Chris Jones remains a powerhouse in the NFL, leading all interior defenders with 88 pressures in the 2024 season while achieving an impressive 91.5 PFF pass-rush grade, despite securing only seven sacks. His performance significantly contributed to the Kansas City Chiefs reaching a third consecutive AFC Championship. Meanwhile, 35-year-old Cameron Heyward stood out for the Pittsburgh Steelers with a remarkable 10 sacks and a career-high pass-rush grade of 85.9. Dexter Lawrence proved to be a key player for the New York Giants, earning high grades in both run-defense and pass-rush despite injuries.

Other notable defenders included Leonard Williams and Poona Ford, who made significant impacts for their teams, while veteran Calais Campbell, now 38, demonstrated remarkable endurance with top-tier run-defense metrics. The depth of talent among interior defenders is highlighted by the performances of DeForest Buckner and Michael Pierce, both of whom maintained solid grades despite facing injury setbacks. As we look towards the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, the focus on these defenders underscores their importance in shaping the league.

DK Metcalf's trade request from the Seattle Seahawks signals significant changes in the NFL offseason, particularly among star wide receivers seeking new homes. The 27-year-old Metcalf, a consistent 900-plus yard receiver, aims for a contender, prompting speculation about his potential destinations. Among the top teams interested, the Los Angeles Chargers, Buffalo Bills, and Kansas City Chiefs stand out due to their respective offensive needs and playoff aspirations.

The Chargers, under coach Jim Harbaugh, look to bolster Justin Herbert's receiving corps after a disappointing playoff exit. Meanwhile, the Bills must enhance their offensive weapons for MVP candidate Josh Allen as they seek to overcome postseason heartbreak. Lastly, the Chiefs, fresh off a Super Bowl loss, could pair Metcalf with Patrick Mahomes to avoid another disappointing season.

The offseason for wide receivers is heating up, with DK Metcalf reportedly requesting a trade from the Seattle Seahawks. The 27-year-old has been dominant since entering the league, amassing over 900 receiving yards in each of his first six seasons. As he seeks a long-term contract, Metcalf's preference is to join a contender, making him a valuable target for several teams.

The Los Angeles Chargers, fresh from a promising season under head coach Jim Harbaugh, could greatly benefit from Metcalf's addition to an offense led by Justin Herbert. Similarly, the Buffalo Bills are looking to bolster their receiving corps to support MVP candidate Josh Allen, while the Baltimore Ravens have struggled to provide Lamar Jackson with a top receiver.

Speculation surrounding the Kansas City Chiefs is also rife, as they seek to regroup post-Super Bowl and fill gaps left by potential free-agent departures. The Green Bay Packers could also be in the running, aiming to upgrade their offense as Jordan Love continues to develop.

The NFL landscape is shifting significantly as the franchise tag deadline passed with a mere two players receiving tags, the lowest since 1994. Tee Higgins of the Bengals and Trey Smith from the Chiefs are the tagged players, while Osa Odighizuwa of the Cowboys secured a lucrative $80 million extension instead. The free agency market is heating up, with the free agent negotiating window set to open on March 10, and teams are eyeing potential shifts in player alignments.

Saquon Barkley made headlines by becoming the highest-paid running back in NFL history with a two-year $41.2 million extension, a move that parallels the earlier market reset by Christian McCaffrey. In mock drafts, the Giants are projected to snag Sam Darnold, while the Raiders are expected to target quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the upcoming draft. The Bears have also made headlines by acquiring All-Pro guard Joe Thuney from the Chiefs.

As the 2025 NFL free agency approaches, fantasy enthusiasts are closely watching the movement of running backs. Star players like Aaron Jones, Najee Harris, and Nick Chubb are unrestricted free agents, with speculation about their potential destinations.

Jones is coming off a career year and could fit well with the Broncos. Harris, consistent over his four seasons in Pittsburgh, could land with the Raiders, while Dobbins, who had his best season, might be a good fit in Pittsburgh. The competition from incoming rookie running backs, such as those from Boise State and North Carolina, adds another layer of unpredictability.