Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley doesn't appreciate Los Angeles Rams outside lineb...

Philadelphia Eagles running back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a> doesn't appreciate Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199754" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199754">Jared Verse</a>'s contempt for his team's fans."Probably not the smartest thing to say when you're coming to Philadelphia," Barkley said Friday, per <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43456083/saquon-barkley-questions-jared-verse-calling-eagles-fans">ESPN's Tim McManus</a>. "I've been on the other side (as a New York Giant) and, even if I felt some type of way, I probably wouldn't give them any extra fuel."I'm pretty sure Philly fans have seen that comment. It was already going to be loud and rocking, so it's just only going to add to it."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Verse <a target="_blank" href="https://thescore.com/news/3192726">said</a> Thursday that he "hates" Eagles fans and finds them annoying. He lamented that he could hear the fans' obscenities toward the Rams through his headphones before the two teams faced off in November, a clash the Eagles won 37-20.The rookie didn't walk his comments back Friday, telling Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times that he wanted to "move on.""What was said was said. That was the past," he <a href="https://x.com/LATimesklein/status/1880369296322490865">said</a>. "We've got a game to handle."Barkley played with the Giants from 2018 to 2023 before signing a three-year contract with the division-rival Eagles in March 2024.The running back has been one of Philadelphia's most impactful additions, rushing for 2,005 yards and 15 touchdowns in 16 games. He was 101 yards shy of Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record.Verse, meanwhile, will look to add to his 66 tackles and 4.5 sack total.The Eagles and Rams will square off Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on November 24, 2024 in Inglewood, California.

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Saquon: Verse hating on Eagles fans 'not the smartest thing'

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery is ready to hit the field.  Montgomery was a full par...

Detroit Lions running back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/112122" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/112122">David Montgomery</a> is ready to hit the field.Montgomery was a full participant in the Detroit Lions' walk-through practice Tuesday after suffering a knee injury in the loss to the Buffalo Bills and missing the last three games of the regular season. Head coach Dan Campbell originally said the injury would be season-ending, but the running back opted out of surgery and focused on rehabbing his knee with hopes of making the postseason."It's refreshing trying to be back in a position where I can help the team," Montgomery told reporters, including <a href="https://x.com/E_Woodyard/status/1879314811970027598">ESPN's Eric Woodyard</a>. "I am confident and I wouldn't be out there if I wasn't ready."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 27-year-old said the rehab process was "pretty strenuous," <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43416873/lions-david-montgomery-confident-strenuous-knee-rehab">per Woodyard</a>.Montgomery and fellow running back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188196" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188196">Jahmyr Gibbs</a> are one of the strongest duos in the league. The two have a combined 32 touchdowns and 2,187 rushing yards, and the Lions rank sixth in average rushing yards per game.Detroit received a bye to the divisional round after finishing first in the NFC. They play the Washington Commanders on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 17: David Montgomery #5 of the Detroit Lions celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter of a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field on November 17, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Lions' Montgomery 'ready' to play in divisional round after MCL injury

The New England Patriots were reintroduced to Mike Vrabel on Monday, with the new head coach emph...

The New England Patriots were reintroduced to Mike Vrabel on Monday, with the new head coach emphasizing a return to the winning culture from his time as a player."It was clear to me in my soul that this is the place I wanted to be," Vrabel said. "I want to galvanize this football team, I want to galvanize this building, I want to galvanize our fans."He added: "We're removing entitlement from our football team. ... We're gonna earn the right to be here every single day."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Vrabel was a Patriots linebacker from 2001 to 2008, winning three Super Bowls. He was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame in 2023. The 49-year-old reportedly inked a multi-year deal to replace Jerod Mayo, who <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3180879" href="https://thescore.com/news/3180879">was fired</a> Jan. 5 after going 4-13 in his first season as head coach.Vrabel previously coached the Tennessee Titans from 2018 to 2023. He was dismissed in January 2024 after going 6-11 in 2023 and then served as a coaching consultant for the Cleveland Browns in 2024.Vrabel said his first roster priority is to bolster the offensive line to set up young quarterback <a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199741">Drake Maye</a> for success."You look at the teams who are able to protect the quarterback and the flow of the game. We look at the front to be sound, to be strong," Vrabel said. "We want to develop (Maye) as leader of the offense. ... When a quarterback calls a play, you want to say that everyone believes you're gonna score a touchdown."The Patriots were one of the league's weakest offenses under Mayo, ranking 31st in total yards per game and 30th in points per contest. Maye threw 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions across 13 games while being sacked 34 times.Vrabel said having the "young, dynamic quarterback" was one of the main draws to New England, which he picked over other teams that interviewed him such as the Chicago Bears and the New York Jets."We want to be good enough to take advantage of bad football," Vrabel said. "The goal is to win the AFC East, host home playoff games, and win championships."Vrabel and New England will have the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The team also has over $120 million in cap space.

