Bears: Jalen Reeves-Maybin's Future
Jalen Reeves-Maybin, the Bears' seasoned outside linebacker, is stepping into free agency after wrapping up his ninth NFL season. At this stage in his career, Reeves-Maybin is taking a thoughtful approach to his next move. He’s made it clear that he's still eager to play but will be selective about his next destination.
Reflecting on his career and future, Reeves-Maybin shared, “I’m still confident in my abilities, but it’s all about finding the right fit for me now.” With his family growing and a significant role in the NFLPA, his priorities are evolving. He’s looking for a team where he feels comfortable and valued.
Having previously played for the Lions, Reeves-Maybin has seen the impact of strong leadership firsthand. He spoke highly of Bears head coach Ben Johnson, who’s carving out his own path after working under Dan Campbell in Detroit.
“Ben is incredibly smart and has his own unique style. It’s exciting to see him build his own culture,” Reeves-Maybin noted.
As he considers life beyond the field, Reeves-Maybin has his eyes on scouting. His natural knack for evaluating talent makes this a promising avenue.
“I’ve always been drawn to analyzing players, both on and off the field. It’s something I genuinely enjoy and could see myself pursuing,” he explained.
Packers: Matthew Golden’s Promising Start
In his rookie season, Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden may not have seen as much action as some of his peers, but he made the most of his opportunities. Packers GM Brian Gutekunst praised Golden’s performance, highlighting his professionalism and readiness whenever called upon.
“Matthew showed impressive growth from training camp through the season,” Gutekunst remarked. Despite the challenges of limited playtime and team struggles, Golden handled it all with maturity. The Packers are eager to see his development continue in his second year.
Vikings: Offseason Decisions Loom
As the Vikings gear up for the offseason, several pressing questions await. One major concern is quarterback J.J.
McCarthy's availability, having played just 29 percent of snaps since being drafted in 2024. The team is cautious about banking on his durability for a full season.
With head coach Kevin O’Connell and star receiver Justin Jefferson, the Vikings present an appealing option for quarterbacks. However, they’re facing a $40.15 million salary cap issue, which complicates their plans. Restructuring contracts for players like Christian Darrisaw and Jonathan Greenard could provide some relief.
The possibility of trading for a quarterback is on the table, with Mac Jones of the 49ers being a standout candidate. However, acquiring him might be challenging, given San Francisco’s potential compensatory pick in 2027.
As the Vikings navigate these decisions, balancing the need for a quarterback with financial constraints will be key to their offseason strategy.