicker came on the field. The dissatisfaction became even more vocal when Jake Elliott missed the 44-yard attempt wide left.

The Eagles failed drive had lasted 11 plays and covered 44 yards. Hurts was 3-6 for 40 yards on the Philly opening drive.

Commanders go 3 & out
Washington took over at the spot of the kick at the Philly 34-yard line.

LB Zack Baun knocked down a Jayden Daniels pass to Noah Brown in the middle of the field on 3rd down to force a quick out.

After the punt, Philadelphia was set up for offensive drive #2 at their own 9-yard line with starting guard Dickerson back in the game.

Commanders defense forces a punt
Two runs for 9 yards brought up 3rd & 1 and the Eagles lined up for the ‘tush push’, which they converted easily.

Two plays later, on 3rd down, the Washington defense came up big, with LB Frankie Luvu sacking Jalen Hurts as he tried to step out of the pocket to extend the play.

On third down, Luvu and Armstrong combine to sack Jalen Hurts behind the LOS.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/A8veLLadK8

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) November 15, 2024​

A short punt by the Eagles meant that the Commanders would begin their second offensive drive with outstanding field position at their own 42-yard line with 05:25 remaining in the first quarter.

Commanders open the scoring with an explosive drive
On first down, a checkdown to Ekeler behind the line turned into a 24-yard gain, as Ekeler ran right through Baun’s arm tackle.

Austin Ekeler!

The little engine that could!#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/JKUTRfJVDT

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) November 15, 2024​

On 2nd & 5, Brian Robinson broke through the line and exploded for 18 yards to the 1-yard line.

Not that it matters now, but I'm not 100% convinced Brian Robinson shouldn't have been awarded the Touchdown on the play that was spotted at the 1 yard line.

Looks like he rode the defender without any part of his body hitting the ground, and extended the ball.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/6wv2Siq8TI

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) November 15, 2024​

On the next play, Robinson got the ball again and powered into the end zone to give the Commanders a 7-0 lead.

TOUCHDOWN

Brian Robinson powers it in (with some help from his blockers giving him a push - shoutout Cosmi!) for the score.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/Sw4h0lk8uS

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) November 15, 2024​

The drive covered 58 yards in 4 plays, and comprised 3 runs and a screen pass.

On the kickoff, Philly had a good return to the 36-yard line to start its 3rd offensive drive of the game.

Commanders defense continues to frustrate Philly offense
Hurts missed DeVonta Smith on first down, and Saquon Barkley ran for 6 yards on 2nd down. On 3rd & 4, Jalen Hurts hit Jahan Dotson in the hands 12 yards downfield, but Dotson dropped it under tight coverage by Mikey Sainristil.

Sainristil has been playing fantastic football all season, and he's continuing that today.

Good coverage here does just enough to force the WR drop and the Eagles go three and out.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/e4RD000apr

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) November 15, 2024​

A good punt return by Zaccheaus was wiped out by an illegal block by Noah Igbinoghene, pushing the Commanders back to their own 5-yard line to start their third drive of the game with a touchdown lead.

Washington offense stymied; another 3 & out
The drive opened with a 2-yard loss on a checkdown to Ekeler, but a handoff to Ekeler went for 6 yards to bring up 3rd & 6 deep in Commanders own territory. A 2-yard scramble by Daniels wasn’t enough, and Tress Way had to come on the field to punt from his own goal line.

Incredibly, the Eagles miss another field goal attempt
After a short return, the Eagles started their next offensive drive in Washington territory at the Commanders 48-yard line.

The first quarter ended with a nice run by Saquon Barkley for 7 yards.

Thus far, Jayden Daniels was 3-4 for 37 yards, while Hurts was 4-10 for 42 yards and one sack for -2 yards. Both teams were running the ball well. The Eagles had 9 rushes for 38 yards; Washington had 6 carries for 33 yards and a touchdown. The Eagles had run more offensive plays, but trailed by 7 points.

Second Quarter​

On a 1st down play at Washington’s 36-yard-line, Jalen Hurts, under pressure continually retreated and but was quickly sacked by Frankie Luvu again; this time for a 13-yard loss.

Frankie Luvu!

What a beast. Read this like a book and stayed on the ball, forcing a loss of 14 yards for Philadelphia.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/kBbPGMPLl4

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) November 15, 2024​

When the Eagles couldn’t recover from the loss in the next two plays, Jake Elliott came back onto the field to attempt a 51-yard field goal.

Elliott had missed his first attempt from 44 yards; he missed even wider with his second attempt, giving the ball back to Washington at the Eagles 41-yard line with its 7-0 lead intact.

Again!

Jake Elliott now 0/2 on Field Goal attempts for Philadelphia, and this is the kind of thing that feels like a good omen for Washington.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/9HaYubBbVu

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) November 15, 2024​

The non-scoring drive had covered 15 yards in 7 plays, with the key play being the Luvu sack.

Philly forces third 3 & out in 4 offensive drives
Speaking of sacks, on 1st down, Jayden Daniels danced around a heavy pass rush before getting sacked by Brandon Graham for a 4 yard loss.

It was followed up by another sack — this one by Josh Sweat — to force 3rd & 22 from the 29-yard line. The Commanders ended up punting from the 35-yard line; the ball went out of bounds at the Philly 25-yard line. The drive had lasted 3 plays and lost 8 yards.

With 09:51 left in the half, the Eagles started their 5th drive of the game, having punted twice and missed a pair of field goal attempts.

Eagles offense can’t get anything going
Runs by Hurts & Barkley gained 6 yards to bring up 3rd & 4 at the 32-yard line. On the 3rd down play, Hurts was under heavy pressure. He extended the play and then threw the ball out of bounds while AJ Brown was standing all alone on the sideline after the defender fell down, and the boos from the Philly crowd started to rain down.

After the 3 & out and Philly’s third punt of the game, Washington took over at the Commanders 37-yard line with a 7-0 lead.

Commanders put together a 9-play drive but end up punting
Another short pass on 1st down went to Dyami Brown, who picked his way to a 4-yard gain. Brian Robinson rumbled for 7 yards on the next play to earn another first down. It was the first reception by a Washington wide receiver in the game.

Another pass — this time to Robinson — went for 9 yards on 1st down, but a holding call against Dyami Brown forced 2nd & 10. A 6-yard gain on a pass to Ekeler brought up 3rd & 4, which Zach Ertz converted with a 10-yard gain to the Eagles 47 yard line.

After a short scramble and an incomplete pass, Washington faced 3rd & 9 at the 46-yard line. The Philly crowd got loud, and Ekeler dropped a pass that hit him in the hands, wide open in the open field to force the punt.

The drive had lasted 5 plays and covered 27 yards.

Philly finally scores in the closing seconds of the half
The Eagles would start their next drive at their own 10-yard line with just over 4 minutes remaining in the half. Washington would get the ball to start the 3rd quarter, so Philly needed to put points on the board here.

Following the timeout for the 2-minute warning, Philly had the ball near midfield on a 1st & 10 play.

The Eagles had a big play on 2nd & 6 as DeVonta Smith turned a short pass into a 21-yard gain.

Touchdown saving tackle/hit by Quan Martin.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/vCu7zpvgfb

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) November 15, 2024​

A penalty against Sainristil on the following play gave the Eagles a first-down at he 20-yard line.

This was flagged against Sainristil for 'illegal contact'.

Seems soft, to me.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/oTPtChiwBY

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) November 15, 2024​

Washington started using time outs with 53 seconds left in an effort to keep enough time on the clock for a final scoring drive of the half.

On a key play, facing 3rd & 8 at the 18-yard line, Hurts scrambled for 9 yards to bring up 1st & goal at the yard line.

Three plays later, on third down, Hurts scrambled under heavy pressure, and threw the ball a few yards as he was being brought down by a pair of Washington rushers, forcing 4th down and the 3rd FG attempt of the game by Jake Elliott.

Fantastic goal-line stand by the Washington D forces the Field Goal attempt for Philly to end the 1st half.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/Jofwy7sFc2

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) November 15, 2024​

This time, he made the 21-yard attempt to make the score 7-3 with 19 seconds remaining in the half. The scoring drive had lasted 15 plays and covered 87 yards.

Commanders run out of time
Daniels did not take a knee; instead, he hit Ekeler in the middle of the field, who turned upfield and gained 18 yards. Using the team’s 2nd time out, the drive remained alive.

On the next play, Daniels missed Luke McCaffrey on the right sideline. The clock stopped with 9 seconds remaining in the half.

The final play of the half started with the snap of the ball at 4 seconds remaining; It was an anti-climactic ending as Daniels simply handed the ball to Brian Robinson who added 5 yards to his game stats.

On the game broadcast, it was announced that Jalen Hurts was being assessed for a possible concussion, but the final shot as the broadcast went to the break showed the Eagles QB running to the locker room, apparently just fine.

The Commander had a 4-point lead in a low-scoring half, and would get the ball to open the 3rd quarter.

To half we go#WASvsPHI | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/5Pc0SshxsJ

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) November 15, 2024​

Halftime Stats​

Statistics via ESPN​

---

Third Quarter​

Washington opens the half with an 8-play scoring drive
Washington received the 2nd half kickoff and started its 7th offensive drive of the game at the 31-yard line after Austin Ekeler fumbled the ball at the end of his return. The fumble was recovered by Michael Walker to retain possession.

Robinson was tackled for a loss on 2nd & 2 to bring up 3rd & 5 at the 36-yard line. The crowd was roaring, but the cheers turned to boos when the officials called Cooper DeJean for defensive pass interference against — stop me if you’ve heard this before — WR Noah Brown. It was a ticky-tack call, not unlike the weak call against Sainristil in the first half, gifting the Commanders a 1st down.

They're always going to call this, to be fair.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/OC1z0YwMeu

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) November 15, 2024​

Washington made hay with a 20-yard gain by Austin Ekeler on a catch and run to the Philly 28-yard line.

A run by Robinson and a short loss on a Daniels run brought up 3rd & 4 at the 22-yard line. An incomplete pass on the 3rd down play brought kicker Zane Gonzalez onto the field for an attempt that was pushed to 45 yards by a pre-snap penalty. The kick was right down the middle to make it 10-3 on the scoreboard. The drive had lasted 6 plays and covered 42 yards.

Philadelphia responds with another field goal
The Eagles took the field for their first drive of the second half and 7th drive of the game at the 13-yard line following a penalty for offensive holding on the kick return.

On a key 3rd & 6 at the 40-yard line, Saquon Barkley eluded a Percy Butler tackle on a dumpoff pass, and the back raced 43 yards to Washington’s 17-yard line. A huge play!

Saquon gets loose for 43 yards!#WASvsPHI on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/gqwJicK0Vm

— NFL (@NFL) November 15, 2024​

Two plays later, Philly faced 3rd & 6 at Washington’s 13-yard line. The Washington defense stiffened here and prevented any gain.

Jake Elliott came out for his 4th attempt of the game; this 31-yard attempt split the uprights. The score was no 10-6 with 05:32 left in the quarter. The scoring drive had covered 74 yards in 10 plays, but the burgundy & gold defense came up with the red-zone stop to preserve the lead and give the Commanders offense a chance to build on it.

Commanders can’t move the ball
A Brian Robinson run and a Jayden Daniels scramble earned 10 yard sand a first down at the 40-yard line.

Jayden Daniels QB keeper 1st down.

Still doesn't look fully healthy though. A little proppy when he runs.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/TkdXaiON3O

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) November 15, 2024​

Two plays earned 4 yards to set up 3rd & 6 at the 45 yard line. On the 3rd down play, the Philly defense came up big with a sack of Jayden Daniels for an 8-yard loss, with Brandon Coleman getting beaten by Nolan Smith on the left side.

Nolan Smith with the sack on 3rd down! #WASvsPHI on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/kaf3OAAiFR

— NFL (@NFL) November 15, 2024​

Tress Way punted to the 12-yard line, but Cooper DeJean had a good return to the 25 to set up the Eagles next drive.

Philly finally scores a touchdown
The Eagles picked up a quick first down, and then Jalen Hurts extended a play and hit AJ Brown for 17 yards to push the ball to the Washington 48-yard line.

The quarter came to an end with Eagles fans booing the officials for picking up a flag that they thought should have been enforced against the Commanders defense.

No foul for a facemask/helmet opening grab here.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/t8lOZnU5aS

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) November 15, 2024​

Fourth Quarter​

The fourth quarter opened with Hurts scrambling for 7 yards on a 3rd & 7 to get an important first down at the Washington 38-yard line.

