There is no bigger honor in EA Sports’ Madden franchise than earning the 99 overall rating.

Fans of the NFL video game now know who will be earning that exclusive honor ahead of the 2025 NFL season, as EA Sports released the members of The 99 Club for Madden 26.

There will be a total of seven players included in The 99 Club this year. That’s about on par with recent expectations in the game, as no more than seven players have earned the honor in a single season since Madden 2002.

Which players received the initial 99 rating for the video game, and how does it compare to the list of players to earn the honor last season? Here’s what to know about Madden’s 99 Club for 2025.

Madden 99 Club 2025

Below is a look at The 99 Club for Madden 26 – which is being released ahead of the 2025 NFL season:

• Saquon Barkley, RB, Eagles
• Lane Johnson, OT, Eagles
• Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens
• Josh Allen, QB, Bills
• Justin Jefferson, WR, Vikings
• Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Bengals
• Myles Garrett, DE, Browns

Who was in Madden 99 Club 2024?

The 99 Club in Madden 25 – which was released ahead of the 2024 NFL season – was comprised of five players. They were as follows:

• Tyreek Hill, WR, Dolphins
• Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs
• Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs
• Christian McCaffrey, RB, 49ers
• Trent Williams, OT, 49ers

Artificial flavoring. Artificial sweeteners. Artificial plants. Artificial intelligence (AI).

Technology has taken artificial to the forefront, making it so even a square peg can fit into a round hole, bridging the gap in all situations. Don’t know what song to listen to? The algorithm will figure it out. Don’t know how to find your destination? The self-driving car can handle that. Don’t understand what you just read? AI can summarize it.

Society soaks up everything artificial because it’s more convenient or tastes better. Laziness or convenience? You be the judge.

No matter how popular those fake things become, nothing can ever replace the original. As we embark on the early days of NFL training camp, it’s important to have some fun, even if the robots continue to conquer more and more in some sort of ode to imperialism.

Will Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs rebound after a Super Bowl beatdown? Which NFL team will surprise? Who will be the league’s best and who will be the worst?

While many speculate and debate how each NFL team will perform in 2025, we decided to get Google Gemini’s artificial thoughts by having it predict every team’s record. Here are the results.

2025 NFL record predictions: AI projections for all 32 teams

AFC East

• Buffalo Bills: 12-5
• New England Patriots: 9-8
• Miami Dolphins: 8-9
• New York Jets: 7-10

Gemini isn’t forecasting any surprises in the AFC East, predicting Buffalo to win the division for the sixth straight year. The chatbot noted that they have a strong foundation in place as the team dreams of reaching the Super Bowl. Josh Allen’s crew should keep rolling without much resistance.

Google’s artificial intelligence is buying stock, however, in the Patriots next season. It’s a big fan of Drake Maye and believes Mike Vrabel can get the team back to their winning ways. Conventional wisdom suggests that the Patriots are poised for a better season. Gemini subscribes to that line of thinking as well.

Miami finds itself settling into the third spot in this division race, primarily because of concerns about consistency and health. Can Tua Tagovailoa avoid injury all season? Is there enough depth on the roster? The chatbot isn’t sure of either, saying results for the Dolphins are mixed this season.

Returning to the bottom of the AFC East is the Jets, who are certainly no stranger to being there. However, it’s a 7-10 season for New York in what profiles as a significant question mark-style season, according to Gemini. The team has limited upside in its imaginary eyes, but likes the defense and is unsure about Justin Fields. Maybe the intelligence isn’t that artificial after all.

AFC North

• Baltimore Ravens: 11-6
• Cincinnati Bengals: 10-7
• Pittsburgh Steelers: 9-8
• Cleveland Browns: 5-12

The Ravens are locked and loaded for another run in 2025, hoping this will be the year they get over their playoff woes to reach the big game in February. Gemini is forecasting another division-winning season for John Harbaugh’s team, with a sprinkling of regression despite their all-in approach to the offseason. Regardless, it should come as no surprise that the Ravens lead the way here as Lamar Jackson looks to build off another MVP-caliber season.

Cincinnati is a logical entrant for the second spot in the AFC North, but the Bengals are a wild card in the jungle. The contract situations for Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart have been a dark cloud hanging over the offseason in Cincinnati. That is in addition to a team that has underachieved each of the last two seasons. The Bengals have a wide range of outcomes, but Gemini lands on the more optimistic side of the spectrum.

The Steelers also know a thing or two about a wide range of outcomes, especially after signing the 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers. After adding DK Metcalf to upgrade the receiver room, it remains to be seen whether Pittsburgh is better in 2025. The chatbot has taken Mike Tomlin’s ability to avoid losing seasons into account, predicting a 9-8 record.