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 13: Owner Robert Kraft (R) poses for a photograph with Mike Vrabel as Vrabel is announced as head coach of the New England Patriots during a press conference at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

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Vrabel wants to 'galvanize' Patriots in return to team

The Atlanta Falcons fired defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and defensive line coach Jay Rodgers, ...

The Atlanta Falcons fired defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and defensive line coach Jay Rodgers, the team announced Saturday."After a thorough evaluation of the season, and with careful consideration for our team's future, we deemed these moves necessary," head coach Raheem Morris said in a statement. "These decisions are never easy from the human side of things, and we wish Jimmy, Jay, and their families the best."Morris became more involved with the defense as the season progressed, <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1878167258649825649">NFL Network's Ian Rapoport</a> reports. The head coach criticized the defense's performance after Atlanta's most recent loss to the Carolina Panthers.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We had an awful game," Morris said the day after the regular-season finale, per <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6050757/2025/01/11/falcons-fire-defensive-coordinator-jimmy-lake/">The Athletic's Josh Kendall</a>. "We had a game like that just recently in Minnesota with some confusion calls in the back end and allowing wide-open players. Those are the things that can't happen. We are definitely more capable of playing at a higher level than we did yesterday."Lake and Rodgers had just finished their first season in Atlanta. Both were based in Los Angeles for the 2023 season: Lake as the Rams' assistant head coach, and Rodgers working as defensive line coach and run game coordinator for the Chargers.The Falcons' defense was mediocre in the 2024 campaign, ranking 23rd in points and yards allowed per game.

TUCSON, AZ - OCTOBER 22: University of Washington Huskies head coach Jimmy Lake getting off the bus prior to a football game between the University of Washington Huskies and the University of Arizona Wildcats on October 22, 2021 at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, AZ.

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Falcons fire DC Jimmy Lake

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has emerged as one of the top candidates to fill ...

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has emerged as one of the top candidates to fill the Las Vegas Raiders' vacant head coaching position, sources told <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/lions-offensive-coordinator-ben-johnson-emerges-as-name-to-watch-in-raiders-search-for-head-coach">NFL Network's Ian Rapoport</a>.Johnson had a virtual interview with Las Vegas on Friday, and the club is "enamored" with the 38-year-old, Rapoport adds.Raiders minority owner Tom Brady reportedly vouched for Johnson, and the coordinator agreed to meet with the team partly because the legendary quarterback urged him through his agent to take an interview. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Johnson is a top head coaching candidate in this season's search. He also conducted virtual interviews with the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New England Patriots. Johnson can't meet in person with teams until the Lions are eliminated from the playoffs or make the Super Bowl.The Lions' offense topped the NFL in points per game (33.2) and ranked second in yards (409.5) and passing yards per contest (263.2) in the 2024 regular season.Detroit finished the campaign as the NFC's No. 1 team, receiving a bye to the NFC divisional round.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 28: Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson of the Detroit Lions looks on before a game against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field on November 28, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Report: Raiders 'enamored' with Lions OC Johnson after interview

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson underwent a second surgery on his Achilles on Thursda...

