Mon Jun 17 3:55pm ET
Field Level Media
The Pittsburgh Steelers will make their "Hard Knocks" debut as HBO's sports documentary series for the first time chronicles an entire division this coming season.
"Hard Knocks: In Season with the AFC North" will debut at 9 p.m. ET on Dec. 3 on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. New episodes will premiere on subsequent Tuesdays through the end of the regular season and into the playoffs in January.
Cameras will be trained on the Steelers, the Baltimore Ravens -- featured in the original "Hard Knocks" training camp series in 2001 -- Cincinnati Bengals (2009, 2013) and Cleveland Browns (2018).
"Last season the AFC North became the first division ever to have all four teams finish with a winning record, making it the perfect place to launch this new approach to ‘Hard Knocks,'" Keith Cossrow, NFL Films vice president and head of content, said in a statement on Monday. "We thank the Bengals, Browns, Ravens and Steelers for the opportunity to showcase some of the greatest rivalries in football and present the intensity of a playoff chase from all four corners of this incredibly competitive division."
The AFC North has star power at quarterback -- always a high-profile position -- with two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson of Baltimore, Joe Burrow of Cincinnati, Deshaun Watson of Cleveland and veteran Russell Wilson, who joined the Steelers in the offseason and faces competition from another newcomer in former Chicago Bears starter Justin Fields.
The series has expanded to three versions this season. A five-week run of a new spinoff endeavor, "Hard Knocks: Offseason with the New York Giants," will debut on July 2, followed by training camp coverage of another franchise making its debut, the Chicago Bears, for five weekly episodes of "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Chicago Bears" from Aug. 6 through Sept. 3.
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Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter is already making waves at his first NFL minicamp, and his teammates are taking notice. The former Colorado standout, known for his rare ability to play both wide receiver and cornerback, has impressed with his intensity and preparation.Quarterback Trevor Lawrence spoke highly of Hunter's early contributions, stating, "Travis has been great - just his work ethic, how he's come in. He's been one of the hardest-working guys we have." Lawrence also emphasized Hunter's commitment to mastering both sides of the playbook, adding, "I think it's commitment to learning the playbook and trying to learn the two systems." Hunter's historic Heisman campaign as a two-way player in college captivated the nation, but he'll face an even greater challenge in the NFL. Rookies often struggle to adjust to the pace and physical demands of the pro game, and Hunter's dual-role workload only adds to the difficulty. Still, his dedication and drive may give him a chance to defy the odds. As the Jaguars continue to rebuild, Hunter's versatility and mindset could be foundational pieces for the franchise's future success.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins has found himself in the headlines for the wrong reasons. The former Ohio State standout and second-round pick was arrested Saturday on a misdemeanor domestic battery charge, casting uncertainty over his immediate NFL future. The league responded to the news with a brief statement. "We are aware of the matter, but will decline further comment," said NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy. While the legal process plays out, the NFL is expected to take a wait-and-see approach. Historically, players in similar situations are placed on paid administrative leave while their case progresses. A suspension - if warranted - would likely follow only after the case is resolved, with six games being a common baseline for personal conduct violations. Judkins had been expected to play a key role in Cleveland's backfield rotation this season, complementing starter Jerome Ford. With his status now in doubt, fourth-round pick Dylan Sampson could be in line for an expanded role as the Browns reassess their depth chart heading into training camp.
