Latest news with #ProBowler
Miami Herald
an hour ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Ex-Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith shares real reason he landed with Steelers
Jonnu Smith shared one of the main reasons behind Monday's blockbuster trade that landed the former Miami Dolphins tight end with the Pittsburgh Steelers. 'I'm in a situation where I'm appreciated,' Smith said on The Terron Armstead Podcast Wednesday evening, later adding that 'you're always going to go where you're most valued and appreciated.' Smith commented that the trade was somewhat of a surprise and even 'stung' a little bit considering his historic 2024 season. In just one year, the 29-year-old rewrote the Dolphins franchise history books at the tight end position. Specifically, he set new records for catches (88), receiving yards (884) and touchdowns (eight). 'I felt like I was in a position and once of the key ingredients to helping this team succeed and after the season ended, me and my agent, we like 'This a no brainer. We gone be here forever,'' Smith continued. The Pro Bowler even said that he began to look for a bigger house once the season ended. 'It's a lot of things positive that were working for me individually after the season for me to be in Miami long term — like even life after football,' Smith addeed. The conversation about his compensation, according to Smith, began as soon as the season ended in January. Originally supposed to be paid around $4.8 million in 2025, the newly minted Pro Bowler wanted to be compensated like one of the top tight ends. And as one of the 'character guys' in the locker room, a necessity as the Dolphins attempted to change the culture after issues in 2024, Smith simply thought the deal would get hammered out. 'Eventually it came a point and time when they told me they can't do it,' Smith said. To be clear: a source confirmed that Smith's trade had nothing to do with the team's attempts to institute a better culture. He, in fact, was one of the core guys that . It honestly just came down to money as the Steelers were able to give him a one-year deal worth roughly $12 million. 'I had to make the decision to go where I'm appreciated and viewed on paper, economically, contract-wise as a top guy in this league which I know I am,' Smith said. 'Pittsburgh was the team that saw me as that.' Added Smith: 'Going through that process, I was hurt. I didn't think that collectively — as an organization, players, coaches — that [they believed] trading Jonnu Smith is where our success starts.' The conversation took place during the first episode of The Terron Armstead Podcast, a new show helmed by the recently retired five-time Pro Bowl tackle. Armstead described the podcast as 'different from any other sports show' as he attempts to give fans an intimate look at how these huge trades affect the individuals involved. 'I want to create a platform where we can have this type of dialogue to where we really can get a chance to hear and know the behind-the-scenes of trade talk,' Armstead said. The Steelers' move to acquire Smith, however, puts a lot of eyeballs on Pittsburgh as they seemingly will go all in on newly acquired quarterback Aaron Rodgers and co. Other additions to the Steelers include receiver D.K Metcalf, cornerback Darius Slay and cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who was part of the Smith trade that also sent safety Minkah Fitzpatrick back to Miami. How these moves play out will make the Steelers an intriguing team in 2025. Luckily, the Dolphins will have a front row seat come Week 15 as they travel to Pittsburgh for what will likely be a rather frigid, Monday Night Football matchup.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bills Caution James Cook To Not 'Get Caught Off-Guard' Amid Contract Dispute
Bills Caution James Cook To Not 'Get Caught Off-Guard' Amid Contract Dispute originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is a two-time Pro Bowler, has two 1,000-yard seasons, and tied the franchise record last year for touchdowns in a season (16), yet he still isn't the finished product. Advertisement Of course, no player is, even Patrick Mahomes, has flaws, but players work on them during the offseason, so by the time the regular season rolls around, maybe they aren't as noticeable. For Cook, his ability as a runner is well-documented, but as we know, part of a running back's duties is also to pass protect, and when you have Josh Allen in front of you, allowing him time to dissect the defense is crucial. And for Bills running back coach Kelly Skipper, pass protection is an area James needs to improve. "The thing about it is we got a couple different backs, situations, different things that happen," Skipper said via ESPN. "The thing he's got to concentrate is his whole game, the run and the pass. Being able to pass