In the AFC North basement, it’s the Cleveland Browns. That comes as no surprise considering the state of their rebuild and the lack of a clear quarterback solution. Cleveland’s defense can steal some games thanks to Myles Garrett, but don’t expect a miracle in The Land.

AFC South

• Houston Texans: 11-6
• Jacksonville Jaguars: 9-8
• Indianapolis Colts: 7-10
• Tennessee Titans: 4-13

It’s been all chalk for Gemini in the early going, sticking with the favorite to capture the division crown. The Texans may have a few problems on their hands come playoff time, especially if C.J. Stroud is wounded behind that offensive line. However, the defense is good enough to carry them through a division that doesn’t figure to have much resistance, leaving them as the clear team to beat.

Liam Coen lived a life of luxury coordinating an experienced Tampa offense loaded with talent in 2024. Now for his next trick, he heads to the opposite coast of Florida to guide Jacksonville back to NFL relevancy. It’s a much younger offense for the Jaguars, giving the rookie head coach a blank canvas to mold the roster as he sees fit. With that in mind, Gemini believes they can contend for a playoff spot this year. If Trevor Lawrence returns to form, Jacksonville is a frisky team that can be a threat.

Everything for the Colts is tied to their quarterback situation, and the chatbot agrees. Anthony Richardson has to take a step in the right direction, but his shoulder injury is already dominating the conversation. There is still talent on this team that should keep them from bottoming out. However, the ceiling isn’t particularly high and seven wins feels pretty close to it.

The Titans hope they have their quarterback in Cam Ward, but it’s unlikely that wins will follow in 2025. Tennessee has plenty of other issues that will hold them back next season, which is to be expected in a rebuild. An infusion of talent will continue in the coming years, but this year is all about making sure Ward is the answer going forward. Wins would be a bonus.

AFC West

• Kansas City Chiefs: 12-5
• Los Angeles Chargers: 10-7
• Denver Broncos: 9-8
• Las Vegas Raiders: 6-11

The Super Bowl seemed to show some cracks in the armor for Kansas City, but the Chiefs remain inevitable in an AFC West desperate to dethrone them. As long as Patrick Mahomes is playing and Andy Reid is coaching, this is the Chiefs’ spot until it’s not. Gemini agrees, highlighting their consistency and top-end talent.

Jim Harbaugh’s first season back in the NFL was a resounding success, remaking the identity of the Chargers while still securing a playoff spot. Following an early playoff exit, Harbaugh now needs his team to take the next step. The chatbot has them finishing with one less win, but considers Los Angeles a serious contender if things break right.

Gemini believes the Broncos will challenge for a playoff spot again this season, calling them a potential surprise in the AFC. The AI must’ve forgotten that Denver was the surprise of 2024 with Bo Nix delivering in a big way. It especially likes the addition of Trent Sherfield. Regardless, the Broncos will again be a pesky bunch next season.

Perhaps the most surprising prediction in the AFC, Gemini isn’t buying whatever the Raiders are selling. Vegas checks in at 6-11, which would be a disappointing win total after its offseason makeover. They’ve stabilized the organization by bringing in Pete Carroll and Geno Smith to work with a roster infused with young talent like Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers. Gemini considers the division too tough for them to compete right away, but that won’t make anyone in Sin City feel good if it comes to fruition.

NFC East

• Philadelphia Eagles: 11-6
• Dallas Cowboys: 10-7
• New York Giants: 8-9
• Washington Commanders: 6-11

We’ve yet to see a team reach the 13-win mark and that won’t happen here either with the Eagles. Maybe it’s a Super Bowl hangover for the defending champions, but Gemini isn’t going out on a limb for this prediction. However, this would also be the first time an NFC East champion was able to defend its crown since the Eagles last did so from 2001-2004.

The Cowboys are a surprise entrant in the second spot, primarily because they profile as a team in transition. Dak Prescott is returning from a hamstring injury that ended his 2024 season. Brian Schottenheimer takes over as head coach and the offensive line will have to operate without the veteran presence of Zack Martin, who retired. The acquisition of George Pickens should take some pressure off CeeDee Lamb and Gemini likes the revamped running back room. Either way, Dallas is a wild card with a big gap between the floor and the ceiling.

Surprises continue in the NFC East as the Giants check in at 8-9. Despite a new-look quarterback room headlined by Russell Wilson, the Giants don’t profile as a team prepared to make such a vast improvement in 2025, considering the challenging schedule that lies ahead. Gemini is higher on them than most, but an offense led by Malik Nabers coupled with a pass rush featuring Brian Burns and Abdul Carter can certainly make even the most pessimistic see a ray of sunshine in the future.

