Category: Rumors

Vikings remain among favorites to land free agent QB Daniel Jones

With Daniel Jones officially clearing waivers and free to sign with any team, the Minnesota Vikings are among the favorites to sign the QB.

Last week, the New York Giants made the somewhat surprising decision on Sunday to waive former starting quarterback Daniel Jones. The team had previously demoted him to third-string quarterback, and the two sides came to an agreement to part ways.

Now, a couple of days later, Jones has cleared waivers, and speculation about his next team has kicked into high gear.

In an appearance on NFL Gameday Monday morning, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport mentioned four teams as “front-runners” in the Daniel Jones sweepstakes, and the Minnesota Vikings were among those four teams.

In speaking on the Jones situation, Rapoport explained that no team was going to claim Jones of waivers due to the money Jones would be owed on his contract if any team were to claim him. Now that he’s cleared waivers, though, he’s free to sign with any team he chooses — likely for a veteran minimum contract ,according to Rapoport.

Rapoport then mentioned the San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings, and Baltimore Ravens as teams that could be in play for Jones’ services. The 49ers may be the most likely choice, depending on how starting quarterback Brock Purdy continues to recover from a shoulder injury.

Rapoport also mentioned the Las Vegas Raiders as a potential suitor for Jones. Las Vegas recently had their starting quarterback, Gardner Minshew, go down for the season, which could potential mean a starting spot for Jones. However, Jones is reportedly seeking a team in the playoff hunt, which would seemingly eliminate the Raiders from contention.

If Jones were to sign with the Vikings, or with any other team for that matter, Rapoport mentions he would not be surprised if Jones does so on a practice squad to start, which would keep his options open should another starting quarterback go down with an injury elsewhere.

Vikings front office member expected to interview for GM openings

With the Minnesota Vikings having a better than expected season in 2024, could Ryan Grigson be a GM candidate for the New York Jets in 2025?

There are still several weeks of the NFL season left to play, but the NFL’s coaching carousel has already begun. The New York Jets kicked off this year’s cycle by firing their head coach Robert Saleh in early October. The Las Vegas Raiders were next to make moves, clearing out several coordinators but keeping head coach Antonio Pierce — for now.

The Saints followed up by firing head coach Dennis Allen in early November, and the Bears followed by firing offensive coordinator Shane Waldron but keeping head coach Matt Eberflus—again, for now.

Then, the Jets kicked off the front-office carousel by firing their general manager, Joe Douglas, kicking their personnel search into high gear. A number of people across the NFL landscape are going to be hot commodities for these positions, and at least one of those people could come from the Minnesota Vikings.

According to ESPN’s NFL Insider Jeremy Fowler, current Vikings senior VP of player personnel Ryan Grigson could be a name to watch for the Jets’ opening or any other openings that become available. Grigson has helped build a Vikings team that exceeded expectations in 2024 and has added a number of high-quality talents to the roster since arriving in 2022.

Grigson also has previous experience as a GM in the league, serving in that position for the Indianapolis Colts from 2012 to 2016. That tenure was notable for the Colts taking former Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck with the first pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Luck, along with Grigson and head coach Chuck Pagano, immediately turned the Colts’ fortunes around. From a lowly 2-14 team in 2011, they finished second in the AFC South with an 11-5 record in 2012. Grigson’s Colts won their division the next two seasons and made the playoffs.

Ultimately, though, the Colts could never get over the hump during Grigson’s tenure, and Grigson was fired after the Colts turned in back-to-back 8-8 seasons, missing the playoffs in two straight seasons for the first time since the beginning of the Peyton Manning era in Indianapolis.

Enough time has passed since his Colts’ tenure, and the Vikings have done well enough that Grigson will likely get a second chance at a GM gig if he wants it. Grigson’s days with the Vikings could be numbered whether that’s this year or in the near future.

Wild Vikings, Rams trade rumor gets shutdown after starting on social media

Rumors were spreading that the Vikings were close to making a blockbuster trade with the Rams.

You never know what you’ll see on social media these days. Wild rumors are always spreading about what teams are going to do or should do. For the past two days, there have been rumors about the Vikings potentially trading with the Rams to acquire veteran quarterback Matt Stafford.

There was speculation that Kevin O’Connell wanted to reunite with Stafford and hope to bring a Super Bowl home to Minnesota. The Rams would then get Sam Darnold and give him a massive extension.

