The Baltimore Ravens took a calculated risk by giving a non-exclusive franchise designation to quarterback Lamar Jackson in March 2023 for $32.416 million. That was after he played the 2022 season under his $23.016 million fifth-year option because he was adamant about getting a fully guaranteed contract.
Several weeks later, Jackson’s contract saga finally ended when he agreed to a conventional deal shortly before the start of the 2023 NFL Draft in late April, making him the NFL’s highest-paid player at $52 million per year.
Jackson signed a long-awaited five-year, $260 million contract with $185 million of overall guarantees where $135 million was fully guaranteed. The $135 million included a then-record $72.5 million signing bonus. Jackson got a no-trade clause, and there’s also a provision preventing the Ravens from designating Jackson as a franchise or transition player when his contract expires after the 2027 season.
Jackson has taken his game to another level since signing the contract. He was named the NFL’s MVP in 2023, which was the second time he won the award.
Surprisingly, Jackson didn’t repeat as MVP after having a historic 2024 season. Jackson was the first ever to throw for at least 4,000 yards and run for at least 900 yards. His 4,172 passing yards (sixth in the NFL) were a career high, as were his 41 touchdown passes (tied for second), 8.8 yards per pass attempt (first) and 119.6 passer rating (first) — the last of which was the fourth-best mark in a season in NFL history. As a runner, his 915 yards were his most since the 2020 season. He also led the NFL with 6.6 yards per carry.
No player in NFL history had led in both yards per pass and yards per run at the same time until Jackson. With only four interceptions, Jackson had an outrageous touchdown-to-interception ratio of more than 10-to-1. Nobody with 40 or more touchdown passes has thrown fewer interceptions in the same season.
The Philadelphia Eagles are releasing veteran cornerback Darius Slay, according to CBS Sports lead NFL Insider Jonathan Jones. This ends a decorated five-season stint with Philadelphia, which included three Pro Bowl nods and, most recently, a win in Super Bowl LIX.
The writing was on the wall for Slay’s tenure to come to a close with the Eagles this offseason since the 34-year-old was entering the final year of his contract. On top of entering what would’ve been a lame-duck year, there was also no guaranteed money left on his contract, which further emphasized either his release or a restructuring of some sort. The club has since opted for the former, and Slay will now enter the open market.
As ESPN reports, the Eagles will be releasing Slay with a post-June 1 designation, which means the organization will clear $4.3 million off its salary cap this offseason.
player headshot team logo Darius Slay PHI • CB • #2 View Profile Slay joined the Eagles in March of 2020 when the club executed a trade with the Detroit Lions, who drafted him in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft out of Mississippi State. During his time in Detroit, Slay established himself as one of the league’s top corners, earning three Pro Bowl nods and a first-team All-Pro honor in 2017 after co-leading the league in interceptions.
This past regular season, Slay started in all 14 of his games played, notching 49 tackles, 13 pass breakups, and one forced fumble. In coverage, he allowed an 81.9 passer rating and a 54.7 completion percentage when targeted. During Philadelphia’s playoff run to a Super Bowl LIX title, Slay started all four postseason games and totaled five pass breakups and an interception.
As for where Slay could end up, let’s highlight a handful of landing spots
Pittsburgh Steelers As CBS Sports NFL Insider Jonathan Jones points out, the Steelers could present an interesting destination for Slay due to the presence of defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. Slay played for Austin during their shared time in Detroit, including in 2017 when the corner was named a first-team All-Pro. That connection aside, there’s also a need at the position. Outside of Joey Porter Jr., corners Donte Jackson (15 starts), James Pierce, C.J. Henderson and Cameron Sutton are all slated to hit free agency, thinning out the position group. Pittsburgh also has just under $60 million in cap space available this offseason, making a pursuit of Slay an easy financial endeavor.
