Latest news with #contractyear
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2 days ago
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Commanders' Brian Robinson Ready For 'Big' Contract Year
Commanders' Brian Robinson Ready For 'Big' Contract Year originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Washington Commanders' running back Brian Robinson Jr. knows that the 2025 season will be a crucial one for him and his NFL future. Advertisement With B-Rob entering the final year of his rookie deal, he knows that he must show that he deserves a contract next season, and he will get ample opportunities to prove he can be "the" guy for Kliff Kingsbury. In each of his three seasons, Robinson totaled at least 700 rushing yards, including a career-high eight rushing touchdowns last year, as he led the Commanders in that category. But this is a new year, and Robinson Jr. is making a promise as he knows he has to take his game up a level. 'I need to take my level of focus up a notch or two,' Robinson Jr. said to JP Finlay. 'Definitely it's a big year not only for me but for a lot of guys around here too, definitely want to stay focused and get ready for a long season ahead of us. Step by step, just attack the process and be ready for everything that comes.' Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) hands the ball to Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (8) during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Northwest Stadium.© Amber Searls-Imagn Images In what is an interesting scenario, Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler or Jeremy McNichols are all out of contract at the end of the 2025 season, so there could be some change coming for the running back room. Advertisement Granted, Robinson Jr. is the lead back, and he needs to put on a show behind Jayden Daniels. Yet to play a full season, 2025 would be the perfect time for B-Rob to do that, surpass 1,000 yards, and earn himself a new contract. Of course, that is easier said than done, but to achieve it, everything starts in the offseason, and Brian has been doing what he needs to do to best prepare himself for a career-defining season as a Commander. And he'll let the chips fall where they may. Related: Hall of Fame Receiver Demands Commanders Pay Terry McLaurin Related: Commanders Rival Gives Love To Jayden Daniels This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
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Ben Roethlisberger Says T.J. Watt's Absence Could Be 'Bigger Deal' for Coaches
Ben Roethlisberger Says T.J. Watt's Absence Could Be 'Bigger Deal' for Coaches originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Pittsburgh Steelers will expect to have one of the league's better defenses in 2025, headlined by a strong defensive line and an incredibly deep pass rush. Advertisement The engine of that unit is undoubtedly edge rusher T.J. Watt, and, for now, he's away from the team. Watt is entering a contract year, and after Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett received a massive four-year, $160 million deal, the Steelers' star is right to secure an extension. Most assume Pittsburgh will get a deal done and pay Watt handsomely, regardless of whether he clears Garrett's $40 million annual mark. In the meantime, though, his holdout is public, and his presence was missed at minicamp. Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger said Watt's absence could be a 'bigger deal' for the coaching staff than the players on the field. Advertisement "Is it the biggest deal in the world that he's not there, for football, no, I don't think," Roethlisberger said on his podcast. "For the locker room and that kind of stuff, that's going to be the interesting part. Most players don't get too worked up if other guys aren't there because they're like, 'Take care of your business...' I think it's a bigger deal – coaches." Roethlisberger was joined by his former offensive coordinator, Randy Fichtner, to offer a coach's perspective. Publicly, Pittsburgh isn't concerned. But it's understandable that they'd prefer the face of the franchise to be in attendance. "Coaches, you get a little ruffled," Randy Fichtner said. "You get a little ruffled. You want your people there. You want your best players there." Advertisement Watt is coming off an 11.5-sack season, a decline in production that coincided with his age-30 season. Extending pass rushers deep into their 30s is rarely a safe bet, but Watt's play against the run gives him staying power, even if his potency doesn't recover. Head coach Mike Tomlin spoke about Tomlin's absence and expressed confidence in a deal getting done. 'Certainly, we'd like him to be here, but certainly not surprised about where we are,' Tomlin told reporters. 'We've expressed a desire to get the business done. He has as well, and so, we'll continue to work. We've been here before.' For now, there is little for the Pittsburgh faithful to worry about. Until a deal is done, though, Watt's looming extension will remain a key storyline of the Steelers' summer. Related: AFC North Rival Sets Bar for Watt Extension Related: Steelers Boast Top-5 Defensive Trio This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
