49ers Rumors: Brock Purdy's Contract 'Likely' to be Similar to Daniel Jones' Deal
Jan 31, 2025
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 30: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers pass the ball against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on December 30, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
As Brock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers have both indicated they want to get a contract extension done quickly this offseason, the eventual deal that he gets may not be as expensive as once thought.
Per ESPN's Dan Graziano, there's a belief among some people around the NFL that Purdy's extension will "likely" be structured similarly to Daniel Jones' contract with the New York Giants.
Jones signed a four-year, $160 million deal with the Giants in March 2023 that included $92 million in total guarantees. Purdy's deal would be for more money to account for inflation.
Graziano's prediction is Purdy will end up signing a four-year, $196 million extension with $112 million guaranteed. The $49 million average annual salary would rank 10th among all current quarterback contracts, putting him between Jalen Hurts ($51 million) and Kyler Murray ($46.1 million).
While that's not an insignificant figure for a team to take on, it would represent a discount compared to what some previous projections had for Purdy.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero said on The Rich Eisen Show (h/t David Bonilla of 49ersWebZone.com) in December that Purdy could pursue "top of the quarterback market" money, which is currently at $60 million for Dak Prescott.
Speaking to reporters after the 49ers' season ended, Purdy said he wants to get an extension "done quick" so that both sides can focus all of their attention on a full offseason program.
49ers QB Brock Purdy said he wants a drama-free contract resolution:
"I want to get it done quick. Just so we can get back for Phase 1, get after it with our receivers and our team. ... I'm not the kind of guy that wants to have any kind of drama associated with anything." pic.twitter.com/ar3JuHLKgI
Even though the 49ers have a history of dragging out negotiations with their star players, getting a deal done with Purdy early would allow them to know exactly how much wiggle room they have to make any potential additions in free agency.
Purdy did take a step back this season compared to 2023, in no small part because injuries decimated the 49ers roster. He still had a solid year with 3,864 passing yards and 20 touchdowns in 15 starts. His 67.9 QBR ranked seventh out of 32 qualified quarterbacks.
The 49ers missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020 with a 6-11 record. They had won at least 10 games and reached the NFC Championship Game in each of the previous three seasons.
Report: Matthew Stafford Plans to Play 2025 NFL Season; Would Seek New Rams Contract
Jan 30, 2025
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 19: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts during the first half of the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)
Matthew Stafford reportedly plans to play in 2025, but who he will suit up for next season is still in question.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that Stafford intends to play in 2025, though he noted that Stafford's contract situation could lead to the Los Angeles Rams parting ways with him.
From The Insiders in Mobile: #Rams QB Matthew Stafford plans to return and play in 2025, sources say, though a deal likely needs to be worked out. pic.twitter.com/ArzNDnWQsi
Last offseason, Stafford and the Rams revised his contract and he'll now count for $49.6 million against the cap in 2025. Per Over The Cap, trading him after June 1 would save the Rams $27 million, while cutting him after June 1 would save Los Angeles $23 million.
Whatever the Rams decide to do, head coach Sean McVay is hoping the situation is resolved quickly.
"We don't want to have that go on again," McVay said, per ESPN's Sarah Barshop. "I don't think that's good for anybody. I think sooner than later, being able to get that clarity. Understanding clear, open and honest communication.
"I think there's a lot of love coming from our part. I think there's a lot of appreciation coming from his part as well. And I think a lot sooner than later is an ideal scenario."
Stafford, who will be 37 next month and just wrapped up his 16th NFL season, threw for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2024. His best days are likely behind him, but he still is more than capable of being a starting quarterback on a playoff-caliber team.
When asked whether he had more football left in him after the Rams lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round, Stafford told reporters he "sure feels like it."
Cutting or trading Stafford would be an understandable move by the Rams as they look to save money, but if they let the veteran walk it will likely only be a matter of time before another team picks him up.
Klint Kubiak, Seahawks Agree to OC Contract Under Mike Macdonald After Grubb Exit
Jan 26, 2025
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 17: Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak of the New Orleans Saints prior to a game at Caesars Superdome on October 17, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Gus Stark/Getty Images)
The Seattle Seahawks hired former New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as the team's new offensive coordinator on Sunday, the franchise announced.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport was first to report the news:
The #Seahawks are hiring #Saints OC Klint Kubiak as their new offensive coordinator, sources told The Insiders.
