New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has helped rejuvenate hopes for fans through the first seven weeks of the 2025 season.
Maye’s performance against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday certainly kept those expectations raised. He was 21-of-23 with 222 passing yards, two touchdown passes and a passer rating of 135.9 as the Patriots won the game 31-13. He was sacked four times but didn’t turn the ball over once.
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) waves to fans following an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee.(AP Photo/George Walker IV)
The Patriots announced after the game that Maye matched a feat by Tom Brady. The team said Maye tied Brady for the most games with at least 200 passing yards, a 135 passer rating and two passing touchdowns in a single season with four.
Maye had already accomplished the feat in his second year and 20 games in. Brady was well into his NFL career in 2007 when he achieved the milestone. Brady hit the mark by Week 11 of that season.
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) throws during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee.(AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Maye connected with seven different receivers. Stefon Diggs had seven catches for 69 yards. Kashon Boutte and Austin Hooper each caught touchdown passes.
New England improved to 5-2 on the year and are one up in the win column over the Buffalo Bills for the lead in the AFC East.
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) throws before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee.(AP Photo/George Walker IV)
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is being sued by his ex-girlfriend.
Source: Adam Glanzman / Aaron J. Thornton
Diggs’ ex-girlfriend, Mulan Hernandez of Basketball WivesOrlando fame, has filed a lawsuit against the NFL star for allegedly assaulting her and later attempting to silence her.
The former reality star filed a countersuit against Diggs in April after he initially accused Hernandez of assault in a separate lawsuit back in February. According to reports from Page Six, Mulan denied the baller’s allegations in her filing, claiming that he was actually the one who was physically aggressive during their brief relationship in 2024.
Hernandez claimed Diggs attacked her from behind and punched the back of her head on June 7, 2024. She says the alleged incident left her with a concussion before claiming that Diggs then “mounted an effort to induce [her] into signing a non-disclosure agreement so that [his] malicious and egregious act would be kept from the NFL and from public view.”
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According to the suit, the Patriots star allegedly acted “frantically,” sending his assistant to Houston to convince his ex to sign the NDA. It doesn’t seem like she signed the agreement.
In her filing, Hernandez requested a minimum of $250,000 and up to $1 million for damages she received from her physical and mental pain, along with medical bills.
In his original lawsuit, Diggs sued Mulan and Brianna Mack, a third party, accusing them both of assault, emotional distress, trespass, conspiracy and extortion.
The wide receiver claimed he would allow the duo to stay at his apartment in Houston before recalling the morning of June 7, 2024, when he alleged that Hernandez assaulted him and threatened to destroy his apartment after a night of partying.
“Hernandez burst through the bathroom and into the gaming room, visibly intoxicated and upset. [Diggs] told Hernandez to leave, but she refused,” the filing read, per Page Six. “[Diggs] attempted to diffuse the situation by attempting to remove himself from Jones’ line of fire, but she continued to castigate him,” the lawsuit continued.
Diggs claims that Hernandez threw his video game console on the floor, damaged a $130,000 watch, and tossed his phone in the toilet. He went on to allege that his ex punched his chest several times and used a weapon to threaten him, noting that Mack was present during the altercation.
The baller claims Hernandez slipped on a wet floor, but denies fighting back, alleging that Hernandez went to the doctors that night after experiencing nausea and received medication. He also said that she went to the doctors on June 14, 2024, and “falsely” alleged that she was hit “in the back of the head with a closed fist.”
He added that Hernandez’s lawyer claimed she was living with Diggs and was more than one month pregnant with his child when the alleged assault occurred.
“In the weeks and months that followed, Hernandez and Mack both individually and with the assistance of counsel, tried to use their newly spun tale to extort millions of dollars from [Diggs],” the lawsuit stated. “[Diggs] brings this case because he will not be victimized by the attempts of defendants to extort money from him. It is defendants who are liable to [Diggs], not the other way around.”
Diggs is also facing a paternity suit from a woman named Aileen Lopera, claiming he is the father of her child, who was born in April. He responded to the petition in July, stating he wasn’t sure if he is the father.
Meanwhile, the Patriots player is expecting a child with his girlfriend, Cardi B. She is currently in the middle of divorce proceedings from her estranged husband, Offset, with whom she shares three kids.
Cardi B‘s romantic life has a new chapter, and it’s full of questions regarding Stefon Diggs‘ paternity suits and legal filings. As the couple prepares to welcome their first child together, the NFL player is facing a lawsuit to determine if he is the father of a five-month-old daughter.
Source: Elsa / Getty
As BOSSIP previously reported, Cardi B and Stefon Diggs have had a very public relationship, with the couple going Instagram official just a few months ago. In Cardi’s comments, Stefon praised his pregnant girlfriend while publicly proclaiming that he’s “team boy” and thinking of Spanish names. Cardi also responded, praising Stefon for motivating her with his work ethic. Their public display of affection came just days after Cardi B announced her pregnancy, which will be her fourth child, and Diggs’ second.