Cleveland Browns quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/84667" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/84667">Deshaun Watson</a> underwent a second surgery on his Achilles on Thursday, the team announced Friday.The quarterback re-ruptured his Achilles after rolling his ankle in Miami. The issue was discovered earlier this week in his exit physical. General manager Andrew Berry <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3181500" href="https://thescore.com/news/3181500">told reporters</a> Monday that Watson had suffered a setback in his recovery process."Watson's recovery time and return-to-play status is uncertain, and he will likely miss significant time during the 2025 season," the team said in Friday's statement.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Doctors said the recovery timeline from this surgery is at least seven months, <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1877761379093889477">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a> reported, leaving a possibility that the passer could return.Watson originally tore his Achilles on Oct. 20. He threw five touchdowns and three interceptions in seven games en route to a 1-6 record before getting hurt. This is the second straight season his season has ended prematurely due to injury after he hurt his shoulder in 2023.If the 29-year-old misses 2025, he'll have played just 19 of a potential 85 regular-season games in the past five years, according to <a href="https://x.com/kpatra/status/1877760858282930267">NFL.com's Kevin Patra</a>. Watson originally signed a five-year, $230-million contract with the Browns in 2022, which is one of the largest contracts in NFL history.The Browns finished the season 3-14 and hold the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 20: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns looks on during the second quarter of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Huntington Bank Field on October 20, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Watson to miss 'significant time' after 2nd Achilles surgery

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy and owner Jerry Jones are expected to begin contract talk...

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy and owner Jerry Jones are expected to begin contract talks Friday, sources told <a href="https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/1877741791379681292">NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.</a>Jones and McCarthy are open to moving forward together but no negotiations have occurred yet, Pelissero added. McCarthy's contract will expire on Tuesday, and he and almost all of his assistant coaches would be free to interview with other teams if a new deal isn't reached.McCarthy has been with the Cowboys since January 2020 and has posted a 49-35 record alongside a 1-3 playoff record over that span. He joined the organization after the Green Bay Packers fired him in 2018. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Dallas blocked the Chicago Bears from interviewing its bench boss <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3182953" href="https://thescore.com/news/3182953">this past Tuesday</a>. Jones <a href="https://www.thescore.com/news/3181782">said</a> Sunday that McCarthy could interview anywhere, but doing so would lessen his chances of returning to the Cowboys.The Bears can interview McCarthy if his contract isn't renewed by Tuesday.The Cowboys posted a 7-10 record this year and finished third in the NFC East. They missed the playoffs for the first time since McCarthy's inaugural season in Dallas.

OXNARD, CA - JULY 25: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and head coach Mike McCarthy talk to the media during the team's training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields on July 25, 2024 in Oxnard, CA.

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Report: Cowboys, McCarthy to begin contract talks before deal expires

Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn declined to interview for the New England Patriot...

Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn declined to interview for the New England Patriots' head coaching vacancy, sources told <a href="https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/1877477462809948495">NFL Network's Tom Pelissero</a>.New England was hoping to interview Glenn on Friday and was waiting to finalize the time slot Thursday morning, according to <a href="https://x.com/JosinaAnderson/status/1877478604273000805">CBS Sports' Josina Anderson</a>. Glenn will reportedly interview for the five other open head coaching positions in the next few days, Pelissero notes.Former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel is considered a top contender for the Patriots' job and has already completed his in-person interview, according to <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1877475888213774429">NFL Network's Ian Rapoport</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Dan Campbell hired Glenn as Lions defensive coordinator in 2021. Glenn's defense ranked seventh in points allowed per game (20.1) and tied for fifth in interceptions (16) this season despite numerous injuries to key defensive players."(Glenn's) as good of a coach as you're going to find," Campbell said Tuesday, according to <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/dan-campbell-it-would-be-ridiculous-if-aaron-glenn-doesn-t-get-a-head-coaching-job">NFL.com's Kevin Patra</a>. He added, "If nobody wants him, I'll take him again. I can tell you that right now. The thought of going through another cycle and he's not somebody's head coach is ridiculous.“The Lions are the top seed in the NFC and will play the lowest-seeded team in the divisional round.

Detroit Lions defencive coordinator Aaron Glenn follows the play during the second half of an NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Sunday, January 7, 2024.

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Report: Lions' Glenn declines Patriots interview

The Atlanta Falcons are open to trading quarterback Kirk Cousins if all parties are on board, gen...