No matter what, Washington has always been a city that disappoints 50% of people at a given moment in time. In the case of the Commanders, this might be closer to unanimous – an unheard of conclusion in the district. Barring an injury to Jayden Daniels, it seems impossible for the Commanders to finish 6-11 after making the trip to the NFC championship a season ago. The chatbot pointed out that Washington is going all-in and could struggle to integrate those pieces. Color us skeptical.

NFC North

• Green Bay Packers: 11-6
• Detroit Lions: 10-7
• Chicago Bears: 9-8
• Minnesota Vikings: 7-10

The Packers finished four games behind the NFC North champions in 2024 after totaling 11 wins. According to Gemini, that same win total will be enough to grant them a home playoff game in 2025. The chatbot is expecting a big year for Jordan Love and likes the Matthew Golden draft pick, adding that improving on a 1-5 record in division games will be enough to put them in the top spot.

Detroit, on the other hand, is primed for a setback this season. That is thanks in large part to the staffing changes following the departures of both coordinators, Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn. After injuries claimed many roster players last year, this will be a Lions group that faces some new challenges in a division that provides no soft landing spot.

As if losing the coordinators wasn’t bad enough, the Lions will have to watch as Johnson takes over for their rivals in Chicago. The Bears are a popular breakout candidate with the expectation of a second-year leap from Caleb Williams and now they are also armed with a capable offensive line. Protecting Williams is key, but the quarterback must also step up his play. If both things come true, the Windy City is in for an exciting fall.

The Vikings bet on J.J. McCarthy as their quarterback of the future. It would’ve been easy to stick with what worked last year while the quarterback was sidelined. After all, 14-win seasons don’t grow on trees. Yet Minnesota is making the move to the former Michigan man, hoping he can deliver the goods in the Twin Cities. Gemini isn’t a believer, calling it a season of transition for the Vikings. Depending on McCarthy’s season, decision-makers in Minnesota could end up wondering if Sam Darnold is the one that got away.

NFC South

• Atlanta Falcons: 10-7
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 9-8
• Carolina Panthers: 7-10
• New Orleans Saints: 4-13

Talent has never been the question for the Falcons. Atlanta’s woes seem to be more a citywide sports issue, but Gemini is predicting the football team will respond in a big way this season, winning the division for the first time since 2016. They are loaded on offense with Bijan Robinson and Drake London, while the defense tries to catch up with a much-improved pass rush. Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. both enter the fold, representing the youth movement in the ATL. A big step forward from Michael Penix Jr. could be all they need to make some serious noise.

The Buccaneers have become a factory for producing offensive coordinators in recent years, losing Dave Canales and Coen to head coaching jobs. Now it’s Josh Grizzard’s turn, but that lack of continuity can also be a problem. That is also Gemini’s primary concern, suggesting that turnover could lead to a slow start. Tampa remains the team to beat in the NFC South, but the chatbot predicts they will fall short in 2025.

Much like how Johnson left Detroit to join the division foes in Chicago, Canales did the same to Tampa Bay by leaving for Carolina. His Panthers are looking to turn a corner this year and Bryce Young is a big reason for that. He made strides in 2024, giving Carolina a reason to be optimistic. Despite being in the midst of a rebuild, the Panthers can be frisky in 2025.

Unless some higher power intervenes, the Saints won’t be winning many games this year. There is talent on the roster, even if it’s often injured, but the quarterback spot is a complete unknown. Derek Carr retired, leaving Tyler Shough as the apparent starter in New Orleans. Kellen Moore, the team’s new head coach, has his work cut out for him in what should be a year that isn’t defined by wins and losses.

NFC West

• San Francisco 49ers: 12-5
• Los Angeles Rams: 10-7
• Arizona Cardinals: 8-9
• Seattle Seahawks: 7-10

After a short stay at the bottom of the NFC West, Gemini has the 49ers back on top in 2025. Last year was ruined by injuries for San Francisco, leading to some new players emerging in different spots. Now they are loaded up for what they hope is a deep playoff run. Gemini has them tied for the league lead in wins, staving off tough competition from their Southern California neighbors.

The Rams lost the snow globe battle in the playoffs against the Eagles, but proved they are Super Bowl contenders. It wasn’t a guarantee that would remain the case after the offseason. Matthew Stafford was involved in trade rumors, but he is now back for another run in Hollywood. They made a big splash by signing Davante Adams. On paper, this should be a top team in the league. Gemini has them finishing second in the NFC West, but this is a squad no one will want to play in January.

Gemini didn’t specify how the Cardinals’ season will play out, but we can only assume it expects a hot start followed by a limp to the finish line. Arizona’s defense should make some significant strides; however, this team goes as far as Kyler Murray takes them. That is evidenced by the extreme highs and lows that the Cardinals seem to experience every year. If he can find some consistency, this team can be in the hunt.

