Injuries
Josh Allen reveals he played through a foot fracture late in the season, disclosing a broken fifth metatarsal that required a procedure earlier this week in Birmingham. Bills GM Brandon Beane confirmed the injury, and Allen was seen on crutches during Joe Brady’s introductory press conference. Despite the injury, Allen did not miss time during the playoffs, raising questions about his durability and pain threshold.
Coaching News
The Philadelphia Eagles officially name Sean Mannion as their new offensive coordinator. Mannion, just 33 years old and a former NFL quarterback as recently as 2023, joins from the Packers where he served as quarterbacks coach. He will take over play-calling duties, marking the seventh different play-caller Jalen Hurts has had in as many seasons.
The New York Giants are actively reshaping their offensive staff. According to reports, they will interview Shane Day, current Chargers quarterbacks coach, for their vacant offensive coordinator position on Saturday. Day is known for his work with Justin Herbert and was previously considered for the Chargers’ OC role. Additionally, the Giants are expected to hire Donald D’Alesio, the Ravens’ defensive backs coach, to an unspecified role. D’Alesio brings Super Bowl experience from his tenure with the Chiefs.
Davis Webb, Broncos passing game coordinator, is withdrawing from consideration for the Raiders’ head coaching vacancy. Webb had interviewed with the Raiders, Bills, and Ravens but will remain with Denver for now.
Elsewhere, the Miami Dolphins are hiring Nathaniel Hackett as their quarterbacks coach. Hackett, the former Broncos head coach, most recently served in offensive roles with the Jets before his midseason dismissal.
Robert Saleh reflects on his time with the Jets, stating that the experience has resulted in “tremendous growth.” Saleh says he feels more prepared now for future head coaching opportunities, though he remains under contract in New York.
Jon Gruden denied recent reports that he had been offered a position with Saleh’s staff. Speaking to USA Today, Gruden said, “There was never anything,” denying any formal connection to the Jets’ coaching staff.
Front Office News
The Atlanta Falcons are hiring Ian Cunningham as their new general manager, sources confirm. Cunningham, previously the assistant GM for the Bears, will not trigger any compensatory picks for Chicago, as the NFL rules did not grant one for his departure.
Hall of Fame Debate
With the Pro Football Hall of Fame selections underway, discussions arise around the committee’s treatment of highly influential figures. According to Peter King and Mike Florio, Bill Belichick’s lack of popularity with some media members may negatively impact his Hall of Fame consideration in the short term, despite his unparalleled resume. In a related debate, Patriots owner Robert Kraft is being touted as overdue for enshrinement, with King arguing Kraft should have been included a decade ago given his impact on the NFL’s business and success in New England.
Defensive Trends
Milton Williams has quietly become one of the most effective investments on the New England Patriots defense. The team’s commitment to building around Williams has paid off, particularly on play-action defense, where the Patriots rank No. 1 in DVOA since Week 10, per Aaron Schatz. They’ve recorded five interceptions on play-action passes over that span—two more than any other NFL team.
Quarterback Movement
Mac Jones is reportedly on the radar of the Minnesota Vikings as they evaluate veteran quarterback options for the offseason, per reports from Heavy.com. The Vikings face a pivotal offseason at the position and have taken note of Jones’ availability given his uncertain future in New England.
Disciplinary & Off-Field News
Former NFL tight end Vernon Davis is facing serious allegations after being accused of assaulting a woman during a dispute over abortion, according to TMZ. An arrest warrant has reportedly been issued, with details of the alleged altercation involving throwing books at the victim. Davis has not commented publicly on the matter.
League Policy
The NFL is reportedly rejecting all Super Bowl ad slots from prediction market companies, including gambling-adjacent platforms, according to Front Office Sports. The league’s media policy continues to restrict associations with certain types of betting brands, even as its official stance on sports gambling has evolved in recent years.