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Pats owner Kraft: I put Jerod Mayo in ‘untenable’ position

Mon Jan 6 2:05pm ET
Field Level Media

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft on Monday blamed himself for having to fire Jerod Mayo, saying he put the first-year head coach in an "untenable" situation.

Kraft met with the media one day after firing Mayo following a 4-13 season. The Patriots defeated the Buffalo Bills 23-16 on Sunday to halt a six-game losing streak, and Kraft fired Mayo afterward.

On Monday, Kraft said Mayo wasn't ready for the job.

"This whole situation is on me," Kraft said. "I feel terrible for Jerod, because I put him in an untenable situation. I know that he has all the tools as a head coach to be successful in this league. He just needed more time before taking the job."

Kraft said that the front office will remain and that the coaching search will be headed by Eliot Wolf and Alonzo Highsmith. Kraft said he as well as his son Jonathan will select the next head coach.

Mayo, 38, was in his first season on the job after replacing legendary Bill Belichick after last season.

The Patriots defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in Mayo's debut and then dropped their next six games. New England won two of its next three games before the second six-game skid that ended with a 40-7 beatdown by the visiting Los Angeles Chargers.

"I don't like losing. I don't like losing the way we lost," Kraft said. "Things were not developing the way we would have liked. It was time to move on."

New England, which won six Super Bowl titles under Belichick, missed the playoffs for the third straight season. The Patriots haven't won a playoff game since winning the Super Bowl following the 2018 season.

"In the end, I'm a fan of this team first," Kraft said. "And now, I have to go out and find a coach who can get us back to the playoffs and hopefully championships."

One available coach who should interest the Patriots is Mike Vrabel, who recorded a 54-45 record in six seasons with the Tennessee Titans from 2018-23. He guided the Titans to three playoff appearances, including a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2019 season's AFC title game.

Vrabel, 49, also played for the Patriots from 2001-08 and earned three Super Bowl rings.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 18

Player Notes
Foster Moreau Jan 6 12:40pm CT
Foster Moreau

New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau (knee) underwent further testing on his injured knee and will undergo offseason surgery, according to a source. Before getting hurt in the loss to the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday, Moreau caught all four of his targets for 31 yards and finished his second year in New Orleans with 32 catches on 43 targets for 413 yards and a career-high-tying five touchdowns in 17 starts. Depending on the severity of his knee injury, the 27-year-old could be in danger of missing the start of the 2025 season this fall. Moreau wrapped up his two-year, $12 million deal in 2024 and will be an unrestricted free agent in March. With a knee injury now clouding his future and a new coaching regime coming in, there's a good chance Moreau will have to latch on with another team.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Jan 6 12:30pm CT
Kyler Murray

The Chicago Bears have put in a request to interview Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing for their head-coaching job, according to a source. The Bears are searching for a new head coach this offseason after firing Matt Eberflus in the middle of the season. Petzing just finished his second season as the Cardinals' offensive coordinator. He was able to help Arizona's offense improve in 2024 in terms of both total yards and points scored with quarterback Kyler Murray healthy all season long. The favorite for the Bears' head-coaching gig (if he wants it) will be Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. The Cardinals offense averaged 23.5 points per game (12th in the league), 358.2 yards per game (11th), 144.2 rushing yards (seventh) and 5.9 yards per play (seventh) in 2024 under Petzing. He has limited coaching experience but is an intriguing name to help QB Caleb Williams develop.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Jan 6 12:20pm CT
Geno Smith

When asked if he expects quarterback Geno Smith to return as the starting QB in 2025, Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said on Seattle Sports radio, "Got no reason to say no, so I guess yeah." If Smith is still under contract with the team in mid-March, he'll earn an extra $2 million after hitting three escalators in the win over the division-rival Los Angeles Rams in the Week 18 regular-season finale. While battling injury, Smith went 20-for-27 for 223 yards and a career-high four touchdowns on Sunday to close out his fifth year with the team. His 4,320 passing yards in 2024 were among the top five in the league, but the Seahawks offense never really hit its stride this year, and Smith finished as the QB12 in overall fantasy points. Seattle could save over $30 million by cutting him this offseason, so it's not a foregone conclusion that he'll be back in 2025.