But the thing is, it’s just a rumor. Ben Goessling with The Star Tribune said there is zero truth to the trade speculation.

The truth is, Minnesota is 5-1 with Darnold, and the hope is that the Vikings can rally around J.J. McCarthy starting next season. Minnesota might be buyers before the trade deadline, but the Vikings will be searching for defensive lineman or guard help — more than likely.

One Browns defensive starter linked to Lions in trade rumor

Could another veteran be on his way out of Cleveland?

Could the Cleveland Browns trade defensive end Za’Darius Smith to the Detroit Lions?

After trading one veteran 30 years or older in wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills, the Browns may not be done. Their starting defensive end has been linked to the Lions by one former NFL general manager.

Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, former Browns general manager Mike Lombardi stated Cooper may not be the only player to be shipped out of Cleveland. He mentions Smith to the Lions, who just lost All-Pro defensive end Aidan Hutchinson for the season.

The Browns are not in a rebuild, but they will look to retool. This means no cornerstone players like Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward, or David Njoku will be traded. It does mean, however, that players on the wrong side of 30 with limited years left on their contracts may be on the chopping block.

Smith fits that description.

Cowboys named favorites to land Bill Belichick in 2025

The Cowboys are still considered favorites to land Bill Belichick; but would it be wise? | From @ReidDHanson

When Bill Belichick left New England over the offseason the Cowboys were one of the first teams mentioned as a possible destination. Dallas was coming off a postseason implosion against the lower-seeded Packers, and head coach Mike McCarthy had just a season left on his deal. A coaching change in Dallas wasn’t just possible, it was kind of expected.

As luck would have it, McCarthy was able to hold on in Dallas another year. The Cowboys front office opted to roll it all back for one more year in 2024 and that meant letting McCarthy serve out the entirety of his contract with the dreaded lame duck status ominously looming over him.

Belichick, widely considered a surefire Hall of Famer, inexplicably signed with no one. The legendary coach set his sights on 2025 to resume his coaching career, with the Cowboys, once again, serving as a favorite landing spot to onlookers. Jeff Howe from The Athletic recently called the Cowboys “the obvious connection.”

From Belichick’s point of view, he needs to find a team built to win now. At age 73, he’s probably not interested in a complete rebuild. He’s just 15 wins away from passing Don Shula on the all-time wins list, which, provided Dak Prescott is retained, is a feat he could easily achieve in less than two seasons with the Cowboys.

From the Cowboys point of view, Belichick would add legitimacy back to the coaching ranks in Dallas. Jerry Jones has long been accused of hiring “yes men” at head coach. Presumably soured by the Jimmy Johnson experience, the impression is Jones wants to ensure he receives the bulk of the credit the next time ultimate success is achieved. Whether that’s fact or fiction is difficult to say but it’s a widely held perception he’s been fighting since the turn of the century.

He pushed back on this roughly 20-years ago when shocked the world by bringing in Bill Parcells. Belichick would put those same “puppet” accusations to bed if he were brought in to follow the ever-pleasing McCarthy in 2025.

As was the case with Parcells, it would require compromise on both sides to make such a marriage work. The Cowboys’ personnel department has been far more successful finding talent than Belichick has been since taking a leadership role in personnel in New England. They would need to retain that power. At the same time Belichick would have to be king of the kingdom in matters of final roster and playing time. The front office would have to back off.

In other words, the front office would be in charge of buying the groceries, but they would have to get out of the kitchen completely when it was time for Belichick to cook dinner.

On a short-term basis, Jones and Belichick could easily use their friendship to make a working relationship work. Considering the term would only be in the 2–3-year range, it’s not asking too much of them.

Whether or not the marriage would be beneficial for both parties is a different story. Barring major injury, a Prescott-led Cowboys squad would surely push Belichick over the top by 2026. Even if they couldn’t find success in the postseason, Belichick would come out of the union a winner based on his all-time win record.

The Cowboys, on the other hand, may not be much better off. Belichick would offer toughness, preparedness and postseason strategy to a team that’s seemed to lack all three elements. But as a defensive minded coach his success has been largely based on Tom Brady’s awesomeness on the offensive side of the ball. For as good as Prescott is, he’s no Brady.

Prescott needs a coach helping him in the postseason, not leaning on him. Therefore, an offensive minded coach is probably the better option for the Cowboys. Then again, there’s no telling who the Joneses would consider at head coach after McCarthy anyway.

