Welcome to our Latest NFL News & Rumors! We are hovering right around the mid-point of the NFL season, where teams start to separate themselves from good to great and great to Super Bowl contenders. From here on out, each game could be make or break in terms of playoff seeding, draft position, and players' potential contract extensions. That being said, plenty has been happening this past week, so let's dive into our Latest NFL News & Rumors This Week!

 

 

 

Latest NFL News & Rumors This Week

The NFL Trade Deadline is less than a week away, and things have already started to heat up! In today's Latest NFL News & Rumors This Week, we discuss the Aidan Hutchinson deal, the Patriots' roster moves, and much more!

Lions Extend Aidan Hutchinson

The Lions continue to make sure they keep their young, successful core around. After making sure to lock up players like Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Kerby Joseph, and more, the Detroit Lions have officially agreed to an extension with superstar pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson. 

The deal is a four-year, $180-million deal, with $141 million guaranteed. This deal surpasses the recent T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett extensions and lands just $1.5 million per year below Micah Parsons' contract. Currently at 5-2, the Lions are looking to remain contenders in the NFC for the long run. 

NFL Trade Deadline Update: Patriots Make Moves

Yesterday, the New England Patriots seemingly opened the floodgates ahead of the November 4th trade deadline, sending two defenders drafted by the previous regime to new teams in exchange for future draft capital. 

The first trade sent pass rusher Keion White and a seventh-round pick to the San Francisco 49ers for a sixth-round pick. White, who was a healthy scratch in the most recent outing for the Patriots, now gets to fill a void for a banged-up 49ers defense, desperate for some help off the edge after losing Nick Bosa for the season.

Soon after, the Patriots decided to move on from safety Kyle Dugger for the exact same compensation, sending him to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Trade rumors had surrounded Dugger since the NFL offseason, but a move was finally made yesterday. While Dugger is a talented player, he did not seem to fit this new look Patriots team. 

Additionally, the Patriots also extended corner/punt returner Marcus Jones on a three-year, $36 million deal.

 

 

 

NFL Transaction Update: C.J. Gardner-Johnson Signed

After losing several players in their secondary, including Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, both being placed on IR, the Chicago Bears have made a move to sign defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson to their active roster. Gardner-Johnson spent time this season with both the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens (very briefly) before ultimately landing with Chicago. He is expected to make a return to the slot, replacing Kyler Gordon. He is reuniting with his old coach, Dennis Allen, who first used him as a nickel when they were together in New Orleans.

Additionally, a former Chicago Bear, Mercedes Lewis, just signed with the Denver Broncos' practice squad. If he is to be promoted to the active roster at any point this season, the 41-year-old would be the oldest tight end to ever play in an NFL game.

NFL QB Update: Joe Flacco, Tyler Shough

The quarterback position is always seemingly the most banged-up, with several superstars missing time this season. Luckily, this week should see the return of notable names such as Lamar Jackson, Michael Penix, and hopefully Brock Purdy. That being said, we are still waiting on the return of guys like Joe Burrow, whose backup is now also facing injury. Joe Flacco was brought in via trade just a few weeks ago and instantly provided a spark that the Bengals' offense had been missing since Burrow initially got hurt. Unfortunately, Flacco is currently dealing with an AC joint sprain, putting his Week 9 status in doubt ahead of the Bengals matchup against the Chicago Bears. Jake Browning, who opened the season as the Bengals QB2, would be under center otherwise. 

Outside of injuries forcing QB changes, sometimes teams need a change or want to see what they have in a young player. That is what the New Orleans Saints are doing, moving second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler to the bench and allowing Tyler Shough to make his first start. Rattler struggled in back-to-back games against the Bears and Buccaneers, being benched halfway through the latter. In relief, Shough went 17 for 30 passing with no touchdowns and one interception. He will make his first start against a tough Los Angeles Rams defense.