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Giants
The Giants made adjustments to their defensive backfield with CB Paulson Adebo and S Jevon Holland. Giants GM Joe Schoen considers both players to be ballhawk defenders, while second-year CB Tyler Nubin is also showing potential.
“Both of them, instincts and ball skills. The ability to take the ball away is something we struggled with last year in terms of creating turnovers. Both of those guys have a history of taking the ball away, and they both have instincts,” Schoen said, via GiantsWire. “Obviously, [Tyler] Nubin had 13 interceptions at Minnesota. You’ve got guys back there now who have really good ball skills. I have a lot of faith in our defensive line that if we can create some leads during the season, those guys can pin their ears back.”
Schoen also points out that cornerbacks like Deonte Banks and Andru Phillips are also under contract, giving their defense potential stability for multiple years.
“Then have guys on the back end that can take the ball away, are instinctive, route-savvy, and also good tacklers. The other part of that is Adebo and Holland, Tae Banks, Dru Phillips, Nubin, all those guys are under contract. They will be with each other for the next three years. Tae, as well, if we do his fifth-year option.”
Giants HC Brian Daboll praised CBs coach Jeff Burris and secondary coach Marquand Manuel.
“I think Marquand (Manuel) has done a nice job,” Daboll said. “Jeff Burris is a former first-round pick who I think can help in certain areas with some of the players. Tae Banks was a first-round pick. It’ll be a good experience.”
Jadeveon Clowney
The Panthers released former first overall pick from 2014, LB Jadeveon Clowney, who, after a career played with the Texans, Seahawks, Titans, Browns, Ravens, and now Panthers, intends to resume playing.
“I’m definitely gonna play well,” Clowney told Joseph Person of TheAthletic.com. “You can mark my word on that. I don’t care where I end up playing at, I’m gonna play extremely well. I think I played well for Carolina [last] year, considering the circumstances that unfolded for me. I played with a bunch of guys that was hurt this past year. And I ended up playing extremely well for them. So it is what it is. I can play the game. I can play football. There are 31 other teams. I just hope another team gives me that opportunity so I can prove myself again. I feel like I can do that.”
“I got a sense that they wanted me out of the building,” Clowney added. “I was just like, ‘Y’all could’ve told me this back when I was coming in here during the offseason.’ I kind of had a sense, though. I’ve been around the game long enough to know, so I was OK. [W]e was behind the 8-ball a lot, getting scored on and couldn’t score. It was like, you can’t rush, you can’t stop the run, you’re in a bad situation. That’s just football. I got more in the tank than people think. I just keep bringing it, and they’re gonna keep counting me out.”
Panthers
Panthers GM Dan Morgan admitted that the team was still scouring free agency for reinforcements, particularly in the defensive backfield.
“Yeah, we’re definitely gonna explore some guys that are still out there,” he said, via Panthers Wire. “But drafting a guy like Lathan, I just think he brings that demeanor and that mentality that we’re looking for—that physical presence out there, that tone-setter-type mentality. And I think a lot of people think that Tre’von [Moehrig] is just really a box guy. But he actually is a really good deep player too and a guy that we feel like can play center field, half field and do a lot of things from the backend as well. So, I think that we have a lot of versatility back there, a lot of guys that are smart and can do a lot of things. But that won’t exclude us from trying to add somebody else.“
More must-reads:
- DeMeco Ryans sounds displeased with officiating after C.J. Stroud concussion
- Mike Vrabel responds to accusation that Patriots simulated Falcons' snap on key fourth-quarter play
- The 'NFL Passing YPG leaders' quiz
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TODAY'S BEST
Intriguing reunion on table for Steelers with trade deadline nearing
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a team that is looking to solidify itself as a competitor in the AFC for the 2025 season, and the franchise should be looking to make some moves around the trade deadline. The organization already brought in safety Kyle Dugger from the New England Patriots, and he made an immediate impact in a win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The Steelers could use some help on the offensive side of the ball as well, but more additions could be made to shore up the defense as well. There is some positional uncertainty at safety for the Steelers as well as a bunch of injuries. The position has changed a ton throughout the season, and the Steelers could certainly use some more depth in the area. Unfortunately, Minkah