The Atlanta Falcons are open to trading quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/14947" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/14947">Kirk Cousins</a> if all parties are on board, general manager Terry Fontenot <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/BujGwBTkjho">told</a> reporters Thursday."We will take those (trade requests) as they come. Everyone would have to be good with it, from his camp, his supporters, (Cousins' agent) Mike McCartney, Kirk Cousins, us, the other team, there's a lot of layers to that," the Falcons GM said."We have Kirk two years guaranteed. When you do that, you expect high-level play from the position for two seasons. That didn't happen."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Fontenot added that Cousins would back up <a href="https://x.com/JoshTheAthletic/status/1877385963141271899">Michael Penix Jr.</a> moving forward, and the veteran signal-caller has been a "great support" for the rookie quarterback. Penix took over for Cousins in the final three games of the regular season.The general manager said Cousins was healthy down the regular season's final stretch, but his "play just wasn't there." Cousins suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in October 2023 while serving as the Minnesota Vikings' starter before he signed a four-year, $180-million deal with Atlanta in March 2024 as a free agent.The 36-year-old threw a career-worst 16 interceptions this season across 14 games, tying Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/76543" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/76543">Baker Mayfield</a> for the most picks thrown. Falcons head coach Raheem Morris <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3163903" href="https://thescore.com/news/3163903">cited</a> Cousins' turnover issues when announcing the change under center."We know the cost of doing business at the quarterback position," Fontenot said Thursday.The Falcons finished 8-9 and second in the NFC South, missing the playoffs.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 08: Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 08, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Falcons 42-21.

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Falcons GM open to trading Cousins

The Las Vegas Raiders fired head coach Antonio Pierce, the team announced Tuesday.  "We appreciat...

The Las Vegas Raiders fired head coach Antonio Pierce, the team announced Tuesday."We appreciate Antonio's leadership, first as an interim head coach and this past season as head coach," the Raiders wrote in a statement. "We are grateful for his ability to reignite what it means to be a Raider throughout the entire organization."The Raiders will keep general manager Tom Telesco, a source told <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1876732011576016984">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Pierce posted a 4-13 record over his lone full season as head coach. His Raiders suffered a 10-game losing streak and went winless against AFC West opponents for the first time since 2006, per <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1876729955897524497">Schefter</a>.Pierce, who was originally Las Vegas' linebackers coach, went 5-4 as interim bench boss in 2023 after Las Vegas fired Josh McDaniels. The franchise named him its 23rd head coach in January 2024.Las Vegas dealt with offensive woes throughout 2024. The team was unable to select a highly touted quarterback in the draft and instead signed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/94300" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/94300">Gardner Minshew</a> to a two-year, $25-million contract. Minshew split passer duties with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188217" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188217">Aidan O'Connell</a>.Both Minshew and O'Connell struggled with injuries and consistency issues. The Raiders finished 29th in points scored per game (18.2) and 26th in points allowed per game (25.5). Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy was fired in November.Raiders limited owner Tom Brady is expected to be part of a committee to interview head coaching candidates and will support owner Mark Davis, <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1876736519483855326">Schefter</a> reports.Pierce is the second first-year head coach to be fired this cycle after the New England Patriots dismissed Jerod Mayo. There are now six head coaching positions available across the league.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 17: Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce on the sideline during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 17, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

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Raiders fire Antonio Pierce

Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier says Tyreek Hill hasn't asked him for a trade despite ...

Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier says <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/83498" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/83498">Tyreek Hill</a> hasn't asked him for a trade despite the star receiver hinting at his intention to leave."In a frustrating season, (Hill) was very emotional in a game where we had a chance of coming back from 2-6. ... All of that and with him playing through his injury just bubbled to a point," Grier <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/76ADVLxlYS0">told</a> reporters Tuesday. "He never asked for a trade with me."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Hill <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3181081" href="https://thescore.com/news/3181081">signaled</a> a possible exit from the Dolphins following Sunday's loss to the New York Jets, saying, "I'm out," and that he has "to do what's best for (his) career."Grier said he's had productive conversations with Hill since the regular-season finale, but the wideout didn't backtrack his comments.Hill also didn't play in the fourth quarter of the contest, with head coach Mike McDaniel saying he was told Hill was "unavailable" due to injury. However, Hill suggested postgame that McDaniels benched him.McDaniel said Tuesday that he and Hill "cleared the air in a rough and tumultuous situation" Monday and dismissed ideas that their relationship needed repairing."It's not acceptable to leave a game and won't be tolerated in the future. He embraced accountability. … I don't think there's anything to fix," McDaniel said, per <a href="https://x.com/Marcel_LJ/status/1876694717661868310">ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques</a>.Hill had his least productive campaign since his 2019 season with the Kansas City Chiefs, missing the postseason and not being named a Pro Bowler for the first time in his nine-year career. The wideout finished the regular season with 959 receiving yards and six touchdowns.The 30-year-old signed a revised three-year, $90-million contract with Miami in August 2024. Hill has been playing through a wrist injury sustained before the campaign started but declined season-ending surgery in November.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 22: Tyreek Hill #10 of the Miami Dolphins takes the field prior to a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