However, shortly after the happy news, rumors began circulating that Diggs has other children. A video, which was obtained by TMZ, showed the NFL player leaving a hospital with a baby carrier, allegedly taken shortly after he confirmed his relationship with Cardi. The video sparked questions from fans and led to further speculation about the timeline of Diggs’ personal life.
Stefon Diggs’ Paternity: Two Babies, One Lawsuit
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The speculation was quickly followed by a paternity lawsuit filed by model Aileen Lopera, also known as Lord Gisselle, who accused the NFL star of fathering her five-month-old daughter, Charliee, born in April 2025. According to legal documents obtained by Page Six, Lopera filed a petition in Los Angeles County Superior Court on August 30, seeking to establish Diggs as the legal father of her daughter. Lopera is requesting full legal and physical custody of the child, as well as an order for Diggs to cover all pregnancy and birth-related expenses and attorney fees.
In response, Stefon Diggs has requested a genetic test to confirm his paternity. Diggs has not commented publicly on the paternity suit, but in his filing, he acknowledged his uncertainty about his biological connection to the infant but stated that, “should paternity be established, he plans to pursue shared custody.” He is also asking that both he and Lopera be held responsible for parenting-related and legal expenses, according to Complex.
Lopera’s attorney, Tamar G. Arminak, told Page Six, “My client looks forward to the day Mr. Diggs finally meets, acknowledges, and provides for his infant daughter in Los Angeles”
While Diggs has remained quiet on the situation, Cardi B is taking the rumors in stride. In a video, which appears to be taken from an Instagram Live, the “Bodega Baddie” mocked the women expressing concern for her. “Hello Barbara? This is Shirley,” she says. “That’s your baby daddy, b***h? That’s my baby daddy, too. What now? I don’t f*****g know. We’ll figure it out, b***h.”
The paternity suit and the baby carrier video have certainly added a layer of complexity to Stefon Diggs’ personal life, but it seems Cardi B is unfazed by the drama.
What do you think about Cardi B’s comedy amid Stefon Diggs’ baby daddy drama? Let us know in the comments!
Cardi B is back and proving that she still has what it takes to move records and break them, too.
On Sept. 19, big Bardi put the music world on notice as she released her highly anticipated sophomore album, Am I The Drama?, seven years after the release of her Grammy-award winning offering, Invasion of Privacy. Thanks to her loyal fans and a strategic marketing plan—complete with a pregnancy announcement—Cardi’s album quickly shot up the charts and is already certified platinum. She also set a Guinness World Record for the most albums ever drone-delivered in an hour’s time, thanks to her partnership with Walmart.
The “Outside” rapper has taken it back to the streets for her marketing and has popped up everywhere from the corners in NY to the subway. Fans have lauded her commitment to promoting her latest release while expecting her fourth child and first with her NFL beau, Stefon Diggs. Cardi announced the baby news during a sit-down with Gayle King after months of speculation, but she put fans at ease by promising that she’ll be ready in time to start her “Little Miss Drama” tour on Feb. 11 next year.
She has not announced the gender or due date of their child; however, fans are guesstimating her delivery is coming before the year ends. Diggs was seen being a loving, supportive partner in the comments of her posts saying,
“Proud of you for staying focused”
The rapper made sure to send love back his way and thanked him for leading by example with his incredible work ethic.
“You work so hard, I’ll never complain again,” she said.
Like a good baller baby daddy, Stefon didn’t pull up to Cardi’s album release party empty-handed. He surprised the “Pretty & Petty” star with a massive bouquet of roses with life-size photos of her around the base. The display was so huge that it had to arrive on the back of a flat-bed truck
Cardi’s exciting return to music also includes reunions with Kehlani, Selena Gomez, Lizzo and Summer Walker, while Tyla and Cash Cobain also appear alongside a special Janet Jackson sample that raises the bar for albums still slated to release this year. She also takes the time to address her social media clashes with Bia and JT while opening up about her heartbreaking marriage and split from Migos rapper Offset.
“The rumors on the street, the streets be talking, and the latest rumor about you is that you are having a baby, and I want to know what, if anything, you want to share about that with the class,” said King.
“Well, yes, I am,” Cardi admitted. “I’m having a baby with my boyfriend, Stefon Diggs.”
With everyone watching the bump, the Grammy-winner said she wanted to share the news in her own time.
“I just was like, can I just say it on my own time? Like, I’m not hiding. On my own terms. Let me close some deals first,” Cardi explained, adding with a laugh, “Now that I talked about it, y’all better get my album. Y’all wanted to know, now you know. So buy my album so I can buy Pampers and diapers.”
This comes at the height of the lovable superstar’s impressive rollout of her long-awaited sophomore album Am I The Drama? and tour next year.
What was your reaction to Cardi’s pregnancy? Do you think her and Stefon will stay together, forever? Tell us down below and peep the social media hysteria over the not-very-shocking announcement on the flip.
