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SB Nation    •   49 min read

Daily Slop - 19 Jul 25 - Film clip of Noah Brown workout dampens concerns over receiver’s health ahead of training camp

WHAT'S THE STORY?

Pittsburgh Steelers v Washington Commanders
Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

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ESPN

Judging 2025 NFL offseason overreactions

It’s the Commanders’ turn to win the NFC East

Not much was expected of the Commanders last season, but they were one of the great surprises. Led by new head coach Dan Quinn and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Commanders won their final five games of the regular season (including one against the Eagles) to make the playoffs as a wild card. Then they upset the Buccaneers and Lions to advance to the NFC Championship Game.

Washington’s 12-5 record put the team only two games behind Philadelphia, and they traded for veterans such as left tackle

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Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. in an effort to take the next step and maximize Daniels’ rookie-contract window. The Eagles still look phenomenal and deservedly will open as the division favorites, but no team has repeated as NFC East champion since 2004. The Commanders have their sights set on bigger things in 2025.

The verdict: NOT AN OVERREACTION

It’s probably actually the Giants’ turn, because every other NFC East team has won the division at least three times since New York last did it in 2011. But since a Giants division title would be an even bigger surprise than what Washington did last season, let’s keep it focused on the Commanders for now.

Quinn took the Falcons to the Super Bowl in his second season as Atlanta’s head coach, so he’s not one to temper expectations. The experience Daniels got and the poise he has already shown in fourth quarters of huge games should only help him moving forward.

Championship-seasoned veterans such as Bobby Wagner and Zach Ertz, who were brought in to help jump-start a fresh culture, are back for another run. Veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore should be better than he was in his post-trade-deadline stint last season. And while there’s no reason to doubt the Eagles, it’s incredibly tough to repeat as champion in this division.

Dallas should be better with quarterback Dak Prescott back healthy, but Washington looks to have more than the Cowboys do. It’s very possible that the Commanders take another leap and finish on top in the East.

NFL.com

Washington Commanders training camp 2025 preview: Key dates, notable additions, biggest storylines

What You Need To Know

1) Will Terry McLaurin show up? All is well in the nation’s capital after the Commanders’ surprising 2024 campaign — that is [aside from] McLaurin’s contract kerfuffle with management. The Pro Bowl wide receiver did not show for [some] voluntary organized team activities [and skipped] mandatory minicamp in the Spring, subjecting himself to [possible] fines as he seeks a contract extension.

On Tuesday, a “frustrated” McLaurin, speaking for the first time since skipping spring [Phase 3 OTAs], told reporters that he was still unsure about reporting to training camp, a week before it is set to begin, without a new deal.

McLaurin is currently 17th in AAV among receivers (behind teammate Deebo Samuel) on a $23.2 million-per deal that is in its final year. A two-time Pro Bowler, McLaurin was the leader in the clubhouse during the tumultuous ownership transition from Dan Snyder to Josh Harris — and now wants to be paid like the valued face of the franchise he [is]. McLaurin could probably wait until the 11th hour before Week 1 to sign and be good to go out of the gate. But after the good vibes of the ‘24 season, the last thing the Commanders want is their [out]standing star WR spending any time away from the team entering 2025.

2) The future is now in Washington. Jayden Daniels’ breakout rookie season was a clear indication of that. Further evidence came in general manager Adam Peters’ actions this offseason, acquiring two key pieces in Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil. [By] going for broke with the additions of a Swiss Army playmaker and a perennial Pro Bowl blindside blocker, Washington is speedily building an offense around Daniels and in his image.

But to build off their NFC title game run in 2024, the Commanders need to first get their two new stars up and running in training camp. Samuel has already impressed teammates in camp despite online chatter that he’s playing slower entering his seventh season, and Tunsil’s veteran presence at offseason work has his coach fawning. How Samuel’s role develops in training camp (more WR or RB?) will be the more interesting development (Tunsil is no doubt the starting LT), but both big names will have eyes on them in Ashburn, Virginia.

3) The last we saw the Commanders defense, it was being boat-raced off Lincoln Financial Field by Saquon Barkley and Co. to the tune of 459 yards and 55 points allowed. Joe Whitt Jr.’s middling outfit was the more disappointing unit in 2024 and saw some turnover this offseason that should change things — for better or worse, who knows? Jonathan Allen, the Washington mainstay, is off to Minnesota, replaced in the aggregate by...Javon Kinlaw, Eddie Goldman and Sheldon Day.