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Dolphins GM: Tyreek didn't ask me for a trade

Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said it was "no surprise" the team fired Je...

Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said it was "no surprise" the team fired Jerod Mayo after one season, suggesting the organization hasn't been able to get on the same page since quarterback Tom Brady left."There's so many coaches now that are being released after a year, year-and-a-half, or two years. ... When you don't have any continuity, it's really hard to build," Belichick said on the the <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/week-19-eric-dickerson-and-bill-cowher/id1584409759?i=1000682958698">"Let's Go!"</a> podcast Monday.The 72-year-old added, "You need that shared vision between ownership and coaching and scouting. And that's when you can be successful. ... I had that up until about the last four years in New England. And when you have that shared vision and everybody pulling in the same direction, you have a chance and you can get a lot done."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Belichick was head coach of the Patriots from 2000 until he and the franchise mutually agreed to part ways in January 2024. He won six Super Bowls during his tenure, all with Brady as the team's starting passer.Brady famously left the team ahead of the 2020 season, signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Patriots signed Cam Newton and drafted <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161650" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161650">Mac Jones</a> to fill Brady's shoes. New England mustered a 29-38 record in Belichick's four years without Brady, including three losing seasons. 2020 marked the first time since Belichick's inaugural season with New England that the Patriots finished under .500."When you're going in different directions, then that makes it really hard to keep up with everybody else. I think you look at the organizations and you can kind of see the ones that are and the ones that aren't," Belichick said.Patriots owner Robert Kraft picked Mayo to lead the team without conducting a coaching search. Kraft said he felt the "<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2824318" href="https://thescore.com/news/2824318">same conviction</a>" hiring the former inside linebackers coach as he did originally hiring Belichick. The longtime owner fired Mayo on Sunday after the first-year head coach posted a 4-13 record."This whole situation is on me," <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3181668" href="https://thescore.com/news/3181668">Kraft said</a> Monday. "I feel terrible for Jerod because I put him in an untenable situation."New England is looking for its third head coach in three seasons. Belichick will helm North Carolina next season, his first-ever coaching job in college football.

FOXBOROUGH, MA - NOVEMBER 24: Tom Brady #12 talks to head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Gillette Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

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Belichick: Patriots had 'shared vision' until Brady left

Aaron Rodgers is unsure if he'll play quarterback again with the New York Jets or in the NFL, but...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/747" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/747">Aaron Rodgers</a> is unsure if he'll play quarterback again with the New York Jets or in the NFL, but he's still confident in his ability to lead a team."I know I can still play. Ultimately it comes down to the desire on their (Jets) side and desire on my side," he told reporters, including <a href="https://x.com/ZackBlatt/status/1876076536669024742">The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt</a>.Rodgers noted that he was looking forward to conversations with the Jets' front office this week, per <a href="https://x.com/ZackBlatt/status/1876076352836956572">Rosenblatt</a>. He also said he had a lot of gratitude for the organization.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"If I hadn't come to New York, these relationships that are really important to me - many of which are going to last for a long, long time - never would have happened, and I would've really missed out on meeting some really special people," the signal-caller <a href="https://x.com/nyjets/status/1876079254825553982">said</a>.Rodgers struggled to gain momentum with the Jets, ending the campaign with a 5-12 record. He recorded 3,867 yards and 28 touchdowns with 11 interceptions over that span.The Jets' season finale against the Miami Dolphins displayed flashes of Rodgers' past greatness: He became just the fifth quarterback to throw <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3171758" href="https://thescore.com/news/3171758">500 touchdown passes</a> with a toss to tight end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/92992" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/92992">Tyler Conklin</a> in the second quarter. The 41-year-old finished the game with four touchdowns to four different players in his first four-touchdown effort since 2021.Rodgers exited the field with longtime teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/57482" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/57482">Davante Adams</a>, and interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich <a href="https://x.com/nyjets/status/1876071594767843765">called</a> the two "one of the all-time great duos this league has ever seen." Rodgers and Adams were teammates from 2014 to 2021 with the Green Bay Packers and were reunited in October. Together, they've connected for 83 touchdowns - the third-most in league history.The Jets will search for a new head coach and new general manager after Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas were dismissed midseason.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 05: Aaron Rodgers #8 and Davante Adams #17 of the New York Jets embrace after beating the Miami Dolphins 32-20 at MetLife Stadium on January 05, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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Rodgers unsure of future with Jets: 'I know I can still play'