More On The Resurfaced Footage Of Stefon Diggs Taking A Tumble While Exercising On The Pilates Machine
Over the weekend, The Shade Room posted footage of Stefon Diggs exercising on a pilates machine. Furthermore, the footage seemingly showed Diggs in deep focus with his hands clasped into the handles of the pilates machine and his knees flat on the machine’s bench. Furthermore, as the video played, the exercise required Diggs to lift his arms while pulling his body forward on the machine. At first, Diggs appeared to be successful at the stretch. However, as the bench pulled forward, Diggs took a hard tumble.
Check out the clip below.
To note, the footage of Stefon Diggs initially made headlines in 2024. In June of that year, the New York Post noted that the clip of Diggs went viral, with one pilates instructor even reposting the clip and commenting, “‘S**t is not even that hard FR.’ The camera roll determined that statement was cap.”
Instagram user @sua_ve wrote, “I would’ve broke my MCL, ACL, CDL, BBC, AOL, YOU’ got mail”
While Instagram user @jjones1911 added, “Pilates is hard as f**k. I’m convinced you ladies be in there training for world war 😂”
Instagram user @adjee wrote, “His other leg threw the balance off 🧐”
While Instagram user @thekempire added, “A lot of these bros think Pilates is easy and this is what happens to them often lol … Pilates gets harder and harder and it’s great for the body!”
Instagram user @fashionofphilly wrote, “Their laughter brings me so much joy tho 😆”
While Instagram user @coco_kiiish added, “Yeah I love to see Pilates take these muscle men out 😂😂”
Instagram user @jen_andco wrote, “The fact that he’s one of the ones laughing the loudest at himself😂😂”
While Instagram user @princedre._ added, “Outset Set Up That Machine Personally 😂”
Instagram user @____shaka wrote, “Pilates sounded so innocent. So easy sounding.. but that s**t hard as hell! 😭😂”
While Instagram user @_dan_da_great added, “Here goes another Jet2 Halliday 😂💀”
Instagram user @onelostgemini wrote, “He in pain for real. That laughing keeping them tears in. 😂”
While Instagram user @kbombshell_ added, “Pilates is not a game!! 😂😂😂”
Meanwhile, Stefon Diggs even stepped in to add:
“I thought it was easy 🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️😂😂”
Months After His Tumble On The Pilates Machine, Stefon Diggs Made Headlines For Another Viral Video
Months after Stefon Diggs took his now-viral tumble on the pilates machine, he then made headlines for separate footage. As The Shade Room previously reported, in May, footage surfaced of Diggs holding a bag filled with a pink substance while being surrounded by women on a yacht. Ultimately, the footage led to his NFL New England Patriots coach, Coach Mike Vrabel, speaking out.
The Detroit Lions have caught a significant break heading into their Week 10 matchup against the Houston Texans, as Texans star wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been ruled out for the season after tearing his ACL, according to a report from Ian Rapoport. Diggs, who suffered the knee injury during Houston’s Week 8 game, has been one of the Texans’ biggest offensive threats this season.
Although the Texans will be without Diggs, they expect the return of Nico Collins, their standout wide receiver, who has missed time due to injury. Before his setback, Collins was emerging as a major offensive weapon, posting 32 receptions for 567 yards and three touchdowns in just five games. His return will be a crucial addition for the Texans as they face a Lions defense that has been formidable this season, even while adjusting to the absence of Aidan Hutchinson, who was sidelined with a leg injury.
With the Texans losing Diggs and the Lions aiming to stay atop the NFC North, Detroit’s defense will focus on containing Collins, who could be leaned on heavily by Houston’s offense. The Lions, who have steadily improved in pass defense, will look to continue their defensive dominance to make a playoff push and maintain their winning record.
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs and Green Bay Packers cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Keisean Nixon exchanged words and shoves during an altercation before their respective teams faced off Sunday.
Diggs said after the Texans’ 24-22 loss that the incident started when he “heard somebody chirping.”
Television cameras showed Diggs jawing with Alexander and Nixon as an official separated them. As officials tried getting Diggs away from the sideline, more Packers converged onto the area and Alexander approached the receiver. Diggs and Alexander then appeared to shove each other as well before they were separated.
“You know, it’s intensity,” Nixon said after the game. “It’s what it is. We don’t take disrespect, and anybody starts anything, we’re going to finish it. As top-flight DBs, that’s what we do.”
Diggs and Alexander have a longstanding rivalry dating to Diggs’ years with the Minnesota Vikings, the Packers’ NFC North rival. Diggs played for the Vikings from 2015-19. Alexander, a 2018 first-round pick, has spent his entire NFL career with the Packers.
