Super Bowl Ricks is in the book.
But while confetti is still being cleaned up in New Orleans, the NFL world will soon turn into the offseason. The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine is just weeks away, and the NFL Draft is always on the way.
What could be the first major news of the offseason report came before Deebo Samuel sought Super Bowl LIX and was given permission to seek trade. San Francisco 49ers.
Samuel is in the final season of his three-year contract extension, which he signed with San Francisco in 2022. The contract has a base salary of $1.1 million, but the structure of the contract with the 49ers means there are complications associated with any movement. Thanks to a restructuring that took place last fall, if the 49ers traded him before June 1st, they will absorb a $31.55 million dead cap hit. However, he also receives a $15.4 million bonus on March 22nd. This is something the organization wants to avoid if he isn't on the roster next season.
Samuel is one of the league's most versatile offensive players, but injuries have been a factor in the past few seasons. After posting his career years in 2021, Samuel has played in 43 of 51 regular season contests since that campaign.
Still, there will be suitors.
Let's rank a few options.
7. Denver Broncos
Like other teams that appear in this list, Denver Broncos He made it to the playoffs behind Bonnix rookie quarterback.
The Broncos' postseason run ended with a wild card round, but Denver has a window to build around the rookie quarterback. According to the company, there is more than $30 million in effective cap space On the capthe Broncos have the ability to ink Samuel as an extension. And you can imagine Sean Payton wanting to design Samuel's plays in both the passing and running games.
6. New England Patriot
The New England patriot may have made Drake May's choice right.
May completed 66.6% of the Patriots' passes last season and played behind the offensive line, which he struggled to protect him all season, but was still 15 times for 2,276 yards and 10 interceptions. threw a touchdown. New England fans saw a flash of light on what he would get in the league in games, like the Buffalo Bills' second half of the season defeat, and he was even nominated for his first Pro Bowl It's there! *
*Yes, as something like the 15th alternative. Dear reader, I think you were next in line.
While down in Orlando, May did his best to market a potential free agent in New England. The Patriots have the most cap space available this offseason, with over $110 million freed to seduce new players at Foxborough.
“I think they sell the town and sell their fans,” May said. NBC Sports Boston About his pitch to recruit him to players. “When you win, they love you. They're behind us and I think we have something to look forward to in Boston.”
Now the front office needs to pick up where May left off and get help from the young quarterback. Samuel will be a big step in that direction.
5. New York Giants
It has all sorts of expectations New York Giants He will be one of the teams drafting rookies at the top of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Adding help around the expected rookie quarterback is a wise move from general manager Joe Shane.
The Giants added Malik Neighbors during the 2024 NFL Draft, with the Nabels appearing to be part of the top-flight NFL wide receiver. LSU Despite playing with Daniel Jones, Drew Lock and Tommy Devito, he carried the product with 109 passes for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns a year ago. But when Darius Slayton attacks free agency, adds another wide receiver and something as talented as Samuel, he puts a lot of pressure from the expected rookie QB.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers There are two threats in the passing game. George Pickens on the outside and Pat Frey Elms, who works in the middle of the field, are tight ends.
However, the remaining options in the passing game struggle to implement on a consistent basis. Mike Williams showed the flash for the Steelers in his playoff run last season. It can be run as both a blocker and a ball carrier in a run game.
And his addition will certainly help anyone under the center in Pittsburgh next season.
3. LosAngeles Chargers
Can you hear that sound?
Are you far away?
That's “Charger The media hype cycle began to run. This happens almost every offseason. The Chargers have a difficult end to the season.
By the time training camp arrives, they are everyone's darlings again.
Jim Harbaugh's first season in Los Angeles was after watching the Chargers advance into the playoffs. Houston Texans In the game, many believed that the Chargers would win. After all, the charger was a road favourite in the game before “charging” in a near-perfect way.
At this point, it is at the bottom of the media cycle above. But if Los Angeles adds Samuel to their attacks, giving them an extra presence in the passing game and boosting their rush to attack, Spring will come here before you know it.
2. Houston Texans
Now we reach the team that the charger lost last month.
The Houston Texans attempted to capitalize on the success of CJ Stroud's rookie season, adding players like Stefon Diggs, Danielle Hunter and Joe Mixon last spring. It was enough for the Texans to support another win over the second consecutive AFC South title and wildcard weekend, but Houston Kansas City Chiefs The next week.
They certainly have weapons in the offense, but they suffer a massive knee injury that Tank Dell could potentially cost him the entire 2025 campaign later in the season. The final three years of his previous contract, adding a wide range of receivers may be at the top of Nick Caserio's to-do list this offseason.
With Stroud still in that newcomer deal, the Texans may try to load again.
1. Washington Commander
This is one of the recipes for success in the modern NFL, but isn't it?
When a team hits gold at quarterback on a rookie contract, it gives them a great opportunity. With additions like Stefon Diggs, Joe Mixon, and Daniel Hunter, we take the Houston Texans, who loaded around CJ Stroud in their final offseason. Both teams who played in the Super Bowl LIX were with the Kansas City Chiefs. Philadelphia Eagles Built around Patrick Mahomes and Jalen, it hurts before it's time for a long extension.
What's next? Washington Commander.
Jaden Daniels has built an incredible rookie season for Washington, leading his manager to the NFC Championship game, securing offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Now, the commander can enter the offseason with the league's third most effective cap space, making Samuel's extension an option and demonstrating a record of recent success.
Adds Samuel to that attack – and he might perfectly suit what Kliff Kingsbury wants to do in general – and be careful.
