In a surprising move during the 2025 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns traded down from the No. 2 overall pick to No. 5, passing on prospects Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter. Instead, they selected defensive tackle Mason Graham, a choice praised by an anonymous AFC executive who highlighted the value of acquiring a young defensive lineman on a cost-controlled rookie contract. The executive also noted that this draft strategy is centered on positioning Cleveland to find their future quarterback in 2026.
“It’s hard to pass on Travis [Hunter] or Abdul [Carter] at 2, but you get a good young defensive tackle [in Mason Graham]. … That’s a position that’s really expensive now, so to get a rookie-scale player there is crucial,”
the executive explained.
“And this is really about 2026. Can they get their quarterback of the future there? They are going to find out.”
Isaiah Likely’s Contract Outlook for Baltimore
As the Baltimore Ravens look to secure their roster’s future, tight end Isaiah Likely faces a pivotal contract decision. According to NFL reporter Jeff Zrebiec, the Ravens will likely need to offer a contract among the top five for tight ends in the league to retain Likely. The tight end market continues to grow more expensive, increasing pressure on teams to invest in players whose potential surpasses their current production.
“They probably are going to have to, or at least come close,”
Zrebiec wrote via The Athletic.
“The tight end market is only going to increase every offseason. When you sign these deals with ascending players, you have to bet on potential. You can’t just pay a player for what they have done. Your offer, in some ways, has to also reflect what they’re capable of doing. And I’ll say this: if they don’t pay Likely top-five tight end money, somebody else will and they’ll likely lose him in free agency.”
Stability in Baltimore’s Coaching and Management
Zrebiec also shared insights on Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh’s current position, suggesting Harbaugh’s job security appears stable for now. However, the team’s owner, Steve Bisciotti, may demand changes if the Ravens fail to progress beyond playoff hurdles, reflecting a balance between stability and the drive for greater success.
“There are so many variables involved. I’ll say this: One of these years, just making the playoffs and maybe winning a game may not be enough for Bisciotti. If he thinks the team has plateaued with the current leadership and roster, he’s probably going to make/demand changes. But by now, we know how much he values stability.”
Steelers’ Locker Room Dynamics and Player Contracts
In other NFL news, veteran Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward commented on quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ arrival with Pittsburgh. While initial remarks stirred some controversy, Heyward now praises Rodgers for his commitment and readiness, improving team morale and cohesion.
“It just felt like he has bought in, and it worked out for the best,”
Heyward said during “The Rich Eisen Show.”
“I know sometimes we live in a society where we want things now. But patience has a way of paying off. And now to see he’s a Pittsburgh Steeler, and just him walking through the locker room asking questions about how we do things. He’s bought in and that’s all I can ask for our quarterback. As a teammate, I’m excited to work with him.”
Additionally, the Steelers recently secured linebacker T.J. Watt with a three-year contract extension worth $123 million, including $108 million fully guaranteed and a $40 million signing bonus. His guaranteed salaries through 2027 and a 2028 roster bonus underscore the franchise’s focus on retaining key defensive contributors.
Implications for the Ravens and NFL Landscape
For the Ravens, offering Isaiah Likely a top-tier tight end contract reflects not only his rising importance to the team’s offense but also the escalating market competition for talented players in his position. Baltimore’s approach will significantly impact their roster stability and competitive trajectory, particularly as their coaching staff navigates the pressure to advance deeper into the playoffs.
The Browns’ draft strategy and the Steelers’ personnel moves illustrate how NFL teams balance short-term roster needs with long-term plans. As the 2025 season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely how these contract decisions and player developments influence team success.