By admin 
As the National Football League enters its crucial final week of preseason action, the race for starting positions and roster spots is reaching a fever pitch. Quarterbacks, in particular, are under intense scrutiny, with several making compelling cases for their teams as the regular season looms. Among those shining brightly is Los Angeles Rams rookie quarterback Ty Simpson, who continued to impress with a strong showing against the Los Angeles Chargers. Meanwhile, Cleveland Browns signal-caller Dillon Gabriel also delivered a standout performance, potentially solidifying his place on the depth chart. In stark contrast, Las Vegas Raiders’ highly-touted rookie Fernando Mendoza experienced another challenging outing. Beyond the individual quarterback performances, the NFC West division witnessed significant roster adjustments on Thursday, with the Rams and Seattle Seahawks making notable moves as they gear up for the upcoming year. These headlines, and more, provide a comprehensive look at the league’s developing narratives.
The Los Angeles Rams’ decision to select quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the recent NFL Draft has been a subject of considerable discussion and, at times, criticism. However, Simpson is doing his best to silence the doubters with his consistent preseason play. On Thursday, he once again demonstrated poise and effectiveness against the Los Angeles Chargers, leading the Rams offense to three scoring drives. His performance statistics from the game included a solid 18 completions out of 23 pass attempts for 119 yards and a touchdown. Furthermore, he contributed an additional 11 yards on the ground, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. This continued impressive play puts him squarely in contention for the backup quarterback role behind veteran MVP Matthew Stafford. While Stetson Bennett, a player with more experience in the Rams’ system, has traditionally been seen as the presumptive heir, Simpson’s rapid development and undeniable talent are forcing the coaching staff, led by Head Coach Sean McVay, to seriously consider his immediate impact. The Rams’ quarterback hierarchy remains officially undecided, but Simpson’s preseason performances have undoubtedly made him a strong candidate for the coveted backup position, a role crucial for any team with Super Bowl aspirations. His ability to read defenses, deliver accurate passes, and extend plays with his legs suggests a bright future, potentially even sooner than many anticipated.
In stark contrast to Simpson’s ascent, the Las Vegas Raiders’ rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza has faced a more challenging preseason debut. The Raiders, opting to give their starters significant playing time against the San Francisco 49ers, saw veteran Kirk Cousins perform admirably. However, the narrative surrounding Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick, has been a different story. For the second consecutive preseason game, the former Indiana star and Heisman Trophy winner struggled to find his rhythm. His performance was marred by another interception, raising concerns about his immediate readiness for the professional level. Mendoza entered the game late in the first quarter and played into the third, managing to complete just 7 of 14 passes for a meager 57 yards, in addition to the costly turnover. Head Coach Klint Kubiak has consistently expressed his preference for a redshirt year for Mendoza, intending for him to learn and develop behind the established veteran Kirk Cousins. If this strategy remains in place, Thursday’s struggles might not significantly impact Mendoza’s long-term trajectory with the Raiders. However, the optics of a No. 1 overall pick struggling to consistently move the offense, even in a backup role, are never ideal and will likely fuel further speculation among fans and media. The Raiders organization, known for its high expectations, will be closely monitoring Mendoza’s development throughout the season, hoping for a gradual but significant improvement.
The Cleveland Browns, having officially named veteran Deshaun Watson their Week 1 starter and solidifying Shedeur Sanders as the backup, provided former third-round pick Dillon Gabriel with an opportunity to showcase his skills. With the top two quarterback spots seemingly settled, Gabriel had a clear runway to prove his worth as Cleveland’s third-string quarterback. He seized this opportunity with both hands, delivering an exceptional performance against the New England Patriots. Gabriel completed an impressive 12 of 15 passes for a commanding 186 yards and threw for three touchdowns. This dominant outing raises questions about the Browns’ quarterback strategy for the upcoming season. Head Coach Todd Monken has yet to definitively state whether the team will carry three quarterbacks on its active roster. Gabriel’s performance has undoubtedly put him in a strong position, potentially making him a valuable asset. The future of Arkansas rookie Taylen Green also remains uncertain, adding another layer to the Browns’ quarterback room dynamics. If Gabriel is not in Cleveland’s long-term plans, his impressive preseason tape could certainly attract attention from other NFL teams looking for promising young talent. His performance on Thursday demonstrated his accuracy, arm strength, and ability to make decisive throws, making him a compelling option for teams during final roster cuts.
Beyond the quarterback battles, the NFC West saw significant roster activity. The Seattle Seahawks made a substantial commitment to their defensive line, agreeing to a three-year, $90 million contract extension with defensive lineman Leonard Williams. This lucrative deal carries an average annual value of $30 million, placing Williams among the top earners at his position, tying him with Tampa Bay Buccaneers nose tackle Vita Vea for the fifth-highest average annual salary among interior defensive linemen. Williams was entering the final year of his previous three-year, $64.5 million contract. The 32-year-old veteran was a significant contributor for the Seahawks in the previous season, earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2025. His statistical output included seven sacks, 62 combined tackles, and a remarkable 58 quarterback pressures, highlighting his impact on disrupting opposing offenses. Originally selected sixth overall by the New York Jets in the 2015 NFL Draft, Williams was acquired by Seattle from the New York Giants during the 2023 season. This extension signifies the Seahawks’ belief in Williams’ continued ability to perform at a high level and his importance to their defensive scheme. It also follows a series of significant offseason acquisitions for Seattle, including wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and cornerback Devon Witherspoon, signaling a proactive approach to building a competitive roster.
In another notable transaction involving the NFC West, the Miami Dolphins reportedly sent wide receiver Tutu Atwell back to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for running back Jarquez Hunter. This move reunites Atwell with the Rams just five months after he departed Los Angeles in free agency to sign a one-year contract with the Dolphins. Atwell, originally a second-round selection by the Rams in the 2021 NFL Draft, spent four seasons with the franchise, appearing in 64 games. His return to the Rams’ offense provides depth and a familiar dynamic to a receiving corps that already features established stars like Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. For the Dolphins, the acquisition of Jarquez Hunter, a 2025 fourth-round pick from Auburn who saw action in five games as a rookie, aims to bolster their backfield depth. This trade represents a strategic reshuffling of talent for both teams as they finalize their rosters. The Rams are set to open their regular season against the San Francisco 49ers on September 10th, while the Dolphins will kick off their campaign against the Las Vegas Raiders on September 13th.
Meanwhile, the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers are facing contract disputes with their promising young cornerbacks, creating a degree of uncertainty heading into the regular season. According to ESPN, negotiations between the Patriots and cornerback Christian Gonzalez remain stalled, despite initial optimism. While Patriots owner Robert Kraft had previously stated that the team offered Gonzalez a contract that would have made him the highest-paid cornerback in franchise history, the market has been reset by Devon Witherspoon’s recent four-year, $132 million contract extension with the Seattle Seahawks. This development has seemingly complicated the negotiations for Gonzalez, who admitted this week that the process has been "frustrating." He still has two years remaining on his rookie deal, but the looming desire for a long-term commitment is palpable.
Similarly, the Steelers and cornerback Joey Porter are reportedly not close to reaching a contract extension. Porter remains on Pittsburgh’s physically unable to perform (PUP) list due to a back injury as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. Both situations highlight the high stakes involved in securing cornerstone defensive players and the evolving market dynamics for elite talent at the cornerback position. The ability of these teams to resolve these contract standoffs will be crucial for their defensive stability and overall success in the upcoming season. The pressure is on for both the Patriots and Steelers to find common ground and ensure their young stars remain integral parts of their future.
