Franchise Players Named

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March 6, 2025

80973577007-59-903 — Photo Cred: USA Today

NEW YORK — March 4, 2025 — The franchise player designations were announced today for the 2025 NFL free agency signing period, which begins at 4:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 12.

A club can designate one “franchise” player or one “transition” player among its veteran free agents.

The salary offer by a player’s club determines whether the franchise player designation is exclusive or non-exclusive.

An “exclusive” franchise player – not free to sign with another club – is offered the greater of (i) the average of the top five salaries at the player’s position for the current year as of the end of the restricted free agent signing period on April 18; or (ii) the amount of the required tender for a “non-exclusive” franchise player, as explained below.

Article 10, Section 2(a)(i) of the CBA sets forth the methodology, known as the “Cap Percentage Average,” for calculating the required tender for a non-exclusive franchise player:

The Nonexclusive Franchise Tender shall be a one year NFL Player Contract for (A) the average of the five largest Prior Year Salaries for players at the position . . . at which the Franchise Player participated in the most plays during the prior League Year, which average shall be calculated by: (1) summing the amounts of the Franchise Tags for players at that position for the five preceding League Years; (2) dividing the resulting amount by the sum of the Salary Caps for the five preceding League Years . . . ; and (3) multiplying the resulting percentage by the Salary Cap for the upcoming League Year . . . (the “Cap Percentage Average”) . . . ; or (B) 120% of his Prior Year Salary, whichever is greater . . . .

If a club extends a required tender to a non-exclusive franchise player pursuant to this section, the player shall be permitted to negotiate a player contract with any club, except that draft choice compensation of two first-round draft selections shall be made in the event he signs with a new club.

The signing period for franchise players begins at 4:00 p.m. ET on March 12 and ends on the Tuesday following the 10th week of the season.

This year, no player was designated as an exclusive franchise player. Two players were designated as non-exclusive franchise players.

2025 FRANCHISE PLAYERS

Club	Player	Position
Cincinnati Bengals	Tee Higgins	WR
Kansas City Chiefs	Trey Smith	G

A transition player is offered the greater of (i) the average of the top 10 prior year salaries at the player’s position, which average is calculated using the same methodology used for non-exclusive franchise players (the Cap Percentage Average); or (ii) 120% of his prior year salary.

If a club extends a required tender to a transition player, the player shall be permitted to negotiate a contract with any club subject to his prior club’s right of first refusal, except that no draft choice compensation shall be made with respect to such player if his prior club declines to exercise its right of first refusal.

The signing period for transition players begins at 4:00 p.m. (ET) on March 12 and ends on July 22. After July 22 and until 4:00 p.m. (ET) on the Tuesday following the 10th week of the season, the prior club has exclusive negotiating rights.

This year, no player was designated as a transition player.

Contact: Sam Drexler, NFL; Sam.Drexler@NFL.com

For more from NFL Communications, visit media.nfl.com

Bengals Designate Higgins as Franchise Player

By

Stephen Patrick

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March 4, 2025

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE; MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2025

FROM CINCINNATI BENGALS COMMUNICATIONS

BENGALS DESIGNATE HIGGINS AS FRANCHISE PLAYER

The Bengals today designated WR Tee Higgins as the team’s franchise player, with the intent of continuing to work toward a long-term deal in Cincinnati. Higgins, who will be a sixth-year player in 2025, originally was a second-round draft pick of the Bengals in 2020. In 70 career regular-season games (62 starts) for Cincinnati, he has caught 330 passes for 4595 yards and 34 TDs.

He has recorded at least 900 receiving yards in four of his five pro seasons, including consecutive 1000-yard campaigns in 2021 and ’22. He is coming off a 2024 season in which he ranked second on the team in catches (73) and receiving yards (911), and tied for sixth in the NFL with a career-high 10 receiving TDs. Higgins also has played in seven postseason contests (six starts) for the Bengals, and ranks second in team history both in postseason receptions (31) and postseason receiving yards (457).

The Turn: John Cena Goes Heel at WWE Elimination Chamber

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Stephen Patrick

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March 4, 2025

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John-Cena-Sells-His-Soul-to-The-Rock-at-Elimination-Chamber — Photo Cred: SEScoops

The turn heard round the wrestling world finally happened. John Cena, long considered one of the purest babyfaces (good guys) in WWE history, shocked the world by turning heel (bad guy) at WWE’s Elimination Chamber event. This unexpected twist was a moment that left fans reeling, and many are now considering it one of the most shocking developments in the company’s storied history. Aside from Brock Lesnar breaking The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania 30 in 2014, arguably nothing else in WWE history has been in the making for as long as Cena’s eventual betrayal of the fans.