Our last stop on our tour around the NFL and the NFC West is Seattle. The Seahawks will have a new look in 2025, highlighted by the arrivals of Darnold and Cooper Kupp. It remains to be seen if Darnold can replicate the magic he found in Minnesota last season, leaving the Seahawks as an unknown. They are remaking the team with Mike Macdonald’s vision in mind, turning the page from the Carroll era. The chatbot expects flashes, but not a lot of consistency. We tend to agree.

EA Sports is soon set to release Madden 26, the latest edition of its popular NFL video game franchise. As fans and gamers alike look forward to its release, one question will be on their collective minds.

Who will be the top-rated players in the game?

Madden only gives a handful of NFL players the top mark in its game every year. The franchise announced in advance of its release that Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley would be a part of the exclusive ’99 Club’ after logging the NFL’s ninth-ever 2,000-yard rushing season.

What exactly is Madden’s 99 Club? Here’s what to know about the honor and how many times the 99 rating has been doled out by the game’s developers and ratings adjusters.

What is the 99 Club in Madden?

The 99 Club is a nickname given to the NFL players who achieve the highest possible rating in EA Sports’ ‘Madden’ video game franchise. The honor is an exclusive one, as Madden developers chose only a handful of players to get the game’s top rating – which has been capped at 99 since the release of Madden 2002 – each year.

Since Madden 2002, no more than seven players have qualified for The 99 Club in a single season. There have been at least three players each year to earn an initial 99 rating in the game over that same period.

Madden 99 Club full list, history of 99 ratings

Madden has issued 129 total 99 overall ratings since the release of Madden 99. They are as follows:

Madden NFL 99

• Larry Allen, G, Cowboys
• Morten Andersen, K, Falcons
• Tony Brackens, DE, Jaguars
• Ben Coates, TE, Patriots
• Dermontti Dawson, C, Steelers
• Randall McDaniel, G, Vikings
• Ken Norton Jr., MLB, 49ers
• Jonathan Ogden, OT, Ravens
• Willie Roaf, OT, Saints
• Mark Schlereth, G, Broncos
• Jason Sehorn, CB, Giants
• Bruce Smith, DE, Bills
• Neil Smith, DE, Broncos
• Reggie White, DE, Packers

Madden 2000

• Dermontti Dawson, C, Steelers
• Barry Sanders, RB, Lions
• Matt Turk, P, Redskins

Madden NFL 2002

• Marshall Faulk, RB, Rams
• Tony Gonzalez, TE, Chiefs
• Ray Lewis, MLB, Ravens
• Jonathan Ogden, OT, Ravens
• Warren Sapp, DT, Buccaneers

Madden NFL 2003

• Larry Allen, G, Cowboys
• Marshall Faulk, RB, Rams
• Ray Lewis, MLB, Ravens
• Warren Sapp, DT, Buccaneers
• Michael Strahan, DE, Giants

Madden NFL 2004

• Derrick Brooks, OLB, Buccaneers
• Brian Dawkins, FS, Eagles
• Marvin Harrison, WR, Colts
• Ray Lewis, MLB, Ravens
• Terrell Owens, WR, 49ers
• Adam Vinatieri, K, Patriots

Madden NFL 2005

• Champ Bailey, CB, Broncos
• Ray Lewis, MLB, Ravens
• Jonathan Ogden, OT, Ravens
• Mike Vanderjagt, K, Colts

Madden NFL 06

• David Akers, K, Eagles
• Peyton Manning, QB, Colts
• Randy Moss, WR, Raiders
• Jonathan Ogden, OT, Ravens
• Ray Lewis, MLB, Ravens
• Adam Vinatieri, K, Patriots

Madden NFL 07

• Champ Bailey, CB, Broncos
• Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers
• Walter Jones, OT, Seahawks
• Shane Lechler, P, Raiders
• Peyton Manning, QB, Colts
• Lorenzo Neal, FB, Chargers
• Ed Reed, FS, Ravens

Madden NFL 08

• Champ Bailey, CB, Broncos
• Peyton Manning, QB, Colts
• Ed Reed, FS, Ravens
• LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers
• Brian Urlacher, MLB, Bears

Madden NFL 09

• Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
• Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers
• Peyton Manning QB Colts
• Randy Moss WR Patriots
• Bob Sanders, SS, Colts
• LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers

Madden NFL 10

• Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, Raiders
• Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals
• Albert Haynesworth, DT, Redskins
• Peyton Manning, QB, Colts
• Troy Polamalu, SS, Steelers
• Ed Reed, FS, Ravens

Madden NFL 11

• Jared Allen, DE, Vikings
• Drew Brees, QB, Saints
• Chris Johnson, RB, Titans
• Peyton Manning, QB, Colts
• Darrelle Revis, CB, Jets
• Patrick Willis, MLB, 49ers

