The Pittsburgh Steelers’ Cam Heyward might not have a career as a recruiter after his NFL playing days end. But at least he gave us a laugh as we wait on Aaron Rodgers’ free agency decision.
“Either you want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler or you don’t,” Heyward told the Not Just Football podcast. “That’s simple, that’s the [recruiting] pitch. If you want me to recruit, that’s the recruiting pitch. Pittsburgh Steelers — if you want to be part of it, so be it. If you don’t, no skin off my back.”
There’s no shortage of opinions on all things Rodgers. On Yahoo Sports’ Inside Coverage podcast, NFL senior writer Frank Schwab stumped for Rodgers picking the Steelers over the Minnesota Vikings, a team that has gained front-runner status since this past weekend.
“I think the Steelers offer a lot of those same components,” Schwab said. “No, they didn’t start last season 14-2. But we all know the Steelers are a very good football team, very well coached, great defense. They did add DK Metcalf, I think at least gives you a chance to compete and get into the playoffs and see what happens.”
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Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson examined what a Rodgers pursuit would look like for the Vikings, and four questions that Minnesota needed answered by the future Hall of Fame QB and former Green Bay Packers star. Meanwhile, The Athletic’s Michael Silver, Dianna Russini and Alec Lewis reported that “Rodgers is hoping to sign with the Vikings.” There’s also this in their report:
Rodgers has been targeted by the Steelers and Giants but has essentially put both teams on hold while he waits for clarity regarding the Vikings’ situation. If Minnesota ceases to be an option, it’s also possible that Rodgers will turn down both the Steelers (a 2024 playoff team) and Giants and instead opt for retirement.
As for the rest of the league, most of Schwab’s top 25 available free agents, and even more throughout his positional rankings, are already off the board.
There are still some talented players to be signed too, despite the spate of deals already reached. Here are the best remaining NFL free agents. Rodgers is No. 1, followed by Amari Cooper and Stefon Diggs.
If you missed any news these past few days, don’t worry. We’ve tracked the NFL free-agent deals this week.
And don’t forget: The NFL Draft also isn’t far off. Cam Ward is going first in our latest mock draft. The league also announced the compensatory picks for the upcoming draft.
NFL free agency analysis
Live285 updates
Chargers sign former Raiders center Andre James
The Los Angeles Chargers are adding a key player to their O-line, announcing Tuesday that they’ve signed center Andre James. James, who played at UCLA, returns to L.A. after six seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Report: Patriots get ex-Vikings G Garrett Bradbury
Sources: Former Vikings’ 2019 first-round pick Garrett Bradbury has reached agreement on a two-year deal worth up to $12 million, including $3.8 million guaranteed, with the New England Patriots.
Bradbury started all 88 games he played for the Vikings. The Patriots recently… pic.twitter.com/ukWqfBV8bP
Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins arrive in Cincinnati to sign their contracts
Chase’s deal is for four years, $161M, while Higgins’ contract is $115M over four seasons.
Seahawks make Cooper Kupp signing official
Kupp leaves the Los Angeles Rams to join the Seahawks on a three-year, $45 million deal.
Eagles OT Lane Johnson gets an extension, raise
The veteran offensive lineman is getting a one-year extension, which keeps him under contract through 2027, with $40 million guaranteed in that span, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
It’s a one-year, $4 million deal for Ojulari, per ESPN.
Ojulari had six sacks last season for the Giants, and Philadelphia continues to restock its defensive front after losing Josh Sweat and Milton Williams.
The Eagles made it official:
Report: CB Ronald Darby signing 1-year deal with Texans
It’s for $2.5 million, per NFL Network. The 11th-year pro spent this past season with the Jaguars.
Report: Steelers signing S Juan Thornhill to 1-year deal
After winning two Super Bowl with the Chiefs and spending the last two seasons starting 23 total games for the Browns, Thornhill lands in Pittsburgh, per NFL Network.