Fitzpatrick would only be an option if he were to be cut as Pittsburgh cannot trade for him within two years of trading him away. However, his former running mate, Damontae Kazee, is a potential option for the Steelers after he was released by the Cleveland Browns on Monday. Kazee is a veteran with a good amount of experience, and he could certainly sign with Pittsburgh if the front office wants him to return to the black and gold. However, there are other safety-needy teams throughout the league as well. The coaching staff in the Steel City understands and appreciates familiar voices on the roster, and Kazee could provide decent depth while also being familiar with the defense and everyone in the building. Juan Thornhill and Chuck Clark have been other contributors at safety for the Steelers in 2025, but there is a real chance that Kazee might be a better option than either of those players. Both Thornhill and Clark have seemed to be at the center of communication issues in the secondary, and whenever there is an obvious coverage bust, Clark seems to always be one of the players closest to it. Kazee signed with the Browns during the 2025 offseason, and he had only played in four games through the first nine weeks of the season. He had been on the field for just 11 defensive snaps, as he seemed to be more of a special teamer in Cleveland. Despite the reduced role in 2025, he could provide some value to Pittsburgh, even if he is just signed to the practice squad. The fan base in Pittsburgh might not have always loved Kazee, but he played a lot of football for the Steelers throughout the three seasons he spent with the team. At the very least, he provides depth for Pittsburgh at a position of need, and he wouldn't be expensive to sign. This is the type of signing the Steelers would make, and it completely makes sense to do so. Pittsburgh Steelers have found a successful safety combination Ahead of Pittsburgh's game on Sunday against the Colts, it was announced that cornerback Jalen Ramsey would be playing exclusively free safety. He had been playing some safety throughout the year depending on what the opposing offense was doing, but on Sunday, he did not leave the position. It was Ramsey and Dugger leading the way in the defensive backfield, and the duo had a pretty good day. It will be interesting to see if that is something the Steelers continue to use in the coming weeks, but it probably should be since it was so effective against the best offense in the NFL.
DeMeco Ryans sounds displeased with officiating after C.J. Stroud concussion
Quarterback C.J. Stroud suffered a concussion in the second quarter of the Houston Texans' 18-15 home loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday when he took a crunching hit as he attempted to slide following a scramble. Broncos cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine was initially penalized for unnecessary roughness, but referees eventually picked the flag up after a replay showed that Abrams-Draine hadn't hit Stroud in the head. While speaking with reporters on Monday, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans addressed his thoughts on that play. C.J. Stroud concussion showed when quarterbacks are, aren't protected "It’s a tough play," Ryans said, per Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. "Quarterback is sliding. I thought quarterbacks are protected when they slide. But what I’m learning is, as long as you don’t hit them in the head or neck area, if they slide and you hit them in the chest, then that is just fine. That is what I learned." As ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime shared, Ryans said shortly after the Texans fell to 3-5 on Sunday that he felt the hit on Stroud was unnecessary roughness because Abrams-Draine "hit the quarterback when he was sliding and giving himself up." Stroud was still in the NFL's concussion protocol as of Monday afternoon, and it's unclear if he'll be available for Houston's home game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars (5-3) on Nov. 9. "I spoke to him last night," Ryans said about Stroud. "He’s feeling a little bit better. We’ll see how the week goes and how he progresses throughout the week." What Texans would expect if Davis Mills has to start vs. Jaguars Backup quarterback Davis Mills replaced Stroud against the Broncos and completed 17-of-30 pass attempts for 137 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Mills began Monday atop the Houston depth chart with Stroud not cleared to practice. "I expect him to go out and do his best," Ryans said about Mills possibly getting the start for the Jacksonville game. "Just play the offense the proper way and make great decisions with the football." Shortly after Ryans spoke with media members, ESPN BET had the Texans as 1.5-point favorites over the Jaguars. Ryans may not reveal Stroud's status for the Jacksonville game before Friday at the earliest.