Photo Cred: Cage Seats

Cena’s heel turn was set into motion with a brutal assault on beloved Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. In an unprecedented move, Cena, once the face of WWE’s “never give up” mantra, savagely attacked Rhodes, leaving fans in disbelief. The betrayal didn’t stop there, however. Cena joined forces with none other than The Rock—another iconic figure in the wrestling world. The combination of Cena aligning himself with The Rock, coupled with his shocking attack on Rhodes, sent shockwaves throughout the wrestling world. Fans and pundits alike were left in heated debates over where this moment ranks in WWE history. The Rock sits on the board of WWE

John Cena’s legacy in WWE has been one of immense achievement. A 13-time WWE Champion and a 3-time World Heavyweight Champion, Cena is undeniably one of the company’s most decorated wrestlers. He is also a five-time WWE United States Champion, a two-time WWE Tag Team Champion, a two-time World Tag Team Champion, and a two-time Royal Rumble winner. His accolades stretch even further, including his memorable one-time Money in the Bank victory and his numerous high-profile matches across the years. Cena has headlined WWE’s flagship event, WrestleMania, an astounding five times (WrestleMania 22, 23, 27, 28, and 29), cementing his legacy as one of the company’s top stars.

Despite his success, Cena’s career has often been met with a mixed reception from both critics and fans. While his charisma, work ethic, and promotional skills have garnered praise, his on-screen dominance has often led to criticism. Some fans felt his character was over-represented and that other wrestlers were not given the same spotlight. However, Cena’s appeal to a wide range of audiences—from children to casual viewers—helped solidify him as one of the most marketable superstars in WWE history.

Photo Cred: BR

The Elimination Chamber match itself was a turning point, as Cena emerged victorious, securing a headline match at WrestleMania against the current champion, Cody Rhodes. The match between Cena and Rhodes has a deeper narrative, with Rhodes being the son of the legendary Dusty Rhodes, one of wrestling’s most beloved figures. The story of Rhodes rising to prominence under the shadow of his father’s legacy makes this showdown particularly compelling, and Cena’s heel turn adds an entirely new layer of drama to the upcoming WrestleMania clash.

For many fans, Cena’s shift to the dark side is a bold and unexpected move that will likely revitalize his character and bring fresh intrigue to his rivalry with Rhodes. This storyline has the potential to create one of the most memorable WrestleMania matches in recent history, as fans will undoubtedly be torn between supporting the underdog Cody Rhodes and booing the once-heroic Cena.

As Cena prepares for his upcoming match against Rhodes at WrestleMania, the wrestling world is left to wonder how his new heel persona will shape the direction of his career moving forward. Will he be the villain fans love to hate, or will his newfound attitude fall flat? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—John Cena’s shocking turn at WWE Elimination Chamber has set the stage for a dramatic, high-stakes encounter at the biggest event in sports entertainment.

Tough Day for Will Howard: Did the QB Hurt His Draft Stock?

By

Stephen Patrick

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March 3, 2025

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It was a rough day for Will Howard at the NFL Scouting Combine. The biggest takeaway from the quarterback workouts was that the Ohio State signal caller may have lost significant ground in the eyes of NFL scouts. Howard, who has been regarded as a promising quarterback prospect, struggled mightily with his deep ball throws, possibly leading to a dramatic dip in his draft stock.

Photo Cred: Fox Sports

Howard’s struggles at the combine were hard to ignore. His deep throws were either overthrown, short, or thrown behind his receivers, a far cry from the impressive play he showed during the college season. Many fans took to social media, criticizing his performance as one of the worst by a quarterback at the combine in recent memory. The combination of shaky footwork and lack of velocity on several throws only added to the criticism, leaving many wondering whether his NFL potential has been overestimated.

The timing of Howard’s disappointing performance was particularly tough. On January 4, 2024, Howard made the decision to return for his senior season at Ohio State, committing to the team after an official visit to Columbus. Just months later, on August 5, 2024, he was named the starter for the Buckeyes, a pivotal moment in his career. Howard led Ohio State to a victory over Notre Dame in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship, where he was named Offensive MVP. His leadership on the field was a key factor in the team’s success, and he appeared to be a strong contender for the NFL Draft after his stellar college career.