Madden NFL 12

• Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
• Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers
• Troy Polamalu, SS, Steelers
• Darrelle Revis, CB, Jets

Madden NFL 13

• Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions
• Darrelle Revis, CB, Jets
• Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers
• DeMarcus Ware, OLB, Cowboys

Madden NFL 25 (a.k.a. Madden NFL 14)

• Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions
• Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings
• J.J. Watt, DE, Texans

Madden NFL 15

• Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions
• Richard Sherman, CB, Seahawks
• J.J. Watt, DE, Texans

Madden NFL 16

• Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots
• Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers
• J.J. Watt, DE, Texans

Madden NFL 17

• Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots
• Luke Kuechly, MLB, Panthers
• Von Miller, OLB, Broncos
• J.J. Watt, DE, Texans

Madden NFL 18

• Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
• Aaron Donald, DE. Rams
• Von Miller, OLB, Broncos

Madden NFL 19

• Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
• Antonio Brown, WR, Steelers
• Aaron Donald, DE, Rams
• Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots
• Luke Kuechly, MLB, Panthers
• Von Miller, OLB, Broncos
• Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers

Madden NFL 20

• Aaron Donald, DE, Rams
• DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Texans
• Khalil Mack, OLB, Bears
• Bobby Wagner, MLB, Seahawks

Madden NFL 21

• Aaron Donald, DE, Rams
• Stephon Gilmore, CB, Patriots
• Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs
• Christian McCaffrey, RB, Panthers
• Michael Thomas, WR, Saints

Madden NFL 22

• Davante Adams, WR, Packers
• Aaron Donald, DE, Rams
• Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs
• Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs
• Jalen Ramsey, CB, Rams

Madden NFL 23

• Davante Adams, WR, Raiders
• Aaron Donald, DL, Rams
• Myles Garrett, DE, Browns
• Trent Williams, OT, 49ers

Madden NFL 24

• Aaron Donald, DE, Rams
• Justin Jefferson, WR, Vikings
• Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs
• Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs
• Zack Martin, G, Cowboys

Madden NFL 25

• Tyreek Hill, WR, Dolphins
• Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs
• Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs
• Christian McCaffrey, RB, 49ers
• Trent Williams, OT, 49ers

Madden NFL 26

• Saquon Barkley, RB, Eagles
• Lane Johnson, OT, Eagles
• Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens
• Josh Allen, QB, Bills
• Justin Jefferson, WR, Vikings
• Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Bengals
• Myles Garrett, DE, Browns

Since 1999, only one game has had no players with a rating of 99 or better. That was in 2001, when no player exceeded a rating of 96.

Most 99 ratings in Madden history

Aaron Donald has the most 99 overall ratings in Madden history with seven. The eight-time All-Pro earned a 99 in every edition of the game from Madden 18 to Madden 24, which was the last one in which he appeared before his retirement.

A total of 29 players have had multiple 99 ratings since the 1999 edition of the game. Below is a full list of those players:

• Aaron Donald: 7
• Peyton Manning: 6
• Ray Lewis: 5
• Tom Brady: 4
• Calvin Johnson: 4
• Patrick Mahomes: 4
• Jonathan Ogden: 4
• J.J. Watt: 4
• Champ Bailey: 3
• Antonio Gates: 3
• Travis Kelce: 3
• Von Miller: 3
• Ed Reed: 3
• Darrelle Revis: 3
• Davante Adams: 2
• Larry Allen: 2
• Dermontti Dawson: 2
• Marshall Faulk: 2
• Rob Gronkowski: 2
• Luke Kuechly: 2
• Christian McCaffrey: 2
• Randy Moss: 2
• Troy Polamalu: 2
• Aaron Rodgers: 2
• Warren Sapp: 2
• Richard Sherman: 2
• LaDanian Tomlinson: 2
• Adam Vinatieri: 2
• Trent Williams: 2

Has Madden ever issued a 100 rating?

Yes, it has. In both Madden 99 and Madden 2000, the top-rated players in the game had a rating of 100. A total of seven players earned the coveted eight 100s handed out during the game’s early years. They are as follows:

Madden NFL 99

• Tony Boselli, OT, Jaguars
• Mark Chmura, TE, Packers
• Jerry Rice, WR, 49ers
• Barry Sanders, RB, Lions
• Deion Sanders, CB, Cowboys
• Shannon Sharpe, TE, Broncos

Madden 2000

• Mike Alstott, FB, Buccaneers
• Deion Sanders, CB, Cowboys

Deion Sanders is the lone player to receive multiple 100 overall ratings.

ESPN insider Adam Schefter is perhaps best known for his ability to break NFL – and, as of recently, some golf – news. But he’s also an outspoken advocate for Type 1 diabetes.