Three offseason trade targets for Blue Jays to add an impact bat
The Toronto Blue Jays and their fans are fresh off the most heartbreaking loss in franchise history. Putting the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers on the brink of elimination with two cracks to win the World Series at home, only to lose two nail-biters that each came down to the final out. It’s going to take a long time to get over it, if that’s even possible to do. However, they'll have to turn the page rather quickly because in just three days, the negotiating window for free agents expires, and all are free to sign wherever they so choose. Toronto will be busy in an attempt to retain the likes of star shortstop Bo Bichette and starting pitchers Shane Bieber, Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer. At the same time, the front office must be active in improving its roster from the outside, whether that’s via free agency or trade. While there are some intriguing names for the Blue Jays to target on the open market, given their needs, heading down the trade route could make the most sense. Here are three ideal trade targets for the Toronto Blue Jays to add an impactful left-handed bat to their lineup for 2025-26 and beyond: Oneil Cruz | Pittsburgh Pirates Cruz’s name popped up in trade rumors ahead of the deadline in August, and it’s fair to wonder if he still could be available if Pittsburgh gets the right offer. The 27-year-old has all of the tools to be one of the best hitters in baseball, standing at 6-foot-7, 240 pounds with extreme power and bat speed. His numbers last season (20 HRs, 61 RBI), while solid, didn't reflect his talent, but it's understandable given the lack of protection around him on the Pirates. In Toronto, Cruz could slot in behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bichette, immediately becoming the most dangerous left-handed hitter in a right-heavy lineup. Matt Wallner | Minnesota Twins The 39th overall pick back in 2019 may not publicly be on the trade block, but after its sell-off at the deadline, it doesn’t feel like anyone is untouchable in Minnesota. Like Cruz, Wallner, at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, has big-time power, and the Blue Jays saw that firsthand when he crushed three HRs and six RBI during their three-game series in Toronto in late August. He does have some swing and miss in his bat (.231 career average), but with how often the top of the Blue Jays lineup gets on base, all it takes is one swing for Wallner to put up a crooked number on the scoreboard. Jarren Duran | Boston Red Sox The 2024 All-Star Game MVP has been in constant trade discussions for over a year now, and it feels inevitable that he gets dealt out of Boston this winter. Duran had more of an up-and-down 2025 campaign, though he's displayed the ability to drive in runs (84 RBI) and has power with even more untapped potential. Combine that with his speed and athleticism, and you can see why so many teams would love to acquire him. Trading within the division is never easy, but the 29-year-old would be a perfect fit in the middle of Toronto's lineup, so it's something they should absolutely look into.
Mike Vrabel responds to accusation that Patriots simulated Falcons' snap on key fourth-quarter play
Jets-Cowboys Trade Deadline Buzz For Star Edge Rusher Heating Up
The New York Jets have made a handful of trades over the last year, and it doesn't seem like they're done yet. Most recently, the Jets traded cornerback Michael Carter II to the Philadelphia Eagles. With about 24 hours until the trade deadline, the Jets have a chance to make even more moves. There are players like Breece Hall, Will McDonald IV, and Jermaine Johnson who make sense as trade chips for New York. Hall seems likely to stay in New York as the Jets potentially look to sign him to a contract extension. The Jets reportedly want to keep McDonald, too, but Johnson could make more sense than any as a big trade chip this week. USA Today's Jacob Camenker recently listed Johnson as a trade target for the Dallas Cowboys ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline. Cowboys getting trade buzz for Jermaine Johnson at the trade deadline "Johnson generated 7.5 sacks and made a Pro Bowl in 2023. Since then, he has played in seven games due to injury and has generated just one sack," Camenker wrote. "Johnson is still just 26 and is under contract for a reasonable $13.4 million in 2026. The Florida State product has athletic upside, and perhaps a change of scenery could allow him to regain the solid form of his breakout, second season. "The issue with trading for Johnson? He wouldn't come cheap. The Athletic reports the Jets are asking for 'a second-round pick or better' to part with the fourth-year edge rusher. Still, Dallas could consider targeting him as a long-term replacement for Parsons at a fraction of the cost." It's hard to imagine the Jets trading Johnson unless they're blown away by a trade offer. If the Cowboys are willing to give up a second round pick and potentially late round pick swaps, the Jets could take the bait. But Johnson is the kind of player that a team could build its defense around. When healthy, he makes a huge difference for the Jets. He's coming off a crushing injury from last season and has struggled to stay healthy this season, too, but when he's on the field, he's impactful. At this rate, the Jets would be better off holding onto him and attempting to sign him to a contract extension at a discount rather than trading him for less than a second-round pick.
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