The NFL franchise tag deadline is looming, and several key players have already been tagged, including Kansas City Chiefs OL Trey Smith and Cincinnati Bengals WR Tee Higgins, who received the tag for a second time. The Dallas Cowboys plan to franchise DT Osa Odighizuwa unless a long-term deal is reached. The franchise tag allows teams to retain players set to become unrestricted free agents, with exclusive, non-exclusive, and transition tags offering different contractual options.

Exclusive tags guarantee a contract of at least the average of the top five salaries at the player's position or 120% of their previous salary, preventing negotiations with other teams. Non-exclusive tags allow player negotiation, with their current team having the right to match any offer. Transition tags provide a one-year deal at the average of the top 10 salaries in the position without guaranteed compensation. The positional values for 2024 have been established, with quarterbacks earning a whopping $40.242 million, while running backs are set at $13.64 million.

The Denver Broncos are actively seeking a unique running back for head coach Sean Payton's offense, focusing on the 2025 NFL draft class. At the NFL Scouting Combine, numerous running backs showcased their skills, aiming to impress the Broncos, who reportedly met with around ten candidates. Notably, Dylan Sampson from Tennessee shone with exceptional agility. Other top performers included Woody Marks from USC, recognized for his receiving abilities, and Marcus Yarns from Delaware, who excelled in receiving drills. However, not all participants fared well; standout prospects like Raheim Sanders from South Carolina struggled with stability during drills, raising concerns about their potential fit in the NFL.

The Kansas City Chiefs have faced challenges in their receiving corps, making moves last year to bolster their options but with limited success. Marquise Brown's preseason injury hindered his contribution, and despite acquiring JuJu Smith-Schuster, he only recorded 18 catches. DeAndre Hopkins, while catching 41 passes for 437 yards and four touchdowns in the regular season, struggled in the playoffs. Now a free agent, his future may see him depart Kansas City for the Los Angeles Chargers.

ESPN's Aaron Schatz suggests that while Hopkins may not return to his prime form, he could serve as a valuable mentor for the Chargers' Justin Herbert. The Chiefs, constrained by salary cap issues, may consider re-signing him to a cheap deal, although they would prefer a more explosive receiver. Their front office has shown the ability to retool effectively, but the possibility of losing Hopkins could be a gamble worth considering.

The NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis is gathering momentum as top prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft showcase their skills and engage with NFL teams. Quarterback Cam Ward from Miami will not throw at the combine, opting to save his performance for his pro day, while Alabama's Jalen Milroe plans to participate in throwing drills. Travis Hunter, the standout prospect from Colorado, announced he wouldn't participate in workouts, despite high expectations as a projected top-five pick.

Other notable decisions come from wide receivers such as Tetairoa McMillan and Emeka Egbuka, both foregoing participation in drills. Meanwhile, Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart looks to boost his draft stock with a strong performance during combine drills. Defensive standout Abdul Carter from Penn State will not work out due to injuries but remains confident about his pro day performance. Teams are keenly observing these decisions as they prepare for the draft.

The ongoing NFL Scouting Combine is sparking debates about which head coaches might excel in the bench press, a classic test of strength for prospects. Notably, Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions has garnered significant backing from fellow coaches, including Brian Callahan and Nick Sirianni, who deem him the strongest due to his past as a tight end. However, Sean Payton of the Broncos argued for DeMeco Ryans, the Texans' head coach, citing Campbell's injury potential. Other coaches, like Mike Macdonald and Dave Canales, also entered the discussion, with Macdonald expressing confidence in his own strength and Canales favoring Sean McVay as a 'sleeper' contender.