Four plays later, it was 3rd & goal at the Commanders 1-yard line. The next play was predictable; Hurts scored the touchdown on the ‘brotherly shove’ to cap an 11-play, 76-yard drive.

Following a failed PAT by Elliott, who is suffering through a very bad night, the score was 12-10 with exactly 12 minutes remaining in the game.

Commanders suffer a rare failure on 4th-down play
Behind for the first time in the game, Washington set up for its next offensive drive at the 30-yard line following an Austin Ekeler return.

After 8 plays and 3 first down conversions, on 4th & 2 at the Eagles’ 26-yard line, Dan Quinn opted to forego the field goal attempt to take the lead, keeping his offense on the field. On the play, Jayden Daniels kept the ball and was tackled for no gain, After opening the season 11-11 on fourth down attempts, the Commanders offense had now failed on back-to-back 4th down plays (Steelers & Eagles).

Eagles score another touchdown to expand their lead
Jalen Hurts, instead of taking the field behind on the scoreboard, took over at his own 26-yard line with a 2 point lead and about 8 minutes remaining. Washington’s defense would now have to step up and get a big stop.

On 2nd & 7, Dallas Goedert had a huge reception with a gain of 31 yards, but Quan Martin punched the ball out of his hands, forcing a fumble.

Unfortunately, the ball did not bounce the way Washington wanted and the Eagles recovered the ball at Washington’s 30-yard line.

Hurts to Goedert! FUMBLE! But @Eagles recover #WASvsPHI on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/rMC5tskYuN

— NFL (@NFL) November 15, 2024​

Two plays later, on 3rd & 3, Saquon Barkley ran off right tackle unmolested into the end zone.

SAQUON FOR SIX!#WASvsPHI on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/5RIq2x720b

— NFL (@NFL) November 15, 2024​

This time, Elliott slipped the ball between the posts to make the lead 9 points at 19-10 with just under 5 minutes left to play.

Washington’s offense has struggled all game, and now will need to score two times to win the game. The Dan Quinn decision to forego the field goal that would have given them the lead in a close game will certainly be talked about by fans all week — possibly all season.

For the second week in a row, Washington has given up a lead late in the game.

Disaster strikes for the Commanders
Jayden Daniels opened the drive with an interception — his 3rd of the season — by Reed Blankenship at Washington’s 46-yard line.

Jayden Daniels intercepted, and the Eagles can basically ice the clock to finish this game if they get a couple first downs.

Ugly game all around, to be honest.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/pWualInysi

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) November 15, 2024​

For all practical purposes, the game was over with this play, though 04:50 remained on the clock. Small chance had turned into no chance.

Dan Quinn started burning time outs and hoping for a defensive stop, but the ending feels inevitable at this point.

Eagles score third consecutive touchdown to pad the lead
Saquon Barkley hammered the final — at least I hope it’s the final — nail into the coffin with a 39-yard TD run. After the successful PAT, the score was 26-10.

SAQUON AGAIN! The @Eagles pulling away on TNF.#WASvsPHI on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/pnyd9XtzBk

— NFL (@NFL) November 15, 2024​

The Eagles had a seemingly insurmountable 16-point lead with 04:38 remaining, but I doubt that Dan Quinn thought that way. Two touchdowns...two successful 2-pt conversions with a successful onside kick in between and the Commanders could force overtime.

A boy can dream, right?

Washington runs 15 plays and scores with 00:28 on the clock
The Commander ran some plays against a very soft Eagles defense and benefited from a roughing the passer penalty, but the clock kept moving.

At the two-minute warning, Washington faced 4th & 2 at the Eagles 24-yard line. They wouldn’t be kicking a field goal.

After the time out, Zach Ertz caught a pass for 4 yards and a first down. Three plays later, it was 1st & goal at the 5 yard line.

Washington scored on a Zach Ertz reception with 00:28 on the clock. The 2-point conversion failed and any chance for a miracle evaporated.

Zach Ertz scores in his Philly return.#WASvsPHI on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/HE6wodpv6g

— NFL (@NFL) November 15, 2024​

BUT WAIT...on further review, the ruling on the field was overturned; 2 points were awarded, and the score was suddenly 26-18!

That 2pt conversion is successful. This is a catch.

Replay assist has to do the job correctly. #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/Jvt8n6odfe

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) November 15, 2024​

With 00:28 on the clock, the Commanders weren’t dead yet. They’d come from behind to beat Chicago not long ago with a touchdown drive that took just 19 seconds.

But it was not to be. Dallas Goedert covered the onside kick; and Jalen Hurts only had to kneel down to secure the win.

Final#WASvsPHI | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/vLzCXH6Jwg

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) November 15, 2024​

Full Game Stats​

Statistics via ESPN​

---

Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/6/16...points-in-4th-quarter-to-lose-to-eagles-26-18

 

[Washington Commanders]

Daily Slop - 16 Jun 25 - Commanders beefed up DL is designed to stop Saquon Barkley

Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, and a sprinkling of other stuff

Commanders links​

Articles​

ESPN​

Can Commanders stop Saquon Barkley in 2025? With beefed up line, they think so​

The 2024 season featured a combination of limitations and breakdowns, which resulted in a defense that ranked 30th in rushing yards per game and 28th in yards per carry.

Of the top 10 teams against the run last season, nine made the postseason. Of the bottom 10, only Washington reached the playoffs. It’s a hard life to sustain as only four teams in the past three years made the postseason while finishing bottom 10.

The Commanders signed tackles Javon Kinlaw (6-foot-5, 319 pounds) and Eddie Goldman (6-3, 320) and end Deatrich Wise Jr. (6-5, 280).

Whether that size will be enough remains to be seen. Perhaps it could help with an initial surge, if nothing else. Washington allowed 3.18 yards before contact per rush in 2024; only two teams were worse.

Whitt said the Commanders had planned to use Magee in various three-linebacker packages when other teams played two- or three-tight-end sets.

Washington allowed 5.4 yards per carry when facing those looks. However, in their past eight games, including three postseason contests, the Commanders allowed 7.2 yards per rush vs. those formations. And one team dominated them in this area: Philadelphia. The Eagles ran the ball vs. Washington 59 times with either two or three tight ends; they averaged 6.1 yards per carry with eight touchdowns.

---

Riggo’s Rag​

5 winners (and 2 losers) from Commanders 2025 mandatory minicamp​

Loser No. 1 - Michael Gallup - Commanders WR

The Washington Commanders gave Michael Gallup a chance to galvanize his NFL career this offseason. He unretired after one year away from the gridiron. He was also highly motivated to remind the world why he was such a highly-regarded player once upon a time.

It hasn’t cost the Commanders much to find out one way or another. With Terry McLaurin holding out of Washington’s mandatory minicamp as frustrations build regarding his new deal, opportunities were expected to be plentiful for Gallup. Unfortunately, he was unable to make any sort of impression.

Gallup didn’t feature in the team’s mandatory minicamp after the team disclosed a hamstring strain for the wide receiver. Considering his injury history before retirement and having almost no margin for error in pursuit of making the squad, this was nothing short of disastrous.

The Commanders aren’t going to cut Gallup before giving him a shot at training camp. He knows Dan Quinn well from their time together with the Dallas Cowboys, so the head coach will be fair. That doesn’t guarantee anything, so hitting the ground running when things get more intense is critical.

There were already doubts about Gallup’s ability to contribute before he unfortunately got hurt. Hopefully, it’s not severe, and the former third-round pick out of Colorado State can return to something like his old form.

Winner No. 5 - Marshon Lattimore - Commanders CB​

Much was made about Marshon Lattimore skipping voluntary OTAs after his less-than-stellar start to life with the Commanders. However, the veteran cornerback answered these critics and more throughout Washington’s mandatory minicamp.

Lattimore looked healthy. He was sharp and moved better than at any stage during the 2024 campaign. The prolonged rest to recover from a hamstring issue that blighted the early returns on his trade from the New Orleans Saints had the desired effect.

The four-time Pro Bowler admitted he never felt right last season. Lattimore fought through the pain barrier to repay the team’s faith, but it never came to fruition. Now, he’s feeling like his old self, which is great news for the Commanders and an ominous warning to their rivals.

Washington’s coaches will still approach Lattimore’s health cautiously. The former first-round pick out of Ohio State will be managed carefully over the summer to ensure he’ll be ready to hit the ground running in Week 1 against the New York Giants. It’s early days, but the gifted defensive back is on his way to achieving this objective.

He’s heard all the criticism and is eager to silence his doubters. This was just a glimpse of what a fully healthy Lattimore could bring in 2025.

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Commanders Wire​

Top NFL analyst discusses pros and cons of 2025 Commanders​

Many are perhaps unaware that Howard Cosell’s nephew is Greg Cosell, who created his NFL Matchup show (ESPN) 40 years ago. Cosell (Greg) is a respected voice in NFL coverage.

For instance, as a guest on the “John Keim Report” podcast, Cosell gave some noteworthy opinions regarding the Washington Commanders’ offseason and current roster by GM Adam Peters.

• Deatrich Wise: “I have watched for years with the Patriots. He’s not a guy who is going to get 15 sacks. But every D-Line needs one of those guys that is just a really good football player...an under-the-radar type of signing...Wise might be a little more versatile than Clelin Ferrell.”
• Javon Kinlaw: “I can’t tell you why it hasn’t worked out. When I was watching him come out of South Carolina, there were more pros than cons. He’s strong, a good athlete. It’s his third team now, maybe they can get it out of him, because I think it is in his body. Up to this point, he has been an up-and-down player, but I think it is in his body.”
• The Commanders: “They did address left tackle by trading for Tunsil. They drafted Conerly, who you could argue was one of the two most athletic tackles in the draft. Brandon Coleman, I watched him coming out of college and thought he was a really good guard prospect. If he plays left guard, I think that will be an upgrade. Allegretti is one of those attitude guys you really like to have. He is probably just not good enough to be your starter for 17 games.”

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Podcasts & videos​

Well, so @RealBramW told me this was episode no. 1000. And they said I’d never last more than 983. Who better to have on than @gregcosell to discuss the state of the Commanders. @ESPNRichmond https://t.co/fDHd8da7vG

— John Keim (@john_keim) June 15, 2025​

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NFC East links​

Blogging the Boys​

3 reasons the Cowboys will win the NFC East​

George Pickens unlocks Cowboys passing attack​

We’re not even two full years removed from Dak Prescott finishing second in MVP voting. Brian Schottenheimer was the offensive coordinator that year, too, so he knows what it looks like when Prescott is firing on all cylinders.

Now, Prescott is healthy and back under center in Dallas. Not only that, but star receiver CeeDee Lamb is now being flanked by George Pickens, who has done nothing but turn heads consistently in minicamp and OTA’s. His elite vertical threat should open up much more underneath for Lamb and others, like Jake Ferguson and Jalen Tolbert.

Defense clicks under Matt Eberflus​

While his tenure as the Bears head coach was, shall we say, not a rousing success, Chicago never lacked for great defense under his watch. The same goes for the Colts when Eberflus was there.

Now, Eberflus gets to work with Micah Parsons, Osa Odighizuwa, DaRon Bland, and - eventually - both Trevon Diggs and DeMarvion Overshown. This bunch flashed in Mike Zimmer’s creative, yet complex, system last year but never really gelled as an overall unit. Eberflus’ more simplistic scheme seems to fit everyone much more comfortably.

Toughest opponents take a step back​

The Cowboys draw a really tough six-game stretch towards the end of the season, wherein they’ll face off against the Eagles, Chiefs, Lions, Vikings, Chargers, and Commanders. Many expect the Cowboys to be underdogs in each one of those games, but there’s a decent chance at least one of them ends up not being that tough.

The Cowboys are plenty familiar with the Eagles and Commanders, of course. The Lions may have crushed Dallas last year, but they were 0-2 against the Cowboys in the Dan Campbell era before that, and have now lost both their coordinators to head coaching jobs.

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The Athletic (paywall)​

Eagles mailbag: Will Nakobe Dean get Wally Pipp’d, potential veteran additions and more​

With Jihaad Campbell potentially becoming a starting LB, how do the Birds get Nakobe Dean on the field when healthy or is his nickname Wally Pipp this year? — Fletch F.

“Potentially” is the key word there. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said last week that Campbell “won’t hit the practice field” until “sometime in August.” Still, I outlined in my last story why Campbell’s focus at inside linebacker might make him a quicker insert into the lineup than Cooper DeJean’s Week 6 debut as a starter last year.