Throughout C.J. Stroud’s young career as the leader and quarterback of the Houston Texans, one thing that has become a constant is the Texans’ protecting their home field with Stroud under center. Even with a marquee team like the Buffalo Bills in town on Sunday, one thing that I felt confident would occur was Stroud playing well. In fact, I summarized the “Stroud at home” experience in the below tweet during my pregame prep:
Including the postseason, CJ Stroud is 9-2 as a starting QB at NRG Stadium. The two losses — IND ’23 Wk 2 and JAC ’23 Wk 12 — have since been avenged, the Colts TWICE actually. CJ even avenged the CLV loss from Wk 16 in the playoffs! He was concussed in Week 16!
If you expand that tweet, you’ll see that indeed Stroud, going into Sunday, was 9-2 at home, but you would also see that the best quarterback we had beaten was maybe Baker Mayfield? Joe Flacco? In other words, none of the big names had come to NRG and locked horns with Stroud. Until yesterday.
In came MVP candidate and perennial double digit win season generator Josh Allen, and while Stroud had some noteworthy moments, good and bad, ultimately it was Stroud’s team that came out on top, 23-20, thanks to a 59 yard field goal from Ka’imi Fairbairn at the final gun. It was a signature win for head coach DeMeco Ryans and, at a minimum, another grotty moment for Stroud, who was amazing in the first half and, at times, infuriating in the second half.
On a day where the fans were repping H-town in the new Texans color rush gear, complete with H-town blue (NOT Columbia blue!) trim, there were winners and losers, as the Texans ran their record to 4-1 on the season. Here they are:
Diggs had six catches for 82 yards in the reunion game against his old team.
Photo by Jack Gorman
4. Stefon Diggs
Back in April, when Diggs was traded to the Texans for a second round pick, it was widely believed that Diggs’ going against his former team would be one of the biggest individual game storylines of the season. Honestly, both sides did a pretty good job this past week of suppressing this storyline. However, after this game, I can’t imagine that even the most staunch, anti-Diggs Bills fan can’t be missing Diggs at least a little bit, after he caught six balls, two more than all of the Bills’ receivers combined.
Ka’imi Hairbairn’s 59 yard field goal won the game for the Texans.
Photo by Jack Gorman
3. Ka’imi Fairbairn
Five games in, you could make a case that Fairbairn is the Texans’ team MVP. His three 50-plus yard field goals in EACH of the first two games of the season were the difference in wins over the Colts and Bears, and on Sunday, he added the 59-yard game winner to his gaudy 2024 resume. As long as we are talking special teams, credit punter Tommy Townsend for pinning the Bills deep in their own territory on their final drive, and credit Robert Woods for crucial yards on a punt return to set up the final field goal.
Azeez Al-Shaair rose from his sick bed to tally eight tackles and two pass break ups.
Photo by Jack Gorman
2. Azeez Al-Shaair
There was a good chance thet Al-Shaair wasn’t even going to play in Sunday’s game, after he was added to the injured list on Saturday afternoon with an illness. Make no mistake, no Al-Shaair would have spelled disaster in this game, in part because of a severe lack of linebacker depth on the Texans and in part because Al-Shaair was amazing on Sunday. The defensive captain tallied eight tackles, inducing two for loss, and had two pass breakups that easily could have been interceptions. The Al-Shaair signing has been a home run for the Texans.
Stroud was phenomenal in the first half, throwing for 187 yards on 12 completions.
Photo by Jack Gorman
1. C.J. Stroud, 1st half edition
The Texans went into the locker room with a 17-3 halftime lead, and the two biggest reasons were (1) the complete eradication of penalties, zero total (until the third quarter, when they committed six penalties, but let’s stay positive), and (2) the dominant performance of Stroud, who was in total control the first half, completing 12 of 15 passes for 187 yards and a long touchdown to Nico Collins. Stroud was phenomenal in the first half. The story would have a twist, though…..
Stroud’s fumble in the fourth quarter set up a field goal for the Bills.
Photo by Jack Gorman
4. C.J. Stroud, 4th quarter edition
Rare is the Texans’ loss since the start of 2023 where you could point to Stroud as a key culprit. When the Texans lose, drastic mistakes by Stroud are rarely ingredients in the formula. However, Stroud’s fourth quarter on Sunday was one of the worst of his career. On consecutive possessions, Stroud threw an interception in Bills territory, fumbled a ball deep in Texans territory that led to three points for Buffalo, and committed an intentional grounding penalty that drove the Texans out of field goal range with around a minute left in regulation. Stroud was very thankful in his postgame availability toward the defense and special teams for bailing him out from those mistakes. I have zero concern about this being a trend for Stroud, but the story of this game is incomplete without mentioning Stroud’s rough fourth quarter.
The Texans shut down Allen, holding him to 131 yards passing.
Photo by Jack Gorman
3. Josh Allen
Allen came into this game as one of the top three MVP candidates in the league, and while this abysmal passing performance doesn’t singlehandedly torpedo his season individually or anything, it does highlight just how precarious the Bills’ offseason plan was, in moving on from Diggs and trying to piece together a passing attack with rookies and castoffs at that position. Allen was running for his life all day, and for the second straight week, he took a ton of physical punishment.
Collins notched a 67 yard touchdown before leaving with a hamstring injury.