block because he can do it, you know what I mean? It's just how many times and just being ready and don't get caught off guard." Advertisement Is that advice tied to Cook's contract dispute? In a sense. "Be better'' is one way to get a payday, for one thing. Dec 17, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) handles the ball off to running back James Cook (4) in the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at Highmark Fisher-USA TODAY Sports The offensive line helped with that last season as Allen was only sacked 14 times, a career-low, but Cook also played his role, helping pick up blitzes and allowing Allen to do his thing. However, it appears that it still needs work, according to Skipper, and if James participates in training camp, we imagine that will be something that gets addressed. Of course - and here's the second reason this advice is tied to the negotiations - James and his contract situation might prevent that, at least in the first week or so, but Cook, while seen as a rising star, still has a couple of rough spots in his game that need to be ironed out. Advertisement Just like everyone else. Related: Bills Coach Ranking Reveals Steep Drop After Major Change Related: What Is 'Best-Case' Scenario For New-Look Bills Defense? This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
10 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
WR Adam Thielen reveals why he wanted to come back to the Panthers for the 2025 season
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen could've called it quits on a long and successful NFL career earlier this offseason. But he didn't, and he recently explained why. The veteran pass catcher chatted with Pro Football Network's Allison Koehler ahead of his ninth appearance in the American Century Championship, a celebrity golf tournament, taking place next weekend. And Thielen, who turns 35 years old in August, doesn't seem ready to hop off the Panthers' current upward trajectory. 'Leadership in the organization right now was a big part of why I came back,' he told Koehler. 'I believed in what they were going to do this offseason — bringing in strong leaders and talent both in free agency and the draft. And then, obviously, Bryce Young and just some of the guys in the locker room that I have so much respect for and feel like are a huge part of this organization being successful." Thielen, despite missing a chunk of time due to a hamstring injury, was a part of Carolina's (relatively) successful finish to 2024. He led the team in receiving over their final seven games, notching 40 catches for 506 yards and four touchdowns. As he's done in the past, Thielen then contemplated his retirement following the season. But after some reflection, and a nice little pay raise for 2025, the two-time Pro Bowler committed to the third and final year of his contract. So, what will Thielen do when he ultimately decides to walk away from the game? He told Koehler that he's looking forward to coaching up his kids . . . and the links. 'My boys are pretty into sports right now, and I was able to coach quite a bit this spring," he stated. "But being as involved as possible in my kids' lives will be great. And then dabbling here and there and playing a lot of golf.' Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
USA Today
12 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Which second- and third-year players must improve the most for the Ravens in 2025?
With training camp fast approaching, we're looking at which second and third-year players must improve the most for Baltimore in 2025. Ravens rookies will report to the Under Armour Performance Center for training camp in 15 short days, signaling the start of an intriguing regular season for Baltimore. John Harbaugh's team has few holes on both sides of the football, but several key positions will see competition, and a breakout campaign from an under-the-radar player could help ignite a run to the Super Bowl in Santa Clara. Expectations are high, and Zach Orr's defense has added elite talent at all three levels. The Ravens have had a loaded roster with few holes, and few available opportunities for rookies or younger players to assume immediate starting jobs. With training camp fast approaching, we're looking at which second and third-year players must improve the most for Baltimore in 2025. RB Rasheen Ali Ali, a 2024 fifth-round pick out of Marshall, didn't see much playing time in his rookie season, recording 10 carries for 31 yards across six regular-season appearances. OLB Adisa Isaac Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh are the unquestioned starters, but the Ravens are hoping 2024 third-round pick Adisa Isaac can take the next step. Isaac saw action in four games and played 32 defensive snaps, as his NFL debut was delayed by a hamstring issue, which sidelined him for the