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Dan Quinn Jan 6 12:00pm CT
Dan Quinn

The Chicago Bears have put in a formal request to interview Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver for their head-coaching position. Weaver just finished his first season with the Dolphins and spent the previous three years on John Harbaugh's staff with the Baltimore Ravens. The Bears believe Weaver could be a "leader of men" type that they are searching for to change the culture in the Bears' locker room moving forward. The 43-year-old has been described as "high energy" and "emotionally intelligent" while also holding players accountable. He interviewed for the Washington Commanders' head-coaching job last year and was a finalist for the spot before Dan Quinn was eventually hired. While leading the Dolphins' defense in 2024, Miami's unit ended up being a top-five defense.

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Christian Watson Jan 6 11:50am CT
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers standout wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) is believed to have suffered a torn right ACL and additional damage to his knee in the loss to the division-rival Chicago Bears on Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale. It will put an end to Watson's season for the playoffs and also put him in jeopardy for the start of the 2025 regular season this fall. The 25-year-old former second-rounder in 2022 out of North Dakota State was held out of the Week 17 loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings due to a bruised knee he suffered the week prior, but he returned on Sunday and suffered a non-contact injury in the second quarter before being carted off. The oft-injured pass-catcher has lots of big-play ability but has struggled to stay on the field in his three seasons. Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks and tight end Tucker Kraft should all benefit in the playoffs with Watson sidelined.

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Dave Canales Jan 6 11:40am CT
Dave Canales

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales announced on Monday that Ejiro Evero will be back next season as the team's defensive coordinator. Even though the Panthers defense struggled mightily at times in 2024 and gave up 38 points to an Atlanta Falcons offense with a rookie QB at the helm in the overtime win in the Week 18 regular-season finale, Evero will be back in 2025. The Panthers defense allowed 534 total points this year, which is a new NFL record for a single season. The Carolina defense also surrendered the most total yards per game (404.5) and the most rushing yards per game (179.8) under Evero. In his first year as the defensive coordinator in 2023, the Panthers' defense ranked fourth overall. He'll be entering the final year of his three-year deal and will need to make glaring improvements if he wants to stick around beyond 2025.

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Malik Washington Jan 6 11:30am CT
Malik Washington

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington caught four of five targets for 48 yards in the season-ending 32-20 loss to the New York Jets. The rookie took on a more significant role later in the season with the injury to Jaylen Waddle (knee) and the lack of depth Miami has at the receiver position. In the last four games, Washington saw more targets, receptions, and yards than he had in any stretch this season. Tyreek Hill will surely be parting ways with the organization in the offseason, and he could find himself in a more prominent role when the 2025 season starts. Time will only tell, but the rookie has shown a level of promise that he looks to build off of when the NFL season comes around in September.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Jan 6 11:30am CT
Caleb Williams

The Chicago Bears have officially requested interviews with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn for their head-coaching job, according to sources. Johnson is the hottest head-coaching candidate this cycle and reportedly will also interview for the New England Patriots' head-coaching job this week with the Lions on a bye in the first round of the playoffs. Although Johnson turned down head-coaching opportunities at this time last year, he's apparently much more receptive to a head-coaching position this year, although he needs to be on the same page with a front office. In addition to Johnson and Glenn of the Lions, the Bears have requested to interview Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver for their head-coaching job. The biggest draw for an incoming head coach in Chicago is working with last year's No. 1 overall pick, quarterback Caleb Williams.

From RotoBaller

Mike Macdonald Jan 6 11:30am CT
Mike Macdonald

The Seattle Seahawks fired offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb after just one season with the team on Monday, according to sources. The 48-year-old was in his first season in the NFL in 2024 after having been a long-time college football offensive coordinator, including running the Washington Huskies' offense in 2022 and 2023. Under Grubb this year, the Seahawks offense had trouble clicking consistently despite plenty of weapons on that side of the ball. They finished 14th in total offense, 18th in points scored, and missed the playoffs under first-year head coach Mike Macdonald despite going 10-7. The Seahawks particularly struggled on the ground, finishing 28th in the league with 1,627 rushing yards. About the only good thing that Grubb did in his only year with the Seahawks was aid second-year wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba in his breakout campaign.