Photo by Jack Gorman
2. Nico Collins’ soft tissue
The good news is Nico Collins had another game changing play, a 67-yard touchdown that put the Texans up 14-3. The bad news is Collins injured his hamstring on the play, and there’s no news as to the severity of the injury or how much time he will miss. The offense looked MUCH different, in a bad way, without Collins in the game. The thing to keep an eye on this week — do the Texans put Collins on injured reserve, because if they do, he will miss at least four games.
1. Deshaun Watson (because I am petty!) Hey, I’m in too good of a mood to come up with more losers from the Texans win, so go ahead and enjoy nine minutes of Deshaun Watson after a 34-13 loss to the Washington Commanders. I enjoy seeing Deshaun miserable, and so should you! Listen to Sean Pendergast on SportsRadio 610 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. weekdays. Also, follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/SeanTPendergast, on Instagram at instagram.com/sean.pendergast, and like him on Facebook at facebook.com/SeanTPendergast.
Through the first four weeks of the 2024 NFL season, uncovering the Houston Texans and their 3-1 record, it feels like we’ve been conducting a beauty contest as much as we’ve been conducting a football season. In the Texans three wins, they’ve won by a combined total of 12 points and have been largely sloppy and underwhelming. Their one loss was a 34-7 blowout at the hands of the Vikings.
In other words, despite being 3-1, there hasn’t been a game played, as of yet, in which the Texans have felt nor looked like a legitimate Super Bowl contender. There is still confidence in the marketplace — the Texans are sixth on the Super Bowl odds board in Vegas — but they need to start playing like we assumed they were capable of.
That said, the Buffalo Bills come to town this weekend. Like the Texans, they are viewed as an upper echelon Super Bowl contender. This is my promise to the Texans — the beauty contest will be put on hold for this week. Find any way you can to beat the Bills, and there will be joy on the postgame radio show (which i host) and on my Monday radio show on SportsRadio 610.
Here are a few things to watch for on the road to sheer joy on Sunday:
4. Protecting Stroud It felt like most of what worked in the passing game for the Texans this past Sunday against Jacksonville came off script, with C.J. Stroud getting flushed from the pocket. That’s no way to be living. In an ideal world, Stroud would have ample time to find receivers while slinging it from the pocket. The Bills pose a notable threat pressuring the quarterback. Greg Rousseau and A.J. Epenesa are capable defensive ends, and former Houston Cougar Ed Oliver is a load on the interior, where the Texans have been particularly weak protecting Stroud. The offensive line needs to stand up on Sunday.
3. Josh Allen on the run While Stroud does his best damage from the pocket, his Buffalo counterpart, Josh Allen, inflicts his wounds on the run. When Allen escapes the pocket or gets on the move by design, good things typically happen for the Bills. Allen has some other worldly improv skills and a cannon of a right arm to go with it. The Texans will need to be disciplined up front and close down escape routes for Allen on passing downs.
2. Stefon Diggs The soap opera storyline in this game is certainly one of the best involving the Texans, and maybe one of the best around the league, period. Diggs wanted out of Buffalo after last season, despite being a perennial Pro Bowler on a perennial playoff team. Diggs has been a model teammate and leader since arriving in Houston, and both sides, the Bills and Diggs, have gone out of their way to remain cordial throughout the weeks leading up to this game. I’m anxious to see how drastically this vibe changes after several of the “firsts” in this game — first Diggs catch, first big hit on Diggs, first Allen turnover, etc.
1. Penalty parade must end The last three weeks of Houston Texans football have been among the most absurd in my 18 seasons of covering the team, largely because of the whopping 35 penalties committed, along with the fact that the Texans actually won two of those games. After each of those three games, we were assured that the penalties have been addressed, and the team will do better. Three games is my breaking point. I can’t, in good conscience, pick the Texans to beat a team as good as the Bills without proof that this penalty-riddled unit is NOT who they are long term. Here’s hoping for a clean game from the Texans, because double digit penalties will undoubtedly result in a loss. I just don’t trust them right now….
SPREAD: Bills -1 PREDICTION: Bills 34, Texans 27 SEASON RECORD: 3-1 SU, 0-4 ATS
When you get things done ahead of 31 other teams in the league, there’s always a reward.
For Howie Roseman and the Eagles, it’s a sigh of relief knowing your star players under contract for the next 2-6 years. And they’ve managed to save MILLIONS while doing so. Back in April, the Eagles extended multiple players. Now that the ink has dried on those contracts. It was about time the rest of the league got around to paying some of the other superstars.
Eagles Remain Ahead
In April, the Eagles signed their star receivers to two massive extensions.
April 15th, DeVonta Smith, 3-year, $75M + 5th year option
April 25th, A.J. Brown, 3-year, $96M
These contracts don’t come without merit, below has been the duos stat line the last two seasons.
DeVonta Smith – 33GP, 2,262Rec Yards, 14TD
A.J. Brown – 34GP, 2,952Rec Yards, 18TD
While these may have been the first few receivers to be paid this off-season, they certainly weren’t the biggest paydays handed out in recent signings.