After an exhaustive process, Seattle and coach Mike Macdonald lands their top choice. pic.twitter.com/LTl53k5ChP
Rapoport noted that Kubiak was Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald's "top choice" to replace Ryan Grubb, who was fired at the end of the regular season.
Kubiak served as the passing game coordinator of the Denver Broncos in 2022 and San Francisco 49ers in 2023 before joining New Orleans prior to the 2024 season.
Kubiak also spent two separate stints on the Minnesota Vikings' coaching staff, which included one year as Minnesota's offensive coordinator in 2021.
The Seahawks conducted an extensive search to fill their offensive coordinator vacancy, as Kubiak was one of several candidates to meet with the team multiple times. Detroit Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley and Vikings assistant offensive coordinator and assistant quarterbacks coach Grant Udinski also interviewed with Seattle twice, via ESPN's Brady Henderson.
New Orleans' offense looked sharp to open the 2024 season under Kubiak, scoring 91 points and amassing 811 total yards through the first two weeks of the year.
The Saints couldn't maintain that same level of production throughout the season, as their scoring offense finished No. 24 in the NFL with an average of 19.9 points per game.
It's worth noting that New Orleans dealt with injuries to key players on offense, with quarterback Derek Carr as well as wide receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed all failing to appear in more than 10 games due to their respective health issues.
Kubiak will now take over a Seattle offense that contains several established playmakers including D.K. Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Kenneth Walker III.
He'll look to help the Seahawks as they attempt to make their playoff return in 2025, missing the postseason in each of the past two years despite finishing with a winning record in both seasons.
Kyren Williams Contract Extension Will 'Be on the Plate' in Offseason, Rams GM Says
Jan 25, 2025
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 13: Runningback Kyren Williams #23 of the LA Rams rushes for positive yards during the first half of the Minnesota Vikings versus Los Angeles Rams NFL Wild Card football game at State Farm Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Bruce Yeung/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams is a candidate to receive a contract extension during the offseason, according to general manager Les Snead.
"I think that's something that's going to be on the plate," Snead said on Friday, per Stu Jackson of the team's official website. "He would be someone that after three years you could begin discussing, let's call it, renegotiating, starting anew. Because I do think Kyren is someone who is a Ram and has a very impactful role for us."
Williams, a former fifth-round pick by the Rams in the 2022 NFL draft, is set to enter the final year of his rookie contract.
The 24-year-old is coming off an impressive 2024 campaign, rushing for a career-high 1,299 yards and 14 touchdowns. Williams also caught 34 passes for 182 yards and two more scores.
His 16 total touchdowns were tied for the fifth-most in the NFL.
Williams operated in a backup role as a rookie, missing seven games due to an ankle sprain that he suffered in his debut.
The former Notre Dame standout broke out in his second year, earning a Pro Bowl nod while amassing 1,350 scrimmage yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. Availability was still an issue, as he missed four contests in the middle of the year due to another ankle injury.
Williams wasn't plagued by health woes in 2024, appearing in each of the Rams' first 16 games of the year before sitting out in Week 18 after they clinched a playoff spot.
He's operated as a key piece of a Los Angeles offense that has helped the team make two consecutive postseason appearances, and he could be in line for a contract extension before the start of the 2025 season.
Cardinals' Trey McBride Talks Pro Bowl Season, NFL Playoffs and More in B/R Interview
Jan 24, 2025
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 05: Trey McBride #85 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts after a missed two point conversion during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium on January 05, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
The Arizona Cardinals haven't made the playoffs since the 2021 season, but that is going to change in the near future.
At least it is if you hear Trey McBride tell it.
"From where we've come the last couple years to where we are now, we've grown significantly," the star tight end told Bleacher Report. "I think we have a great head coach, a great G.M., and I think they're building the program and the culture the right way.
"I'm excited to see what they do this next draft and who they bring in and how they change the team up. We're closer than I've ever been, and I'm excited to make the playoffs the next couple years and be a force to be reckoned with in this league."
Perhaps the biggest reason for optimism looking ahead to the future in Arizona is McBride himself.