We should also remember Jeremiah Trotter Jr. ran with the first-team defense in OTAs and Philly’s one-day minicamp. Trotter will have a full summer to keep Campbell at bay. If neither Trotter or Campbell show they’re better than Dean by the time he returns, this answer is simple: Dean resumes his role as a starter. If either Trotter or Campbell play in such a way that Fangio can’t take them off the field… you’ve likely created Wally Dean.

The Eagles will never be as glib, if this takes place. They’ll project respect for their 2022 third-round pick, embrace him as a backup for the remainder of his final contract year and enter offseason negotiations in which a healthy Dean would likely have little interest in returning as the defense’s third linebacker, rarely fielded in base packages. To follow your Wally Pipp comparison, Pipp finished 14th in MVP voting in his first year with the Cincinnati Reds. In this way-too-early thought experiment, perhaps the 2026 Bengals will need a linebacker.

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NFL league links​

Articles​

ESPN​

Sources: Bengals, Trey Hendrickson resume talks on contract​

For the first time in several months, there is some optimism surrounding Trey Hendrickson’s future with the Bengals.

The two sides have resumed communication on his contract and future with the team, sources told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Sunday. Hendrickson, who is coming off an All-Pro season and was the NFL’s sack leader with 17.5 in 2024, says he remains steadfast in his desire for a long-term contract extension.

But this is a positive turn in what has been a fierce stalemate. Hendrickson did not participate in any of the team’s offseason workouts, including last week’s mandatory minicamp. By missing the three-day session, Hendrickson was subject to fines of nearly $105,000.

The only time Hendrickson made an appearance this offseason was to hold an extended news conference with reporters to explain his side of the negotiation process. In those comments, Hendrickson repeatedly took umbrage with the lack of communication between himself and the Bengals in contract talks.

“When there’s a lack of communication in any relationship, where it’s a business or personal relationship, lack of communication leads to animosity, and that leaves my narrative only to me with no clear direction,” Hendrickson said May 13 when asked about whether he wants to remain with the Bengals.

"The clause that is in this contract isn't normal and that's why Shemar Stewart is objecting the way he is..

The Bengals need him as a player and they already don't have Trey Hendrickson in there" @AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/z7lB8fdYKI

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 12, 2025​

---

Discussion topics​

ESPN​

Fantasy football: Don’t be surprised if ... these 19 things happen in 2025​

Drake Maye outscores Caleb Williams​

Then again, if we like Williams, then we really like Maye. It’s all about the running ability here. Maye did not get much help during his rookie campaign, but he still averaged better than 32 rushing yards per his 13 games. That number should rise, and the addition of WR Stefon Diggs saves the passing game. A new coaching staff and upgraded offensive line figure to make things easier in Year 2.

Saquon Barkley falls outside the top 5 RB scorers​

What an amazing first season in Philadelphia for Barkley, with 2,005 rushing yards, 22.2 fantasy points per game and a Super Bowl championship. Be careful here, though. Of the eight prior running backs to rush for 2,000 yards, Chris Johnson is the only one to finish among the top 5 PPR RBs the next season. None reached 1,500 rushing yards. Several missed multiple games. Barkley entered 2024 with a track record for injuries, then he carried the heaviest volume of his career (378 touches) into February. The Eagles will be more cautious in Year 2.

Deebo Samuel Sr. is a bust in Washington​

Samuel enters his seventh NFL season with a new franchise and is probably a bit overrated by fantasy managers. Samuel has finished among the top 25 fantasy WRs in two of his six seasons, buoyed by rushing production he may find challenging to replicate with the Commanders. This team has a running QB, a solid RB timeshare, and an elite WR already in place.

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All aTwitter​

by @CarterMachinery | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/thgs844Sl2

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 15, 2025​

The 25 year resurgence of the @Commanders is something fans & @RossTuckerNFL have been waiting for #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/S5yfLGlEp4

— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) May 1, 2025​

Season 1 was a movie…
Season 2? Loading ️ #RaiseHail

(Dan Quinn video via @greenlight) pic.twitter.com/23JPSL8uLk

— DC Sports Experience (@DCsportsXP) June 15, 2025​

X-Factors for every team in the NFC East pic.twitter.com/ryOpJJDrnH

— PFF (@PFF) June 15, 2025​

Joe Whitt Jr. on Javon Kinlaw

“He’s a uniquely big man that can bend and play with some power and speed. We will have the ability to move him up and down the line of scrimmage. So, we can put him wherever we want to because he has that type of skill set.

He'll be difficult for… pic.twitter.com/6yp3TZDO0s

— All-Pro Reels (@allproreels) June 13, 2025​

Rick Snider’s Washington discusses Washington Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin contract talks. Gimme two minutes. pic.twitter.com/SZsmlu7tTT

— Rick Snider's Washington (@Snide_Remarks) June 16, 2025​

Days until…

Training Camp - 29

Preseason - 46

2025 Season - 81

— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) June 15, 2025​

The New England Patriots will unveil a statue of Tom Brady outside of Gillette Stadium in August. Who else is deserving of this honor? @adamrank discusses five players from this millennium worthy of a similar tribute.https://t.co/O6q7EMXT11 pic.twitter.com/eW2rAlhEOP

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) June 16, 2025​

Listen to our special "Top 10 Plays" of the 2024 @NFL season anytime on the SiriusXM app!@Commanders HC Dan Quinn sharing his reaction to the Hail Mary to beat Chicago in week 8.

https://t.co/XPlXIfO9ym@SiriusXMSports | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/jsORh3dhuE

— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) June 14, 2025​

Good video; good audio.

Don't rely on the subtitles.#RaiseHail https://t.co/YRUwe7XEIq

— Bill-in-Bangkok (@billhorgan2005) June 16, 2025​

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Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/6/16...efed-up-dl-is-designed-to-stop-saquon-barkley

 

[Washington Commanders]

Daily Slop - 18 Jun 25 - NFL analyst says 2024 Commanders were the luckiest team he’s ever studied

Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, and a sprinkling of other stuff

Commanders links​

Articles​

Washington Post (paywall)​

Can the Commanders match last season? It might depend on luck.​

Washington’s breakout year contained plenty of good fortune. An NFL data scientist has the numbers to prove it.

The biggest reason for a dose of pessimism...might be luck. The Commanders’ breakout season included a lot of good fortune the team can’t necessarily count on again.

This goes deeper than the Hail Mary. It goes deeper than Washington’s record in one-score games: 9-4, the sixth-best winning percentage in the league. And it goes deeper than injuries, as Washington finished as the NFL’s fifth-healthiest team by the metric “adjusted games lost,” which attempts to quantify the significance of each.

The good luck is perhaps best captured by a “luck dashboard” created by NFL data scientist Tom Bliss and published on the league’s website.

Bliss identified four key scenarios where “teams benefit from actions in a game that are almost entirely derived from opponent performance or lucky bounces” and measured their impact with win probability.

1. An opponent drops a pass on offense.

2. An opponent drops an interception on defense.

3. An opponent misses a kick.

4. Either team recovers a fumble.

By the metric, the 2024 Commanders were the luckiest team since at least the 2022 season, when Bliss started tracking this. It isn’t close, either.

Final luck dashboard of 2024 season.

Most impactful plays this season:

Dropped Int: CLE dropped int vs BAL in Q4 (31.8%)
Dropped Pass: NO dropped 2pt Conv vs WAS in Q4 (92.9%)
FG: ATL made 58-yd FG vs NO in Q4 (64.3%)
Fumble Recovery: CIN fumble recovery vs BAL in OT (34.9%) pic.twitter.com/vwRoMol8KL

— Tom Bliss (@DataWithBliss) January 6, 2025​

“We have found no correlation for this luck metric from season to season,” Bliss wrote in an email. “Thus, every team individually (including the Commanders) should expect to have a net win probability via luck of 0” going into next season.

The Commanders excelled in one-score games because the coaches prepared them the right way, players argued, and they believe the team’s improved health is at least partly because of increased investment from ownership.

Andrew Wylie said, “[A] lot of winning-time moments went our way because we practiced them every day.”

“I feel like there’s absolutely a component of luck, but I also think that the most well-prepared teams are the luckiest,” guard Nick Allegretti said.

“Do you believe in luck?” a reporter asked center Tyler Biadasz.

“I believe in 5,” he responded, referring to quarterback Jayden Daniels.

The numbers say the Commanders probably won’t get as lucky as they did last season. The players aren’t so sure it was luck in the first place.

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Stadium Rant​

Ben Sinnott: Grit From The Rink To The Gridiron​

Hockey Background​

Sinnott originally hails from Waterloo, Iowa. He didn’t just play football in high school; he lettered in golf, baseball, tennis, and track at Columbus Catholic High School. He was also an incredible hockey player. Sinnott began playing hockey when he was three years old and credits the sport for teaching him how to be physically aggressive. Although his high school didn’t have a hockey team, he played on a combined Waterloo team all four years, scoring a whopping 130 goals and recording 206 points.

Sinnott also enjoyed being physical on the ice, recording 365 penalty minutes (PIM) over his high school career, where he averaged 4.4 PIM per game in his senior year. What a beauty.

Sinnott, who was listed at 6’4 220lbs (probably about 6’7 on skates) in HS, is the reason why youth hockey coaches tell players not to cut to the middle of the ice with their head down in a high school hockey game:

How long did you have to wait to play again after this ? pic.twitter.com/3V5RQUmPnL

— Ben Sinnott (@ben_sinnott) March 7, 2019​

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Commanders.com

Jordan Magee showing ‘great call command’ of defense​

Fifth-round pick Jordan Magee was one of several rookies who looked like he was going to be an early contributor for the Washington Commanders during last year’s training camp. He was getting reps with the starting defense, and head coach Dan Quinn said the former Temple Owl had “rare quickness.”

Magee’s rookie season was upended a few days later. He had a procedure on his knee that forced him to miss half of the 2024 campaign with most of his snaps coming on special teams. After a solid offseason, he and his coaches are hoping this year’s camp will go better than the last.

“I’m really hopeful that he can stay healthy,” defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. said of Magee. “He’s been showing great call command.”

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Podcasts & videos​

EXCLUSIVE 1-on-1 MEDIA DAY Interview w/ Jeremy Reaves | Command Center | Washington Commanders | NFL​

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Picking the Top 10 Offenses for the 2025 Season! | The Mina Kimes Show featuring Lenny​

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NFC East links​

Big Blue View​

Kayvon Thibodeaux not giving up chase for Michael Strahan’s sack record​

Kayvon Thibodeaux has always had big goals, and the New York Giants edge defender has never been shy to tell anyone about them.

As a rookie, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft said he wanted to “average at least one sack a game or contribute five to 10 tackles a game.” That would have been 17 sacks and at least 85 tackles.

For the past couple of seasons, Thibodeaux has made in clear that he wants the single-season sack record, currently shared by T.J. Watt and former Giants great and Hall of Famer Michael Strahan at 22.5. The best Thibodeaux has done is 11.5 sacks in 2023.

On Tuesday, Thibodeaux did not shy away from his quest for the record.

When I asked him about numerical goals for the 2025 season, Thibodeaux said this:

“More than I ever had. Every time I come out on the field, I want to have more sacks than I ever had, more tackles than I ever had and whatever I got to do to help the team. So yeah. I’m still going for the record, I’m going to go for the record every year.”

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NFL league links​

Articles​

NFL.com​

John Lynch on 49ers’ ‘uneasy’ offseason: ‘We had to get younger and we had to get a little cheaper’​

“Even though we kind of warned our fans, I think that’s a tough pill to swallow, even if you hear it’s happening,” Lynch told NBC Sports Bay Area on Monday’s 49ers Talk podcast. “I think it spoke to how good our roster was. We had a lot of talent on it, and we had acquired a lot of talent and accrued a lot of talent.”

The Niners traded Deebo Samuel to Washington and watched guard Aaron Banks, cornerback Charvarius Ward, safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw leave in free agency. The losses on defense particularly left gaping holes.

“We had to get younger and we had to get a little cheaper because we had some plans on what we wanted to do with our core and, obviously, our quarterback,” Lynch said. “And there were some twists and turns, but we executed a plan that we needed to, and we’re really excited with the way it all came together.”

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Riggo’s Rag​

Jaguars reporter says what all Commanders fans already knew about Dyami Brown​

Tony Wiggins from the Locked on Jaguars podcast likes what he sees from Brown. He also made a bold prediction that the former third-round selection would be a real difference-maker thanks to his deep-threat ability in head coach Liam Coen’s offense.