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TennnesseeTitans.com's Jim Wyatt points to a battle to watch during training camp being the one between Tennessee Titans running backs Julius Chestnut and rookie Kalel Mullings for the No. 3 role behind Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. Mullings missed time during the offseason program with an abdominal injury but took part in minicamp and is expected to be a full-go for training camp as he looks to beat out Chestnut. But Chestnut, who played in all 17 games in 2024, won't go down without a fight after having a solid offseason. The 24-year-old had 22 carries for 102 yards while adding two receptions for 11 yards in a depth role in 2024. Wyatt thinks that the Titans will keep three RBs on the active roster this year and one on the practice squad. Chestnut's leg up over Mullings could come on special teams, but Mullings will also work on special teams as he hunts for a roster spot.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers running backs Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris are locked in as the team's top two RBs entering the 2025 season, which means that Kimani Vidal will have to shine in other areas in order to win the No. 3 role. Vidal showed promise as a rookie in 2024, but he will need to continue to prove himself in order to earn a spot on the 53-man active roster, according to Chargers Wire's Spencer Schultz. Specifically, his role in the passing game could be what separates himself from the likes of Hassan Haskins, Jaret Patterson and Raheim Sanders. After being taken 181st overall in the sixth round last year out of Troy, Vidal had 43 carries for 155 yards (3.6 yards per tote) and no touchdowns in 10 regular-season games, adding five receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. At best, Vidal will be a bench stash for depth in deep PPR formats.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Cam Hart (shoulder) missed most of the spring program while he rehab from offseason shoulder surgery, which made it hard to get a read on where the team's rotations stood during OTAs and minicamp, according to The Athletic's Daniel Popper. Hart and Tarheeb Still both had solid rookie seasons in 2024, but Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste enter the picture as free-agent additions in 2025, while Ja'Sir Taylor and Deane Leonard return as veterans. It's unclear exactly how the Chargers plan to attack their cornerback rotations. Popper explains that they have plenty of choices. They could have a package with bigger bodies outside, they could have a package with smaller ball-hawking types, or they could mix and match.
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The Athletic's Daniel Popper doesn't think the Los Angeles Chargers' coaching staff will give wide receiver Quentin Johnston too many chances to prove himself as a starter during training camp this summer. The first-rounder in 2023 is going to have to earn his chances, especially after the team added Tre Harris in the second round in April and reunited with Mike Williams in free agency. L.A. also took wideout DeAndre Lambert-Smith in the fifth round, and Harris, Williams and Lambert-Smith all primarily play on the outside, which is also where Johnston plays. Johnston improved from Year 1 to Year 2, but he still had frustrating moments, and drops remain an issue. Receiver is going to be a highly competitive position in training camp, so Johnston is really going to have to perform in order to retain a starting position in three-wide sets for the Chargers in 2025.
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Los Angeles Chargers rookie second-round wide receiver Tre Harris is officially a holdout after not reporting with the rest of the team's rookies for the start of training camp, sources tell NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Harris and the Chargers continue to haggle over guaranteed money in his contract. It remains to be seen when something will get worked out for the 23-year-old, but for now, he's going to miss some developmental time in camp. Harris impressed the coaching staff during OTA and minicamp workouts, though, and he has the potential to make a fantasy impact in redraft leagues in his first year in the NFL with the Bolts in 2025, even in a run-first offense. Ladd McConkey is the unquestioned WR1 for the Chargers, but Harris could be quarterback Justin Herbert's go-to deep target if Mike Williams and Quentin Johnston continue to disappoint.
From RotoBaller
According to Jeff Howe of The Athletic, Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. needs to have a strong year to be considered a "marquee target" in free agency next offseason. If not, he could become "a back who gets lumped in with the pool of veterans who cycle through one-year deals." The 26-year-old began his career by amassing over 1,000 rushing yards while totaling 17 touchdowns in his first two active seasons. Unfortunately, he's coming off his worst season in the National Football League, accumulating 558 yards and two scores off 150 touches. Tank Bigsby was more productive overall throughout the 2024 campaign. However, it's a new era in Jacksonville, with the organization hiring former Bucs offensive coordinator Liam Coen to serve as the head coach. In addition, the Jags bolstered the running back position by selecting Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. in the 2025 NFL Draft. With that in mind, it will be interesting to see how the backfield situation takes shape during training camp. Although Etienne's fantasy stock has never been lower, it appears he at least has a chance to turn things around in 2025. If anything, Etienne should be selected for insurance purposes in case Bigsby goes down with an injury.