From RotoBaller

Davis Mills Jan 6 11:20am CT
Davis Mills

The New Orleans Saints will interview David Shaw for their head-coach position, according to two sources. Shaw is currently a senior personnel executive for the Denver Broncos but previously spent 12 years at Stanford and coached quarterbacks like Andrew Luck and Davis Mills. Shaw also has an extensive background in the NFL and has served as an assistant head coach with the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders. The 52-year-old was Stanford's head coach from 2011-22, going 96-54, including three Pac-12 conference titles. The Saints are looking for a new full-time head coach after firing Dennis Allen in November after the team started the year 2-7. Darren Rizzi stepped in as the interim head coach after Allen was axed and led the team to a 5-12 finish, which was good enough for last place in the NFC South division.

From RotoBaller

Zay Flowers Jan 6 11:20am CT
Zay Flowers

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said on Monday that wide receiver Zay Flowers (knee) is day-to-day after he injured his knee in the win over the division-rival Cleveland Browns on Saturday in the Week 18 regular-season finale. "It's not a season-ending injury. It will be day-to-day," Harbaugh said. Flowers underwent an MRI exam on Sunday for an injury that was initially deemed a right-knee sprain, which makes him questionable to play in the wild-card round of the playoffs this weekend on Saturday against the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers. We'll have a better idea of the 24-year-old's status for this weekend once the team resumes practicing on Tuesday. If Flowers is out, Rashod Bateman would become Baltimore's top wideout, with tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely also seeing more targets. At receiver, Nelson Agholor and Tylan Wallace would also be thrust into bigger roles.

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Brenton Strange Jan 6 11:10am CT
Brenton Strange

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange finished the season on a positive note in a 26-23 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The second-year tight end finished with four catches for 60 yards. After an 11-catch, 73-yard performance against the New York Jets back in Week 15, Strange has struggled to produce. While this Week 18 performance isn't anything special, it is at least a positive way to end the season for the young tight end. Evan Engram went out with an injury for the last few weeks, paving the way for Strange to get looks as a starter. It will be interesting to see what the Jaguars do with the veteran tight end Engram after firing head coach Doug Pederson. It is hard to tell right now, but Strange could be in line for a solid season in a starter role in the 2025 NFL season.

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Michael Pittman Jr. Jan 6 11:10am CT
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) admitted that he's been playing through a small fracture in his back. Pittman first noticed it during a joint practice with the Arizona Cardinals in training camp, and a scan showed the extent of the injury. He decided to play through his back injury and had a follow-up scan in Week 3. The 27-year-old will have another scan on Monday to determine if he'll require offseason surgery. Surprisingly, Pittman only missed one game in 2024, although his back injury certainly played a part in what was a down season for his standards. He finished with 69 receptions on 111 targets for 808 yards -- his lowest total since his rookie season in 2020 -- and only three touchdowns in 16 games. Second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson's own injuries and inaccuracy didn't help Pittman's cause in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Jan 6 11:10am CT
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle caught four of nine targets for 44 yards in the 32-20 Week 18 loss to the New York Jets. He also carried the ball once for six yards. It was a disappointing ending to a season where Waddle was at career lows in all major receiving statistics. He failed to reach 1000 yards for the first time as a pro and finished third on the team in receiving yards behind Jonnu Smith. With Tyreek Hill making it abundantly clear that he wants to be traded out of Miami, there's a chance Waddle can return to being the WR1 for the first time since 2021. Tua Tagovailoa missing four games heavily contributed to Waddle's decline, but he looks to head into 2025 fully healthy. He will look to start fresh and return to his old self when the season returns in September.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Jan 6 11:00am CT
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. struggled to find much space in a 26-23 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He finished with 13 carries for 31 yards as well as three catches for 29 yards. The 25-year-old back out of Clemson had the worst season of his young career, struggling to find efficient yardage in a lackluster offense. While it still seems Etienne Jr. is much better in the passing game than backup Tank Bigsby, Bigsby seemed to take over as the lead rusher and goal-line back. Maybe with a healthy offense and improved roster next season, Etienne Jr. can get back on track, but he will likely still have Bigsby nipping at his heels. Expect Etienne Jr. to remain involved, but not as a workhorse back in the 2025 NFL season.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Jan 6 10:50am CT
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. earned double-digit targets and topped the century mark in yards yet again in a 26-23 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Ever since Mac Jones took over at quarterback in Week 13 for the injured Trevor Lawrence, he has made it his mission to find BTJ. That has allowed the rookie first-round receiver out of LSU to thrive. While he didn't find the end zone, he still finished with seven catches for 103 yards, a great stat line for fantasy, especially in PPR. BTJ has already developed into a sure-fire top receiver in the league, and his potential is sky-high for the future, no matter who is throwing him the ball. Expect even more WR1 fantasy performances from BTJ in the 2025 NFL season.