The loss of former starter Benjamin St-Juste has been offset at CB by the additions of ex-Patriot Jonathan Jones and second-round pick Trey Amos. Those two will pair with [Mike Sainristil and] Marshon Lattimore, last year’s midseason addition who dealt with injuries in ‘24 and didn’t live up to the hype in five total games played.

Dan Quinn came to D.C. to instill a defensive identity and ended up with one of the NFL’s best offenses. Training camp will be a proving ground for Quinn, Whitt and the aforementioned defensive additions to turn around a unit that held D.C. back from a title bout last season.

The Athletic (paywall)

NFL over/under win totals: Predictions and best bets for all 32 teams in 2025

Washington Commanders over 9.5 (-120)

The Commanders had a magical 12-win season last year, demonstrated best by the fact that they converted 20 of 23 fourth downs. That will be impossible to repeat, and while Jayden Daniels is special, the Commanders will take a step or two back this year. But not three. They should still win at least 10 games, as the offensive line is better and Deebo Samuel, for all the internet fat-shaming, still has some plays left in him. Just give him a breather or 10. The defense took some hits, and the pass rush is a little suspect, but Daniels will again win two or three games because he and Terry McLaurin have the ball last — assuming they work out McLaurin’s contract situation.

Commanders.com

Commanders 2025 training camp preview | Quarterback

  • What’s next for Daniels? The Commanders obviously struck gold when they took Daniels last year. He broke records, added stability to a position that lacked it for decades and took the team to the NFC Championship. Daniels performed so far above average that some analysts are predicting him to experience the dreaded “sophomore slump,” meaning he is going to show some type of regression as a professional player. There is some logic behind the belief that Daniels’ stats won’t be as exceptional as they were during his rookie year, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he will regress as a player. He looked sharp during OTAs and minicamp, and his work ethic is still as impressive as it was in 2024. Sure, defenses are going to be more prepared for his skill set, but the poise and strong foundation in his mechanics are not going to simply disappear. As long as Daniels’ approach stays the same, then he should be primed for another strong season.
  • How will Daniels perform against tougher competition? Every NFL defense is difficult, but there’s no denying that this year’s season has more challenges in store for Daniels. The Commanders will face five teams who had top 10 defenses in 2024, and that includes seeing the Philadelphia Eagles twice. What’s more, teams like the New York Giants, who ranked near the bottom of the league last season, have upgraded their personnel. Daniels will face some of the best pass-rushing groups in the NFL. Seven of the Commanders’ opponents finished with top 10 rankings in total sacks. Washington had this in mind during the offseason, which is why it strengthened its offensive line with Laremy Tunsil and Josh Conerly Jr. Daniels was also one of the most sacked quarterbacks last season, and if Washington hopes to replicate the success from 2024, it will need to help Daniels get that number down.
  • How many quarterbacks will the Commanders keep? The Commanders kept three quarterbacks on the roster while placing Hartman on the practice squad, and it seems like they might do the same thing in 2025. The only new face is Johnson, who has been part of multiple teams across several leagues and has experience in a plethora of offensive schemes. Johnson is not a bad emergency option, but his real value goes back to Daniels’ development. The Commanders spoke often about how pivotal the quarterback room was to getting Daniels up to speed during his rookie year. In addition to the coaches on staff who have experience in developing quarterbacks, the room itself took a collaborative approach to game plans and offered their expertise to Daniels before every game. It might not seem as important as other position battles on the roster, but it’s one the Commanders certainly care about.
Heavy.com

Commanders ‘Modern Linebacker’ Compared to Fred Warner

Logan Paulsen spent six years playing tight end for the Burgundy and Gold, and he talked Magee up on The Team 980’s “Take Command” podcast. Paulsen explained how Magee “kind of checks all these boxes that you want for, like, a modern linebacker. When I think about modern linebacker, it’s Fred Warner, right? It’s this guy that can cover, can get downhill can play sideline to sideline, and there were shades of that when he (Magee) played at Temple.”