The New England Patriots have fired head coach Jerod Mayo after one season with the team, the tea...

The New England Patriots have fired head coach Jerod Mayo after one season with the team, the team announced Sunday."After the game today, I informed Jerod Mayo that he will not be returning as the head coach of the New England Patriots in 2025," owner Robert Kraft said in a statement. "When other teams started requesting to interview him, I feared I would lose him and committed to making him our next head coach. ... Unfortunately, the trajectory of our team's performances throughout the season did not ascend as I had hoped."The Patriots beat the Buffalo Bills 23-16 on Sunday, finishing the season 4-13. Kraft hand-picked Mayo as Bill Belichick's successor after Belichick and the organization mutually parted ways in January 2023. Mayo previously spent five campaigns as the team's inside linebackers coach. The 38-year-old also played his entire career in New England, earning two Pro Bowl nods and winning one Super Bowl ring as a linebacker.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The rest of the Patriots' front office currently remains unchanged. They also haven't released any of Mayo's assistant coaches.Mike Vrabel is reportedly interested in the Patriots' coaching position, according to <a href="https://x.com/jeffphowe/status/1876034127293747313">The Athletic's Jeff Howe</a>. Vrabel was the head coach for the Tennessee Titans for six campaigns before being dismissed in January 2024. He was a coaching and personnel consultant for the Cleveland Browns this season.Kraft said <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2824318" href="https://thescore.com/news/2824318">last year</a> that he was confident the Patriots landed the right coach in Mayo despite not launching a coaching search. "I have that same conviction when I hired Bill Belichick, a decision that many questioned at the time and told me I was making a major error," the longtime Patriots owner said.New England is projected to have over $130 million in cap space this offseason, according to <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1876032841026506833">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>. The Patriots also hold a top-four pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 05: Head coach Jerod Mayo of the New England Patriots looks on after defeating the Buffalo Bills 23-16 at Gillette Stadium on January 05, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

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Patriots fire Mayo after 1st season

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow advocated for wideout Tee Higgins after their victory o...

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97638" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97638">Joe Burrow</a> advocated for wideout <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/115870" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/115870">Tee Higgins</a> after their victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night.Higgins is set to become an unrestricted free agent when the season ends. He played on the franchise tag this year after the two sides failed to reach an agreement on a long-term deal."You don't want to make a habit of letting great players get out of the building," Burrow <a href="https://x.com/MySportsUpdate/status/1875774813534663072">told reporters</a>. "Tee's a great player and a guy that does everything the right way."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He added: "A guy like that, you just can't let him get out of the building. He's a one-of-a-kind person, one-of-a-kind player."Cincinnati selected Burrow and Higgins with their first two picks in the 2020 draft.The 25-year-old Higgins revealed postgame Saturday that he's battling a high ankle sprain, according to <a href="https://x.com/BridgetCondon_/status/1875767162838847976">NFL Network's Bridget Condon</a>.Higgins added that he doesn't plan on letting the injury keep him off the field next week if the Bengals make the playoffs."I have no choice. I have to (play)," he said following Cincinnati's 19-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers to keep the team's postseason hopes alive.Higgins exited in the third quarter Saturday after recording four catches for 53 yards. He was a limited participant in the Bengals' three practices this week and was listed as questionable on the injury report.Cincinnati can still make the playoffs if the New York Jets beat the Miami Dolphins and the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Denver Broncos on Sunday. Those results would make the Bengals the No. 7 seed, earning them a matchup with the No. 2-seeded Buffalo Bills next weekend.

CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 28: Tee Higgins #5 and Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrate after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Paycor Stadium on December 28, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Burrow pushes Bengals to extend Higgins: 'Can't let him get out of the building'

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers suffered a knee sprain in his Saturday's win over the ...

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188142" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188142">Zay Flowers</a> suffered a knee sprain in his Saturday's win over the Cleveland Browns, sources told <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1875722154719002687">NFL Network's Ian Rapoport</a>.Flowers will reportedly undergo an MRI on Sunday, but his injury isn't considered significant. However, he could miss next week's wild-card matchup, Rapoport notes.The wideout left in the second quarter after colliding with Browns linebacker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/189785" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/189785">Mohamoud Diabate</a>. He walked off the field in visible pain and went to the locker room.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Flowers has been a star for the Ravens this season, recording 1,059 yards and four touchdowns to earn a Pro Bowl nod.Baltimore secured the AFC North title and 3-seed with Saturday's victory.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 04: Zay Flowers #4 of the Baltimore Ravens lays on the field after an apparent injury during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on January 04, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Report: Flowers suffers knee sprain in win vs. Browns

The NFL fined New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers $11,255 for his late hit in last Sunday's b...

The NFL fined New York Jets quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/747" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/747">Aaron Rodgers</a> $11,255 for his late hit in last Sunday's blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills.Bills cornerback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174121" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174121">Christian Benford</a> intercepted Rodgers and ran out of bounds when the veteran signal-caller pushed him. Referees penalized Rodgers for unnecessary roughness on the play.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
QB called for unnecessary roughness??? Aaron Rodgers intercepted and then gets flagged for a personal foul on a late hit. <a href="https://t.co/mPGuv7o1Km">pic.twitter.com/mPGuv7o1Km</a>— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLonCBS/status/1873466147301171353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>This is one of Rodgers' first fines for an on-field incident. However, the 41-year-old confirmed in July that the Jets had fined him for missing three days of mandatory minicamp last offseason to go on a trip to Egypt, hinting that the penalty cost him more than $50,000.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Rodgers has acknowledged New York could release him after the regular season and that he's still contemplating his playing future. <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/aaron-rodgers-considered-long-shot-to-return-to-jets-in-2025#:~:text=The%20end%20of%20the%20Aaron,Sunday%20on%20NFL%20GameDay%20Morning.">NFL Network's Ian Rapoport</a> reported in December that the quarterback is a "long shot" to return to the team next season. Rodgers has one year remaining on his contract after signing a three-year, $112.5-million deal following his trade to the Jets from the Green Bay Packers in April 2023.New York has struggled to a 4-12 record this campaign, while Rodgers has thrown a career-worst 24 touchdowns. He's also posted less than 250 yards in 10 games this season.

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 29: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets looks on prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on December 29, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York.

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NFL fines Rodgers for late hit

Baltimore Ravens superstar Lamar Jackson became the first quarterback in NFL history to eclipse 4...

Baltimore Ravens superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97162" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97162">Lamar Jackson</a> became the first quarterback in NFL history to eclipse 4,000 passing yards and 800 rushing yards in a single season.Jackson reached the milestone after throwing a touchdown pass to tight end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/82707" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/82707">Mark Andrews</a> in Saturday's game against the Cleveland Browns. It was Jackson's career-high 40th passing touchdown of the season.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Lamar to Andrews for his 40th passing TD! <a href="https://twitter.com/Ravens?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ravens</a> add to their lead. 📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CLEvsBAL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CLEvsBAL</a> on ESPN/ABC 📱: Stream on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLPlus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFLPlus</a> and ESPN+ <a href="https://t.co/fPzHZ3Q9rk">pic.twitter.com/fPzHZ3Q9rk</a>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1875669569446277558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>He finished the game 16-for-32 passing with 217 yards and two touchdowns. Jackson has a career-high completion percentage (67.9%) and yards per attempt average (8.9) this campaign, as well as his second-lowest interception total in a season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"What else needs to be said," head coach John Harbaugh said postgame, per <a href="https://x.com/jamisonhensley/status/1875711239277429108">ESPN's Jamison Hensley</a>. "He's a fighter. He's one of a kind. There's nobody like Lamar Jackson."Last season, Jackson passed for 3,678 yards and 24 passing touchdowns, plus 821 rushing yards and seven interceptions en route to winning his second league MVP award. Jackson finishes this regular season with 4,172 passing yards and 41 passing touchdowns, plus 915 rushing yards and four interceptions.The seven-year veteran is also the first quarterback in NFL history to throw more than 40 touchdowns and fewer than five interceptions in a single season. He ranks sixth in the league in passing yards and second in rushing among quarterbacks.Jackson's performance helped the Ravens clinch the AFC North for the second straight year with a 12-5 record. Baltimore's the No. 3 seed in the AFC and is waiting to find out its opponent for the wild-card round next weekend.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 04: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on January 04, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Lamar becomes 1st QB with 4K pass yards, 800 rush yards in season