“That man can fly and take the top off the defense. (Dyami Brown) had the best year of his career in, like, the last four or five games of his career in Washington. One of the teams he did that against was a team coached on one side of the ball by (Liam Coen). Mark my words. There’s gonna be three or four games this year he’s gonna be their lead receiver, either in yards, or catches, or touchdowns, or all three.”

Tony Wiggins via Athlon Sports

Sound familiar? It should. These were the hopes and claims every offseason surrounding Brown when he was in Washington.

Brown always shone over early workouts and training camp. Unfortunately, he couldn’t put it all together in a competitive setting until it was too late.

It’ll be interesting to see if Brown’s mini-resurgence last season can be sustained or even enhanced. A bigger price tag comes with raised expectations.

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Discussion topics​

On the VTRN Sports Lynchburg podcast, #Commanders insider @LakeLewisJr believes that Terry McLaurin will receive a contract extension worth anywhere from $36-$37 million APY

A $36-$37M contract would make McLaurin the second highest paid WR in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/2m0OmVogQd

— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) June 17, 2025​

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All aTwitter​

Still no official injury update on Noah Brown. That we haven't received one suggests he avoided a serious issue, as does his upcoming participation at this event. From his IG. Fwiw. pic.twitter.com/r8KsmX7oPE

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) June 18, 2025​

pic.twitter.com/79b8vKXfAA

— Jacory Croskey - Merritt (@JacoryMerritt15) June 17, 2025​

82 days until the @Commanders kick off the 2025 season! #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/GmJfl2A3zo

— MurphCommanders (@CommanderMurph) June 18, 2025​

Terry McLaurin wants that money.

Will a contract extension get done?

I spoke with former NFL front office executive @AndrewBrandt about Terry's situation.

He said, "deadlines spur action...it creates a ripeness for getting something done. This is going to happen." pic.twitter.com/dPYvQxyaSJ

— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) June 17, 2025​

Commanders DE Deatrich Wise Jr. can add another ring to his collection: he’s a co-owner of the Beaumont Renegades who won the National Arena League championship Monday night in their inaugural season.

— John Keim (@john_keim) June 17, 2025​

Austin Ekeler Interview!@RossTuckerNFL is joined by Washington Commanders RB @AustinEkeler to discuss how he feels going into 2025, Terry McLaurin's contract, the emergence of Jayden Daniels, and more!https://t.co/L1BcsBqdkr https://t.co/RUxo5Xz1Pb pic.twitter.com/m2cZIoVKlo

— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) June 17, 2025​

“Week one versus Tampa Bay. I remember hearing defensive players talking to him after the game, just praising his speed”

“It didn't take very long to know that we had something special in Jayden.”@AustinEkeler on Commanders QB Jayden Daniels: pic.twitter.com/cbsXsmgptD

— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) June 18, 2025​

TRANSACTION: The Falcons signed running back Jashaun Corbin, the UFL's leading rusher in 2025.

In a corresponding move, the Falcons released running back Jase McClellan, their 2024 sixth-round draft pick.

MORE: https://t.co/eH579Dsomf

— Terrin Waack (@TerrinWaack) June 17, 2025​

Peyton Manning talking about why Arch doesn't ask him for advice too much pic.twitter.com/k7tU7vQ78T https://t.co/5kqSs4jQjp

— Lefty Loading.... (@4_Ben_Media) June 17, 2025​

Lombardi’s 1969 season was the last for the Redskins in the Capitol division just before the NFC East was created. Lombardi’s only season as HC was a winning season. The only one above .500 between 1965-1970. #Raisehail https://t.co/wS7pWcUWni pic.twitter.com/XgkPPRadmK

— Snoriffej (@_jeff_irons) June 18, 2025​

One of the most iconic endings in team history:#TouchdownTuesday | ️ https://t.co/7F6xKudNwQ pic.twitter.com/WxZRg30BmF

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 18, 2025​

had to run it back... pt 2 pic.twitter.com/yVuV3ZsdxM

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 17, 2025​

happy #NationalMascotDay! pic.twitter.com/I2JfCMfrj6

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 17, 2025​

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Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/6/18...nders-were-the-luckiest-team-hes-ever-studied

 

[Washington Commanders]

Daily Slop - 19 Jun 25 - Analyst says Washington is one of the NFL’s most improved teams in 2025

Photo by John McDonnell/For The Washington Post via Getty Images

A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, and a sprinkling of other stuff

Commanders links​

Articles​

NFL.com​

NFL’s most improved teams heading into 2025 NFL season​

Yes, we are still months away from meaningful on-field action, but we can say now that these seven organizations, arranged in alphabetical order, jumped out as the most improved on paper heading into the 2025 NFL season:

Washington Commanders​

Veteran additions | 2025 draft class

Washington’s stunning 2024 turnaround breathed new life into a franchise that had trudged through plenty of losing in the 21st century.

The Commanders entered the offseason with a clear goal: capitalize on their newfound success, and do so fearlessly. Trades for Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil gave them two proven veterans to bolster an offense headlined by 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels.

Now, there are ways things could go awry. Samuel struggled to stay healthy enough to consistently produce in San Francisco in recent years, and Tunsil allowed 52 pressures in 2024, the most for him in a season since 2018, according to Next Gen Stats (with a pressure-allowed rate of 8.3%, fourth-highest for him in that span). But if everything works out, the Commanders should be better than they were a year ago, when they sprinted all the way to the NFC Championship Game.

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Commanders.com​

Croskey-Merritt loves learning from ‘big brothers’ Robinson, Ekeler, McNichols​

The Commanders are hoping Croskey-Merritt, who likes to go by Bill, can recapture the explosiveness he had two years ago at New Mexico and add an extra wrinkle to their backfield. First, however, he will need to earn a roster spot, and he faces a tough challenge to achieve that with Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols, all of whom had solid roles in 2024, in front of him.

Croskey-Merritt is [ready] to compete, but this offseason hasn’t been completely about challenging teammates for a spot on the depth chart. He knows he is surrounded by years of experience, and he wants to take advantage of that knowledge.

“I’m learning a lot, day by day,” Croskey-Merritt told Bryan Colbert Jr. “Those guys are telling me just small details of the game like what I can work on or what we can do better to improve as a running back room.”

Croskey-Merritt has already asked them several questions about how to improve.

“It’s a dream come true just to have big brothers in a room that can help me elevate my game,” Croskey-Merritt said.

MEDIA DAY w/ Commanders Rookies Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jaylin Lane | RHWTR | NFL​

Croskey-Merritt has already said he wants to do whatever the coaches ask of him, but he wants to live up to fans’ expectations, too. People know talent when they see it, he said, and he’s eager to show everything he can do.

“They know what’s coming, but they really don’t,” Croskey-Merritt said. “I just want to go out there and show them. That’s the bottom line.”

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NFL.com​

Top 10 backup QB situations for 2025 NFL season​

And the harsh reality is that every year, several teams will inevitably suffer the absence of their top signal-caller. Football is a physical sport, and protected as they may be in today’s game, quarterbacks can’t fully escape the consequences.

This all begs the question: Which NFL teams are best positioned to weather a potential loss at quarterback?

8. Commanders (Marcus Mariota)​

Career Starts: 74 | Starting Record: 34-40

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Again, this is mostly about fit. So much of the backup game has to do with the setup. Mariota has never really been a steady passer at the NFL level. He’s still got chain-moving legs at 31, though, and played admirably in relief of Jayden Daniels in 2024. Throw in the vast experience, which includes an early-career playoff win with the Tennessee Titans, and he makes sense in a Kliff Kingsbury attack that prioritizes dual-threat quarterbacking.

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Podcasts & videos​

Full conversation with Commanders OL coach Bobby Johnson: https://t.co/2grpgwMpFv pic.twitter.com/9zYiDajNn4

— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) June 18, 2025​

It's pretty cool that the Commanders finished in the NFC title game last season considering the general expectations for their team before the year. Making it even more notable is that the HC-OC-OL coaches all were recently fired. Talk about a turnaround and special bond created.

— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) June 18, 2025​

Who knows how 2025 goes but from an offensive and OL perspective it is easy to be encouraged. All 5 OL starters are back + they added Tunsil & Conerly. This should ensure good depth and added flexibility from a schematic perspective.

— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) June 18, 2025​

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Episode 1,097 - Guest: @MarkBullockNFL. All-22-style analysis of the Commanders' depth at WR, with a particular focus on Luke McCaffrey. Great insight on what truly happened with him during his rookie season.

Nats reach new low point - is change imminent?https://t.co/1eXUU8trlB

— Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) June 18, 2025​

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NFL league links​

Articles​

ESPN​

NFL All Quarter Century team: Best 53-man roster, coaches​

Trent Williams​

Teams: Washington (2010-19), 49ers (2020-present)
Résumé since 2000: 187 starts, four-time All-Pro

Williams was chosen for the Pro Bowl in 11 seasons from 2012 to 2023, the most by any offensive tackle since 2000. He was very good in his 20s for Washington before holding out the entire 2019 season over disagreements with the team’s medical staff. He is even better in his 30s for San Francisco, leading all tackles in pass block win rate in 2023. — Schatz

Practice squad: Walter Jones, Jordan Mailata (International Player Pathway)

Champ Bailey​

Teams: Washington (1999-2003), Broncos (2004-13)
Résumé since 2000: 5 forced fumbles, 47 interceptions, seven-time All-Pro

Bailey amassed more approximate value (149), per Pro Football Reference, since 2000 than any other cornerback by a healthy margin (Patrick Peterson was second at 131). His number of interceptions from 2000 rank third most in this span. Bailey qualifies for this team on both peak and longevity; he is tied with Ray Lewis for the most Pro Bowl nods (12) on this roster. — Walder

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NFL.com​

2025 NFL All-Rookie Team: Projecting 14 instant-impact newcomers on defense/special teams​

Trey Amos, CB, Mississippi
Drafted: Round 2, No. 61 overall

Atrocious cornerback play last September forced Washington to move rookie Mike Sainristil outside, and he acquitted himself quite well, but the scrappy 5-foot-9 playmaker is likely still at his best in the nickel role. So, who can fill the CB slot opposite Marshon Lattimore?

The Commanders signed veteran Jonathan Jones, who offers inside/outside ability, but Amos sure has the look of a Dan Quinn corner. Washington was thrilled when he was still available late in the second round, and no wonder: The big, physical CB displayed enticing press-man ability last season in the SEC, earning first-team all-conference honors. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. undoubtedly appreciates Amos’ ball production (SEE: 3 INTs and 13 PBUs in 2024), having spent much of last season begging for takeaways.

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Pro Football Talk​

When will the Dolphins trade Jalen Ramsey?​

When the Dolphins suddenly announced in April that they’re looking to trade cornerback Jalen Ramsey, it made sense from a cap standpoint to wait until after June 1. Seventeen days after June 1, Ramsey remains a Dolphin.

So when will he be traded?

Only the Rams have been connected to Ramsey. Most recently, coach Sean McVay said “some obstacles” remain to doing a deal.

With the Dolphins making it clear that the relationship with Ramsey is over, they need a second team in the mix to create real leverage. The Dolphins could decide to wait. And if the wait lasts into training camp, things could become even more interesting.

It’s unlikely, given the circumstances, that the Dolphins would want Ramsey in training camp. If Ramsey goes along with that (they can’t keep him away if he wants to work), the Dolphins would keep waiting for the right deal.

And what if a deal isn’t done before the regular season begins? Will the Dolphins pay Ramsey to stay home until a trade materializes?

The situation could end up having parallels to the Deshaun Watson situation from 2021. He was nearly traded to the Dolphins before Week 1. Then, as the trade deadline approached, it almost happened again. When it didn’t, the Texans paid Watson for the rest of the season before trading him.

Given what the Texans got from the Browns for Watson in March 2022, it was money well spent. The Dolphins won’t be looking at a significant haul after the season. And it will cost them more than twice the $10 million the Texans paid Watson to not play four years ago.

The fact that a trade hasn’t happened proves that it’s not going smoothly.

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Broadcasting trends​

Front Office Sports​

Streaming Tops Linear for First Time, Sports Still Key to TV’s Resilience​

The media measurement agency said that streaming represented 44.8% of U.S. TV viewership in May, marking the first time it topped the combined share of broadcast and cable, coming in at 44.2% during the month.