After all, the second-round pick of the 2022 NFL draft was a marginal contributor as a rookie before making a remarkable leap into his second year when he posted 81 catches for 825 yards and three touchdowns.
That set the stage for him to become one of the league's best tight ends in his third year, and he accomplished just that with 111 catches for 1,146 yards and two touchdowns as a first-time Pro Bowler and matchup nightmare for opposing defenses that had to deal with his combination of his size and athleticism.
Trey McBride shook someone off and then hurdled another guy 😤
With McBride as a bright spot, the Cardinals went from 4-13 in head coach Jonathan Gannon's first year in 2023 to 8-9 in 2024 with victories over playoff teams in the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers.
They fell short of their postseason goal, but things seem to be trending in the right direction.
"I'd like to still be playing and be in the playoffs, and obviously we didn't get that done as a team," the tight end said. "But to have the individual success that I had was very exciting. Just to know that I can compete and be an elite player in this league. At the same time, I'm excited for next year. We're a lot closer than people think, and hopefully next year we can make a playoff run because that's what is most important."
There is no reason to expect anything but an even better version of McBride in 2025 as he chases the playoffs.
After all, he is just 25 years old, will have three full seasons under his belt, more chemistry with quarterback Kyler Murray and another chance to work together with wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. so they can better take advantage of double teams opposing secondaries throw their way.
On his 98th catch of the year, Trey McBride gets his first TD!
That is plenty of young talent in the aerial attack, and the greats always seem to pick something to focus on during the offseason that makes them even better as they progress in their careers.
So what is that for McBride heading into 2025?
"For me, it's continuing to read coverages," he said. "Defenses do such a great job of disguising coverages and making it difficult to read. So continuing to hone in on the different coverages I see and being able to recognize them as fast as possible is something I'm always trying to be better at."
An even better understanding of those coverages will likely lead to more touchdowns next season.
Despite McBride's dominance from a receptions and yard vantage point, it became a running storyline throughout the 2024 campaign that he was not catching any touchdowns. In fact, his two touchdown catches came in the final two games of Arizona's schedule.
It reached a point that Murray was even promising the touchdown drought would end:
Kyler promises his TE Trey McBride will score a TD soon 🔥🫡
Naturally, that led to plenty of fantasy football chatter. While anyone who drafted McBride was surely thrilled with his overall season seeing how he tallied more than 100 catches and more than 1,000 receiving yards, a few more touchdowns would have made him even more valuable.
"Every single week you hear the fantasy football stuff," he said while laughing. "People in your DMs, mad or happy for whatever reason. You see it every single week. But I continue to do what I can do and be the best player I can be, and all the fantasy stuff will take care of itself."
Being the best player he can be goes beyond just playing on Sundays, which is one reason McBride partnered with Rockin' Protein as one of its athlete ambassadors.
The Arizona-based company prides itself on its quality thanks to the use of fresh Shamrock Farms milk to eliminate the typical chalky aftertaste. It also features no added sugar, making it all the more beneficial for athletes like McBride.
"There's a ton of different reasons why I chose to work with Rockin'," he said. "The first thing that stands out to me is they are an Arizona-based company. They're local people in my community and people I want to associate with. And the protein tastes very good. It's got 30 grams of protein, and it's something I really enjoy. It helps me get through those long football days."
First receiving touchdown of the season and making it into the 100 receptions & 1K yards club?! That’s what being a member of #TeamRockin will do for you, congrats to our guy @mcbtrey. Never Settle https://t.co/afc2ZzXNwn
There aren't many of those long football days remaining in the 2024 season with the Buffalo Bills facing the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship and the Philadelphia Eagles facing the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship on Sunday.
McBride and the Cardinals have a better idea of what to expect in those contests than most seeing how they played the Commanders and Bills earlier this season. What's more, Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury was the head coach in Arizona when McBride was drafted and for his rookie campaign in 2022.
"Buffalo is a really good team, and it's cool to see Josh Allen win so many games and be successful," the Pro Bowler said of the upcoming conference title games. "He's a great quarterback, and I would love to see him make it to the Super Bowl.
"On the other side, the Commanders are a really good team, and Kliff was my head coach. So I'm always pulling for him. I think Jayden Daniels is a stud for doing what he's doing in his first year. I'm kind of pulling for those guys as well."