Detroit Lions Why not go back to where it all began? If Slay wants to remain with a championship contender, he could head back to Detroit and help get the Lions over the hump. Of course, it’s a different regime than the one he left via trade in 2020, but the Lions certainly could use a veteran like Slay in their secondary. Last season, the club surrendered the third-most passing yards per game in the league (244.0). It’s also worth pointing out that starter Carlton Davis is set to be an unrestricted free agent.
2025 NFL free agency rumors: Eagles’ Darius Slay reveals which other team he’d be interested in joining Cody Benjamin 2025 NFL free agency rumors: Eagles’ Darius Slay reveals which other team he’d be interested in joining Washington Commanders Even after trading for Deebo Samuel to bolster the receiver room, the Commanders have money to spend. To be exact, the club has $64.4 million, which is the seventh-most in the entire league. Washington knows firsthand how impactful Slay can be to a secondary watching him in Philadelphia, and he could help a unit that tried to get help at corner last season by trading for Marshon Lattimore, but it never materialized. With Jayden Daniels proving to be a bonafide franchise quarterback, it’d be wise for Washington to take swings on players like Slay while Daniels is still on his rookie deal.
Buffalo Bills The Bills had a bottom-10 pass defense in the league last season, allowing the ninth-most passing yards and the eighth-most passing touchdowns overall. They were also abysmal on third down, creating a drastic need to boost the secondary in a conference that includes an array of elite quarterbacks. Moreover, starting cornerback Rasul Douglas is set to hit free agency, further digging them in a hole at the position group. Slay not only could come in and help increase the production, but also provide someone with Super Bowl-winning experience for a team that has struggled to get over the hump in the AFC. One hurdle for this landing spot, however, is Buffalo’s current cap situation as it is $10.2 million over the cap at the moment. The Bills will need to get their books in order before making a run at Slay.
Philadelphia Eagles While the Eagles are releasing Slay, let’s not rule out a return. FOX Sports reports it is a possibility these two sides reunite after Slay tests the market, and this release is merely for financial reasons. Given that Slay is in the twilight of his career, he could opt to head back to Philadelphia and chase a second-consecutive Super Bowl title.
The 2025 NFL offseason is here. While the new league year technically doesn’t begin until March 12, which is when signings and trades can become official, the franchise tag window has been open since mid-February.
From now through 4 p.m. ET on March 4, all 32 teams are permitted to apply a franchise tag to one of their pending free agents. The one-year tender, which is fully guaranteed, is worth either the average of the top five salaries at the player’s position, or 120% of the player’s most recent salary (whichever is greater). Tagged players can still negotiate with other teams, but any offers they receive can be matched by the original team, and if the player departs, the acquiring team must surrender two first-round draft picks.
Transition tags can also be applied; these one-year offers allow the player to negotiate with other teams, but the original team receives no compensation if the player signs elsewhere.
2025 NFL franchise tag deadline: Time, date, everything to know, franchise vs. transition tags explained Cody Benjamin 2025 NFL franchise tag deadline: Time, date, everything to know, franchise vs. transition tags explained Who’s been tagged this offseason? Stay tuned right here for live updates and analysis as moves go down.
Trey Smith (Chiefs): Franchise tag Kansas City is set to use a one-year, $23.4 million tender on its top free agent. Smith made his first Pro Bowl in 2024 as one of Patrick Mahomes’ top interior blockers, and has been part of two Super Bowl championship lineups. He’s still a candidate to ink a long-term deal with the Chiefs, who originally added Smith as a sixth-round draft pick in 2021.
Tee Higgins (Bengals): Franchise tag Higgins himself confirmed on Monday that the Bengals are tagging him for the second consecutive year. He’ll make approximately $26.2 million on that tag, fully guaranteed. Cincinnati is still working to sign fellow wideout Ja’Marr Chase to a long-term deal that is expected to reset the non-quarterback market, and Joe Burrow wants the team to keep Higgins around for the long term as well. It remains to be seen whether ownership will be willing to spend the cash for both players.