The accelerating migration to streaming first hit a major tipping point in July 2023, when the combined linear share from broadcast and cable fell below 50% of total consumption for the first time. Less than two years later, the transition has become even more stark. Since 2021, when Nielsen first introduced The Gauge to monitor macro-level viewership trends on a monthly basis, streaming usage has grown by 71% while broadcast TV and cable have fallen 21% and 39%, respectively, in that time.

“While many expected this milestone to occur sooner, sporting events, news, and new season [entertainment] content have kept broadcast and cable surprisingly resilient,” Nielsen SVP Brian Fuhrer said. “The trend [toward streaming], however, has been very consistent.”

“An under-appreciated driver is the continued transformation of traditional media companies into streaming-first entities,” Fuhrer said. “Instead of competing and conflicting with their linear components, streaming platforms like Hulu, Paramount+, and Peacock have really come into their own as key connections to streaming-native consumers. This phenomenon is not limited to originals, as we’ve seen success with sporting events as well, most notably with the Super Bowl that Fox simulcast on Tubi.”

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Discussion topics​

#Lions WR Allen Robinson says that injuries prevented the team from defeating the #Commanders and a healthy team would’ve won the Super Bowl

( :@woodwardsports) pic.twitter.com/xRFX5hgGlS

— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) June 18, 2025​

Well, you'll always have the one handed catch in the home divisional round loss. #Raisehail

— Anthony YAH (@dcbigoso) June 18, 2025​

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All aTwitter​

For Washington: July 18 for rookies and July 22 for the veterans. Joint practices: Aug 6 at the Patriots and Aug 21 against the Ravens. https://t.co/NmjZqMs47M

— John Keim (@john_keim) June 18, 2025​

Just announced: Every scheduled joint practice for NFL teams during training camp. pic.twitter.com/qvSK4EQ5fD

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 18, 2025​

No doubter on 81. James Arthur Monk days til Washington football pic.twitter.com/dma4ize1LU

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) June 18, 2025​

Are you in or out on Brian Robinson Jr. in 2025? #Commanders #RaiseHail #FantasyFootball #ESPN #Yahoo #Sleeper #UnderdogFantasy https://t.co/LGmzQXPepz pic.twitter.com/cQSBmZR1Uv

— Crew Talk Sports (@Crewtalksports) June 18, 2025​

Here is our full story on the #Ravens signing former Pro Bowl CB Jaire Alexander to a 1-year, $4M deal with a chance to make $2M more with reachable incentives based on playing time. https://t.co/0lruhkwcw3https://t.co/0lruhkwcw3

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 18, 2025​

Some NFL owners believed at the time that the Commanders sale price should have been at least $7 billion instead of the then-record $6.05 billion that Josh Harris’s group paid to Daniel Snyder. Two years later, the Lakers are selling for a $10 billion valuation. https://t.co/59FkaOSvbn

— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) June 19, 2025​

"Jayden Daniels is a Commander, he never was a Redskin" -@Gcarmi21

Commanders are Moving Forward#commanders #NFL #httc pic.twitter.com/xDruQduVM4

— East Coast Gridiron (@ECG_FB) June 18, 2025​

I am 100% in favor of building the new RFK and everything that goes with it. I think it's a good deal for many.

However, I don't understand why the DC Council is being made to look bad for having questions and needing time.

They did not make this deal. They have to vote. https://t.co/C8dNzN0YEn

— Chris Russell AKA the ! (@Russellmania621) June 18, 2025​

Now @ChmnMendelson is demanding the underlying data that informs the revenue projections the @MayorBowser admin presented in their #RFKCampus proposal.

He said it's been 4 wks without what he requested. FYI @Commanders are expecting the stadium deal to be finalized by July 15. pic.twitter.com/8g8mI4kUnX

— Sam P.K. Collins (@SamPKCollins) June 18, 2025​

LETSSSSSSSSSS GOOOOOOOOOO #HTTC #Raisehail pic.twitter.com/w6SIz2nol9

— Andy Burrows (@washingtonukfan) June 18, 2025​

No tickets for me for the Madrid game, so far. #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/H48YD8TZlM

— Peter Schreiner (@PSchreiner1904) June 18, 2025​

Rick Snider’s Washington says Washington Nationals have become the Commanders where the only fix is selling. Gimme two minutes. pic.twitter.com/LkkmJRjiXk

— Rick Snider's Washington (@Snide_Remarks) June 18, 2025​

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Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/6/19...s-one-of-the-nfls-most-improved-teams-in-2025

 

[Washington Commanders]

The 5 O’Clock Club: Getting to know 4th round draft pick, WR Jaylin Lane

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere…

The 5 o’clock club is published from time to time during the season, and aims to provide a forum for reader-driven discussion at a time of day when there isn’t much NFL news being published. Feel free to introduce topics that interest you in the comments below.

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CLICK HERE to see the full 5 o’clock club archive

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Here’s part of an interview Jaylin Lane did with the Draft Network ahead of the Senior Bowl back in January:

What motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?

Jaylin Lane: It’s obviously a very prestigious game. The top draft-eligible athletes around the country are going to be in attendance. I didn’t want to miss my opportunity to showcase what I can do. I’m very thankful. This is very exciting.

I’m excited to prove that I’m a dual-threat guy. I can get open versus man and zone coverage, whatever the case may be. I can be a difference-maker on special teams as well. I’m an all-around athlete. I’m ready to showcase my speed.

I’m incredibly fast and explosive. I can get open versus whichever coverage is thrown my way. I can play slot receiver or outside. I can be a huge asset on special teams as the return guy. I have some highlights in coverage on special teams as well.

JM: Do you see yourself returning kicks and punts in the NFL? You’re so explosive.

Jaylin Lane: I definitely do. I can change the game as a kickoff and punt returner. I can flip the field. I can even play gunner on special teams. I love being a special teams guy.

JM: You can play outside and the slot, as you said. Do you maybe see the slot receiver role being your main fit at the next level?

Jaylin Lane: Yeah, I can definitely see that being the case. Smaller receivers like Cooper Kupp and guys like that, they’ve changed the math a little bit at receiver. You have smaller slot guys that are shifty and use their speed to get open.

That’s how we’re creating mismatch problems nowadays. I could see myself doing that.

JM: Would you compare yourself to any receivers in the league right now? Who do you enjoy watching and learning from?

Jaylin Lane: I always feel weird doing this. It feels a little disrespectful because those guys have proven themselves at the next level. I don’t know. I love watching Terry McLaurin right now. He’s very explosive and he knows how to get open. He has great hands, he makes great contested plays. I would love to play the game like him.

I find that final comment about Lane modeling his game on Terry McLaurin especially intriguing. Remember that this is a January interview, so Lane did not know that he would be McLaurin’s teammate in 2025.

He certainly shares some traits with Scary Terry.

Speed & Athleticism​

Draft prospects seem to get more athletic every year, and the 2025 class was no different. Though there were other receivers who got more attention from analysts, not many of them performed better than Lane at the combine

Lane received the 14th-highest Relative Athletic Score (RAS) among receivers, but that doesn’t fully speak to how impressive he was in Indianapolis. He had a 4.34 40-yard dash; a 40-inch vertical; an 11-foot broad jump; a 6.75 three-cone drill; and a 4.12 20-yard shuttle.

All those numbers ranked in the top three for wideouts. Although he’ll need to hone his skill set at the professional level, he certainly possesses the athletic traits to have a successful career.

"Everybody in the building wanted to draft Jaylin Lane..

He's incredible and we feel really good about him"

Adam Peters #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/gbwJk2yQwe

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 6, 2025​

Special Teams skills​

Because of the tremendous success McLaurin has had in the NFL, many people tend to forget that the Redskins were focused on Terry’s special teams skills when they drafted him in the 3rd round in 2019.

Of course, Terry was a gunner; while Jaylin Lane also lines up as a gunner, he is highly regarded as a returner — the guy that McLaurin would have been gunning for on punt coverage.

Adam Peters told Lane on his draft day phone call that he was the “top returner on our board”.

Jaylin Lane got the Commander tag and was the top punt returner on Washington's boardpic.twitter.com/7yiBuULfn5

— COMMANDERS FOOTBALL (@HogsHaven) April 26, 2025​

In an interview just days later, Lane talked about how overwhelming it was to receive that phone call from Adam Peters on draft day and how lucky he feels to have the opportunity to play in Washington.

Versatility​

Lane is a coach’s son, and like so many sons of so many coaches, he has a deep understanding of the game that enhances his versatility.

Listed at just 5’10” and 196 pounds, Lane is seen by many as a slot receiver, but his speed gives coaches the option of aligning him wide and using his 4.34 speed to challenge defensive backs. While he will likely earn his roster spot in 2025 as the team’s primary punt return man, he has the potential to establish himself as a versatile and talented wide receiver as his career progresses.

Earlier this offseason, Kliff Kingsbury addressed this:

[Lane is] very conscientious about his preparation and he’s really picked things up quick. We’ve kind of moved him around to try and challenge him inside, outside and he’s picked it all up, so I’m excited to see how he develops and does in training camp.

Adam Peters made it clear that on Day 3 of the draft, which AP characterized as “scouts day”, Lane enjoyed incredible support as Washington went through the process of finalizing the 4th round pick.

Rookie WR Jaylin Lane is a “DAWG” | Raising Hail with the Rookies | Washington Commanders | NFL​

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Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/6/19...g-to-know-4th-round-draft-pick-wr-jaylin-lane

 

[Washington Commanders]

Daily Slop - 20 Jun 25 - John Keim on Noah Brown’s injury: “I don’t believe it’s anything serious”

Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, and a sprinkling of other stuff

Commanders links​

Articles​

Commanders.com​

Beathard family reacts to unveiling of new Bobby Beathard Draft Room​

Named after the most successful general manager in Washington’s history and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the space is a tribute to and a reminder of Beathard’s inspiring legacy on and off the field.

In a world where winning means so much, there’s little question as to why a team would want to carry forward and exalt the work of Bobby Beathard. He was a winner. Four Super Bowl appearances, three Lombardi trophies and several gold jackets were produced by his brilliance in Washington.

“Shoot, if we’re half as good as him, we’ll be alright,” general manager Adam Peters said with a laugh.

“People write stories, and they write about what he’s done, but that room made me think people understood that he was so much more than a good GM,” Christine Beathard said. “So many of the pictures, he was smiling or laughing. And I look at some of the videos where he is running out on the field and he embraces virtually everybody he meets.”

Beathard’s approach to his work – which he said never felt like work – built a one-of-a-kind culture in Washington and impacted everyone he crossed paths with.

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The Athletic (paywall)​

What Commanders’ offseason program taught us about each position group​

[T]here was the social media fuss when a clip from practice showed Samuel jogging while running a route. Players often do not run full speed during certain portions of practice where the focus is on communication more than execution. People also took the opportunity to question the ex-San Francisco 49ers’ physique. There’s a history of weight struggles over his career, which is something to monitor, but claiming Samuel is currently chunky seems off.

Samuel has a natural, thicker build, more like a running back than a receiver. He garners backfield snaps accordingly. Coach Dan Quinn, likely aware of the criticisms, praised Samuel’s speed and performance last week.

Training camp becomes about cohesion. One question was resolved when Quinn stated that Brandon Coleman’s transition from left tackle would involve shifting one spot over.

That doesn’t mean the second-year lineman is the definite starter between Tunsil and center Tyler Biadasz, but it’s his job to lose. Nick Allegretti would then slide to right guard until Sam Cosmi recovers from January’s ACL surgery, though Nate Herbig should not be ruled out.

Coleman at guard also means the starter at right tackle will be either first-round pick Josh Conerly Jr. or Andrew Wylie. Granted, the staff could platoon the pair. Washington split left tackle work between Coleman and veteran Cornelius Lucas for half the season in 2024.

Conerly, 21, is the long-term play. Wylie, the right tackle starter two years running, might be the best bet for Week 1.

Rolling out cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore, Mike Sainristil, second-round rookie Trey Amos, two-time Super Bowl champion Jonathan Jones and 2024 slot starter Noah Igbinoghene is a significant on-paper upgrade over last season’s initial group. That the lengthy Amos looked the part in OTAs and minicamp, and Lattimore arrived healthy and humble after a trying time post-trade, increased the optimism.

Per TruMedia, Washington played with five defensive backs on a league-high 82.7 percent of defensive snaps last season, and foes took advantage of that smaller lineup in the run game. Bobby Wagner’s return also means another year for Magee to learn from the future Hall of Famer.

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WUSA9​

Commanders detail ambitious stadium vision amid growing concerns over DC Council delays​

The Washington Commanders are pushing for a $3 billion stadium at RFK, but Council delays could jeopardize the 2030 opening.

