NFL Player News

In a game that resulted in just 130 passing yards for the Bills, Shakir led the team in receptions, yards, and targets. His biggest gain of the day came on an 18-yard reception to help set up James Cook for an eventual touchdown, but this was easily one of Shakir’s most forgettable outings of the season. He’ll be hard to trust as anything more than a WR3 in Week 17’s game against the Eagles.

Reporting among the top NFL news-breakers that Green Bay is expected to workout a contract extension with LaFleur has been consistent over the last week. The 46-year-old Packers coach has one year left on his contract, but Green Bay intends to extend LaFleur and avoid lame-duck status. The same appears to be true of Gutekunst, who Schefter reports is also more likely than not to receive a contract extension soon. The Packers are 76-40-1 and have made the playoffs six times in seven years under LaFleur, who was hired by Gutekunst in 2019. Gutekunst helped usher in a new era of Packers football by drafting Jordan Love, trading future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers and acquiring three-time All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons. Packers President Ed Policy was spotted with LaFleur and Gutekunst earlier this week, according to Schefter. While no deal is done yet, Green Bay continues to trend towards keeping the band together.

Shula, 39, will also interview for the Titans, Steelers, Giants, Cardinals and Raiders’ head-coaching vacancies. The Rams face the Bears’ explosive offense on Sunday, in a contest that will determine one of the two representatives in the NFC Championship Game.

Per Rapoport, there are questions as to whether Brown and QB Jalen Hurts “can be together for another season.” He also states bluntly that if the team wishes to trade him away, they will take a cap hit to do so. Earlier today, The Athletic’s Mike Silver reported something similar, though he believes the Eagles and a potential trade partner “might need to find a more creative solution, such as a preemptively reworked contract.” Stay tuned.

This would be a fun pairing. The Chargers’ offense stagnated this season, with veteran WR Keenan Allen operating as the No. 1 target earner. One imagines McDaniel would draw up some fantasy-friendly concepts for QB Justin Herbert and WR Ladd McConkey if he were to be offered and accept the role. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the interview “will likely happen early next week.”

Over the last few hours, multiple reports have indicated that the two sides are still expected to come to an agreement. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said it “seems like something was lost in translation” during early negotiations, specifically regarding the “reporting structure” and decision-making powers. He adds that the Titans are still “interested and waiting” to find out what happens, while noting that former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski could be “the one” for the Giants if things fall through with Harbaugh.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Gannon had interviewed with the Cowboys earlier this week, ostensibly via video. The Cowboys are reportedly set to host two more in-person meetings, one with Eagles DB coach and pass game coordinator Christian Parker and the other with Vikings DB coach and pass game coordinator and Daronte Jones.

Silver notes that Brown’s talents are not being maximized. After this season, we tend to agree. Were the Eagles to trade him, though, it would create more than $72 million in dead money. Silver believes that “the team and potential suitors might need to find a more creative solution, such as a preemptively reworked contract.” Of course, hiring a brilliant offensive coordinator could always fix things. Brown’s discontent is well documented, but revamping roles may simply be the best and easiest fix.

Only two days ago, Kubiak had zero reported interview invites. Now he is slated to interview for both the Steelers and Raiders’ head-coaching vacancies. Good for him. Kubiak’s offense has helped propel the 49ers into the Divisional Round, with the defense’s front-seven being hampered by injuries.

This is Brady’s first reported connection to the Raiders. He and the Bills notably take on the Broncos on Saturday. If things go well, he will have yet another positive mark on his resume as he heads into the interview. His offense is averaging 5.9 yards per play, ranking fourth among Divisional Round competitors.

Yesterday, ESPN’s Jeff Darlington reported that the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator could appeal to McDaniel because it gives him “full autonomy of the offense,” with head coach Todd Bowles focused on the defensive side of the football. The Eagles, Lions and Chargers are also reportedly interested in hiring McDaniel as their next offensive coordinator, though all three teams possess offensive-minded head coaches.