2025-26 NFL Thread

[GB Warrior]

$35 million dead cap hit if they dump him before June 1 this year; $27 million post-June 1. That goes down to $8 million and $4 million in 2027.
So, Johnson really dislikes the guy, he's probably sticking around for another season.
 

Ah I hadn't checked spotrac. Yeah, no way at that number.

[Pakuni]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that DJ would be traded for like a 4th or 5th round pick. 

They'd still have to take on dead cap space from all his guaranteed money, which was a substantial part of his deal (about $43 million at signing, plus $23.5 million guaranteed salary in 2026).

[MU82]

Fitting end for AR.

[WhiteTrash]

Fitting end for AR.

So his end, or his season's end?

I don't see value for any team to bring him in next year. Yes, he would possibly out play many NFL QBs next year, but to what end?

This seems like a good place for him to exit after taking a team to the playoffs.

[Dish]

Mike Tomlin era in Pittsburgh over.

[Billy Hoyle]

Mike Tomlin era in Pittsburgh over.

I'm 49 and Pittsburgh will be hiring their 4th head coach in my lifetime. That is a very impressive feat. The Lions and Jets have each had 16 over that time period. The Panthers have had 10 since their inaugural season in 1995.

[MU82]

Of all NFL assistants who have never been a head coach, Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak has received a league-high 7 interview requests. Chargers DC Jesse Minter and Packers DC Jeff Hafley are next with 5 apiece. All according to The Athletic.

[JWags85]

Of all NFL assistants who have never been a head coach, Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak has received a league-high 7 interview requests. Chargers DC Jesse Minter and Packers DC Jeff Hafley are next with 5 apiece. All according to The Athletic.

Davis Webb getting multiple HC interviews at age 30 after only 3 years of coaching is something.  Lot of weight put on Payton's influence in Denver it seems.

[tower912]

I will set the over/under on how long it would take for MLF to get a new HC job if GB moves on at 48 hours. 

[WhiteTrash]

Davis Webb getting multiple HC interviews at age 30 after only 3 years of coaching is something.  Lot of weight put on Payton's influence in Denver it seems.

Can't accuse Payton of going with the same 'old' guys. Doyle was a 28 y/o TE coach when Johnson picked him for Bears' OC.

[cheebs09]

I will set the over/under on how long it would take for MLF to get a new HC job if GB moves on at 48 hours. 

Has something changed? I thought that ship sailed.

[Pakuni]

Davis Webb getting multiple HC interviews at age 30 after only 3 years of coaching is something.  Lot of weight put on Payton's influence in Denver it seems.

Everyone wants the next Sean McVay.
I wonder, though, if these are backdoor OC interviews by teams who might end up with a defensive guy as the head coach. Same with Nate Scheelhaase.
I could see the Ravens looking to pair someone with Anthony Weaver, for example.

[TallTitan34]

I hope those Rams coordinators are placing their full undivided attention on these crucial interviews this week.

[JWags85]

Everyone wants the next Sean McVay.
I wonder, though, if these are backdoor OC interviews by teams who might end up with a defensive guy as the head coach. Same with Nate Scheelhaase.
I could see the Ravens looking to pair someone with Anthony Weaver, for example.

That's not a bad thought. Scheelhaase and Webb seem awfully green, but a proper OC gig is a promotion for either. 

I know it's internal, but Tommy Rees getting an interview with the Browns is hilarious, especially if you talk to anyone that had the misfortune of regularly watching his offenses

Also, I've mentioned before that I wasn't the biggest fan of McVay in college and he's still to this day the only NFL HC I've personally told to F off in direct conversation...though he's clearly changed a lot and I'm a fan of his, both as a coach and a personality.  That being said, Chris Shula was the total opposite.  Incredibly likable dude, super outgoing and gregarious, first dude to immediately mediate any disagreements or confrontations at bars or parties.  I don't know if he'd be an amazing HC, but I'm pretty confident he'd be better than his father was in Cincinnati, at least from a locker room management perspective.

Fun tidbit, on the same Miami team each within a year of each other, you had John McVay's grandson (Sean), Don Shula's grandson (Chris), and Ara Parseghian's grandson. 