As training camp ramps up across the NFL, Schefter joined USA TODAY Sports for a one-on-one interview where he discussed the latest news out of camps and the importance of screening for Type 1 diabetes.

Schefter’s wife, Sharri, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as an adult, and he said seeing her experience managing the disease led to a partnership with pharmaceutical company Sanofi to raise more awareness around screening for it.

‘It’s so important to take that first step and make a plan,’ Schefter said. ‘Make that plan today. Advocate for yourself, for your family, and talk to your doctor about screening.’

Adam Schefter discusses training camp contract disputes

Through less than a week of training camp practices, there has been no shortage of intriguing storylines to keep an eye on.

Some of the biggest ongoing stories involve contract disputes between some star players and their respective teams. Schefter mentioned the talks between wide receiver Terry McLaurin and the Washington Commanders as well as edge rusher Micah Parsons’ negotiations with the Dallas Cowboys as two storylines he’s keeping an eye on.

But perhaps the most notable disputes have been those occurring in Cincinnati, as the Bengals have struggled to finalize deals with two of their defenders. Veteran edge rusher Trey Hendrickson left the state of Ohio rather than showing up to camp, and incoming rookie edge rusher Shemar Stewart was one of the last remaining unsigned draftees in the entire 2025 class until he agreed to terms Friday.

The reason for each dispute is different, but the result has been the same: neither player has been practicing at training camp.

‘Most every contract dispute is resolved eventually,’ Schefter said. ‘It’s very rare that a full year goes by and a player doesn’t play. Now, when they get resolved and how they get resolved are entirely different questions.

‘All I know right now is Trey Hendrickson is in Florida. The Bengals have offered him one year of guaranteed money. He wants at least three years of guaranteed money like the other top pass rushers – Maxx Crosby, Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt – have gotten. He hasn’t gotten that.’

Meanwhile, Stewart was holding out because he wanted the language in his rookie deal to reflect that of the previous rookie contracts the Bengals have given out.

The Cincinnati Enquirer’s Kelsey Conway reported that the Bengals wanted the option to void future guarantees for their first-round pick. Stewart contested that it would be unfair to accept a deal like that after other recent Cincinnati first-rounders’ rookie contracts did not include that language.

Said Schefter: ‘To me, that doesn’t make sense for either side to prolong this and make him sit any longer. Figure out the language, get in the room, get it done. Somebody’s got to give up something to get that young man in camp and to begin to get him the reps that he needs.’

On Friday, USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon confirmed Schefter’s report that Stewart and Cincinnati had finally agreed to terms on his rookie deal.

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Stewart agreed to accept the new language in his contract in exchange for an additional $550,000 in signing bonus money he’ll receive upon signing the deal.

Even with Stewart’s negotiations in the rearview mirror for the Bengals, their issues figuring out an extension for Hendrickson still loom large.

Schefter couldn’t say which contract dispute may get resolved first between Hendrickson’s issues with the Bengals or Parsons and McLaurin with Dallas and Washington, respectively. Things could change in a day, he said, so it’s very hard to predict.

Adam Schefter on the Browns’ quarterback battle

Evaluating rookie quarterback performances and their first-year outlooks is an annual training camp and preseason tradition.

This year features an extra bit of intrigue with Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders – Deion Sanders’ son – fighting for the starting job in Cleveland. He has his work cut out for him in a crowded quarterback room: veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, as well as fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, are also battling for the Week 1 starting job.

‘Could Shedeur Sanders win (the starting job)? Yes. Is that the most likely scenario? No,’ Schefter said. ‘I think it’s more likely that Joe Flacco or Kenny Pickett will be the opening day starter.’

That came with the caveat that either of those players would have to ‘play winning football…to keep that job.’ Should Flacco or Pickett falter, the leash on either quarterback likely won’t be long with Sanders (and Gabriel) waiting in the wings.

The odds may be long, but Sanders still does have a chance to win the starting job in the preseason. Schefter pointed to Cowboys starter Dak Prescott and Giants (former Seahawks) starter Russell Wilson as examples of late-drafted rookie quarterbacks who stole the show in training camp.

‘If Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders is going to find a way to win the opening day starting quarterback job of the Cleveland Browns, you’re going to have to see that particular quarterback light it up in the preseason. Like you’re going to have to watch them and say, ‘I don’t know how they’re going to keep this guy off the field.’ That’s what it’s going to take,’ Schefter said.

‘Is one of them going to do that? We’ll see. Probably not, but not out of the question.’

Who are other rookie quarterbacks to watch?

Outside of the Browns’ rookie quarterback situation, two other first-year quarterbacks are looking to make their mark in 2025: Saints second-round pick Tyler Shough and Giants first-rounder Jaxson Dart.

Giants head coach Brian Daboll has already announced Dart will start the year backing up the aforementioned Wilson, but Schefter thinks Shough’s got a good chance to start Week 1.