Those words may read as overly optimistic about Magee’s development, but it’s important to remember Warner was only a third-round pick back in 2018. The former BYU ace outplayed his draft status and became elite.

Paulsen hopes Magee gets the same chance, even though he acknowledged injury “sidelined” the player’s development as a rookie. Fortunately, it sounds like the “process” will “get started” this year, giving Magee the chance “to show that he’s the, you know, heir apparent to Bobby Wagner, you know, whenever Bobby chooses to walk away.”

Playing three linebackers more often will beef up the front seven if Magee can make plays like this downhill seek-and-destroy run stop for Temple, highlighted by NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah.

Commanders.com

2025 opponent breakdown | Minnesota Vikings

  • What kind of quarterback is JJ McCarthy? This is the biggest question the Vikings will need to answer, not just this year but for the long-term success of their franchise. It seems like he is set up for success; he has a head coach with a strong resume of helping quarterbacks thrive and a strong arsenal of weapons. But he does have a difficult act to follow, as Darnold not only rejuvenated his career but also helped the team win 14 games. If McCarthy can prove he’s capable of being a franchise quarterback, it will dramatically shift the Vikings’ plans for the future. If not, then it creates more questions about how they can capitalize on what is otherwise a solid roster.
  • Can the Vikings get a more successful running game? Jones was a strong player for them last season — it’s why they brought him back this offseason — but the Vikings need more than him if they want a better running game. So, they traded a pair of late-round picks to the San Francisco 49ers for Jordan Mason, who took a jump in production last season with 789 yards and three touchdowns. The move makes sense, but the Vikings also didn’t draft a running back from what was considered to be a strong class. There are currently five running backs on the Vikings’ roster with Ty Chandler slated as the third player behind Jones and Mason. Will that be enough to get them out of the bottom half of the league? Perhaps, but Jones will need to continue turning back the clock, as he will turn 31 during the season.
  • Who is the starting cornerback next to Murphy? Murphy was one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL last year and tied for third in interceptions. However, it’s unknown how the rest of the position will play out. Mekhi Blackmon, a third-round pick from 2023, missed all of last season with an ACL tear but showed promise as a rookie, so he will likely play a role now that he’s healthy. The Vikings also signed Jeff Okudah, who last played for the Houston Texans, as a possible option, although he has historically struggled to stay on the field and only played in six games last season. Despite Murphy playing well, the Vikings were 28th in passing yards allowed, and with so many dynamic offenses populating the NFC North, it’s a problem they need to solve quickly to stay competitive.
Heavy.com

Dating Rumors Swirl Around Commanders QB Jayden Daniels, College Hoops Superstar

[TMZ] tried to get an answer from USC basketball star JuJu Watkins on whether or not she was dating Daniels, last year’s NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, after a video emerged of the couple (or are they?) walking into Watkins’ 20th birthday party together this week.

TMZ paparazzi found Watkins at LAX and she avoided questions about whether or not she was dating Daniels. Watkins, the reigning Naismith National Player of the Year, is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered in March.

Watkins Surefire No. 1 Overall Pick In WNBA Draft

Whenever she’s recovered from her ACL injury and whenever she decides she’s ready, Watkins is a lock to be the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft.

The once-in-a-generation player is a Southern California native, just like Daniels, and was the 2023 Gatorade National Player of the Year out of Sierra Canyon School.

Podcasts & videos

Commanders WIN Offseason As Eagles Get Worse & Cowboys Stagnate | NFC East Breakdown

NFC East links

Bleeding Green Nation

Dallas Goedert’s salary cap hit in 2026 is a looming threat to Eagles’ super bowl window

Howie Roseman’s propensity for extremely aggressive contract structures and heavily backloaded deals [is] a strategy that has worked quite well for the Eagles – they just won a Super Bowl! — but carries a fair amount of long-term financial risk. Put simply, the strategy works as long as the players you choose to pay continue to play well and stay healthy, and you continue to draft well to stock the roster with young, affordable talent.

what about 2026? The Eagles are already third in projected dead cap heading into next season and have just $21 million in projected cap space despite having only 49 players under contract. Notably, players like Reed Blankenship, Nakobe Dean, Dallas Goedert, Josh Uche, and Azeez Ojulari are all slated to hit free agency.

