NFL Player News

Though Mahomes cleared "some big steps" Monday, he remains in the NFL's concussion protocol, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

While that's a step in the right direction for the star QB, Schefter notes that "it's too early to say" that Mahomes will "definitely" be cleared to play in Sunday's AFC Championship game. Further context with regard to Mahomes' progress will arrive no later than Wednesday, once Kansas City re-takes the practice field.

Brissett and fellow Colts QB Philip Rivers both can become unrestricted free agents this offseason, Zak Keefer of The Athletic reports.

With Rivers healthy for the entire 2020 campaign, Brissett's main contribution to the Colts was subbing in for some short-yardage plays. He scored three short rushing TDs and attempted just eight passes, never really getting a chance to rebound from his disappointing performance over 15 starts in 2019. While he's unlikely to find a team that wants him in a starting role, Brissett should at least be recognized as one of the better backup QBs, and he might even be a fallback plan for the Colts if Rivers isn't brought back.

Mariota could be released this offseason, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports.

Mariota is scheduled for a non-guaranteed $10.625 million base salary in 2021 in the second season of his two-year contract. The Raiders might be interested in keeping him around as a backup QB, but probably not at that price. Mariota played well in his one 2020 appearance, piling up 226 passing yards, 88 rushing yards and two total TDs in a 30-27 loss to the Chargers in Week 15. He otherwise spent the season on the bench behind Derek Carr, who threw for 300 yards four times in the final five weeks.

It isn't clear Minshew has a future with the Jaguars, John Reid of The Florida Times-Union reports.

Minshew went 1-7 as a starter in his second NFL season, though his passing stats -- 66.1 completion percentage, 6.9 YPA, 16:5 TD:INT -- show a degree of competence that wasn't matched by fellow Jaguars quarterbacks Mike Glennon and Jake Luton. The team is now expected to draft Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence, potentially leaving Minshew to compete with Luton for the backup job. The Jaguars figure to explore trade opportunities this offseason, so it's possible the 2019 sixth-round pick ends up on a new team for his third NFL campaign.

Huntley signed a reserve/future contract with the Ravens on Monday.

After Lamar Jackson suffered a head injury in Saturday's divisional-round playoff game, Huntley stepped in and was a critical component of the team. The quarterback was able to complete six of 13 pass attempts for 60 yards and had three rushes for 32 yards. While the team won't advance to the next round of playoffs, Huntley managed to earn himself another chance with the team. The 2020 undrafted rookie will compete with 2019 fourth-round pick Trace McSorley for slotting at QB for the Ravens.

Coach Andy Reid said Monday that Mahomes (concussion) will "be OK" in reference to his toe injury, Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star reports.

Mahomes was evaluated in the medical tent due to a toe injury in the first quarter of the AFC divisional-round win over the Browns, but he managed to tough out the issue before later suffering a concussion in the third quarter. Reid responded with less direct optimism when asked about Mahomes' chances of being able to practice prior to Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Bills, saying "that's for [the medical staff] to decide," per Herbie Teope of The Kansas City Star. In order to suit up against Buffalo, Mahomes will first need to clear the league's five-step protocol for concussions, the final phase of which includes meeting with an independent neurologist, but it sounds like he'll at least have his mobility intact if given the green light to play.

The Ravens and Jackson (concussion) are expected to begin discussions regarding a contract extension this offseason, Ryan Mink & Joe Schiller of the team's official site report.

The Ravens are first expected to lock up Jackson's services through the 2022 season by picking up his fifth-year option, at which point discussions will turn toward a long-term deal. The 2018 first-round pick has delivered a playoff berth in each of his three seasons under center in Baltimore, in addition to earning the NFL's MVP award in 2019. There's plenty of recent precedent for young franchise players signing such contracts, with Patrick Mahomes (10-year, $503 million) and Deshaun Watson (four-year, $156 million) both having inked their lucrative extensions as they went into their fourth season, just as Jackson is now.

Jameis Winston completed his only pass attempt for a 56-yard touchdown in the Saints' 30-20 loss to the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Winston came in for one play midway through the second quarter and found a wide-open Tre'Quan Smith for a 56-yard score. Winston's future is uncertain in New Orleans, especially with rumors of Drew Brees' retirement floating around. Even if Brees does decide to call it a career, Winston would still face competition from Taysom Hill for the starting job if the Saints re-sign him.

Keenum is expected to return as Cleveland's backup quarterback for 2021.

Keenum appeared in one game, serving in relief while starter Baker Mayfield dealt with a rib injury. He signed a three-year deal prior to the 2020 season, which includes guaranteed money for 2021, and the soon-to-be 33-year-old Keenum is a known commodity to coach Kevin Stefanski.

There is a belief around the Texans organization that Watson has played his last snap with the team, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

There has been a rift forming between Watson and Texans chairman Cal McNair, which intensified when McNair left Watson out of the hiring process that ultimately landed general manager Nick Caserio. Houston is yet to hire a head coach, but it appears Watson will want out regardless of who ultimately takes that job. The Texans would likely receive a robust trade package in return for Watson should the team opt to go that route, and ESPN's Chris Mortensen believes the Dolphins are the most likely landing spot in such a scenario given the team's ample draft capital and Watson's admiration for coach Brian Flores.