If everything goes according to plan, McBride and the Cardinals will follow their former coach's footsteps and reach this level next season.
NFL News: Robert Saleh, 49ers Reportedly Agree to DC Contract After Jets HC Stint
Jan 24, 2025
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 29: Head coach Robert Saleh of the New York Jets looks on against the Denver Broncos during the first half at MetLife Stadium on September 29, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Robert Saleh is heading back to San Francisco.
Saleh and the San Francisco 49ers have agreed to a contract for him to return as the team's defensive coordinator, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Reunion: After interviewing for three head coaching jobs, Robert Saleh is now officially returning to the #49ers as defensive coordinator, per sources.
Saleh impressed in interviews and now is back in a familiar place, with a chance to become a hot HC candidate again in 2026. pic.twitter.com/Jju2cu1qjj
The news comes after Matt Barrows, Michael Silver and Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reported Thursday that Saleh is "expected" to return to the Niners as the defensive coordinator, a position he held between the 2017-20 seasons.
That came in the wake of Liam Coen emerging as the favorite to land the head-coaching gig in Jacksonville. Saleh interviewed for that position last week and was scheduled to have a second interview planned for this week, but it appears as though the Jags will be going with Coen.
Coen has since been hired as the Jags head coach.
The Buccaneers believe Liam Coen will be taking the Jaguars head coaching job, per sources. https://t.co/u6DQVNFNZE
So what changed for Liam Coen? He got on the plane to Jacksonville after Jags' ownership called him directly and explained they will let him pick the general manager and would pay him "Ben Johnson" level money along with multiple years, per sources.
Saleh, 45, spent the past four seasons as the head coach of the New York Jets, going 20-36, though he was saddled with poor quarterback play in his first three seasons and was fired just five games into the 2024 season when he finally had a healthy Aaron Rodgers (the Jets went 3-9 with Jeff Ulbrich as the interim head coach).
As a defensive coordinator or head coach, his defenses have finished top-10 in yards allowed five times, top-10 in points allowed twice and top-10 in takeaways twice.
The Niners, meanwhile, were saddled with injuries on both sides of the ball in 2024 but finished 29th in points allowed (25.6 PPG) and eighth in yards allowed (317.4 YPG).
After a disappointing 6-11 season, the Niners made a number of changes to the coaching staff under Kyle Shanahan, including demoting defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen. They may keep him in San Francisco in a different role, however.
"Still trying to hope to keep him on board in another capacity because he's a guy I don't want to lose," Shanahan told reporters after the demotion was announced. "But just where we're at, really, as a team, where I think we need to go, there's a lot of big decisions ahead for us."
The Niners have not been nearly as formidable defensively in recent seasons as they were under Saleh and his replacement, DeMeco Ryans, who spent two seasons as the defensive coordinator (2021-22) before becoming the head coach of the Houston Texans.
Veteran linebacker Fred Warner told reporters after the season that some of that responsibility falls on the players.
"The easy thing right now is everybody is going to put the blame on [Sorensen] for how the defense has played and when you're the guy at the helm, that's what happens," he said. "You're going to take the brunt of that but it's everybody. Everybody has got to take a look in the mirror. I've got to take a look in the mirror. ... I think Nick has done a great job all season. As players when we have to execute and play the game; we didn't him any favors."
Saleh will be hoping they do him a few favors next season in his return to the team.
Rams' Sean McVay Hoping for Matthew Stafford Retirement Decision 'Sooner Than Later'
Jan 23, 2025
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 28: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams speaks with head coach Sean McVay prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium on December 28, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Sean McVay is hoping to have clarity on Matthew Stafford's future with the Los Angeles Rams far sooner than he had last offseason, when the veteran quarterback didn't sign a reworked contract with the team until the first day of training camp.
"We don't want to have that go on again," McVay told reporters. "I don't think that's good for anybody. I think sooner than later, being able to get that clarity. Understanding clear, open and honest communication. I think there's a lot of love coming from our part. I think there's a lot of appreciation coming from his part as well. And I think a lot sooner than later is an ideal scenario."
But when asked if Stafford would absolutely be with the Rams next season if he didn't choose to retire, McVay kept his cards close to the vest.
"We'll talk about all those things at the appropriate time," he said.