Oftentimes the candidates come out of the recycle bin. When McCarthy was hired, the alternatives being considered weren’t exactly inspiring. Ben Johnson or Bobby Slowik seem like great options for the Cowboys if they are indeed hunting for a head coach next offseason. But if the list of candidates doesn’t include them but rather features a series of defensive coaches and retreads, maybe Belichick is the best option.

One thing is clear – the Cowboys and Belichick is a very real connection for a reason. Both sides can make it work and both sides have something to gain from the other; wins for Belichick and street cred for the Joneses.

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Don’t expect the Vikings to be on Jets’ Haason Reddick after trade request

While the Vikings had interest in acquiring Reddick early on, don’t expect Minnesota to pursue him this time around.

Back on April 1, the Eagles traded star pass rusher Haason Reddick to the New York Jets for a conditional third-round pick, but Reddick wanted a contract in place. Fast forward to the middle of August and Reddick now wants out of New York after never receiving a contract. Reddick isn’t participating in practices and has demanded a trade.

Jets’ General Manager Joe Douglass informed Reddick they would not be trading him and he could be subject to fines if he doesn’t report — a storm is brewing in New York between the two sides.

Before the Vikings signed Texans’ Edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, Minnesota was actually interested in Reddick.

The Athletic’s Alec Lewis said the Vikings had some interest in Reddick during the rookie combine, but ultimately signed Greenard instead. Minnesota also signed Andrew Van Ginkel and drafted Dallas Turner, so Vikings fans shouldn’t expect a splash trade from Minnesota regarding Reddick.

Rumor: OKC Thunder had interest in Klay Thompson

Rumor: OKC Thunder had interest in Klay Thompson

With over $30 million in cap space, the Oklahoma City Thunder had a chance to sign practically any free agent. This likely led to conversations about every notable player available this offseason.

According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, included Klay Thompson, who was set to leave the Golden State Warriors. The 34-year-old ultimately signed with the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million deal.

“The Thunder also were interested in Thompson but ended up prioritizing big man Isaiah Hartenstein with their cap space.”

Now that would’ve been an interesting alternative timeline. It would’ve been a rough pitch to make to Thunder fans, who’ve come to shiver every time Thompson’s mentioned.

The four-time NBA champion played a massive role in the Thunder’s demise from the Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook era. His playoff outing in the 2016 Western Conference Finals helped Golden State claw back from a 3-1 deficit.

On the court though, Thompson would’ve been an excellent fit for OKC. He’d be a great 3-and-D starter who has a championship pedigree. Even though his best days are behind him, he’d be a perfect addition to the Thunder.

Thompson averaged 17.9 points on 43.2% shooting, 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists. He shot 38.7% from 3 on nine attempts. He played in 77 games last season.

The sharpshooter would’ve brought a new element to OKC’s offense that it lacked last season with a high-volume outside shooter. There was a degree of mutual interest as Thompson was intrigued by the possibility.

Alas, Thompson signed with the Mavericks. The Thunder used their cap space to add Hartenstein. Such is NBA free agency, which is littered with what-if scenarios.

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Rumor: NBA execs view Thunder as popular destination for Isaiah Hartenstein

Rumor: NBA execs view Thunder as popular destination for Isaiah Hartenstein.

The New York Knicks made a blockbuster deal with the Brooklyn Nets when they shipped an attractive package of draft capital for Mikal Bridges.

The deal immediately makes the Knicks a serious contender next season — especially if they also keep OG Anunoby. A ripple effect of that trade might be the departure of impending free agent Isaiah Hartenstein.

The 26-year-old was likely already out of New York’s price range. Acquiring Bridges might’ve shut the door. He’s expected to have a hefty payday this offseason. He was awesome for the Knicks and slid into their starting lineup when Mitchell Robinson was out.

In 75 games last season, Hartenstein averaged 7.8 points on 64.4% shooting, 8.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks. He was a starter for the Knicks in their playoff run.

If Hartenstein leaves, one possibility is the Oklahoma City Thunder. The youngest first seed in league history has been thought of as a perfect fit for the seven-footer.

He’d be a great backup center who could help on the boards and size. The Thunder lacked a traditional backup big on their roster last season. Hartenstein immediately fixes that hole.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Thunder are seen as one of the two more popular choices on who could land Hartenstein. OKC could offer the veteran a lofty, two-year deal considering they have over $30 million in cap space to spend this summer.

