Falcons' 2025 opening depth chart surprised as Atlanta kept 52 players after trading a 2027 seventh-round pick to Seattle for Michael Jerrell, creating flexibility with Kaleb McGary on IR and Storm Norton returning designation.

Five notable moves stood out: three safeties kept while Jordan Fuller was cut; Easton Stick released as Kirk Cousins backs Michael Penix Jr.; undrafted Nate Cater earned a spot behind Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier; Darnell Mooney anchored a 7-wide-receiver group with Casey Washington and David Sills also in; Feleipe Franks earned the TE role. Jerrell trade preserves flexibility for Week 1 and beyond.

Kansas City remains the team to beat in the AFC, according to Jason McCourty, who argues KC’s window stays wide open even with a tougher division. He points to Rashee Rice back, Isiah Pacheco healthier, and Hollywood Brown in good health as catalysts for another high-powered Chiefs attack. McCourty stresses that opponents are chasing KC, but you don’t pick the field until you’ve taken down the champs.

The Pro Athlete Community (PAC) angle adds a off-field angle: the organization backs athletes beyond football, helping them build ventures and business connections. McCourty’s praise of Kaleb Thornhill’s creator role amid Miami’s player development scene underscores a broader vision: sustain peak performance on and off the field, even as KC contends for 2025 glory.

All told, KC sits atop the AFC pile, with Rice, Brown, and Pacheco shaping a dynamic toolbox while rivals sharpen their rosters. PAC’s expansion signals a bigger, longer game for athletes, blending athletic achievement with post-sports success.

James Cook sits in Buffalo in the middle of a contract extension, with a hold-in that signals desire to be paid at or near the top of the market. His agent insists Cook wants to stay with the Bills, and talks are cooperative for now, but the financials are tricky given Buffalo’s tight cap space. Cook led the NFL in rushing TDs in 2024, yet he has not yet established himself as one of the truly elite backs. Buffalo is weighing market benchmarks against Kyren Williams’ Rams deal and the broader RB landscape, hoping to craft a deal that preserves Cook’s workload and the Bills’ contending window. The Rams front-loaded Williams’ average value around $11M, while Cook eyes something closer to $15M APY, which could edge Buffalo toward a balanced structure with incentives. If talks stall, a hold-in could become a more pronounced negotiation lever, potentially affecting fantasy projections and team-building as Buffalo pursues another deep playoff push.

The Cleveland Browns are facing a significant dilemma at the quarterback position following the injury to Deshaun Watson. The team has gathered a cast of characters including 40-year-old Joe Flacco and rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who are now in contention to lead the offense. Flacco, with extensive experience, offers a veteran perspective, while Thompson-Robinson represents the future of the franchise. Meanwhile, Kenny Pickett's performance has been under scrutiny, raising questions about the overall management of the quarterback room.

Flacco's addition could provide a stabilizing presence, yet it's uncertain how effective he can be at this stage of his career. Thompson-Robinson's potential remains largely untapped, and the coaching staff faces pressure to make the right decision as the season progresses. With playoffs aspirations hanging in the balance, the Browns must navigate these challenges carefully to ensure they remain competitive.