NFL Notebook: McDuffie’s Future, Meyers’ Journey, and Titans’ Coaching Search Taking Shape
As the NFL regular season winds down and teams begin shifting their focus to the offseason, a few storylines are already starting to take shape-especially around Kansas City, Jacksonville, and Tennessee. From potential trades to coaching searches and personal player journeys, here’s a closer look at what’s unfolding.
Chiefs: Could Trent McDuffie Be on the Move?
After parting ways with standout cornerback L’Jarius Sneed in 2024, the Chiefs might not be done reshaping their secondary. One name to keep an eye on this offseason is Trent McDuffie. While there’s been no official word from the team, league insiders are keeping tabs on the situation, particularly with McDuffie entering a pivotal point in his career.
There’s some chatter about the Buccaneers potentially being a landing spot should Kansas City decide to explore trade options. It’s a logical fit on paper-Tampa Bay has a need in the secondary, and McDuffie brings the kind of versatility and coverage ability that would immediately bolster their back end.
The bigger question for Kansas City: do they already have McDuffie’s successor in the building? That remains unclear. Unless the Chiefs are confident in the development of young corners like Joshua Williams or Jaylen Watson, moving McDuffie could leave a noticeable gap in a defense that’s been one of the league’s best in recent years.
Meanwhile, on the offensive side, head coach Andy Reid confirmed that wide receiver Rashee Rice is currently in the league’s concussion protocol. Rice reported symptoms on Monday, and now the team will monitor his progress closely as they prepare for the final stretch. Rice has been a key part of Kansas City’s passing attack, and his availability will be crucial heading into the postseason.
Jaguars: Jakobi Meyers’ Unlikely Path to the NFL
Jakobi Meyers has always been a bit of an underdog story, and his journey to the NFL is a testament to how far raw talent and determination can take you-even when football wasn’t the original plan.
Meyers didn’t even start playing the sport until his sophomore year of high school. The reason?
He wanted to help his twin brothers, who were struggling with a less-than-stellar quarterback. So he stepped in-literally-to throw them the ball.
What started as a supportive gesture turned into a life-changing decision.
“I just said, ‘I’m going out there tomorrow just so I can throw to them,’” Meyers recalled. “I didn’t expect to start a football career out of it.”
That humble beginning eventually caught the attention of his high school coach, Stanley Pritchett, who saw something special early on. Before Meyers’ junior season, Pritchett told his parents he believed football could be his ticket to something bigger. Turns out, he was right.
Now with the Jaguars, Meyers has earned the respect of his coaches and teammates alike. Wide receivers coach Edgar Bennett didn’t mince words when describing him: “He’s one of my all-time favorites,” Bennett said. “I’ve been fortunate to be around some really, really talented players... they just don’t want to win, they want to be a champion.”
Meyers may not have envisioned this path when he first picked up a football, but he’s clearly found his calling-and he’s making the most of it.
Titans: Coaching Search Underway, and Cam Ward Wants In
In Tennessee, the Titans are officially in the market for a new head coach, and rookie quarterback Cam Ward is making it clear-he wants a seat at the table.
“I want to meet all of them,” Ward said. “Every coach who gets the opportunity to come here, I want to have conversations throughout the process with them. I’m going to be here for that whole time.”
It’s a bold, mature approach from the young signal-caller, who’s already showing leadership qualities that go beyond the field. Ward understands that whoever takes the reins will play a huge role in shaping not just the team’s identity, but his own development as a franchise quarterback.
According to a team source, the Titans are zeroing in on candidates with “strong leadership skills who will help establish an identity.” That’s a telling phrase.
Tennessee’s had talent, but they’ve struggled to define who they are post-Mike Vrabel. Whether it’s a defensive-minded disciplinarian or an offensive innovator, the next hire will be tasked with giving this team a clear direction-and getting the most out of Ward in the process.
What’s Next
As the offseason inches closer, these storylines will only heat up. The Chiefs have decisions to make in the secondary, the Jaguars are watching a late-blooming star continue to rise, and the Titans are embarking on a franchise-defining coaching search. There’s no shortage of intrigue-and no shortage of impact moves on the horizon.