Stafford, 36, had a solid if unspectacular 2024 season, throwing for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions, completing 65.8 percent of his passes while taking 28 sacks. The Rams went 10-6 in his starts (10-7) overall and reached the playoffs for the third time in Stafford's four years in Los Angeles.
And he led the Rams to an upset in the Wild Card Round over the Minnesota Vikings, throwing for 209 yards and two touchdowns, before coming up just short against the Philadelphia Eagles in a snowy Divisional Round matchup.
"I know he's playing really good football," he added. "Obviously, I love him, love working with him. What he's meant to our football team has been immeasurable in a positive way."
For the Rams, the math here is pretty simple—there probably isn't an upgrade available on the market this offseason if Stafford retires, but the team would want the chance to at least insert themselves in the Sam Darnold sweepstakes if he decides to call it quits, or go after a backup plan like Russell Wilson or Justin Fields. With $49.3 million in cap space, per Spotrac, the Rams will have financial flexibility to replace Stafford if needed.
That won't be possible if the veteran quarterback hems and haws on his retirement decision, however.
Stafford told reporters after the Eagles loss that he would "take some time to think about [my future]. But I feel like I was playing some pretty good ball."
"Sure feels like it," he added when asked if he still has good football left in the tank.
It will be an interesting offseason in Los Angeles. But a reunion between the veteran quarterback and the organization would make sense for both sides if Stafford decides to continue his career.
Cooper Kupp Uncertain on Rams Future, Won't Retire: 'I Definitely Will Be Playing'
Jan 21, 2025
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 13: Cooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates with fans after a win over the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Wild Card Playoff at State Farm Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
After being floated in trade rumors earlier this season, Los Angeles Rams star receiver Cooper Kupp admitted that his future with the team is uncertain, but he doesn't plan on retiring anytime soon.
"Who knows what is going to happen?" Kupp told The Athletic's Jordan Rodrigue. "A lot of stuff is out of my control. We'll see (what) it's going to be. There was obviously stuff that was going on early in the season and we'll see. I don't have any clarity on what that's gonna look like. Obviously would love to be in L.A. but I don't know what that is gonna look like.
"Do I want to play next year? Oh yeah," he added, laughing. "There's no doubt in my mind I want to play football. I feel like I've got a lot of good football left in me. I definitely will be playing — I will be playing football next year. That much I know.
Kupp has spent his entire career with the Rams after they drafted him in the third round in 2017. The 31-year-old was the 2021 NFL Offensive Player of the Year after winning the receiving triple crown. He helped Los Angeles win Super Bowl LVI over the Cincinnati Bengals that season, earning Super Bowl MVP honors after producing eight catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns, one of which was the game-winner.
Unfortunately, Kupp has been mired by injuries since his historic 2021 campaign. He appeared in just nine games in 2022 and 12 games in each of the past two years. In 2024, he recorded 67 receptions for 710 yards and six touchdowns. He had five catches for 61 yards in Sunday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Divisional Round.
"For me personally, feeling like 'man, there's things I'm watching (on) film and feeling good about the football I'm playing,' but production-wise it's not showing up," Kupp said. "A lot of stuff is outside of my control and it is frustrating. But at the same time, we're finding ways along that stretch to win games. Finding ways to come out of those games with W's. Even though it was not pretty a lot of the time offensively, we got it done. So yeah, there's frustration there. Obviously you want — I want — to be able to feel like I'm impacting games."
Kupp signed a three-year, $80 million contract extension with the Rams in 2022 and has cap hits of $29.7 million and $27.3 million in 2025 and 2026, respectively. However, only $5 million of his salary for next season is guaranteed, and none is guaranteed in 2026. He said he expects to have a healthy offseason, so Los Angeles could score a big return if it chooses to trade him at any point.
Rams' Matthew Stafford Will 'Take Some Time' to Think About His NFL Future
Jan 20, 2025
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 19: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter during the NFC Divisional Playoff at Lincoln Financial Field on January 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
After the Los Angeles Rams' 28-22 divisional playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, 36-year-old quarterback Matthew Stafford said he will need to "take some time to think about" his future as he heads into the offseason, per ESPN's Sarah Barshop.