Design Process Underway​

The Commanders are currently in the middle of reviewing proposals from design firms, and the team expects to make a selection by fall, with the source noting the importance of finding architects with proven stadium experience.

While official renderings are not yet available, the team has seen conceptual designs that highlight the unique opportunity presented by the RFK site. Unlike other urban stadiums that had to be built in existing neighborhoods, the Commanders will be replacing a stadium that already exists on the site.

The source also described plans for a distinctive approach to the stadium that would include a processional walk-up experience reminiscent of the original RFK Stadium, but enhanced with modern entertainment and dining options. This approach draws inspiration from successful mixed-use developments like The Battery in Atlanta, which surrounds Truist Park, home to the Atlanta Braves.

The Battery complex is a mix of shops, dining, living and workspace in the area surrounding Truist Park. The Battery spans 60 acres and includes numerous amenities for visitors with a mixed-used development, open on non-game days in addition to game days.

Roof Design​

One of the most significant features of the proposed stadium will be some version of a translucent roof, a design element that was important to Mayor Muriel Bowser and city officials. The roof will enable year-round use of the facility, while maintaining a connection to the outdoors.

While the team appears reluctant to alter major economic provisions, they have indicated some willingness to work with the Council on community benefits packages. The source noted that this aspect of the agreement was intentionally left vague to allow for input from city officials and community members.

However, the team emphasized that significant work went into reaching the current economic framework with Bowser. The source expressed hope that continued discussions with the Council would demonstrate the deal’s value.

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CBS Sports​

Prisco’s NFL Top 100 players of 2025​

33 - Jayden Daniels - Washington Commanders QB​

Daniels showed as a rookie that he has star potential and should be a top-level quarterback for a long time. It’s scary to think how good he can be once he learns how to really play the position. (Last season: NR)

81 - Terry McLaurin - Washington Commanders WR​

In 2024, when he finally had a top-level quarterback, McLaurin was even better than he had been in the past. He had 82 catches with a career-high 13 touchdown receptions as he and Jayden Daniels developed a nice rapport. (Last season: NR)

88 - Bobby Wagner - Washington Commanders MLB​

At the age of 34, Wagner continues to be a good player who impacts the game. His run defense is outstanding, but he can also rush and still can play the pass, even if he doesn’t cover as much ground as he did in the past. (Last season: NR)

Here’s Prisco’s top-five quarterbacks:

1. Patrick Mahomes (1)
2. Josh Allen (4)
3. Lamar Jackson (6)
4. Joe Burrow (7)
5. Jayden Daniels (33)

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Podcasts & videos​

On video: 5 things I think. On takeaways from the Commanders’ spring; on 4th quarter defensive numbers that MUST improve. Have they done enough to change them? Why it’s so important to have Wagner/Ertz back for another year. More. ⁦@ESPNRichmond⁩ https://t.co/8Aas2MoUVw

— John Keim (@john_keim) June 17, 2025​

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@davidaldridgedc returns:

Terry McLaurin's
Stadium delay concerns
Jayden Daniels talk is everywhere
NBA Draft notes - What is going on with Ace Bailey? Don't hold your breath, Wiz nation.
Wizards trading up? Trading vets? https://t.co/3UpQgQetLB

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) June 19, 2025​

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ESPN NFL LIVE | Jayden Daniels Is The BEST QB In The NFC With The Washington Commanders​

ESPN NFL LIVE | Washington Commanders Must IMPROVE The Run Game, Not Just PROTECT Jayden Daniels​

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NFC East links​

Big Blue View​

Giants projected to finish under 5.5 wins in 2025 by PFF​

In their latest 2025 season projections, PFF listed the Giants with an over/under win total of 5.5, with the analytics site leaning toward the under. That would mark the third time in four years the team finished with six or fewer wins under general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll.

Now entering their fourth season together, the pressure on Schoen and Daboll has never been higher. After last year’s 3-14 collapse, the worst in franchise history, the Giants overhauled key parts of the roster, most notably at quarterback. Russell Wilson is now under center, brought in as a veteran presence to stabilize a position that was a revolving door last season.

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Blogging the Boys​

Cowboys roundtable: Discussing team weaknesses, Micah Parsons’ contract, and WR​

What position is still a weakness for the Cowboys?​

Brian: For me, it’s without a doubt defensive tackle. After finishing ranked 29th in the league in run defense last year, allowing 137.1 yards per game, the Cowboys didn’t little to upgrade this glaring concern this offseason. Right now they are depending on Mazi Smith suddenly having a breakout season and Jay Toia, a seventh-round pick this year, to be their run stuffers. That sadly doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence.

Howman: I’ll say the offensive line. Tyler Booker has rightfully generated excitement, but he’s still a rookie trying to replace a Hall of Famer. Tyler Guyton looks improved, but it’s hard to judge this early in the process, and Terence Steele has always toed the line between reliability and liability. The depth of this group also comes with plenty of question marks that won’t be answered for another two months or so.

Tom: Howman makes a good argument, but don’t overlook the thin cornerback group. Trevon Diggs is coming off knee surgery. We have no idea how ready he will be to start the season. Jourdan Lewis is gone and DaRon Bland took a big step back after his breakout rookie season. Add in a new defensive coordinator and scheme, and this could be a weakness other teams will exploit.

Jess: There’s more than one potential weakness, and my colleagues did a good job hitting on some. I’m going to add backup QB to the discussion. Dak Prescott has missed 25 games over the last five seasons. Say what you will about the limitations in Cooper Rush’s game, he provided stability and executed well enough to go 9-5 as a starter since 2021. We’re all excited by Joe Milton’s physical gifts, but Dallas is taking a big risk making either him or Will Grier the next man up if Prescott misses time again. It’s not so much about the season-ending injury, but what about the ankle sprain that only knocks Dak out for 4-5 games? You want a QB2 who can keep the season going, and right now, we don’t know if that guy is on the roster.

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Confidence: Cowboys standout CB Trevon Diggs says that they will win the Super Bowl this year.

“This will be our year”

Dallas has extremely high expectations. pic.twitter.com/kp265TzUfD

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 19, 2025​

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NFL league links​

Articles​

Deadspin​

Trey Hendrickson Contract Dispute: Why the Bengals Will Eventually Pay Their Star Pass Rusher​

[G]et ready for Hendrickson to skip training camp while holding out for a massive payday.

The negotiations could stretch into September and right up to Cincinnati’s season opener on Sept. 7 against Garrett and the Browns.

After all, Bengals star quarterback Joe Burrow didn’t sign his extension until three days before the team’s 2023 opener. That five-year, $275 million deal was the richest in NFL history at the time.

Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase sat out training camp last season before landing his four-year, $161 million extension — the largest ever for an NFL receiver — in March. Fellow wideout Tee Higgins played under the franchise tag the past two seasons before also agreeing to a new four-year, $115 million deal at the same time Chase signed.

Hendrickson has seen the process firsthand. He knows how the Bengals do business.

Cincinnati isn’t known for giving money away. It takes a firm stance from the player and his representatives to get the franchise to budge.

So watch — Hendrickson will eventually sign a rich deal. Probably in September.

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Shedeur Sanders said this about his speeding violation:

“I’ve made some wrong choices, I can own up to it—I learn from them” pic.twitter.com/RUTa1IJ20f

— GUCCE ‍ (@gucceCU) June 19, 2025​

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Discussion topics​

WOULD YOU SUPPORT YOUR TEAM SIGNING HENRY RUGGS FOR THE 2026 #NFL SEASON?

Ruggs has served his prison sentence with a perfect conduct record; he is only 26 years old and will be eligible to return to the NFL. pic.twitter.com/sA64dw2wbv

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) June 18, 2025​

8 News Now​

Former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III spoke publicly for the first time since he was sentenced in a 2021 DUI crash that left a woman and her dog dead.

Ruggs was granted temporary prison release Tuesday to attend a Hope for Prisoners event, where he spoke with former prisoners and those currently incarcerated.

“I wish I could turn back the hands of time,” Ruggs said.

Ruggs, now 26, was sentenced on Aug. 9, 2023, after pleading guilty to driving drunk at 156 mph and crashing into a car, killing 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog.

The crash happened in November 2021. Prosecutors had said Ruggs’ blood-alcohol level was 0.16, which is twice the legal limit.

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All aTwitter​

John Keim on this week's "5 things" podcast said re: Noah Brown:

"Don't think we'll get an update on him until...training camp. I don't know the injury; I don't believe it's anything serious. You're...gonna have to wait a few more weeks...to find out."#RaiseHail

— Bill-in-Bangkok (@billhorgan2005) June 19, 2025​

Entering the 2025 NFL season, @FourVerts gives his top 10 QBs pic.twitter.com/aNytKuDo0v

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) June 19, 2025​

Did Jayden Daniels get abducted by aliens? https://t.co/CisbvjEUke

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) June 20, 2025​

Five-time Pro Bowl LB CJ Mosley is retiring from the NFL, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports.

The Alabama standout recorded over 1,000 tackles in 11 seasons with the Ravens and the Jets. pic.twitter.com/81vR3UXhIx

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) June 19, 2025​

After the Texans' unprecedented deal with No. 34 pick Jayden Higgins, #Saints second-round QB Tyler Shough is requesting a fully-guaranteed contract.https://t.co/ppVp0vzT0W

— Pro Football Rumors (@pfrumors) June 20, 2025​

ESPN has released its all-century team defense:

Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/Ut8OywQFy6

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 19, 2025​

ESPN has released its all-century team offense:

Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/FKUeNOO7gL

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 18, 2025​

Washington Redskins (2006)

vs. Texans

Power Shovel @TheRealC_Portis pic.twitter.com/DPtGO6B4RM

— Last of the Fullbacks (@TheLastFullback) June 19, 2025​

The most rushing yards in NFL history before turning the age of...

Emmitt Smith making the list twice pic.twitter.com/7IqgvJdokK

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 19, 2025​

Former #NFL superstar #AdrianPeterson got into a fistfight with a poker player following a dispute over a hand ... and #TMZSports has obtained video of the tussle. pic.twitter.com/WdhcZFHwBt

— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) June 19, 2025​

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Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/6/20...ns-injury-i-dont-believe-its-anything-serious

 

[Washington Commanders]

Daily Slop - 21 Jun 25 - Encouraging reports on RG Sam Cosmi’s rehab from torn ACL

Photo by Jorge Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images

A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, and a sprinkling of other stuff

Commanders links​

Articles​

Commanders.com​

Cosmi ‘doing excellent’ in recovery from ACL injury​

The Washington Commanders lost a key piece of their offense when guard Sam Cosmi went down with an ACL injury in the Division round in January. It guaranteed that he would miss the NFC Championship a week later and at least a portion of the 2025 season.

There’s still no timetable for when Cosmi could return to the lineup, but all things are going as planned for the former second-round pick.

“Sam is doing excellent,” said head coach Dan Quinn. “Like he has really put the work in. He’s hitting all the markers that he’s supposed to. We’re not gonna miss one step along the process. But it starts with him, man, like just the, the everyday intensity that goes with it.”

Cosmi, who underwent surgery on his knee after the team’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the conference championship game, was seen jogging on the sideline during the team’s final minicamp practice. Although there are still several steps for Cosmi to take before being ready to suit up again, it does align with Quinn’s assertion that he is on track for a return at some point in the season.

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Riggo’s Rag​

Colson Yankoff’s surge over Commanders’ offseason program raises the stakes for Ben Sinnott​

Most NFL teams only elect to keep three tight ends on their roster. The Commanders have usually been no exception to that.

Last year, Yankoff made it four, but he spent a chunk of the season on injured reserve before returning to appear in two playoff games. He took only six offensive snaps and did not record any statistics outside of special teams.

If he continues to be a revelation this offseason, that might change in 2025. In this scenario, Washington may have to make room for him to be part of the offensive rotation.

It would be shocking if the Commanders released Ertz despite his age making him expendable. He’s one of the team’s most respected leaders and still a productive player who enjoyed his best campaign in several years last fall. Bates’ role as a blocker and overall “glue guy” also feels secure.

That leaves Sinnott, the second-round pick who struggled to get on the field as a rookie. After entering the season with some reasonable hype, the Kansas State product caught only five passes for 28 receiving yards and one touchdown.

Sinnott will have every opportunity this summer to make strides, but so will Yankoff. So far, it appears that the less heralded second-year contributor is the one doing more to raise his stock.