This Weeks Extensions
In the last few days. Multiple receivers have gotten contract extensions with their current team, including:
Let’s see how these recent contracts compare with base stats of the following two seasons in comparison to the Eagles duo
Nico Collins – 24GP, 1,778Rec Yards, 10TD
Jaylen Waddle – 31GP, 2,370Rec Yards, 12TD
When comparing to the Collins deal things might look great. Keep in mind that’s only 1 season with C.J. Stroud as the Texans Quarterback. Things might change in the upcoming season as well, with the addition of Stefon Diggs as well as the hopeful return for Tank Dell’s sophomore season.
The same goes for looking at Waddle’s deal. Similar to DeVonta Smith who’s in a WR2 role behind Brown/Tyreek Hill. DeVonta Smith has put up similar numbers (108 less yards) and will be getting paid nearly $10M less across the 3 years of his deal. With these new contracts for star studded teams, which receiver would you rather in this scenario?
Past Deals
Of course these weren’t the only Receivers to break the bank this off-season, in fact multiple have already seen their new deals come through, including:
March 11th, Michael Pittman Jr, 3-year, $70M
April 24th, Amon-Ra St. Brown, 4-year, $120.01M
March 13th, Calvin Ridley, 4-year, $92M
Of course with their payday, comes the stats. How does this other batch of receivers hold up to the last 4?
Michael Pittman Jr. – 32GP, 2,077Rec Yards, 8TD
Amon-Ra St. Brown – 32GP, 2,676Rec Yards, 16TD
Calvin Ridley – 17GP, 1,016Rec Yards, 8TD
Even if Calvin Ridley had played the 2022 season. His numbers would still be somewhere between Pittman and DeVonta Smith. Depending on what team he had gone to, Ridley could have surpassed the 1,200 mark with ease.
With all these receivers being under contract for the next 3-5 Years. You’d think that means the rest of the big names due in the upcoming year have seen new deals? For some, that’s not the case.
No Contract In Sight?
Also from the 2021 Draft class with Smith and Waddle, is Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase. Entering his 4th season, Chase has put up the following his last two years as a Bengal:
Ja’Marr Chase – 28GP, 2,262Rec Yards, 16TD
Without a contract, the Bengals have exercised their $21.8M 5th year option for the following season. It will be hard to deny Chase of an extension. Even without Joe Burrow for lengthy periods, Chase has still been able to have success.
But in the NFC, there’s two more names struggling for a payday.
CeeDee Lamb – 34GP, 3,108Rec Yards, 21TD
Justin Jefferson – 27GP, 2,883Rec Yards, 13TD
Seeing every other team continue to lock up receivers might be good for the players, but certainly not the teams. A.J and Amon-Ra’s deals are going to be the closest comparison for this duo to get paid. And if they’re trying to takeover the #1 and #2 spot for highest paid receivers, teams will be looking to pay north of $30M to keep these players under contract.
After all the deals and carousel doors of acquiring younger receivers, what contracts would you offer these players who might be left still bargaining for a deal come next off-season?
There are so many things pertaining to the Houston Texans that are prefaced with “I can’t believe it was only a year ago that ______”, and most of them feel like the time that’s lapsed is about ten years. The last year has been a whirlwind of improvement, success, and newfound swagger.
With that in mind, and in the aftermath of the Texans’ earth shaking trade for Stefon Diggs last week, today’s facet of the Texans whose rapid improvement I would like to examine is indeed the wide receiving corps. Let’s go back a year ago, to Pro Football Focus, and take a look at where the Texans ranked in terms of receiver quality:
32. HOUSTON TEXANS
The Texans bring up the rear in these rankings with no go-to player in the passing game on their roster. I like Robert Woods as a WR2 or WR3, but not as a WR1. I also like Noah Brown, but not as a WR2. The same can be said for Nico Collins.
John Metchie III could be a good player for Houston, but there is a big unknown with him missing all last season. They did sign tight end Dalton Schultz in free agency, which was a good signing. But his presence raises the floor more than it elevates the ceiling. It’s still very much a rebuilding offense in Houston.
Yep, they ranked 32nd in the NFL, a league that contains 32 teams. In other words, their receiving group was believed to be the worst in all of football. As it turns out, the pundits (because PFF was not alone) were WAY off. They didn’t see Nico Collins’ ascension coming, and they didn’t see Tank Dell coming. Those two alone would get the Texans up into the upper third of receiver groups heading into 2024.