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler will be activated off injured reserve and play a...

Washington Commanders running back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/81875" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/81875">Austin Ekeler</a> will be activated off injured reserve and play against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, according to <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1875647286442864882">NFL Network's Ian Rapoport</a>.Ekeler was placed on IR Nov. 24 with a concussion he sustained in Washington's first matchup against the Cowboys. He had previously been sidelined for one game this year with a separate concussion from Sept. 23 against the Cincinnati Bengals.The veteran running back signed a two-year contract with the Commanders in March 2024 after spending his entire career to that point with the Los Angeles Chargers. He has 355 yards and four touchdowns in 11 games played this season.

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 10: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Washington Commanders runs the ball in the second quarter of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Northwest Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Landover, Maryland.

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Report: Commanders' Ekeler off IR, will play vs. Cowboys

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa might be on the sideline for the regular-season finale,...

Miami Dolphins quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/114411" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/114411">Tua Tagovailoa</a> might be on the sideline for the regular-season finale, but he guarantees he'll be playing in next week's wild-card round if the team gets there."I'll be available next week - no ifs, ands, or buts," he told reporters Friday, including <a href="https://x.com/Marcel_LJ/status/1875247831302467910">ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques</a>.Tagovailoa was sidelined for Miami's win against the Cleveland Browns with a hip injury that he sustained against the Houston Texans two games prior. He also missed time earlier this season after suffering his third concussion in two years on Sept. 12 against the Buffalo Bills. He returned to play Oct. 27.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Dolphins are 8-8 and can qualify for the AFC's last wild-card spot with a win against the New York Jets on Sunday. They also need the Kansas City Chiefs to beat the Denver Broncos to secure a playoff berth.Coach Mike McDaniel said Friday that the passer's current injury is not a bone or bruising problem but a "unique muscle issue," <a href="https://x.com/Marcel_LJ/status/1875219954817237115">per Louis-Jacques</a>. He added that the team is waiting for more information from doctors to know when it will be "safe" for Tagovailoa to resume playing."It's not a surgical solution, it's a 'stop aggravating this by trying to push through it,'" McDaniel <a href="https://x.com/Marcel_LJ/status/1875222512164073943">said</a>.Tagovailoa is officially listed as doubtful for the matchup versus the Jets, according to <a href="https://x.com/DavidFurones_/status/1875287868165541924">David Furones of the Sun Sentinel</a>. If he doesn't play Sunday, it will be the sixth regular-season game he misses this campaign - the most of his NFL career.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105226" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105226">Tyler "Snoop" Huntley</a> will be starting for the fifth time this campaign."It's tough for any competitor to have to sit out when your season's on the line and you know you can do more," he said, per the <a href="https://x.com/chrisperk/status/1875247781171908780">Sun Sentinel's Chris Perkins</a>. "The concussions have been a thing, and then off of that other injuries that have stacked up with the concussions where I'm missing games. It's frustrating," Tagovailoa <a href="https://x.com/chrisperk/status/1875249048686326266">added</a>.Tagovailoa boasts 2,867 passing yards and 19 touchdowns in 11 games this season, with a career-high completion percentage of 72.9.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 22: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins takes the field prior to a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

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Tua guarantees he'll play in wild-card round: 'No ifs, ands, or buts'

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Sarah Wallace

Content Curator

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