However, the combine revealed a different side of Howard’s game. While it’s clear that he has the talent and poise that helped him earn national recognition, his performance at the combine raises questions about his consistency, especially when it comes to making the deep throws that are so crucial at the professional level. NFL teams rely heavily on a quarterback’s ability to stretch the field, and Howard’s erratic deep ball at the combine could give some scouts pause as they evaluate his readiness for the next level.

Was his combine performance just a fluke, or is it indicative of more significant flaws in his game? That remains to be seen. It’s important to remember that Howard has demonstrated a high level of accuracy and poise during his time at Ohio State, leading many to believe that his combine struggles might not be reflective of his true potential.

Photo Cred: USA Today

Despite his difficulties at the combine, there is still hope that Howard can regain his confidence and show the type of quarterback he can be during the upcoming Pro Day workouts. This one poor performance will undoubtedly have scouts revisiting his game tape, looking for answers to whether he is truly NFL-ready. With his college accomplishments and leadership skills, Howard still has the potential to be a successful quarterback in the league.

How he rebounds from this disappointing combine performance will be key to shaping his future in the NFL. Howard can still turn things around during his Pro Day, where he will have another opportunity to show off his arm strength, accuracy, and footwork. For now, though, his performance at the combine has certainly raised more questions than answers, and scouts will be watching closely to see if he can regain the form that led to his success at Ohio State.

The Michigan Collegiate Hockey Conference All-Conference

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Noah Stalker

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March 3, 2025

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default-1024x682-1-780x520 — Photo Cred: mchc

The Michigan Collegiate Hockey Conference (MCHC) made waves across the league when it announced this season’s All-Conference First and Second teams on February 26th, and Oakland University couldn’t be prouder of their athletes. The Golden Grizzlies earned multiple prestigious honors, showcasing their talent, dedication, and success throughout the season. Several key players from Oakland were recognized for their outstanding performances and contributions.

Forwards Brandon Danou, Jack Abbo, and defenseman Kyle Giza were all named to the MCHC All-Conference First Team, a significant achievement that reflects their impact on the ice this season. Danou, in particular, had a stellar campaign and was also nominated for the MCHC Dream Team, an honor that recognizes the top players in the league. With an impressive 33 goals to finish the regular season as the conference’s leader in goals, Danou proved himself to be one of the most dangerous offensive threats in the league.

In addition to the First Team selections, the Golden Grizzlies were also well-represented on the Second Team. Forward Jake McCatty, defenseman Reiss Williams, and goaltender Tate Potteiger earned Second Team All-Conference honors for their exceptional performances. McCatty’s playmaking ability and offensive presence helped drive Oakland’s success, while Williams’ defensive prowess provided stability at the back end. Potteiger’s steady and reliable performance in goal was vital to the team’s success throughout the season, as he provided the foundation for many of their victories.

Photo Cred: MCHC

But it wasn’t just the players who were earning accolades this season. Oakland’s success was also reflected in the recognition of their head coach, Matt Stirling, who was named MCHC Coach of the Year. This marks the first time in his seven-year coaching career that Stirling has earned this honor, and it’s a testament to the hard work and leadership he’s provided to the team. Under his guidance, the Golden Grizzlies had an impressive 22-4-1-1 record during the regular season, showcasing not just individual talent, but also the cohesive team effort that Stirling has cultivated.

“I am honored and humbled to be named Coach of the Year in the MCHC,” said Coach Stirling. “I am grateful to be recognized by other league members and to be competing in the toughest conference in the ACHA DIII ranks. This recognition is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our players, staff, and supporters, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together.”

Stirling’s leadership and the team’s remarkable performance this season have set the stage for what promises to be an exciting postseason. With a roster filled with All-Conference talent and a coach who has been recognized for his excellence, Oakland is poised to make a deep run in the MCHC playoffs and beyond. The Golden Grizzlies have proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with in the league, and they are ready to continue their pursuit of success as they head into the next chapter of their season.

Golden Grizzlies Kick Off Playoff Set With Decisive Win Over Wolverines

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Noah Stalker

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March 3, 2025

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The Oakland Golden Grizzlies began their playoff series with a commanding 6-0 victory last night in Flint, outplaying their division rivals, the Wolverines, in dominant fashion. From start to finish, Oakland controlled the game and displayed why they are a serious contender in the postseason. The first period was a tense, closely contested battle, with both teams fighting for momentum.