The Los Angeles Lakers announced Monday that Pat Riley will be honored with a statue at “Star Plaza” outside Crypto.com Arena. Riley, who won six championships with Los Angeles — one as a player (1972), one as an assistant coach (1980) and four as head coach (1982, 1985, 1987, 1988) — will be the eighth Lakers luminary to get a statue.
“Pat is a Lakers icon,” Lakers owner Jeanie Buss said in a statement. “His professionalism, commitment to his craft and game preparation paved the way for the coaching we see across the league today. My dad recognized Pat’s obsession and ability to take talented players and coalesce them into a championship team. The style of basketball Pat and the Lakers created in the ’80s is still the blueprint for the organization today: an entertaining and winning team.”
The statue has been commissioned, but not completed. It is “set for completion in 2026,” according to the team, and its unveiling will be announced “at a later time.”
Riley, 79, got the news from Buss on a video call on Monday, according to the Lakers. Also on the call were Riley’s wife, Chris; Jerry West’s widow, Karen; Kareem Abdul-Jabbar; Magic Johnson; James Worthy; Michael Cooper; A.C. Green; Vlade Divac and Kurt Rambis.
Outside the arena, Riley will become the first Lakers coach with a statue. His likeness will be alongside those of Abdul-Jabbar, Johnson, West, Elgin Baylor, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant and Chick Hearn.
Last month, the Miami Heat, for whom Riley has served as team president since 1995, named their home court after him. “This is beyond even my imagination of a reward for a man’s life’s work,” Riley said then. Even though he’s in his 30th season with the Heat, many of his career’s most memorable moments came with the Lakers, particularly when he was head coach during the “Showtime” era. It is only right that they celebrate him, too.
The Detroit Pistons will battle the Chicago Bulls in a Central Division matchup on Monday night. Detroit is coming off a 124-104 win over the Washington Wizards on Sunday, while Chicago dropped a 143-107 decision to the Houston Rockets that same day. The Bulls (5-9), who have lost two in a row, are 4-4 on the road this season. The Pistons (7-8), who have won three of their last four, are 3-4 on their home court this year. Chicago point guard Lonzo Ball (wrist) remains out, as does Ausar Thompson (reconditioning) for Detroit.
Tip-off from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit is set for 7 p.m. ET. The Bulls lead the all-time regular-season series 146-135, including wins in 17 of the past 19 meetings. The Pistons are 4.5-point favorites in the latest Bulls vs. Pistons odds from SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points is 234.5 Detroit is at -187 on the money line (risk $187 to win $100), while Chicago is at +155. Before making any Pistons vs. Bulls picks, you’ll want to see the NBA predictions from the proven computer model at SportsLine.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past six-plus seasons. The model enters Week 5 of the 2024-25 NBA season on a sizzling 109-74 roll on all top-rated NBA picks dating back to last season, returning more than $3,000. Anyone following at sportsbooks and on betting apps has seen huge returns.
The model has set its sights on Bulls vs. Pistons and just locked in its picks and NBA predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see its picks. Here are several NBA betting lines for Pistons vs. Bulls:
Bulls vs. Pistons spread: Pistons -4.5 Bulls vs. Pistons over/under: 234.5 points Bulls vs. Pistons money line: Pistons -187, Bulls +156 CHI: The Bulls are 5-5 against the spread in their last 10 games DET: The Pistons are 6-3-1 ATS in their last 10 games Bulls vs. Pistons picks: See picks at SportsLine Bulls vs. Pistons streaming: FuboTV (Try for free) Why the Pistons can cover Point guard Cade Cunningham has been on fire for Detroit. In Sunday’s win at Washington, he registered his fourth triple-double of the season with 21 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds. In 15 games, all starts, he is averaging 23.1 points, 8.7 assists, 7.3 rebounds and one block in 36.4 minutes of action. He is connecting on 44.3% of his field goals and 81.8% of his free throws. He scored a season-high 35 points and added 11 assists, seven rebounds, three blocks and two steals in a 127-120 overtime loss at Milwaukee on Wednesday.