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson has repeatedly expressed his displeasure regarding his role throughout the offseason. The 24-year-old, who played nearly 80% of his snaps in the slot last season, is hoping to get more action on the outside in 2025, potentially opening the door for additional downfield catches. He is coming off his best season with the Giants, amassing career-highs in receptions (93), receiving yards (699) and touchdowns (three). Robinson was also one of the NFL's most targeted receivers inside the red zone. With new quarterbacks under center, specifically, Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, and rookie Jaxson Dart, it could take time for the offense to get on the same page. At the same time, Malik Nabers is the No. 1 option on the depth chart, leaving little room for anyone else to be involved. However, Robinson may get his wish if Nabers or Darius Slayton get injured at some point during the year. Even then, Robinson isn't expected to be a consistent fantasy producer.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins was arrested in Fort Lauderdale for battery and domestic violence on Saturday. According to the Broward County Sheriff's Office, the 21-year-old remains in custody while being charged with touching or striking, battery, and domestic violence. Judkins was selected in the second round with the 36th overall pick by the Browns in the 2025 NFL Draft. He also remains unsigned and now could face discipline under the NFL Personal Conduct Policy as more details come out about his arrest. If Judkins were to miss time this season, Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson would see an increase in touches and snaps, bumping the draft stock a few spots for both Cleveland backs heading into upcoming fantasy drafts.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin is entering the final year of his deal and is a candidate to be a holdout or hold-in at training camp this summer. McLaurin has five straight 1,000-yard seasons under his belt and has at least 900 receiving yards in each of his six years in the NFL, but The Athletic's Mike Jones writes that he's unlikely to land a deal that rivals that of Bengals wideout Ja'Marr Chase, who got four years and $161 million. However, it's possible that McLaurin tops the four-year, $115 million deal the Bengals gave receiver Tee Higgins. The 29-year-old had a strong 23.2% target share last year and excelled with impressive rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, also scoring a career-high 13 touchdowns. McLaurin will see regression in the TD department, but with Daniels looking like an elite QB, McLaurin is now in WR2 territory in fantasy.
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The Athletic's Joe Rexrode believes that giving Tennessee Titans cornerback Roger McCreary a contract extension this summer seems like a smart decision as the former second-rounder in 2022 enters his fourth NFL season. McCreary is by no means an elite defensive back, but he's been versatile and durable for the Titans, missing just four games in his first three years in the league. Tennessee also has plenty of question marks on defense and in their defensive backfield, so it would seem to be a wise move to get the 25-year-old locked in long term. The Auburn alum actually took a step back in 2024, posting a career-low 50 tackles (43 solo), one sack, 12 tackles for loss and only one pass breakup in 15 games (seven starts) in his third season. McCreary spent most of his time in the slot last year and struggled, so the Titans may want to move him back outside, especially if they sign him to an extension.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans is entering the final year of his two-year, $41 million deal in 2025, and The Athletic's Dan Pompei writes that the team could have a difficult time retaining the future Hall of Famer beyond this season, especially at a similar price to what they just re-signed Chris Godwin at. Despite being close to turning 32 years old, Evans hasn't shown signs of slowing down, posting 1,000 yards receiving in 2024 for the 11th straight season while also scoring 11 touchdowns. Tampa certainly doesn't want to lose one of the greatest players in franchise history who is also highly respected in the locker room, but it remains to be seen how this will play out following the 2025 season after they took wideout Emeka Egbuka in the first round this year. For fantasy purposes, Evans is a high-end WR2.
From RotoBaller
Given Seattle Seahawks left tackle Charles Cross' age (24), position and status as the team's best offensive lineman, The Athletic's Michael-Shawn Dugar thinks that signing him to a contract extension before training camp this summer seems like an obvious decision. Cross is one of six extension-eligible players from the team's 2022 draft class, joining outside linebacker Boye Mafe, running back Kenneth Walker III, right tackle Abe Lucas, cornerback Riq Woolen and safety Coby Bryant. Shawn-Dugar adds that Cross should have a salary floor of at least $21 million per year on any new deal he gets. Seattle picked up the 24-year-old's fifth-year option back in April, but it doesn't mean it will prevent them from getting a long-term deal done before the start of the 2025 season. Cross is the unquestioned starting left tackle and will protect new quarterback Sam Darnold's blind side.
