The offseason rumor mill is heating up, and with the Shrine Bowl practices in full swing, NFL insiders are buzzing about the latest free agency targets, front-office shake-ups, and coaching hires. Here’s what’s making waves around the league.
New York Jets: Aaron Glenn’s Free Agency Blueprint
The New York Jets officially introduced Aaron Glenn as their new head coach, and insiders believe he’s eyeing some familiar faces from his tenure with the Detroit Lions. Multiple sources in Frisco suggest that Glenn is pushing hard to bring over some of his former defensive players when free agency opens.
One player at the top of Glenn’s wishlist? Linebacker Derrick Barnes. The former fourth-round pick out of Purdue had a solid 2023 season, starting 13 games before a devastating knee injury (ACL and PCL tear) cut his 2024 campaign short. With C.J. Mosley set to turn 33 next season and carrying a hefty cap hit, the Jets are expected to make a strong play for Barnes as a potential successor.
Beyond Barnes, don’t be surprised if Glenn lobbies for additional Lions defensive talent to bolster New York’s defense. As the free agency window nears, expect the Jets to be aggressive in reshaping their roster under their new head coach.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Front-Office Shake-Up
The Jaguars’ coaching search may have wrapped up with the hiring of Liam Coen, but the team’s front-office overhaul is still in motion. Sources close to the situation confirm that Coen is actively pursuing Mike Greenberg—the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ vice president of football administration—as Jacksonville’s next general manager.
One league insider noted, “It’s not about whether Jacksonville wants Greenberg—it’s about whether Greenberg wants Jacksonville.” Coen is pushing hard for the hire, and while the decision ultimately rests with Greenberg, the Jaguars’ pursuit underscores their commitment to building a long-term contender.
Las Vegas Raiders: Pete Carroll’s Surprising Hire & Tom Brady’s Influence
The Raiders sent shockwaves through the league by hiring Pete Carroll as their head coach, a decision that has drawn mixed reactions at the Shrine Bowl practices. The move is seen as an attempt to stabilize the franchise, but many around the league question its long-term viability.
One executive put it bluntly:
“They wanted Liam Coen, but he chose Jacksonville. So now they’re left with Carroll, and honestly, it doesn’t make a lot of sense.”
However, the reaction to their general manager hire, John Spytek, has been overwhelmingly positive. Spytek, the former assistant GM of the Buccaneers, is widely respected for his eye for talent. League insiders believe Spytek and the Raiders could be one of the most aggressive teams in the draft, potentially looking to trade up for a top quarterback.
And then, there’s Tom Brady. While his limited ownership stake in the Raiders means he isn’t directly calling the shots, his influence is undeniable. Sources say Brady pushed hard for Coen to take the job, and while that didn’t work out, don’t be surprised if he has a hand in shaping the Raiders’ offseason strategy.
New Orleans Saints: Coaching Search in Chaos
With the dust settling on most head coaching vacancies, the Saints remain the only team without a new leader, and no one around the league seems to have a clue what they’re going to do.
Rumors had swirled that Mike McCarthy was the frontrunner, but as of Wednesday, sources revealed that his initial conversations with New Orleans “have not gone well.” The Saints’ front office reportedly isn’t sold on the former Cowboys coach, leaving the search wide open.
One factor complicating the process? General Manager Mickey Loomis’ preference to retain certain assistant coaches currently under contract. This may be causing friction with potential candidates who want to bring in their own staff.
Many in league circles were surprised that Aaron Glenn didn’t land the job, given his history with the organization. However, multiple sources say a freak snowstorm in New Orleans delayed Glenn’s second interview, allowing the Jets to swoop in and secure his services.
The Bottom Line: Expect Fireworks
With free agency approaching and teams positioning themselves for blockbuster moves, the NFL offseason is shaping up to be a spectacle. Will the Jets reunite Glenn with his former Lions players? Will the Raiders make a bold trade to land a franchise quarterback? And will the Saints finally find their next head coach?
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