But then along comes Stefon Diggs, and the world changes. DRASTICALLY. In fact, this certainly gives the Texans the best trio of wide receivers on one team in the NFL. I’ve listed below the ten teams that have receiver trios that are worth arguing against the Texans’ top three, in no particular order:
MIAMI — 1. Tyreek Hill, 2. Jaylen Waddle, 3, Brazton Berrios TENNESSEE — 1. Calvin Ridely, 2. DeAndre Hopkins, 3. Traylon Burks CINCINNATI — 1. Ja’Marr Chase, 2. Tee Higgins, 3 . Trenton Irwin PHILADELPHIA — 1. A.J. Brown, 2. DeVonta Smith, 3. DaVante Parker CHICAGO — 1. D.J. Moore, 2. Keenan Allen, 3. Tyler Scott MINNESOTA — 1. Justin Jefferson, 2. Jordan Addison, 3. Trent Sherfield TAMPA BAY — 1. Mike Evans, 2. Chris Godwin, 3. Trey Palmer LA RAMS — 1. Cooper Kupp, 2. Puka Nacka, 3. Tutu Atwell SEATTLE — 1. D.K. Metcalf, 2. Tyler Lockett, 3. Jaxon Smith-Njigba SAN FRANCISCO — 1. Brandon Aiyuk, 2. Deebo Samuel, 3. Jauan Jennings
My “back of the cocktail napkin” argument for the Texans having the best trip is that (a) I feel that Diggs and Nico Collins as a top two are close enough to the other top duos to where they’re in the same neighborhood, and (b) subsequently, if we take Tank Dell, as the Texans’ number three wide receiver, he smokes all of these other number three guys on the list.
To wit, here are the yardage and touchdown totals for Dell and the number three guys listed above:
Dell is better than ALL of these guys, and he did it in just 11 games, before having his season cut short by a broken leg. This is all evidence of the incredible job that GM Nick Caserio has done in flipping this roster around. Just tremendous.
Since September, every Sunday has been reserved for football. It’s the only subject anyone can talk about: the all-consuming, seemingly endless football season that has America in a chokehold…and I’m no exception.
While the games themselves are worth the watch, one of the most highly anticipated events this season is the reveal Gameday Fit. It comes before the game when the players arrive at the facility in their literal Sunday Best….and the players are coming to serve.
The Tunnel is the new Runway. Some of the best players in the NFL sport bold colors, fun prints, standout shoes, vests, and ski masks. Others choose leathers, oversized sweaters, and iced-out chains. Regardless, the men of the National Football League are showing they have talent and style.
We’re in a new era of men’s fashion where we’ve begun holding men to higher standards. Instead of just the trusty sweatpants and t-shirt combo we’d have normally expected, we’ve come to expect an ostentatious Gameday Fit. It’s each player’s chance to let their personality shine through before they shove into their pads for 3 and a half hours.
NFL stars like the Buffalo Bills’ wide receiver, Stefon Diggs, are known for donning insane fits that rival fashion week. And we’re not the only ones paying attention, GQ now has readers voting for the NFL’s Most Stylish Player 2023 – much like they did for the NBA and winner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
GQ
Amongst a star-studded bracket with names like Travis Kelce, Ceedee Lamb, and Saquon Barkley, the resounding winner was the Philadelphia Eagles’ wide receiver Devonta Smith. Smith defeated Stefon Diggs in the final round of voting. While Smith looks forward to the Super Bowl this upcoming Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, I’m sure this award is equally important to him.
If you want to find a menswear outfit that could give Joe Burrow’s Cartier glasses a run for their money…here are our fave gameday-inspired fits.
Dress Like Joe Burrow
Cartier glasses, fur jackets, floral suits, and turtlenecks with an icy chain a la The Rock…he has the nickname “Joe Shiesty” for a reason. One of his most iconic looks, when asked if his diamonds were real he responded “I make too much money for them to be fake.”
An easy way to elevate your look is with a statement jacket and sunglasses. While your diamonds may not be real, you can still achieve the Joey B look with ease. All you need is a chain, this oversized fur bomber, a black turtleneck, and rectangle-frame glasses for the Joey B look.
Dress Like Devonta Smith
Devonta Smith has a Heisman Trophy, an NCAA Championship, and some of the finest fashion taste under his belt. King of the wide brim hat and fitted suit, he is always looking polished…down to his tie complementing his bag.
If you want the “Skinny Batman” look, Smith is a fan of matching his colorway from head-to-toe. If you’re wearing pink, include subtle accents throughout your entire outfit…not just the suit. These Ralph Lauren Shorts and Blazer pair perfectly with Nike Air Force 1’s to complete a Devonta-esque outfit.
Dress Like Stefon Diggs
Credited as the king of NFL fashion to many, Stefon Diggs never misses. A fan of the bomber jacket, layering and experimenting with oversized pieces, and an advocate for crossbody bags…but he never regrets a fit. He told GQ,
“Hell, no. If I put it on, then it was the right shit. [laughs] I don’t regret any fit. I look at all my fits like, “That was the time in my life when I felt like that was okay.”
Dress like SD with a pair of oversized jeans, a bomber jacket, and t-shirt for a relaxed, comfortable fit that still serves.
Dress Like Jason Kelce
It wouldn’t be an NFL fashion article with Philadelphia’s Jason Kelce, who will meet his brother Travis in the Super Bowl next week. The Kelce Bowl is all the rage right now, but may I introduce you to one of the best dressed players in the league?