Point guard Jaden Ivey poured in a season-high 28 points, dished out eight assists and grabbed four rebounds in Sunday’s win. He had 26 points, grabbed four boards and had four assists in a 115-103 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Nov. 4. In 14 starts, he is averaging 18.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 32.4 minutes. He is hitting on 44.6% of his field goals and 71.9% of his free throws. See which team to pick here.
Why the Bulls can cover Shooting guard Zach LaVine helps power the Chicago offense. He is coming off a 15-point and five-rebound performance in Sunday’s loss to Houston. LaVine nearly had a triple-double in a 124-123 win at New York on Wednesday. In that game, he scored 31 points and added eight assists and seven rebounds. In 11 starts, he is averaging 21.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and four assists in 34.2 minutes.
Center Nikola Vucevic is one of three players averaging at least 20 points for the Bulls. In 14 games, he is averaging 20.1 points, 9.7 rebounds and three assists in 31.9 minutes. He has registered nine double-doubles in 2024-25. In the win over the Knicks on Wednesday, he scored 19 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and added three assists and two steals. See which team to pick here.
How to make Bulls vs. Pistons picks The model has simulated Bulls vs. Pistons 10,000 times and the results are in. The model is leaning Under on the total, projecting 230 combined points. It also says one side of the spread hits well over 60% of the time. You can only see the pick at SportsLine.
Bob Love, a three-time All-Star at power forward for the Chicago Bulls, has died at the age of 81, the team announced on Monday. Love had been dealing with a long battle with cancer.
Love was one of four Bulls players to have his jersey number retired alongside Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Jerry Sloan. He scored 12,623 points with the Bulls, which ranks third in team history behind only Jordan (29,277) and Pippen (15,123).
“Bob was a true legend and a beloved member of our family during his nine remarkable seasons with the Bulls,” the team said in a statement. “Bob was a three-time NBA All-Star, a tenacious defender, and a cornerstone of our team. With his No. 10 jersey hanging in the United Center rafters, his on-court achievements are forever etched in history, but Bob’s impact transceded basketball. He became an inspirational figure and a passionate community ambassador for the Bulls, dedicating himself to charitable causes and uplifting countless lives with his motivational speeches. We are profoundly grateful for his enduring contributions and legacy both on and off the court in Chicago.”
We mourn the passing of Bob Love, who passed away today in Chicago at the age of 81 after a long battle with cancer. pic.twitter.com/3EBUO9UTmp
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 19, 2024 Love grew up in Louisiana and was initially a two-sport star. He excelled in both football and basketball, and he was given a football scholarship to play for Southern University. Basketball wound up being his superior sport, though, and he grew into a 30-point scorer and three-time NAIA All-American playing at Southern.
Despite his stellar college career, it took Love a few years to get going as a professional. He was drafted in the fourth round of the 1965 NBA Draft by the Cincinnati Royals but didn’t make the team. He tried again after a year with the Trenton Colonials of the Eastern Basketball League, and he wound up making the Royals roster in 1966. He spent two years as a reserve in Cincinnati before he was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1968 expansion draft. He spent 14 games with the Bucks before again getting traded, this time to the Bulls.
His career took off from there. He averaged 21 points and 8.7 rebounds in his first full season with the Bulls, and then earned All-Star nods in the next three seasons afterward. He remained with the Bulls into the 1976-77 season, but a back injury ultimately doomed his career after brief stints with the New York Nets and Seattle Supersonics.
Love suffered from a stutter both before and after his NBA career that made it hard for him to find work after retirement or speak to the press while he was a player. In 1985, however, he hired a speech coach and would eventually become a motivational speaker and director of community relations for the Bulls. He would go on to deliver hundreds of speeches annually, sharing the story of both his career and how he overcame his speech disability.
