Welcome to our Latest NFL News & Rumors! Who would've thought 14 weeks into the NFL season that the Chicago Bears would be the NFC's #1 seed, Drake Maye would be the MVP favorite, and Justin Jefferson would be being outplayed by guys like Wan'Dale Robinson! It has certainly been a wild season. That being said, plenty has happened this past week, so let's dive into our Latest NFL News & Rumors This Week!

 

 

 

Latest NFL News & Rumors This Week

With the playoff picture starting to take shape, there is plenty to cover. In today's Latest NFL News & Rumors This Week, we discuss some recent Steelers transactions, Deshaun Watson's potential return, and much more!

NFL Transaction Update: Adam Thielen In, Darius Slay Out

Three things are guaranteed in life: death, taxes, and the Pittsburgh Steelers will go .500 or above. Certainly, at 6-6 on the season, Mike Tomlin's 18-year streak is looking like it will continue, and Pittsburgh is making some moves to better their chances.

A couple of days ago, the Minnesota Vikings and Adam Thielen decided to mutually part ways so he could finish his career with a contender. Once he was waived, before officially hitting free agency, he was claimed by the Steelers. The wide receiver-needy team will now provide their 42-year-old quarterback with another weapon. 

Around the same time, the Steelers agreed to part ways with veteran corner Darius Slay. With a lot of shakeup in the Pittsburgh secondary, Slay was the odd man out. A reunion has been rumored with the Philadelphia Eagles if he clears waivers. In a corresponding move, the Steelers elevated Asante Samuel Jr. to the active roster.

With the AFC North still wide open, the Steelers hope these moves can help propel them into the playoffs. 

NFL QB Update: Deshaun Watson Returns

The Cleveland Browns' 2025 quarterback situation has been one of the more bizarre situations in recent memory. Two veterans are brought in to compete in the offseason, two rookies are drafted in the same draft class, both veterans end up traded, and now, Deshaun Watson could be returning to shake things up even more.

Deshaun Watson, who was once a promising young quarterback with the Houston Texans, struggled significantly after being traded to the Cleveland Browns, being accused of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct, and suffering several injuries. He has not played for the Browns since October of last year, when he originally suffered a ruptured Achilles before facing a setback in the offseason. Now, the Browns have opened up his 21-day practice window, designating his return. 

Shedeur Sanders has recently taken over as the Browns' starting quarterback over fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, and now has a 1-1 record as the starter.

 

 

 

NFL Schedule Update: Bears vs. Packers Heads to Prime Time

After already having their first matchup flexed from the 1:00 PM ET slot to 4:25 PM ET this week, the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers will once again be set for prime time. 

With the Bears currently holding a record of 9-3 atop the NFC North and the Packers less than a game behind them at 8-3-1, the NFL's oldest rivalry is set for their most meaningful matchups in years. In Week 16, the Packers will be heading to Soldier Field for their second matchup of the season for a game that will now take place at 8:20 PM ET on December 20th. The other standalone game that day, the Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders, will kick off at 5:00 PM ET.

NFL Rumors: Panthers to Pick Up Bryce Young's 5th-Year Option

Bryce Young has been one of the most head-scratching quarterbacks in years. A handful of games every season (usually against the Atlanta Falcons), Young will come out of the tunnel slinging the rock like prime Drew Brees, breaking franchise records, and upsetting teams he has no business upsetting. Other weeks, he will struggle to throw for over 150 yards.

Despite some inconsistency, the Panthers are currently sitting at 7-6, their best record since Young has arrived in Carolina, and Dave Canales has seen growth in the young quarterback. So much so that the Panthers are reportedly going to pick up Young's fifth-year option. While this does not confirm a long-term deal between Carolina and Young, it does show faith that he will be under center for the team for an additional year, showing faith in him and his development. The Panthers are still in the playoff picture, so there is still plenty of time for Young to prove himself this year and beyond.