[Shaka Shart]

https://x.com/spoonlocks/status/2011101539272966481?s=46

[HutchwasClutch]

I will set the over/under on how long it would take for MLF to get a new HC job if GB moves on at 48 hours. 

If so, good for him.  At least he won't be our problem anymore. 

[HutchwasClutch]

Has something changed? I thought that ship sailed.

Contract negotiations can and do fall apart. A lot can happen.  That's assuming Schefter's report was accurate.  But it's been three full days and nothing to announce yet.  No ship has sailed for him coming back or going.  So there's hope.   

[CreightonWarrior]

https://x.com/spoonlocks/status/2011101539272966481?s=46

but can Christian Kirk carry the flame?

[Shaka Shart]

but can Christian Kirk carry the flame?

One catch, 142 yards

[Hards Alumni]

What is the deal between MLF & Johnson? They really don't like each other.

Johnson said something about beating the Packers being important, and then MLF beat them the first time they met.  And he gave Johnson a blow by handshake.  Johnson has returned the favor, in kind.  As well he should.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

Not sure why Bears fans are saying they're just happy to be here.  Of course if you lose Sunday it's still been a great season.  But you never know how many chances you'll get in the Playoffs.  They host the Bucs, Eagles, Jags, and Pats next year and go to the Bills, Panthers, and Seahawks.  Could very easily be the Commanders with a tougher schedule and not an insane record in one possession games next year.  They still play in the NFC North, but I'd personally say it's more likely they miss the Playoffs next year than have a home game in the Divisional round.

I wouldn't say "happy to be here" is the right description.  Bears fans absolutely want to and believe the team can win on Sunday.  But this season has already surpassed some of the most reasonable but optimistic expectations that a loss on Sunday won't be crushing.  This feels like the opening of a window.

As far as the 2026 schedule, there is so much change year-to-year in teams' fortunes that it's not even worth worrying about.  I'm certainly not concerned about facing the 8-9 Panthers or the 8-9 Bucs. 

Take a look at the Patriots schedule this year.  They literally beat one (1) team that ended up with a winning record in the regular season (the Bills).  Their other wins came against: Dolphins (2), Panthers, Saints, Titans, Browns, Falcons, Bucs, Jets (2), Bengals, Giants, and Ravens.  Real murderers row there.  Yes, you only play who is on your schedule and they did the job but that team doesn't scare me at this point.

But more importantly, I expect the Bears to be better next season if they have a good draft focused on defense.  Cap space will be tight so we'll see if they do anything to create some more room. 

Every significant piece on offense is likely to be back with another year in Johnson's system. 

The Bears could certainly miss the playoffs for a variety of reasons (luck, health, performance) but that wouldn't be my expectation as things stand today.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

The Bears have to play a first place schedule next season.  Detroit showed that can be the difference if you aren't playing your best every week.  Best point differential in the division, last place.
Chicago had the last place schedule.  I do not mean to diminish what they did.  Johnson showed he could coach, Williams showed he could play, and the Bears earned what they have achieved. They deserve their record. Kudos.  Enjoy.

Next season, a pissed off Detroit has the last place schedule.  I definitely expect them to bounce back. 

I think the difference in schedule is highly overrated considering how much parity there is and how much a team's fortunes change from year-to-year. 

Based on their 1st place schedule, the Lions played the Chiefs, Bucs, and Rams.  The Chiefs and Bucs were both mediocre and missed the playoffs. 

[tower912]

I think the difference in schedule is highly overrated considering how much parity there is and how much a team's fortunes change from year-to-year. 

Based on their 1st place schedule, the Lions played the Chiefs, Bucs, and Rams.  The Chiefs and Bucs were both mediocre and missed the playoffs. 

Detroit split with them.  And the Chiefs were still the Chiefs when Detroit played them.  Detroit's biggest issue was getting swept by both the Vikings and the Packers.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

Detroit split with them.  And the Chiefs were still the Chiefs when Detroit played them.  Detroit's biggest issue was getting swept by both the Vikings and the Packers.

I'm just saying the difference between a first-place and last-place schedule is 3 teams/games.  And in the NFL, things can change quickly so I feel like that difference gets overstated. 

[tower912]

And, as we saw this season in the NFC north, three games is the difference between first and last place.