As it stands today, one has to wonder whether or not the two-time first-team All-Big 12 member would make the Commanders’ roster. However, head coach Dan Quinn was glowing in his praise of Sinnott for the work ethic and improvements demonstrated over the offseason.

Although that’s a big positive, Yankoff’s surprising emergence needs to be taken as a shot in the arm for Sinnott.

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Podcasts & videos​

Rookie Report: CB Trey Amos, Defensive Discussion & Cowboy Cody? | Get Loud | Commanders​

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NFC East Breakdown Pt2: The Washington Commanders | The Best Football Show​

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NFC East links​

Bleeding Green Nation​

9 losers from the Eagles’ spring practices​

QB DORIAN THOMPSON-ROBINSON​

DTR was the worst quarterback from the Eagles’ spring practices. It’s not like he was absolutely awful; it’s just that everyone else was clearly better ... including his top competition for the QB3 role, rookie Kyle McCord. In fairness to DTR, it’s not like his mobility is maximized in a practice setting. He might be able to shine a bit more in preseason games. For now, though, it looks like he’s the odd man out in the quarterback room.

S SYDNEY BROWN​

The good news for Brown is that he’s the first man up at first-team safety next to Reed Blankenship. He has an opportunity to win that job. The bad news is that Brown had some struggles in coverage during spring practices. He’s also splitting his first-team reps with rookie Andrew Mukuba and others. I think Eagles fans seem to be higher on Brown than Vic Fangio is.

CB TARIQ CASTRO-FIELDS ​

I wrote down TCF’s number in my notes a lot this spring. And not because he was making plays ... but rather because he was allowing them.

OL BRETT TOTH​

With Cam Jurgens still recovering from offseason back surgery, Toth was the Eagles’ first-team center. He struggled to snap the ball effectively to the point where it ruined multiple reps for the offense. Toth had this same exact issue two years ago, which led to the Eagles re-signing Josh Andrews just to have a center who could properly snap the ball in practice. Jurgens is expected to be ready for training camp, so, that’s good. Still, it’s time to end the Toth at center experiment. It’s just not working. Drew Kendall should be getting his center reps.

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Big Blue View​

When will Jaxson Dart start? ‘Pretty darn early,’ says NFL insider​

Add NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah to the list of those who think this will not be a full redshirt season for New York Giants’ rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.

“I think he’s got a chance to play pretty darn early here,” Jeremiah told Rich Eisen. “You just kind of listen to the words of Brian Daboll and you get the sense, this was his guy. He’s invested in him, and he seems to really, really like him ... it sounds a little different the way he’s talking about him.

“To me that makes it sound like , hey, this isn’t something that this is a redshirt year for him as they hand the ball to Russell Wilson for a full season. I think we’re gonna see a lot of Jaxson Dart this year.”

Jeremiah’s prediction for Dart’s first start? Week 7 against the Denver Broncos, a game that comes after a 10-day layoff for the Giants.

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NFL league links​

Articles​

Pro Football Focus​

2025 NFL running back unit rankings: Derrick Henry spearheads Ravens’ top-ranked group​

4. Philadelphia Eagles​

Saquon Barkley’s incredible 2024 season alone earns Philadelphia a high mark on this list. Postseason included, Barkley rushed for more than 2,500 yards last season while forcing 83 missed tackles and generating an astonishing 55 explosive runs.

AJ Dillon and Will Shipley will be Barkley’s backups in 2025. Dillon missed all of last season due to a neck injury but earned a solid 76.1 PFF rushing grade in 2023. Shipley tallied just 34 carries during his rookie campaign but could be the team’s primary kick returner this season.

14. Washington Commanders​

The Commanders don’t have a singular star in their running back room, but they do have a considerable amount of depth. Brian Robinson Jr. has proven reliable and led the unit with 928 rushing yards last season, including the playoffs. Austin Ekeler rebounded from a tough 2023 to earn a 69.8 PFF overall grade.

Third-stringer Jeremy McNichols recorded an 86.3 PFF rushing grade in limited work in 2024, and the team will likely look for seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt to contribute soon.

31. New York Giants​

Giants running backs ranked 30th in the NFL in PFF rushing grade last season, yet the team brought its two leading ball carriers back for another season.

Tyrone Tracy Jr. displayed flashes with three 100-yard games, but he slowed down late in the season and eventually earned a mediocre 69.6 PFF rushing grade.

Devin Singletary was a bit less efficient and generated just 10 explosive runs out of 113 carries. Perhaps fourth-round rookie Cam Skattebo can provide a jolt after leading all Power Four running backs with a 93.3 PFF overall grade last season while at Arizona State.

32. Dallas Cowboys​

The Cowboys allowed their two leading rushers, Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott, to leave in free agency. Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders have since taken their place.

Williams struggled in Denver, recording just a 64.6 PFF rushing grade over the past three seasons. Sanders has yet to rediscover the high level of production he showed in 2022 with Philadelphia. Fifth-round rookie Jaydon Blue could provide a boost with his speed and receiving ability, but he’s never been a workhorse type of back. Dallas’ running back situation could become a major issue during the 2025 season.

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All aTwitter​

Eyes on Noah Brown https://t.co/fuHQQlYbJ9

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) June 21, 2025​

79 days away @Commanders #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/3OwKfiklHw

— DLacks21 (@Cheddarbob804) June 20, 2025​

79 days until the @Commanders kick off the 2025 season! #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/kOPi1F8yTl

— MurphCommanders (@CommanderMurph) June 20, 2025​

EVERY #NFL TEAMS REPORTED 2026 MADDEN BETA RATINGS

Chiefs: 92
49ers: 92
Ravens: 91
Dolphins: 89
Cowboys: 88
Lions: 88
Bengals: 87
Browns: 87
Eagles: 87
Jets: 86
Steelers: 86
Bills: 85
Buccaneers: 84
Falcons: 84
Vikings: 83
Texans: 83
Saints: 83
Chargers: 82
Rams: 82… pic.twitter.com/EkXXwkFsGq

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) June 20, 2025​

strike a pose pic.twitter.com/q9ZzGn5jHH

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 20, 2025​

Hahahahaha. Jacob Misiorowski should be arrested for this! pic.twitter.com/2kzdYFLwm9

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) June 21, 2025​

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Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/6/21...-reports-on-rg-sam-cosmis-rehab-from-torn-acl

 

[Washington Commanders]

Commanders fans feel good about the team’s deep CB group

Survey results!!

In this week’s Reacts survey, we asked readers to vote on the position groups that they felt most and least confident about, with the choices being linebacker, cornerback, and safety.

Judging from the comments that attended the article, a lot of survey respondents didn’t feel deep concern about any of the three position groups, though they were willing to rank them.

In the end, respondents expressed the greatest confidence in the cornerback group, with nearly half of all voters giving them the thumbs up.

The linebacker group, however, was not far behind, with 41% of voters expressing a lack of concern about the group.

It’s easy to see why.

Cornerback​

Washington may be fielding its best and deepest cornerback group in many years. Marshon Lattimore, Jonathan Jones, Mikey Sainristil and Noah Igbinoghene were all starters in 2024. To supplement this group, Adam Peters drafted a consensus top-5 CB in Trey Amos, the 6’1”, 195 lb press corner from Ole Miss. With five quality players, three of whom have the ability to play slot, field or boundary corner positions, the Commanders are in a position to play a variety of coverages and to withstand an in-season injury or two.

2024 starting CB room:
Benjamin St-Juste
Emmanuel Forbes
Michael Davis

2025 starting CB room:
Marshon Lattimore
Trey Amos
Mike Sainristil

What a come up #RaiseHail

— Matt Seabrook (@Seabiscuit_62) June 20, 2025​

Linebacker​

At linebacker, the Commanders return both starters from last season — 11-time All Pro Bobby Wagner and 2024 All Pro Frankie Luvu — who each played at least 98% of the teams defensive snaps last season. Filling a key backup role is last year’s 5th round draft pick, Jordan Magee, who injured his knee in the ‘24 preseason and spent two months on injured reserve. Magee played only 15 defensive snaps as a rookie, though he tallied 146 special teams snaps. Reports about the young linebacker from coaches this offseason have been positive. Magee was a productive college player for Temple, recording back-to-back 80-tackle season with 223 stops for a loss in that span. His leadership and production led to him being given a single-digit number by Temple — one of the program’s highest honors for a player.

Safety was the biggest concern​

The highest level of concern was at the safety position. There seemed to be two primary concerns.

Firstly, in a similar situation to last season when there was a lot of angst over the decision not to re-sign Kam Curl, commenters expressed concern over the decision to allow Curl’s replacement, Jeremy Chinn, to leave in free agency in March. Not everyone is convinced that Chinn can be adequately replaced by Will Harris (or Jeremy Reaves or Tyler Owen).

Secondly (and related) is the feeling that safety is not a deep group so it could be derailed by injury.

Even so, many commenters still felt good about the safety group.

National email survey​

In addition to the poll that we run for readers here on Hogs Haven, SB Nation sends out polls via email to members across the nation who comprise fans of all 32 NFL teams.

Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

This week, the national survey asked fans which conference (AFC or NFC) was stronger in the 4 geographical divisions. In the question most related to the Commanders, the poll asked voters to choose between the AFC East and NFC East.

In the AFC East, the division appears to be dominated at the moment by the Buffalo Bills, the only AFCE team to make the playoffs last season. In 2024, the other three teams all had losing records, ranging from 4 to 8 wins per team. With a new head coach and a promising 2nd-year quarterback, the Patriots may be on the rise, but the Jets have just done a hard reboot with the hiring of Aaron Glenn as the head coach of a team quarterbacked by Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor. The Dolphins looked promising in 2023, but took a step back in ‘24.

The NFC East, of course, boasts the super bowl champion, and the division’s top two teams played against each other in the NFC Championship game just 5 months ago. The top three teams have settled QB situations, with Washington boasting the best young signal caller in the league. The Giants seem to be in a bit of a muddle, with 2025 seen as a key season for the head coach and GM, who followed up a respectable playoff season in 2022 with a pair of stinkers. With respect to the Giants, having now moved on from Daniel Jones, New York will look to rely on a strong defensive front seven and a refreshed QB room to change the team’s fortunes, while Dallas will hope to rekindle success with a head coaching change.

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Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/6/21/24453046/commanders-fans-feel-good-about-the-teams-deep-cb-group

 

[Washington Commanders]

Daily Slop - 22 Jun 25 - Josh Harris spent half a million dollars to buy Jayden Daniels rookie card

A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, and a sprinkling of other stuff

Commanders links​

Articles​

Commanders Wire​

Commanders’ defense led the NFL in one important stat in 2025​

Last year, 135 two-point conversions were attempted, and contrary to what you might think, the quarterback rolling out for a run/pass option is not the most common strategy for these conversions. In fact, 73% of two-point attempts in 2024 were passing plays, and over the last 10 years, it’s about the same at 72.5%. Even on third or fourth and two, 61% of plays were passing plays.

Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.’s defense had more two-point stops than any other team last season, stopping eight of the nine attempts against them.

“Most people aren’t willing to run the ball in that situation,” Whitt said via Greg Auman of Fox Sports. “So, where are most people going to attack? They’re going to try to attack your flats. Are they a flat left or flat right team? Are they going to try to move the pocket? Are they a crosser team? Once you realize that, there’s only so many things they’re going to do down there, so you rep it. ... Now, if they run the ball, that’s what makes it a whole lot more difficult, but not a lot of people are going to do that.”

He said that part of the reason they are successful against two-point conversions is that they practice them every week. They install two two-point conversion plays each week. The first is their initial go-to formation, while the second simply offers a different look to their opponent should they attempt a second two-point conversion.

“Those are game-winning plays,” Whitt said. “DQ [Dan Quinn] does a great job of talking to the team about winning moments when it comes down to it. We rep it as part of our red zone defense when we get into the low red, and we talk about it once it’s closer to the game: ‘This is what we’re going to go with.’”

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NFL.com​

Five teams that won the NFL offseason​

Washington Commanders​

Commanders’ offseason additions | Washington’s 2025 draft class

It’s hard to improve from good to great in the NFL, but the Commanders might join the league’s elites with an improved roster that features more blue-chip players around 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels. The trades for Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel place a pair of Pro Bowl-caliber players in marquee positions (left tackle and WR2) that should help the offense unlock another gear in 2025. If the team can resolve Terry McLaurin’s contract situation, the Commanders will have a chance to open the season with an electric offense that will put plenty of stress on defensive coordinators crafting plans to stop the juggernaut.