From RotoBaller

Parker Washington Jan 6 10:50am CT
Parker Washington

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington salvaged his fantasy day with a touchdown in a 26-23 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Washington finished with just two catches for 15 yards and a nine-touchdown. The young receiver has been inconsistent ever since taking over at receiver for the injured Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis. He surpassed 100 yards back in Week 13 against the Houston Texans when Mac Jones first took over at QB. However, since then he has struggled to consistently produce, always outshined by the talented Brian Thomas Jr. Washington does seem like a decent red zone threat at least, scoring each of the last two weeks. Washington could turn into a decent flex option if he becomes a consistent starter in the 2025 NFL season.

From RotoBaller

Mac Jones Jan 6 10:40am CT
Mac Jones

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones had a solid final game of the season in a 26-23 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He put up 20 completions on 32 attempts for 225 yards and a touchdown. He also threw a pick. The backup quarterback took over for the injured Trevor Lawrence back in Week 13 against the Houston Texans and has been up and down ever since. This performance was somewhere in between. He barely surpassed 200 yards in five quarters and turned the ball over yet again, but was able to find Parker Washington for another touchdown and get Brian Thomas Jr. over 100 yards receiving in a near victory. Mac Jones will most likely return to a backup role, whether with the Jaguars or another team, in the 2025 NFL season.

From RotoBaller

Tank Bigsby Jan 6 10:40am CT
Tank Bigsby

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby struggled with efficiency, but did find the end zone in a 26-23 overtime loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Bigsby finished with 14 carries for 39 yards and a one yard touchdown. He also caught a pass for three yards. Bigsby had similar production to what he has had many times this season. In an overall lackluster offense, he struggled for yardage and wasn't involved in the passing game but found the end zone, all while splitting touches with Travis Etienne Jr. The young back had a much improved second season, but still is fighting an uphill battle to become a full-time starter. He's been better than Etienne Jr. this season, but this week and in the past few weeks, has struggled to separate himself. Bigsby will look to seize a more consistent starting role and earn more volume in the 2025 NFL season.

From RotoBaller

Carson Wentz Jan 6 10:30am CT
Carson Wentz

The Denver Broncos defense/special teams unit was a no-brainer must-start in fantasy lineups in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs with most of KC's key starters rest for the playoffs. The Broncos defense, a top-five defense all year, didn't allow their division rivals to score a single point on the day while combining for five sacks on quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Chris Oladokun to set a new franchise record for most sacks in a single season with 63. They also recovered two fumbles to finish the final week of the regular season as a top-five fantasy defense. Overall, they ranked No. 1 in the league thanks to a league-high 63 sacks, 10 fumble recoveries, 15 interceptions, three defensive scores, two safeties and only 18.3 points allowed per game (third-fewest). They'll have a tough test in the playoffs, though, on the road in Buffalo against the Bills next Sunday.

From RotoBaller