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TennesseeTitans.com's Jim Wyatt highlights rookie wide receiver Xavier Restrepo as a player to watch heading into training camp this summer. Restrepo was added as an undrafted free agent after he was a teammate of quarterback Cam Ward at the University of Miami. The 23-year-old is a fierce competitor who looked comfortable in spring practices. Wyatt writes that Restrepo's 11 catches led all receivers during the five open practices to the media this offseason. If he continues to play that well during camp, the Titans may find it hard to cut him from the active roster going into the regular season. Restrepo had 1,000 yards receiving in his final two seasons with the Hurricanes. He's merely one to watch because of his chemistry with Ward, but he's not an exceptional athlete and is going to face an uphill battle for a roster spot.
From RotoBaller
TennesseeTitans.com's Jim Wyatt writes that Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley appears to be re-energized in his second season with the team with the addition of rookie first-round quarterback Cam Ward. Ridley has taken the first overall pick under his wing this offseason, and they have both formed a strong bond both on the field and off. For Tennessee's offense to take a step forward in 2025, the Titans will need the chemistry between Ward and Ridley to pay off after Ridley went for 64 catches, 1,017 yards and four touchdowns in his first year with the team in 2024. The 30-year-old is the clear WR1 and should continue to have a high target share, but his fantasy value will be directly impacted by how quickly Ward can adapt to the speed in the NFL. Ridley is ranked at RotoBaller a the No. 32 fantasy wideout.
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There was some speculation this offseason that the Baltimore Ravens might be moving on from tight end Mark Andrews after his disappointing outing in the playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round. However, Andrews is still on the roster and is in the TE mix for the Ravens alongside Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar with training camp right around the corner. All three of Andrews, Likely and Kolar are scheduled to be free agents in 2026, so they should all be highly motivated, writes The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec. Andrews should continue to have a key role in the offense, but the addition of veteran receiver DeAndre Hopkins could mean that targets will be tougher to come by in an offense that remains run-first. The 29-year-old looked done early in 2024 before scoring 11 TDs in a 12-game span. Likely is a problem for sure, but as long as Andrews stays healthy, he should be in play as a midrange TE1 in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle appears to be plenty motivated in 2025 after the offense took a step back in 2024, with Waddle falling short of a fourth straight 1,000-yard season. Waddle finished with 744 yards and two touchdowns on 58 catches, all career-lows. "After watching the film, definitely a lot of hand eye (coordination) -- I feel like I'm trying to move without the ball too much," he said. "And just the simple things, just timing, getting smoother in and out of my routes. Pretty much that," Waddle said. The 26-year-old has also been improving his chemistry with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. A bounce-back campaign in 2025 is certainly possible for the speedy Waddle, but unfortunately his fantasy value is tied to the injury-prone Tagovailoa and an offense that was a shell of its former self last year. RotoBaller has Waddle ranked as the WR28.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Chargers rookies are reporting to training camp on Saturday, but the Bolts and second-round wide receiver Tre Harris still haven't agreed to a deal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. There is still time for the two sides to get something done before official practices begin, but Harris is facing the possibility of missing some key development time heading into his first NFL season. The 23-year-old looked impressive during OTAs and minicamp earlier this offseason while building chemistry with quarterback Justin Herbert. The Chargers are hoping that Harris can be Herbert's go-to deep threat in 2025 to open up more space for WR1 Ladd McConkey underneath. Harris will be fighting for targets with Mike Williams and Quentin Johnston. Despite being in a run-first offense, Harris is in a good situation for immediate playing time in 2025.
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The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt writes that New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner wants to be the highest-paid cornerback in the league. Additionally, the Jets need to figure out when to extend wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who is seeking in the range of $25-30 million per year. Gardner has stated that he would like to retire as a Jet, but the team will probably need to move fast to avoid prices going up. The 24-year-old defensive back is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2025 and has already become one of the top shutdown corners in the NFL. The former fourth overall pick in 2022 out of Cincinnati is a two-time Pro Bowler and also won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022. Gardner finished with 49 tackles (36 solo), his first career sack, an interception and nine pass breakups in 15 starts in 2024.
From RotoBaller