QB Jameis Winston visiting Giants on Tuesday
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Jameis Winston will visit with the New York Giants on Tuesday as the team continues to look to fill their quarterback room.
Winston, 31, played 12 games last season with the Cleveland Browns throwing for 2,121 yards, 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
The Giants have met with Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson and Joe Flacco over the past week after moving on from Daniel Jones last season.
Texans, CB Derek Stingley Jr. agree to 3-year, $90M extension
Stingley’s new deal includes a a record $30 million per year base salary among NFL cornerbacks and $89 million guaranteed.
The 23-year-old Stingley was a First-team All-Pro in 2024 with 54 total tackles, four for loss and five interceptions.
Bengals, DE Trey Hendrickson working on an extension
After re-signing both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the Cincinnati Bengals are turning their attention to Trey Hendrickson, who earlier this month was given permission to seek a trade.
According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Hendrickson’s camp and the Bengals are discussing their options for an extension.
Hendrickson has spent the past four seasons in Cincinnati, and has been named to the Pro Bowl for the past four consecutive years. In 2024, he was named first-team All-Pro, and was a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year.
Hendrickson led the NFL in sacks last year and has earned 17.5 sacks in each of the last two seasons. He also picked up 33 solo tackles and two forced fumbles.
Bengals secure Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins on massive extensions
The Bengals dragged their feet on these deals, but ultimately both receivers got what they wanted: a ton of money and long-term commitments.
Per Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, it’s 4 years, $161 million for Chase and 4 years, $115 million for Higgins.
Chase’s $40.25 million per year average salary makes him the new highest paid non-QB in the league, eclipsing Cleveland’s Myles Garrett ($40M).
BREAKING: Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins have agreed to contract extensions with the Bengals, per @Schultz_Report.
Chase signed for 4-years, $161M with $112M guaranteed and Higgins agreed to 4-years, $115M with the first two years guaranteed. pic.twitter.com/oBqNsYPb4C
Rush has spent his entire seven-year career with the Cowboys, playing 12 games last season in place of the injured Dak Prescott. Rush threw for 1,844 yards and 12 touchdowns with a 60.7% completion percentage in those games.
Vikings get RB Jordan Mason in trade with 49ers
Mason will get a new two-year, $7 million deal with the Vikings. He had initially been tendered as a restricted free agent with San Francisco, who are getting a 2026 sixth-round draft pick in return in addition to a 2025 pick swap.
Mason led the 49ers with 789 yards on 5.2 yards per carry last season.
Per @katzbrossports the #49ers are trading Jordan Mason to the Minnesota Vikings. He gets a 2 year deal with over $7m fully guaranteed at signing with a maximum value of $12m. Negotiated by Jason & Michael Katz .
Reports: Chiefs running it back with JuJu Smith-Schuster
Report: Aaron Rodgers appears to prefer Vikings
Aaron Rodgers has his eyes on joining the Vikings, according to The Athletic, but the team is still weighing a decision on whether to sign the 41-year-old QB.
As Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson detailed, a lot will go into that decision for Minnesota, including how it would affect the future of 2024 first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy.
If the Vikings don’t sign Rodgers, he’ll still have the option of signing with the Steelers or Giants. But he may instead opt for retirement, per The Athletic’s report.
Kirk Cousins will get his $10M roster bonus to be a backup
Ferrell, 27, played 14 games last season and recorded 26 total tackles and 3.5 sacks. He played the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Las Vegas Raiders.
He has 156 tackles and 17 sacks in his career.
FB Kyle Juszczyk back to 49ers on 2-year deal
Kyle Juszczyk is returning to the San Francisco 49ers days after the fullback was released. The 33-year-old reportedly agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Juszczyk reportedly took less money to go back to San Francisco, where he’s played the last eight seasons, than what he had been offered by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Chargers sign OL Mekhi Becton to 2-year, $20 million deal
The always creative Chargers social media found a fun way to announce the signing of Becton, who is coming off a Super Bowl title and a strong season with the Philadelphia Eagles.