Ravens' first two games. DB Sanoussi Kane Kane is a thumper who also stood out on defense in the preseason last summer. According to Pro Football Focus, he did not allow a single reception on 30 coverage snaps, produced a coverage grade of 73.4, and recorded a forced incompletion and a tackle for loss. OL Andrew Vorhees Ronnie Stanley is elite when healthy, Tyler Linderbaum is a Pro Bowler, Daniel Faalele was a Pro Bowl alternate, and Roger Rosengarten has established himself as one of the best young right tackles in the NFL. That leaves third-year left guard Andrew Vorhees, who'll need to win the starting job and then elevate his game to help Baltimore continue its streak as the NFL's top rushing team. WR DeVontez Walker Baltimore has a solid trio of Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and DeAndre Hopkins at the wide receiver spot. Still, injuries happen, and the Ravens would prefer to have Walker elevate his role over Tylan Wallace or the rookie LaJohntay Wester. Head coach John Harbaugh recently commented on the former UNC player. "Every day, all he does is show up and go 100 miles an hour," coach John Harbaugh said at the conclusion of minicamp, via the team's official site. "He's got a chance to be really good." Walker ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, and he'll look to be Lamar Jackson's big-play weapon. RB Keaton Mitchell Ravens RB Keaton Mitchell says he feels better than he did three years ago. As a rookie, Mitchell led all running backs with at least a dozen attempts in yards per carry (8.4 avg), and he has set personal records in all of his speed tracking analytics this offseason. DB T.J. Tampa Tampa only played seven games in his 2024 rookie campaign season. Hampered by an ankle injury that plagued him since Oct. 24, the former Iowa State star couldn't contribute in his first year, but he offers height, length, speed, and physicality.
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 Arizona Cardinals training camp roster preview: QB Kyler Murray
We will preview every player on the Cardinals roster leading up to training camp. This is about QB Kyler Murray. The Arizona Cardinals report to training camp on July 22 and begin the process of preparing for the regular season, forming the roster and determining starting jobs and roles on the team. Leading up to the start of camp, we will take a look at every player on the offseason roster, their background, their contract, their play in 2024, questions they face and their roster outlook. This focuses on quarterback Kyler Murray. Kyler Murray background, 2024 season Murray enters his seventh season with the Cardinals. He was the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NFL draft and has been the starter since the beginning. He was Offensive Rookie of the Year and has been a two-time Pro Bowler. He led the Cardinals to the playoffs in 2021. While inconsistent from game to game, he has stretches looking like one of the best in the game and others were he is league average. He did not miss a game last season for the first time since 2020. He completed 68.8% of his passes for 3,851 yards, 21 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions. He also rushed for 572 yards and five touchdowns. He led three fourth-quarter comebacks and had three game-winning drives. Twice he led the Cardinals to a victory after they were trailing by more than a score in the second half. Kyler Murray 2025 contract details, cap hit Murray is signed through 2028. He will make $18 million in fully guaranteed salary and received a $11.9 million roster bonus earlier this year. His cap hit of $43.3 million is the largest on the team. Questions he faces The 2025 season is a critical one for Murray. He is over a year past his ACL surgery. He is in Year 3 in the same offensive system. He has a dynamic tight end in Trey McBride, a promising No. 1 receiver in Marvin Harrison Jr. and a great rushing attack. This year as well, the defense has been bolstered. Can he return to the level of play he flashes and look like the 2021 first-half version of himself when he was MVP favorite? Many feel this is the year the Cardinals will decide whether to move on from Murray or to continue to ride with him, as he has seen late-season drops in production. Can he finish a season playing well? Can he lead this team to the playoffs like he did in 2021? 2025 roster outlook Murray is a lock for the roster. He is the unquestioned starting quarterback. His spot on the roster is set. The Cardinals wouldn't cut him with all the guaranteed money still on his contract and he would be very difficult to trade at this point. Additionally, they don't have a plan behind him as Jacoby Brissett is not the answer to replace Murray, unless they want to be bad enough to draft a top quarterback prospect next year. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