Speaking of Goedert, he’ll be responsible for a whopping $20.5 million in additional dead cap once his contract voids at the start of the 2026 season. This is due to the aforementioned aggressive backloading on his contract, as the bill finally comes due if he isn’t re-signed prior to the start of the 2026 league year. The good news is the Eagles can avoid this dead money charge by “keeping it rolling” with another extension for Goedert, if they so choose. The bad news is there’s a hard deadline to avoid the dead money charge, which gives Goedert significant leverage and little financial incentive to take a small deal from Philadelphia.

Goedert already agreed to a pay cut in May 2025, reducing his base salary by $4.25 million in exchange for full guarantees on his remaining money. So clearly he’s at least willing to work with the Eagles and has a desire to stick around. The bigger question is if Goedert is in the Eagles’ future plans, and if they’re willing to pay him enough to keep him around. Goedert has struggled with injuries throughout his NFL career but especially last season, playing in just 10 games in 2024 and turning in the second-worst receiving performance of his career.

The Eagles have two options with Goedert in 2026. They can either let his contract void and eat the $20.5 million dead cap charge all at once, which would be painful but end the money snowball in 2026. Or, they could keep it rolling, giving Goedert a small extension to continue spreading out the dead cap into future years. Given that Goedert is entering his age-30 season and the Eagles’ current competitive window, it wouldn’t shock me if the decision resulted in giving Goedert that extension.

NFL league links

Articles

The Athletic (paywall)

What does Aaron Rodgers have left? What history says about quarterback life after 40

Since 1970, over-40 QBs have combined for 12 playoff wins. Brady has 10, including two Super Bowls. The others? Brees and Brett Favre each did it once.

When the Pittsburgh Steelers signed 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers, they bet against history. A team that hasn’t won a playoff game since 2017 is counting on Rodgers, who turns 42 in December, to snap the skid.

No one knows how this season will unfold, but let’s open the history books to see what the stats say about what the Steelers can expect.

For the better part of a decade, Rodgers has been thinking about playing into his 40s.

However, three months before his 40th birthday, Rodgers ruptured his Achilles in his Jets debut. Injuries, as history tells us, should be one of his primary concerns.

For Rodgers, the lingering effects of the torn Achilles (and reported knee and hamstring issues) compromised his mobility in 2024. As a result, for just the fourth time in his career, he had a negative EPA per dropback against the blitz (-0.19), according to TruMedia. That was the worst mark among starting QBs who attempted at least 300 passes. He was also sacked ninth most (40), as the magician-like ability to evade the rush disappeared.

During the Jets’ 5-12 season, Rodgers threw for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. However, the underlying stats show he wasn’t as productive as those raw numbers suggest.

His passer rating (90.5) was a career-worst (minimum 20 attempts). His EPA per dropback had been positive in every complete season through 2021 and was as high as 0.40 in the mid-2000s. But it’s been negative for the last two complete seasons, in 2022 (-0.03) and 2024 (-0.02).

Rodgers has said he’s “pretty sure” this will be his final season. Time will tell whether it ends up more like Brady, who added two rings to his legacy in his 40s, or like Unitas and Blanda, who watched their careers come to a screeching halt in Pittsburgh.

ESPN

Ex-NFLPA boss Howell’s strip club expenses sent to investigator

Former NFL Players Association leader Lloyd Howell Jr. resigned after an outside investigator hired by the union received documents this week showing Howell charged the union for two visits to strip clubs, including a $738.82 car service that took him from the airport to one of the clubs.

The documents are union-approved expense reports and receipts, which ESPN began asking questions about hours before Howell abruptly resigned late Thursday night.

One receipt, obtained by ESPN, shows Howell was picked up in a sedan by a car service at Fort Lauderdale International Airport on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, at 10:26 p.m. The car’s first stop was at a nearby Miami Gardens address. The receipt shows only one other stop, nearly eight hours later.

At 6 a.m., the car dropped off Howell at his luxury condominium in Sunny Isles Beach, the receipt shows.

Later, a union finance worker noticed the car service’s exorbitant cost. The employee searched online for the Miami Gardens address, discovering it was Tootsie’s Cabaret.

The 76,000-square-foot venue bills itself as the world’s largest strip club — “full nude No. 1 rated.”

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