Photo Cred: Noah Stalker

Despite a few chances on both sides, the game remained scoreless deep into the frame. With just under two minutes left, it was Brandon Danou who broke the deadlock, firing a well-placed shot past the Wolverine goaltender to put the Grizzlies on the board. The goal was a much-needed spark for Oakland, who had to work hard to create opportunities against a stubborn Michigan defense. Once the second period began, it quickly became clear that this was going to be Oakland’s game.

The Grizzlies came out firing on all cylinders, and their offensive attack was relentless. They scored four of their six goals in the second period, effectively putting the game out of reach for Michigan. The Wolverines struggled to find any offensive rhythm and were unable to break through Oakland’s defensive wall. The Grizzlies’ defense was stellar, neutralizing any Michigan threats and turning defense into offense in style.

With the convincing 6-0 win, Oakland advances in the playoff series, keeping their championship aspirations alive. Their next challenge will come against an MCHC West team, whose identity is yet to be revealed. The Grizzlies will be looking to build on this momentum and continue their dominant play as they march forward in the postseason. The next game is scheduled for Friday, March 7th, at 7:30 PM EST, where the Grizzlies will look to extend their playoff run and take another step closer to their ultimate goal.

Orange Men’s Lacrosse Blows Out Utes, Ending Two Game Losing Streak

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Natalie Symonowicz

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March 3, 2025

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No. 11 Syracuse men’s lacrosse traveled to Salt Lake City to face the Utah Utes. After falling to Maryland and Harvard, the Orange were determined to break their two-game losing streak—and they did much more than that, dominating the Utes 15-5. There was much anticipation for this game, as Utah’s roster boasts several high-scoring players.

Photo Cred: SU Athletics

Ryan Stines (attack), who has 17 points in four games this season and scored 67 points last year, was named to the 2025 preseason Tewaaraton Award Watch List. Luke McNamara (attack), Utah’s leading goal scorer, had netted 10 goals so far. Syracuse coach Gary Gait had emphasized the importance of figuring out how to win games, with his main concerns being missed shots and turnovers. From the looks of it, the Orange heard his message loud and clear, executing exactly what Gait had outlined for them.

Syracuse came out firing in the first half, scoring 11 goals and heading into halftime with a commanding 11-1 lead. Joey Spallina recorded 3 assists, and Wyatt Hottle scored 2 points with 3 total shots. John Mullen also contributed by leading in ground balls with 8. But perhaps the most impressive play of the game came when Michael Grace scored a 50-plus-yard goal after Utah goalie Colin Lenskold was caught out of position. Utah, with 19 turnovers and losing faceoff battles 15-9, never stood a chance.

Photo Cred: SU Athletics

While Utah is currently a below-.500 team, this win was a much-needed confidence booster for Syracuse. A loss would have had significant consequences, potentially dropping them significantly in the rankings. With this big win, the Orange are now in high spirits as they look ahead to their next matchup on Sunday against No. 6 Johns Hopkins—an important test before their tough April schedule. Syracuse will face a series of ranked opponents, including No. 1 Notre Dame on April 5, No. 3 Cornell on April 12, No. 7 Duke on April 19, and No. 4 North Carolina on April 26.

Best 40 times for Offensive Lineman in the 2025 Combine

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Stephen Patrick

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March 2, 2025

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The 2025 Scouting Combine provided the opportunity for some of the most talented offensive line prospects to showcase their skills in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and executives. Below are the best offensive lineman times in the 40 yard dash.

Jared Wilson (C – Georgia) – 4.84 seconds
Armand Membou (OT – Missouri) – 4.91 seconds
Jonah Savaiinaea (OT – Arizona) – 4.95 seconds
Tate Ratledge (G – Georgia) – 4.97 seconds
Will Campbell (OT – LSU) – 4.98 seconds
Aireontae Ersery (OT – Minnesota) – 5.01 seconds
Jackson Slater (G – Sacramento State) – 5.01 seconds
Eli Cox (C – Kentucky) – 5.02 seconds
Joshua Gray (G – Oregon State) – 5.04 seconds
Josh Conerly Jr. (OT – Oregon) – 5.05 seconds

Who Had the Best Showing at Saturday’s Combine Showcase?