‘Their (the Saints’) other quarterbacks are Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler,’ he said. ‘Neither one of those is proven or established. So Tyler Shough clearly is going to have an opportunity to win that starting quarterback job. That is well within his reach.’

As for Dart, Schefter said there’s a high expectation that he’ll get an opportunity to play at some point during the 2025 season. The bigger question is when, exactly, that might happen.

Schefter said, ‘I think you could look at the schedule and you just never know. If the Giants defense is as good as they think it can be, and they can find a way to surprise and keep things competitive, maybe Russell Wilson’s leash is extended. If it’s not, and they’re struggling and they’re 0-3, 0-4, then maybe it’s shortened. I think a lot will be dependent upon their win-loss production early in the year.

‘I think that they feel really happy and confident and comfortable on the quarterback that they got in Jaxson Dart. But obviously Russell’s going to get the first opportunity and we’ll see what he winds up doing with it.’

Another big question for the Giants and Dart is whether Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen earned themselves more job security by drafting the rookie first-rounder.

John Mara, one of the co-owners of the G-Men, said after the 2024 season that he’d ‘just about run out of patience’ with the coach and GM, yet they still got the runway to stick around and draft a young gunslinger.

Schefter said it’s still too early to predict whether the decision to draft Dart has truly saved either person’s job just yet.

‘If (the Giants) come out, they’re flat, another disappointment, fans are angry, planes are flying more banners – ‘Fire Daboll,’ ‘Fire Schoen’ – then yeah, then the (owners are) going to be forced to make a move,’ he said.

Schefter discusses Travis Hunter, J.J. McCarthy expectations

As the 2025 season approaches, two players with the most uncertain expectations are Jaguars rookie two-way player Travis Hunter and Vikings second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

For Hunter, the biggest question is how Jacksonville – led by offensive-minded rookie head coach Liam Coen – will deploy the reigning Heisman Trophy winner. The Colorado product played both wide receiver and cornerback in college, but will he be expected to contribute on both sides of the ball in a similar way in the pros?

According to Schefter, the Jaguars likely will allow Hunter to play both offense and defense, but they’re prioritizing Hunter’s contributions as a receiver first.

‘They told me around the draft that they want to onboard him as a wide receiver, so it certainly sounds like he’s going to start out as a wide receiver,’ he said. ‘They’ll mix in defensive back, but maybe then they start shifting the scale and he’s more defensive back than wide receiver. It’s a lot for him to pick up and get adjusted to, but yeah, I think he’s definitely gonna have a role as a wide receiver.’

And as for McCarthy, he hopes to enter the 2025 season healthy after a knee injury during last year’s preseason robbed him of making his regular-season debut as a rookie. In his absence, veteran Sam Darnold stepped up and led the Vikings to a 14-3 season, nearly clinching the NFC’s No. 1 seed in the process.

Minnesota’s decision to then let Darnold walk in free agency – therefore sticking with McCarthy instead – seems to say a lot about how highly the Vikings think of their 2024 first-round pick. However, last year’s results may also mean elevated expectations for the young quarterback in his first real season.

Those expectations get boosted higher when considering the rest of the talent in a stacked draft class for quarterbacks last year. Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix were all fellow first-round quarterbacks last year who showed flashes of excellent potential in their 2024 rookie seasons.

Schefter said he expects McCarthy will ‘fit right into that group’ of young quarterbacks who have proven they can play.

The ESPN insider pointed out that McCarthy is in a great situation in Minnesota – he’s surrounded by offensive weapons like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson and coached by quarterback guru Kevin O’Connell.

Schefter also said that McCarthy’s father, whom he spoke to earlier this week, is ‘over the moon about how things are going’ in Minneapolis.

‘Clearly there are a lot of people that feel really good about the way J.J. McCarthy looks and the potential he has for the future and what’s ahead for him this season,’ Schefter said. ‘So, I think the arrow’s pointed up.’

Finishing school: All-Star catcher Hunter Goodman wants to sprint through the tape of this year, proving he can sustain an .839 OPS at a position young players often wear down in the second half.

Avoiding ignominy: After a 9-50 start buried them in a historic hole, the Rockies have improved to the point they are right on the cut line to break the Chicago White Sox’s one-year-old modern record of 121 losses, a “chase” that should come down to the last week of the season.

And of utmost importance, taking steps to ensure it doesn’t get any worse in 2026.

“These next two months, obviously it doesn’t look like we’re making the postseason this year, but we gotta act like it,” center fielder Mickey Moniak tells USA TODAY Sports. “Act like we’re making that run just to grow as a team and get better.

“And make sure next year, we’re in a spot where we can compete and have something like this year not happen again.”