At the conclusion of his 16th season in the league, Stafford told reporters, it "Sure feels like" he has more football left in him.
"I feel like I was playing some pretty good ball," Stafford added, per Barshop.
[ insert the loudest big rig honking noises you could even imagine ]
This season, Stafford accumulated 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions, posting a 64.7 quarterback rating.
Stafford has two years remaining on his contract with the Rams, though head coach Sean McVay declined to address any questions about Stafford's future following the loss.
"Right now, I'm just appreciative of this team," McVay said, per Barshop.
Despite a rough 1-4 start to the season, the Rams bounced back, winning nine of their next ten games to secure the NFC West division title.
After a late comeback attempt against the Eagles on Sunday, McVay expressed his shock at the outcome, saying he "didn't see it going any other way than us winning that game 29-28," per Barshop
Wide receiver Puka Nacua echoed that sentiment, showing his support for the veteran quarterback, who threw for 324 yards and two touchdowns in the loss.
"Everybody in this locker room, we believe in (Stafford) with every inch of our being," Nacua said, according to Barshop. "It's a great feeling going out there and knowing that your quarterback is willing to put it all on the line and is capable of making plays anytime it's asked of him. We have all trust in No. 9."
Whatever Stafford decides, he has the full support of his teammates and coach. Although his decision is still pending, he spoke about the next time he steps on the field following the game.
"Had a chance for it and didn't get it done," Stafford said, per Barshop. "But I love competing. I love being in those moments. Sure as hell not afraid of them. And competed my ass off and it didn't go the way I wanted to today. Next time I'm out there, line it up. Let's do it again."
NFL Playoffs 2025: Eagles vs. Rams Weather Forecast, Projected Snow Total for Matchup
Jan 17, 2025
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 12: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up prior to a game against the Green Bay Packers during the NFC Wild Card Playoff at Lincoln Financial Field on January 12, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams could be set for a snowy divisional round matchup this weekend.
Parts of the Philadelphia area are forecast to get between three and six inches of snow Sunday, according to AccuWeather.
Here's the game day forecast for the area as of Saturday night, per Brittany Boyer of Action News.
Precipitation will start to spread over the area by mid-morning. Areas near and south/east of I-95 will see plain rain or a wintry mix with temperatures above freezing.
Even in the city there may be a period where precipitation is a mix of rain and snow before the atmosphere cools enough to produce steady snow.
Snow will continue to develop southwest to northeast with the heaviest snow in the northwest suburbs, Lehigh Valley and the Poconos.
Snow wraps up between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., with some parts of our area seeing 3" to 6" of snow. Some higher totals are possible in higher elevations and toward the Lehigh Valley and Poconos.
Temperatures crash behind the storm which will make for hazardous road conditions and walkways. Areas that experience mostly rain from the storm will have to watch for standing water that will freeze as temperatures fall into the teens and 20s overnight.
The Rams and Eagles are set to kick off Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.
Both teams have said they are ready to play in the snow for a shot at the NFC Championship Game.
"We will handle the elements, regardless of what they are this weekend," Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said Friday, per Dave Spadaro of the team website. "You have different things you do in all of these (weather) situations, just like you do if a guy goes down, just like you do if they play a different style than you were anticipating, you have contingency plans for everything."
Rams head coach Sean McVay meanwhile said Thursday his team was "aware" of the changing forecast, per NBC Sports' Mike Florio.
"I think the biggest thing is just being mindful of, if the surface is affected, that our cleats aren't an issue. That's a big part of it," McVay said, per Florio. "[Senior director of equipment] Brendan Burger does a great job with that. Matthew has had experience handling that ball.
"I know this, if it does snow or if it does rain, we have to be mindful of what we need to do to adjust and adapt, but there's no way it can be as cold as it was at the Jets game."
The Rams claimed a 19-9 win in sub-freezing temperatures when they played the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Dec. 22.
The Eagles have meanwhile already been getting practice playing in snow while practicing outdoors in Philadelphia during the week leading up to the divisional round contest.
Snow really starting to come down here at Eagles practice
The Rams and Eagles won't be the only teams playing for a conference championship game spot in extreme weather. The Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills are projected to play Sunday in temperatures that will feel as low as zero degrees with windchill, per AccuWeather and NFL.com's Nick Shook.
