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USA Today
19 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
49ers former 5th-round pick could be playing for huge new contract in 2025
The San Francisco 49ers will return most of their offensive starters from last season in 2025, and that trend will continue in the 2026 offseason. However, one name sticks out as a free-agent-to-be who could be in line for a massive raise from the 49ers next year. Right tackle Colton McKivitz is entering the final year of his contract with the 49ers. Before last season he signed a one-year contract extension worth up to $5.85 million with $3.785 million in new guarantees according to Over the Cap. That puts the 2020 fifth-round pick in line for unrestricted free agency next year after signing a pair of short-term new deals. Entering 2025 it doesn't appear McKivitz will break the bank as a free agent. Some may even argue the 49ers would be okay letting him walk and replacing him with a draft pick. However, over the last two years McKivitz has gone from a passable RT to something closer to an above-average starter. Entering the 2023 campaign McKivitz had played in only 28 games with five starts across three seasons. He was even waived before the 2021 season and eventually spent part of the year on the practice squad. In 2023 he took over as the full-time starter at right tackle and had a rough go despite playing his natural position. Pro Football Focus had McKivitz down for a whopping 47 pressures and nine sacks in 573 pass blocking snaps during his first season as a starter. He also posted a 94.8 pass blocking efficiency mark, which ranked 52nd among 58 OTs with at least 580 pass blocking snaps. It was not a good showing and certainly produced questions about his long-term viability as a bookend to left tackle Trent Williams. The 49ers were rewarded for rolling with McKivitz in 2024. His play improved dramatically, particularly in the second half of the year. He allowed 36 pressures and just two sacks in 645 pass blocking snaps. His efficiency jumped to 96.9, which ranked 27th out of 60 OTs with at least 580 pass blocking snaps. His numbers in the second half give some credence to the theory that McKivitz just needed to find his NFL legs at his natural position. After spending his entire four-year college career at RT, the 49ers tried moving him to the interior before flipping him to left tackle when Williams was hurt. Now he's getting to permanently stick at his most familiar spot and he's producing. In his first seven games last year he gave up 19 pressures, six QB hits and one sack. Over the final 11 games McKivitz allowed just 17 pressures, zero QB hits and one sack. It was a marked improvement for a player who'd struggled so mightily the year prior. There's a chance McKivitz plateaus in his NFL improvement and limits his market where the 49ers may be able to retain him at an affordable rate. If his ascension continues, on the other hand, McKivitz could be in for a sizable raise that annually far exceeds his career earnings of just over $9 million. If he does improve at that rate, it will put San Francisco's offensive line in a very good spot in 2025. It may also put them in the market for a new, less expensive right tackle next offseason. More 49ers: 49ers first-round pick identified as top candidate for 2025 Defensive Rookie of the Year
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Joe Burrow reportedly blames himself for Trey Hendrickson contract distraction, not the Bengals
Hendrickson's contract standoff puts pressure on Burrow and Bengals (Image via: Getty Images) Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is reportedly blaming himself—not the team—for the unresolved contract situation with star pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson. As Hendrickson's holdout continues, Burrow's reaction highlights leadership, but also underscores the growing pressure on the franchise ahead of the 2025 NFL season. Joe Burrow shoulders blame as Trey Hendrickson's contract standoff puts Bengals ' 2025 season at risk According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Joe Burrow isn't pointing fingers at the Bengals' front office for failing to secure Hendrickson's extension. Instead, he's internalizing the issue, believing it's on him to lead the team through the distraction. 'He puts it all on his shoulders and says, 'Hey, we have to get this done. I'm the quarterback of this franchise,'' Fowler reported. While that mindset is admirable, Burrow doesn't control contract negotiations. The Bengals have reportedly offered Hendrickson a deal worth $28 million per year. But considering Hendrickson has recorded more sacks than any edge rusher in the NFL over the past two seasons, that offer may not reflect his true market value. $28M offer falls short as Hendrickson holdout threatens Bengals' 2025 hopes According to Over the Cap, a $28 million annual salary would rank Hendrickson eighth among edge rushers, trailing players like T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett, even though Hendrickson has outperformed many of them recently. His camp is pushing for a top-five salary, and rightly so, given his consistent impact on the Bengals' defense. Fowler added that Hendrickson remains firmly committed to his stance and is prepared to miss games if a new deal isn't reached. For a Bengals team aiming to rebound in the AFC and make a deep playoff run, losing their top defensive player could be a massive blow. Burrow's willingness to take the blame shows leadership, but it doesn't change the reality. The Bengals must resolve this holdout before it disrupts team chemistry and derails their 2025 campaign. Also Read: Jim Kelly ranked top 15 Super Bowl era QB: Ahead of Lamar Jackson, Bart Starr, and Warren Moon If the Bengals want to remain competitive in 2025, securing Trey Hendrickson with a fair-market deal is critical. His production ranks among the league's best, and replacing that impact won't be easy if the holdout continues. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Steelers acquire DK Metcalf in major NFL trade—Here's why $132M deal makes sense