For now, this year remains to be fully defined. At 27-78, the Rockies’ .257 winning percentage puts them just ahead of the White Sox’s .253 mark, although that’s a little deceiving. Chicago was 27-82 before the trade deadline, then proceeded to lose 24 of 28 games after its roster was strip-mined, digging a hole that not even a respectable September could overcome.

The Rockies’ long, hard goodbyes have only begun: Third baseman Ryan McMahon, their best all-around player, was dealt to the New York Yankees on July 25, and more players could be on their way out before the July 31 deadline.

Uncomfortably numb

On the field, the Rockies will have to plug holes, shift roles and find production from new faces. Off it, the psychic drag of bidding their best farewell is yet another hurdle.

“It feels like it happens so often, you almost grow numb to it,” says reliever Jake Bird, who debuted in 2022. “Mac’s an awesome guy. It was great having him around. A great player, especially on the defensive end. It’s just the nature of the business. It’s almost next man up.

“It sucks, but it’s part of the business. A new day and you gotta go out and compete.”

Says Moniak, whose .865 OPS likely means he’s found a permanent home in Colorado: “Mac’s been a Rockie his whole life. I’ve been here for a few months, just this year, and you instantly get the feel how much he he meant to this organization and the guys in this clubhouse.

“He was probably the leader of this team. Losing a guy like that, we’re going to miss him. But also at the end of the day, the organization made a decision they felt was best for it.

“I’m very excited for Mac to have the opportunity to go play in New York and try to hunt down a postseason this year and a World Series.”

Interim manager Warren Schaefer echoes that, noting his charges’ happiness for McMahon’s opportunities – he hit a game-tying two-run double at Yankee Stadium on Sunday – while lamenting his departure.

“I think they’ve processed it well. I think they understand,” says Schaefer, who’s posted a 20-44 record after Bud Black got off to a 7-33 start, resulting in the firing of Colorado’s all-time winningest manager. “At the same time, there’s a part of every guy in that clubhouse – especially the ones who have been with him for a long time – there’s a bit of sadness that he’s gone.

“I think that’s natural with a friend. But it’s not like he’s gone forever.”

The four days to come before the 6 p.m. ET deadline will be curious. Colorado has a bevy of veteran starters, yet none of them – Antonio Senzatela (6.68 ERA), left-hander Kyle Freeland (5.24) and German Marquez (5.67, on injured list with biceps injury) – have consistently distinguished themselves.

Bullpen arms are always in demand, yet Bird and current closer Seth Halvorsen have multiple years of club control remaining, with peripheral stats that may not compel contenders to pay a premium for those future years.

It’s a similar situation with a handful of veteran position players, whose acquisitions wouldn’t necessarily make anyone’s list of “MLB Trade Deadline Winners,” but would nonetheless leave holes on an inexperienced team grasping for any sense of consistency.

‘We’ve gotta learn how to win’

It’s already a lineup filled with folks like DH Yanquiel Fernandez, who debuted on July 2, and first baseman Warming Bernabel, who was recalled after the McMahon trade and homered in his second career game.

The progress comes in the likely keepers the club has identified. Moniak, the No. 1 overall pick in 2016 by the Philadelphia Phillies, has, at 27, perhaps finally found a groove with his third team in four seasons.

While he lacks the All-Star berth McMahon once earned, he and other Rockies have seen some things in their career arcs that have value to the less experienced.

“Baseball’s kind of a revolving door of wisdom,” says Moniak. “All of us in here consider us family. Obviously, guys who have more time and been through more experiences can kind fo share that knowledge with the younger guys and pass on stuff that older guys pass on to them.”

For Goodman, it’s a matter of building on a season that, other than a soft May, has resulted in monthly OPSes of .829, 1.108 and .814. He’s caught 65 games and served as DH for 28 others, with an eye toward preserving his offensive vitality.

“I want to keep building off that. I want to play a full season, not just that first half,” says Goodman, a fourth-round pick in 2021 from the University Memphis who has stuck in his third season with Colorado. “Since the second half started, as a team we’ve started playing better. There’s a lot of confidence in the locker room.

“We’ve got a really young team. We gotta learn to play the game the right way and learn how to win some ballgames.”

Preferably, one more than 41, the better to avoid the wrong sort of history. It is what will pass as drama for outside observers as the schedule drains away

Within the Rockies’ realm, the growth chart is far more difficult to measure, particularly if the team becomes even less recognizable after the deadline. How best to measure an ethos when the record is so grim?

“Continuing to play baseball the right way. Stringing two months together of mostly playing nine-inning games, full games,” says Schaeffer. “Playing aggressive baseball. The goal when I’m evaluating on a day-to-day basis is the style of play. The intent of what we’re doing at the plate.

“Just seeing progress in all facets on a daily basis.”

And hopefully, never having to do this again.