A short-term deal is a seamless slide for the Thunder’s payroll as the inevitable extensions of Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams won’t kick in until the 2026-27 season.

“Orlando and Oklahoma City continue to be teams cited most often by rival executives when forecasting Hartenstein’s likely suitors in free agency.

Let’s see, though, who the Thunder select at No. 12. Just thinking out loud: That is Zach Edey’s range … right?”

Adding Alex Caruso was a clear signal that the Thunder are ready to make win-now moves. They smashed open a championship window last season and have plenty of runway with this core.

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Rumor: OKC Thunder have real interest in Knicks’ Isaiah Hartenstein

Report: OKC Thunder has real interest in Knicks’ Isaiah Hartenstein.

The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the 2024 offseason with over $35 million in cap space to spend. Coming off a top-seed finish and a Round 2 exit, OKC is better equipped than most to make some serious upgrades.

The Thunder are reportedly a serious threat to sign Isaiah Hartenstein away from the New York Knick. The New York Post broke the possibility on Monday.

“‘It’s real,’ an NBA source said of OKC’s interest in Hartenstein… One league source speculated the Thunder would offer a short-term deal (such as two years) with a high salary, providing both sides with long-term flexibility.”

If this materializes to reality, Hartenstien offers a quick fix to the Thunder’s size and rebounding woes. OKC was 27th in the league in rebounds per game this past season. A lack of a true backup big limited its lineup flexibility.

Hartenstein had a breakout year last season with the Knicks. He took over the starting center spot for them once Mitchell Robinson went down and was a starter for 49 out of 75 games.

The 25-year-old averaged 7.8 points on 64.4% shooting, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks. His 18.5% rebound rate would’ve easily ranked first among OKC’s regular rotation players.

If the Thunder adds Hartenstein, it will likely be on a bloated short-term deal. He could command $20 million a season, which means OKC would likely have to spend most of its cap space on the veteran center.

If they sign Hartenstein to a two-year deal, it’ll align perfectly for when the extensions of Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams likely kick in. This could make for a clean divorce between the two parties as OKC’s payroll will get very expensive, very soon.

It’d be a good fit on the court. Hartenstein was the Knicks’ starting center all playoffs and put up decent numbers. He’d be a legit lob threat and can be a great pick-and-roll partner. He’s also a decent passer and can keep the ball moving. The outside shot is nonexistent but that’s a decent price to pay for the defensive tandem of himself and Holmgren.

The Thunder have plenty of money to spend this offseason, overpaying for a position of need on a short-term deal is a sound strategy considering they smashed open a championship window last season.

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Rumor: Thunder could add Nikola Topic if he falls to No. 12 spot of 2024 NBA draft

Rumor: Thunder could add Nikola Topic if he falls to No. 12 spot of 2024 NBA draft.

A shockwave was sent throughout the 2024 NBA draft process when it was reported that projected lottery pick Nikola Topic suffered a partially torn ACL.

The extent of the injury is unknown, but it’s the latest example of a concerning trend. He suffered a knee injury in January that cost him four months. His return in April was shortlived as he suffered an ACL tear on the same knee just three games later.

The 18-year-old could go down the road of redshirting his first year recovering from the knee injury. If that’s the case, it will seriously hurt his draft stock.

In ESPN draft expert Jonathan Givony’s prospect rankings, he noted the Oklahoma City Thunder as a possible destination if he falls to the No. 12 spot.

“San Antonio (No. 8), Utah (No. 10), Oklahoma City (No. 12) and Portland (No. 14) are viewed by teams as potential landing spots depending on team doctors’ full assessments of his medicals, which have yet to be distributed. Only teams picking in the top 15 will have access to those, per new CBA rules.”

The strategy behind the risky selection is to trust Topic’s recovery process and take a top-five talent with the 12th pick. The Thunder can afford the luxury of not needing him ready for his rookie year. They can slowplay his rehab in the background of another contending season.

Topic is viewed as a project with a real chance to be a high-end playmaker. The jumper needs to improve but the 6-foot-7 guard has the potential to be a great traditional point guard.

In 12 games last season with the ABA’s Mega MIS, he averaged 18.4 points on 52.3% shooting, 7.1 assists and 3.6 rebounds. He shot 25.9% from 3 on 4.5 attempts. He shot 85.5% from the free-throw line.

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