Kelce is known for saying things like “I’m not here to play dress up” when wearing flip flops on gameday. He’s famously dressed as Doug Whitmore from 50 First Dates or in an Ocean Drive shirt (a Sea Isle City, NJ bar where Kelce holds fundraisers). If you want to dress like the older Kelce, buy a pair of Rainbows and cut your jeans to short length…it’s about fun and comfort.
Dress Like Travis Kelce
Jason’s younger brother, Kansas City tight end, Travis Kelce, has his own clothing line “Tru Kolors,” selling 90’s-inspired athleisure. He wears different styles of peacoats, experiments with different prints, and is not afraid of accessorizing. Travis has always been interested in fashion outside of football.
A Travis Kelce look is not complete without a statement peacoat like this one. From there, don’t be afraid to accessorize with chains, watches, sunglasses, and hats. It’s an easy way to spice up any old “basic” outfit.
Onion Sports shares its expert analysis on the teams that will come away with victory in the NFL’s Divisional Round.
Jaguars at Chiefs
Jaguars: Expect Chiefs coach Andy Reid to have something special up his sleeve for this game. Unfortunately, that will just be a dozen hot dogs.
Offensive Player To Watch: Jaguars
Offensive Player To Watch: Jaguars
Zay Jones: The Jags wide receiver has the field awareness needed to witness numerous Trevor Lawrence interceptions.
Defensive Player To Watch: Jaguars
Defensive Player To Watch: Jaguars
Josh Allen: This could be a perfect opportunity for the pass rusher to pick up a loose quarterback on the ground and return it for a touchdown.
Offensive Player To Watch: Chiefs
Offensive Player To Watch: Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes: Kansas City’s star QB is expected to have his best State Farm commercial yet.
Defensive Player To Watch: Chiefs
Defensive Player To Watch: Chiefs
Chris Jones: Expect the massive defensive tackle to struggle to make it out of the Jaguars’ backfield.
Giants at Eagles
Eagles: Jalen Hurts and the Eagles have what it takes to bring a small dollop of joy to Philadelphia citizens’ otherwise bleak, empty lives.
Offensive Player To Watch: Giants
Offensive Player To Watch: Giants
Daniel Jones: The quarterback has a bright future with his next team.
Defensive Player To Watch: Giants
Defensive Player To Watch: Giants
Dexter Lawrence: The Giants colossal nose tackle will rely on his flexibility and athleticism, which allow him to change direction at least once per game.
Offensive Player To Watch: Eagles
Offensive Player To Watch: Eagles
Jason Kelce: The Eagles’ Pro Bowl center is reportedly practicing a knuckleball hike
Defensive Player To Watch: Eagles
Defensive Player To Watch: Eagles
Ndamukong Suh: Though playing as a backup, the veteran Suh is hoping he still has a few more dirty plays left in him.
Bengals at Bills
Bengals: After Week 17’s suspended matchup, Cincinnati will be eager to get revenge on Damar Hamlin.
Offensive Player To Watch: Bengals
Offensive Player To Watch: Bengals
Joe Burrow: Pretty much just needs to go out there and not throw 20 picks to go down as the best quarterback in Bengals history.
Defensive Player To Watch: Bengals
Defensive Player To Watch: Bengals
Eli Apple: The feisty cornerback will do whatever it takes to be dragged into the end zone while clinging to Josh Allen’s back.
Offensive Player to Watch: Bills
Offensive Player to Watch: Bills
Stefon Diggs: Buffalo’s wideout has shown the ability to make seemingly impossible catches, rending the delicate fabric of our so-called “reality” and plunging NFL fans into a horrid abyss of unfathomable madness.
Defensive Player To Watch: Bills
Defensive Player To Watch: Bills
Tremaine Edmunds: The middle linebacker is the heart and soul and lower intestine and trachea and stapes bone of the Bills defense.
Cowboys at 49ers
49ers: San Francisco has better defenders, a more explosive offense, and it’s just really gratifying to see Jerry Jones absolutely fucking miserable.
Offensive Player To Watch: Cowboys
Offensive Player To Watch: Cowboys
Dak Prescott: He has the kind of arm that can ruin the hopes and dreams of any Cowboys fan.
Defensive Player To Watch: Cowboys
Defensive Player To Watch: Cowboys
Micah Parsons: Keep a close eye on the Dallas linebacker, who is a dual threat as a pass rusher and a player who can turn completely invisible for multiple quarters.
Offensive Player To Watch: 49ers
Offensive Player To Watch: 49ers
Brock Purdy: Luckily for San Francisco, Brock Purdy has zero professional experience with losing and barely comprehends the concept of defeat.
Defensive Player To Watch: 49ers
Defensive Player To Watch: 49ers
Nick Bosa: Expect Bosa to come out strong on every play in order to sack Dak Prescott before he has the chance to throw a pick.