By

Stephen Patrick

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March 1, 2025

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Quinn Ewers

2025 NFL Scouting Combine

Photo Cred: BR

Quinn Ewers was under intense scrutiny at the combine, especially after a challenging final season. Although he was sidelined for part of the year due to injury, he managed to recover and finish the season on a solid note. Ewers struggled with pocket awareness and battled through an oblique injury, which raised some concerns. His performance on Saturday marked a positive step forward. He demonstrated velocity on out and dig routes. While most of his throws were accurate, there were a few instances where he missed connecting with his receivers. Ewers continues to refine his mechanics and address some of the inconsistencies in his pocket presence. He may have solidified his status as a potential second-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Matthew Golden

Matthew Golden 40 time at NFL Combine should grab the Commanders' attention

Photo Cred: Fan Sided

One of Ewers weapons was Matthew Golden. He had the best on field combine performance. Golden showed off speed with a 4.29-second 40-yard dash. This was the fastest time for any receiver. His 1.49-second 10-yard split showcased his quick burst. He showed his game film matches his athletic ability. Golden is firmly establishing himself as a first-round prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Jayden Higgins

PHOTOS: Jayden Higgins, Darian Porter and others shine at NFL Combine – Iowa State Daily

Photo Cred: USA Today

Iowa State’s Jayden Higgins delivered one of the top performances at the combine. Standing at 6-foot-4 1/8 and weighing 214 pounds, Higgins ran a solid 4.47-second 40-yard dash and posted an impressive 39-inch vertical leap. His route running was a highlight, displaying soft hands and the ability to quickly change direction. While he may not be the fastest receiver, Higgins proved himself as a top-tier possession receiver. On third down, just get him the ball. With his size and explosiveness, he has the ability to challenge NFL cornerbacks at the top of his routes.

Best 40-Yard Dash Times for CB’s at the NFL Scouting Combine

By

Stephen Patrick

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February 28, 2025

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As the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine unfolds, cornerback prospects have been showcasing their speed and agility, with the 40-yard dash serving as one of the most anticipated events for evaluating raw athleticism. The following players have emerged as the fastest cornerbacks of the 2025 class, turning heads with their blistering 40-yard dash times.

Maxwell Hairston (Kentucky) – 4.28 seconds
Maxwell Hairston set the bar high. He blazed through the 40-yard dash with a 4.28 second time. This showing helped him open up scouts eyes to revisit his tape. Photo Cred: AP
Darien Porter (Iowa State) – 4.30 seconds
Darien Porter of Iowa State recorded 4.30 seconds. His elite speed will make him a standout in the upcoming NFL draft.
Caleb Ransaw (Tulane) – 4.33 seconds
Tulane’s Caleb Ransaw impressed scouts with a 4.33-second dash. Ransaw showed the small school DB’s should not get overlooked in this draft.
Jacob Parrish (Kansas State) – 4.35 seconds
Kansas State’s Jacob Parrish turned in a stellar 4.35-second performance. His quickness and ability to close gaps quickly on receivers make him one to watch as the draft approaches.Photo Cred: SI
Zah Frazier (Texas-San Antonio) – 4.36 seconds
Texas-San Antonio’s Zah Frazier wasn’t far behind with a 4.36-second time. His combination of speed and cover skills will make him an attractive option for NFL teams looking for a speedy cornerback.
Jahdae Barron (Texas) – 4.39 seconds
Jahdae Barron from Texas posted a solid 4.39-second run. His quick footwork and ability to keep pace with fast receivers could make him a significant contributor at the next level.
Robert Longerbeam (Rutgers) – 4.39 seconds
Rutgers’ Robert Longerbeam tied with Barron at 4.39 seconds. His elite speed and overall athleticism will likely catch the attention of scouts who value speed on the defensive side of the ball.
Justin Walley (Minnesota) – 4.40 seconds
Justin Walley of Minnesota posted a 4.40-second dash, a time that reflects his incredible burst and top-end speed. This will certainly bolster his draft stock among NFL teams.
Mac McWilliams (UCF) – 4.41 seconds
Mac McWilliams of UCF recorded a 4.41-second dash, placing him firmly among the fastest cornerbacks in this class. His agility and speed make him a versatile prospect who can cover a wide range of receivers.
Trey Amos (Mississippi) – 4.43 seconds
Finally, Trey Amos from Mississippi rounded out the top 10 with a 4.43-second time. His speed, coupled with his physical presence, will make him a key player to monitor leading up to the draft.

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