Defensively, the additions of Deatrich Wise and Jonathan Jones fortify a unit that is coming into its own under the direction of head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. If the Commanders continue to receive key contributions from their young defensive backs (Mike Sainristil, Quan Martin and Trey Amos), the reigning NFC runner-up could take the next step in 2025.

My expectation for 2025: The Commanders are built to run through the NFC with a superstar quarterback surrounded by a stellar supporting cast. If Washington can secure the NFC’s No. 1 seed, we could see a championship parade in the nation’s capital come February.

Chicago Bears​

My expectation for 2025: The table is set for the Bears to make a playoff run this season. They have upgraded their play-caller, playmakers and pass protectors to ensure Williams sparks a turnaround as a sophomore.

New England Patriots​

My expectation for 2025: The Patriots should quickly close ground on their division rivals as a .500 squad that makes a push for a playoff berth over the final month of the season.

Las Vegas Raiders​

My expectation for 2025: The Raiders could emerge as a dark-horse playoff contender thanks to Carroll’s experience and expertise. The 73-year-old coach knows how to put together winning game plans, and his roster features enough talent to chalk up nine-plus wins.

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Newsweek​

Cowboys Star Utters Bold Statement on Commanders’ Jayden Daniels​

Earlier this week, Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs linked up with viral streamer N3on. During his appearance, he was posed with the question of naming his top five quarterbacks in the NFL right now.

Diggs started off by being a loyal teammate and giving Dak Prescott a shoutout. He then went on to put the Commanders’ rising star in the same breath as talents like Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson.

“I’m a go Dak,” Diggs said. “Aaron Rodgers, Jayden Daniels, no order. Mahomes, Lamar.”

#Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs ranks Jayden Daniels in his top 5 current QBs in the NFL

( :@N3onOnYT) pic.twitter.com/V6aZLozX1e

— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) June 18, 2025​

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Riggo’s Rag​

Commanders’ offensive line dynamic could make or break their 2025 hopes​

Washington recognized the need to improve the protection in front of star quarterback Jayden Daniels this offseason. Peters traded for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil and drafted Oregon standout Josh Conerly Jr. at No. 29 overall. This could be a dynamic bookend tackle partnership, which involved some maneuvering for others.

This brings Brandon Coleman under the microscope. Head coach Dan Quinn is switching the former third-round pick inside after he spent last season occupying Daniels’ blindside. He was solid if not spectacular, but all signs suggest that his physical attributes are better suited to the interior.

Coleman has slotted into the left guard spot, with Nick Allegretti potentially switching to the right-hand side until Sam Cosmi fully recovers from his torn ACL. It’s a risky proposition that could make or break the team’s hopes of going deep into the postseason once again. But it could also bring substantial rewards if everything comes together as expected.

Washington’s new offensive line dynamic and Coleman’s transition will be tested heavily when training camp rolls around. That’s when things become more physical and intense. The Commanders’ protection must become a cohesive unit quickly. Anything less comes with problematic ramifications attached.

Camp will hopefully iron out any issues. Joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens and the New England Patriots will provide a sound measuring stick regarding their 2025 outlook. The pressure is on, and Coleman’s position change could be the difference between success and failure.

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Podcasts & videos​

End of minicamp player interviews​

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NFC East links​

Bleeding Green Nation​

14 I don’t knows from the Eagles’ spring practices​

LB NAKOBE DEAN​

Fangio said Dean “won’t be back for a while.” It seems like he might begin the season on the reserve/physically unable to perform list (PUP) after suffering a torn patellar tendon on January 12. If that’s the case, Dean will automatically miss the Eagles’ first four games. It’s possible he’ll be out even longer.

This is a really big year for Dean since he’s set to be a free agent after the 2025 season. And his injury recovery isn’t the only obstacle to him getting back on the field. What if Campbell is shining in his absence? A good problem for the Eagles to have, for sure, but not so ideal for Dean’s personal outlook.

WR JAHAN DOTSON​

The good news is that Jalen Hurts showed a willingness to throw to Dotson. It’s important for them to build chemistry this offseason. Of course, Hurts often didn’t have A.J. Brown (resting) or DeVonta Smith (absent until minicamp) to throw to.

I don’t know if Dotson looked so good that I feel confident that he’ll be significantly better in 2025. It’s really not a high bar to clear since he finished 112th out of 112 wide receivers in yards per route run last season. He also doesn’t need to — and likely won’t — post big numbers since he’s behind Brown, Smith, and Dallas Goedert in the target pecking order. But it would be nice if he’s mixed in a little bit more than he was in 2024.

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Blogging the Boys​

How the DeMarvion Overshown situation could present some challenges for the Cowboys front office​

Last year was a tough season for the Dallas Cowboys. They were losing games, injuries were piling up, and it became very evident early in the season that this team wasn’t going anywhere. That’s not a common thing for this organization. The team experienced a similar ordeal in 2020, but outside of that, lost seasons have not really been a thing for the Cowboys.

With all the bad things that went wrong last year, there might not have been a worse event than the DeMarvion Overshown injury. Yes, many players got hurt, and yes, one of them was a season-ending hamstring injury to the team’s franchise quarterback, Dak Prescott. But for many of the hurt players, we knew they would heal up and be ready to go next year. That’s not the case for Overshown.

A third-round pick in 2023, Overshown has been a player the team has loved from the beginning. A celebrating war room on draft day served as a testament to what they felt they got. Sadly, his rookie season was taken away from him after he suffered a torn ACL in a preseason game.

Last season, he returned, healthy as an ox, but fast as a gazelle. Overshown gave us a dose of his athleticism as he was all over the field. His length and great closing speed made him one of the defense’s top players. His playmaking ability made him worth the wait, but sadly, an injury struck again. In Week 14 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Overshown injured his knee again, but this time it was much worse. He tore his ACL, MCL, and PCL, bringing a dark cloud over the career of the team’s young defensive superstar.

According to reports, Overshown’s rehab is progressing nicely, and there is some optimism that a mid-season return could happen. When he returns and what he’s able to do this soon are big mysteries, and it’s reasonable to lower our expectations for the upcoming season. When you look at the range of outcomes, the likelihood of him either missing the entire year or coming back late and having a limited impact seems rather large. Only time will tell.

With little information likely to work with from the upcoming season, the team will have a big decision to make. They can extend him next offseason before he enters the final year of his rookie contract, or they can wait and see and take their chances in free agency. This is a decision that is a lot tougher than it sounds.

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NFL league links​

Articles​

Pro Football Focus​

2025 NFL receiving corps rankings: Eagles kick things off at No. 1​

1. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES​

The Eagles earned a team 79.1 PFF receiving grade last season and boast the No. 1 (A.J. Brown) and No. 17 (DeVonta Smith) receivers in PFF’s top 32 wide receiver rankings, as well as the No. 2 running back (Saquon Barkley) and No. 8 tight end (Dallas Goedert). Throw in Jahan Dotson as an ideal No. 3 receiver, and you’ve got a group that has a strong case for being the best in the league.

13. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS​

Terry McLaurin leads the league with 89 contested catches since 2020, and his 1.31 PFF WAR over the past three seasons ranks seventh among wide receivers.

The Commanders traded for Deebo Samuel, who is poised for a bounce-back season with a change of scenery. Noah Brown, Zach Ertz and Austin Ekeler all recorded receiving grades above 70.0 last season and are back for 2025.

15. DALLAS COWBOYS​

CeeDee Lamb carries the Cowboys’ ranking here. His 79.9 PFF receiving grade in 2024 was low for his standards, but he recorded a 91.2 mark the year prior when Dak Prescott was fully healthy. Dallas traded for George Pickens, who is coming off a career-high 78.6 PFF overall grade, but they need more from Jake Ferguson, Jalen Tolbert and someone — anyone — out of the backfield.

24. NEW YORK GIANTS​

The Giants’ passing attack isn’t just Malik Nabers, but he represents the biggest piece of the pie. Nabers earned an 87.1 PFF receiving grade as a rookie despite a terrible quarterback situation. He was the only Giants receiver to earn a single-season receiving grade higher than 65.0 in 2024.

Tyrone Tracy Jr., Theo Johnson, Wan’Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton and Jalin Hyatt make up the same group from 2024, which posted a 29th-ranked 67.1 PFF receiving grade.

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ESPN​

NFL luxury players in 2025 season: Best slot CB, backup QB, more​

Fourth wide receiver​

Olamide Zaccheaus, WR, Chicago Bears​

There are certainly bigger names who might fall fourth on a depth chart at wide receiver, such as Diontae Johnson (Browns) or Demarcus Robinson (49ers), but this is a spot where receivers are expected to do more than catch passes. Teams need their fourth and fifth wideouts to block in the run and screen games and still make an impact as a pass catcher when their number is called or when the top guys aren’t on the field.

While Zaccheaus might have been something closer to the second or third wide receiver for the Commanders last season, he is expected to slot in behind DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and rookie second-round pick Luther Burden III in Chicago. Don’t be surprised if Zaccheaus is on the field more often than you would expect — coaches love him.

Zaccheaus is undersized at 5-foot-8, 193 pounds, but he has still carved out a role in the NFL by being an aggressive, willing blocker. He was effective as both a blocker and receiver on the tunnel and bubble screens the Commanders ran last season; he was also capable of finding holes in coverage out of the slot. He averaged a respectable 1.9 yards per route run last season, just ahead of DK Metcalf (Seahawks) and Jordan Addison (Vikings). And while Zaccheaus is never going to command their sort of target share, the 27-year-old is one of the league’s most effective wideouts without the ball in his hands. He even ran through tackles in the Eagles’ secondary for a critical score in the fourth quarter of a December win over the eventual Super Bowl champs.

The only blemish on Zaccheaus’ 2024 record is his three fumbles, all of which came on punt return duties. The Bears signed Devin Duvernay to take over the return work in Chicago, and Zaccheaus had only one fumble in his career before last season, so I’m willing to write that off as a bit of a fluke. Zaccheaus won’t be the Bears’ wideout who sells the most jerseys this offseason, but he should be on the field plenty.

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All aTwitter​

In other news... Josh Harris purchased a rare Jayden Daniels trading card at today's Fantatics Fest NYC for $500,000.

The Commanders' managing partner intends to display the card at Northwest Stadium.

@Fanatics pic.twitter.com/eKIwCeV8hF

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) June 22, 2025​

How Commanders owner Josh Harris ended up spending half a mil on a rookie card of his quarterback:https://t.co/AiuC2jTTGZ

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) June 22, 2025​

Jayden Daniels was asked about the toughest CB to face in the NFL right now.

He said that Eagles CB Quinyon Mitchell was a good choice but that wasn’t his answer: pic.twitter.com/J8URG4vCR3

— Anthony DiBona (@DiBonaNFL) June 21, 2025​

“I’m excited to throw him a screen and hopefully on the stat sheet it says a touchdown for 80 yards and I didn’t have to do any of the work.”

— Jayden Daniels on Deebo Samuel being the newest addition to the Commanders offense. pic.twitter.com/fsd3yG5wqo

— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) June 21, 2025​

Jayden Daniels said that throwing a game-winning TD pass against the Eagles was the most memorable moment of his rookie season. pic.twitter.com/lAvxhysfjH

— Anthony DiBona (@DiBonaNFL) June 21, 2025​

As the #Raiders contemplated the QB options which resulted in their Geno Smith acquisition, Tom Brady spoke out against pursuing Sam Darnold:https://t.co/AtlsW44t5P

— Pro Football Rumors (@pfrumors) June 22, 2025​

I legit forgot about week 2 SNF here..

Not my finest moment but well done by CJ & Caleb here. https://t.co/ydOZxypTi2

— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) June 22, 2025​

What on earth has happened to the world? It’s unbelievable that a single chocolate-covered strawberry costs four dollars! pic.twitter.com/io8KuSSNNT

— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) June 21, 2025​

Reports circulating that Fred Smith, the founder of FedEx and a former minority owner of the Redskins, has passed away.

He was instrumental in the take-down of Dan Snyder. Waged war against Snyder with minority owners. Without that dispute Dan would still own the team.

RIP.

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) June 22, 2025​

And little do people know the man behind the start of the end of the Redskins name. Snyder stiffed him and he went scorched Earth. Snyder’s fault, but without Smith, it’s very likely we would still have the Washington Redskins and not this phony name the “commanders”. HTTR.

— Corndiggity (@Corndiggity) June 22, 2025​

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Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/6/22...ion-dollars-to-buy-jayden-daniels-rookie-card