Steelers land DK Metcalf in bold trade, lock him in $132M deal (Image via: Getty Images) The Pittsburgh Steelers shocked the NFL by acquiring wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick. Shortly after the trade, the Steelers handed Metcalf a massive four-year, $132 million extension. While some critics call it an overpay, the deal's structure may prove to be a win for Pittsburgh. Why DK Metcalf's contract could be a long-term steal for Pittsburgh The Steelers didn't just trade for a superstar, they bought flexibility, leverage, and long-term control. While DK Metcalf's $132 million extension with $60 million guaranteed makes him the fourth-highest-paid wide receiver in the league, there's more to the deal than meets the eye. ESPN's Dan Graziano believes the structure of Metcalf's contract makes it surprisingly team-friendly. After 2026, none of his salary is guaranteed, giving the Steelers an escape hatch. According to Over the Cap, Pittsburgh could release him after June 1, 2027, and free up $26.5 million in cap space. That means the team gets Metcalf's prime years without committing to his decline. Steelers Sights & Sounds: Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf Make Steelers Practice Debuts With the wide receiver market exploding, it's also a forward-thinking move. While Metcalf ranks fourth in average annual value now, there's a high likelihood he drops outside the top five by next season. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Protecting Our Oceans Rolex Read Now Undo His contract might seem expensive today but could look like a bargain in just 12 months. Beyond the dollars, the football impact is undeniable. Metcalf, still just 27, brings elite size, speed, and red-zone dominance. He gives Pittsburgh a legitimate WR1—something the team hasn't had since the peak of Antonio Brown. The addition boosts a Steelers offense looking to contend immediately. Pittsburgh pulled off the trade by parting with just a second-round pick. In today's high-demand trade market, acquiring a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver on a long-term deal for that price is rare. Also Read: Breaking: Trey Hendrickson turns down $28M from Bengals, future in Cincinnati now uncertain The Steelers' blockbuster trade for DK Metcalf may look risky at first glance, but the deal's smart structure, cap flexibility, and long-term upside make it one of the most strategic moves of 2025. If Metcalf performs as expected, Pittsburgh could come away looking like one of the NFL's sharpest front offices. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
USA Today
25-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Contract details for Jacksonville Jaguars' WR/CB Travis Hunter
Here is a look at the contract details for Jacksonville Jaguars' second overall pick Travis Hunter. The Jacksonville Jaguars recently signed second overall pick Travis Hunter to his rookie deal, and Over the Cap now has those contract details. When it comes to rookie deals, the rookie wage scale sets the parameters, based on where the player was drafted, that puts in place a ceiling and a floor for how much each draft pick can earn over their standard four-year contract. For a more detailed look at the rookie wage scale, click here. For Hunter, he will earn $46.49 million over the four-year deal, all of which is guaranteed. $30. 55 million of that will be in the form of a signing bonus, and what makes Hunter's deal very unique is that he will receive that entire amount up front, which is a rare occurrence, especially for non-quarterbacks. From a cap perspective, that signing bonus amount will be prorated over the four years of the contract, in the form of a $7.64 million cap hit each year. In Year 1, Hunter will earn a base salary of $840,000. In Year 2, it increases to $1.005 million, followed by $1.120 million in Year 3, and $1.235 million in Year 4. Also included on Hunter's deal is a roster bonus of $1.955 million in 2026, a $3.96 million roster bonus in 2027, and then a $5.966 million roster bonus in 2028. As a first-round pick, the Jaguars will have the ability to either pick up or decline a fifth-year option for Hunter for the 2029 season. That decision will have to be made prior to the 2028 season. Travis Hunter's salary cap hits each year with the Jacksonville Jaguars
USA Today
24-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
How major Aaron Rodgers admission could ruin Patriots dream trade scenario
'I'm pretty sure this is my last season and that's why we did the one year deal..I've played twenty years and I've enjoyed no better way to finish it than with Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers' @AaronRodgers12 #PMSLive The 2025 NFL season could be Aaron Rodgers' last stand with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After 20 years, the legendary quarterback admitted that he's "pretty sure" this will be his last NFL season. That statement will dominate the headlines as a promising new venture in Pittsburgh has suddenly turned into a potential farewell tour for Rodgers. But there's a New England Patriots twist that comes with all of this, especially for those hoping to see the team pull off a dream trade for seven-time Pro Bowl edge rusher T.J. Watt. If the Steelers are aware this is Rodgers' last ride, their decision to sign him to a one-year deal might have tipped their approach to the 2025 season. Perhaps the Steelers are putting all of their chips on the table with the Rodgers signing and going all in for a final Super Bowl run. If that's the case, they likely wouldn't be in the market for moving on from one of the best defensive players in the league. "I'm pretty sure this is it. That's why we just did a one-year deal," Rodgers admitted on The Pat McAfee Show. "Steelers didn't need to put any extra years on that or anything. This was really about finishing with a lot of love and fun and peace for the career that I've had. I've played 20 freaking years. It's been a long run, and I've enjoyed it. What better place to finish than in one of the cornerstone franchises of the NFL?" The Patriots still lead the league with $60.6 million in available cap space, per Over the Cap. So they have plenty of money to spend if they wanted to make another splash signing. If they were to trade for Watt, they'd likely want an extension in place before sending assets to the Steelers. However, that move seems even more unlikely now than it already was before Rodgers' comments. The Patriots are slated to face the Steelers in Foxborough in a Week 3 matchup on September 21. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
