As the Arizona Cardinals gear up for their 2025 season opener against the New Orleans Saints in just 41 days, we reflect on the legacy of the players who have donned the iconic No. 41 jersey over the years. Most notably, rookie linebacker Elliott Brown, who previously played in the Canadian Football League, is the current holder of this number. The history of No. 41 is rich with various positions and players, showcasing not only defensive players like Myjai Sanders and Kenyan Drake but also key contributors like tight end David Wells and safety Antoine Bethea.

From the likes of Eminent figures such as Carl Carter and Vance Bedford to modern players, each has left a unique mark on the franchise's journey. As the Cardinals aim for a successful season, the memory of these past athletes will linger, inspiring new talent to embrace the spirit of teamwork and dedication seen throughout the team's history.

The "Madden curse," a well-known superstition surrounding the Madden NFL video game franchise, faces renewed scrutiny with Saquon Barkley as the cover athlete for Madden NFL 26. Historically, players featured on the cover often experience declines in performance or injuries in the following season. A retrospective examination of the last ten cover stars provides intriguing insights into their seasons post-release.

Christian McCaffrey, featured on Madden 25, faced a disastrous season plagued by injuries, playing only four games. Josh Allen's mixed results after being featured on Madden 24 included 44 touchdowns but a staggering 18 interceptions. Both Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady, sharing the Madden 22 cover, had impressive yet unfulfilled seasons, failing to return to the Super Bowl. Lamar Jackson's performance post-Madden 21 was solid but not MVP-caliber. Mahomes also excelled after his first cover in Madden 20, culminating in his Super Bowl victory. Antonio Brown’s final year with the Steelers was marked by excellence, while Gronkowski faced injuries after being featured in Madden 17. Beckham Jr.'s spectacular play on Madden 16 is countered by Gronk's injury woes. The pattern raises questions about the veracity of the Madden curse as players navigate the pressures of NFL stardom.

The Washington Commanders hold the No. 61 selection in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, a position that has historically yielded valuable players for the franchise. Recent picks around this area include offensive tackle Brandon Coleman, who was drafted at No. 67 last year and is expected to start at right tackle after a conversion from guard. Running back Antonio Gibson, selected at No. 66, has made a significant impact with over 3,100 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns to date.

Notably, wide receiver Terry McLaurin was a steal at No. 76 in 2019, showcasing his enduring performance with five consecutive seasons of over 1,000 yards. Conversely, the 2018 pick of Derrius Guice at No. 59 serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the risks tied to players who may drop due to off-field issues. The Commanders have demonstrated a mixed bag of success with their late second-round selections, emphasizing the fine line between talent and risk in the draft. As they prepare for the 2025 draft, the Commanders face a pivotal moment in solidifying their roster with strategic selections.

Nate Tice and Charles McDonald break down the first week of NFL free agency, highlighting their favorite signings that have the potential to alter team dynamics. Among the top picks are Robert Spillane joining the New England Patriots and Davante Adams moving to the Los Angeles Rams, both of which could significantly enhance their respective rosters. The duo also scrutinizes the Indianapolis Colts' decision to sign Daniel Jones, posing questions about the ensuing quarterback competition with Anthony Richardson.

Furthermore, they explore under-the-radar signings that could have a big impact, and venture into the upcoming draft, spotlighting intriguing prospects like Mike Green, Damien Martinez, and Elijah Arroyo. As teams reshape their lineups, these strategic moves could redefine the landscape of the NFL.

The Atlanta Falcons struggled significantly with their pass rush in the previous season, ranking near the bottom in both total sacks and pass-rushing grades. With key players like Matt Judon and Lorenzo Carter on the verge of free agency, the team faces a concerning future. Despite limited cap space, GM Terry Fontenot has taken steps to improve the situation, such as extending Jake Matthews and releasing Grady Jarrett. This puts the Falcons in a position to look for value in the second-tier of free-agent edge rushers.

One potential target is Malcolm Koonce, who demonstrated impressive pass-rushing ability before a knee injury sidelined him in 2024. After a productive 2023 season, Koonce's market value is projected at two years for $40 million. Another option is Azeez Ojulari, who has shown promise but struggles with injuries. The Falcons may prioritize these players to enhance their defensive capabilities.