NFL buzz for Week 11: What we’re hearing on Kyler Murray, Brian Daboll and Super Bowl hopefuls

As Week 11 of the 2025 NFL season unfolds, insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano have been reaching out to their sources across the league for the most recent updates and insights on crucial situations.

This time, they looked into the Giants’ significant coaching shakeup. After a dismal 2-8 record, New York terminated Brian Daboll’s contract on Monday. What lies ahead for the Giants, Daboll, and GM Joe Schoen?

Fowler and Graziano also examined Kyler Murray’s prospects and potential shifts in the Cardinals’ quarterback landscape during the offseason. Additionally, they discussed the Super Bowl contenders who might have flaws and which athletes could become stars in the 2026 free agency period. This is your essential roundup as our national reporters address major concerns and share their findings leading into Week 11.

Jump to:
Giants’ coaching shift
Cardinals’ quarterback outlook
Contenders vs. impostors
Fascinating 2026 free agents

What insights do you have regarding the Giants’ choice to dismiss Brian Daboll, and what are the forthcoming steps?

Graziano: There were simply too many downsides accumulating around Daboll. Since the beginning of the 2023 season, his record stands at 11-33 after winning Coach of the Year and reaching the playoffs in his inaugural season in 2022. He has exhibited outbursts on the sidelines and incurred fines for the organization’s response to a concussive evaluation of Jaxson Dart a few weeks back. Dart was injured last Sunday, and they have squandered four games this season where they held leads of 10 points or more … you get the point.

Injuries could be cited, as the Giants have faced numerous top players sidelined this year. Nevertheless, a head coach’s role includes being a problem-solver, and Daboll was not resolving enough challenges. An intriguing element of this development is that the team opted to retain GM Joe Schoen, who will be leading the quest for a new coach. It appears ownership is convinced that this is a well-structured team that simply requires better coaching. Whether that belief holds water remains to be seen, but it’s certainly striking that they dismissed Daboll while Schoen remains.

Interim coach Mike Kafka, well-regarded throughout the league, will seek to secure the permanent position going forward. However, those in the know are speculating whether the outcome of the coaching search may ultimately impact Schoen’s own future. The selection of a new coach alongside a troubled general manager can unfold in one of two directions:

Schoen likely aligns more with Poles than Baalke, but if the Giants’ preferred coaching candidate demands their own choice for the staff, it will test the organization’s resilience.

Graziano: That’s articulated well, and those recent examples illustrate the potential directions. Nevertheless, this role will attract considerable interest based on my discussions. Dart is emerging as a genuine talent at quarterback, complemented by wide receiver Malik Nabers and running back Cam Skattebo returning next season. They also boast a robust left tackle in Andrew Thomas and a dynamic defensive line led by Brian Burns and impressive rookie Abdul Carter.

Kafka would become the sixth head coach (including interims) for the Giants in the nine years since Tom Coughlin’s departure, making it imperative for ownership to make an informed decision and restore some continuity. However, they will likely have a plethora of candidates eager to pursue the position.

Fowler: The position desperately requires solid leadership. Schoen has influenced some positive roster moves you mentioned. Ownership has let go of numerous individuals over the past decade, making it hard to fathom another dismissal (the financial fallout tied to the Giants is staggering). For this reason, the Giants should investigate all potential head coaches, prioritizing the best fit rather than simply the most appealing option. With a weaker pool of coordinators this year, there might be an increased interest in college candidates or formerly employed NFL head coaches.

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Cast your predictions: Will Kyler Murray remain in Arizona, and if not, where might he go in 2026?

Fowler: I lean towards the belief that Murray will not continue in Arizona for 2026. Murray has filled the quarterback role for seven seasons, yet Arizona has managed just one winning season with no playoff victories. It appears to be time for a change. It’s challenging to envision any scenario in which the Cardinals would wish to secure $19.5 million of Murray’s 2027 salary, which would become necessary unless they trade or release him by the fifth day of the upcoming league year. Although moving on from nearly $37 million in guaranteed money for 2026 poses hurdles, it’s not unattainable if there’s enough demand in the market.

Recent performances clearly indicate that the offense has functioned more effectively under Jacoby Brissett than under Murray. His QBR stands at 44.3, ranking 26th in the league, but he possesses immense potential and might benefit from a fresh start. A number of teams could require a quarterback, including the Jets and the Browns. Do any locations seem particularly favorable for him, Dan?

Graziano: I would include Miami in that discussion, particularly if at the season’s end, they question Tua Tagovailoa’s potential as their long-term option, which is very much on the table. Carolina could be similarly interested if Bryce Young fails to rebound. Many experts I converse with express skepticism over the Cardinals’ ability to transfer that contract, indicating he would likely be released before the 2027 salary kicks in next March.

If a team is in need of a quarterback and lacks the draft assets to select a top player in 2026 (or if you’re the Jets with three first-round picks in the 2027 draft and prefer that upcoming class), taking a chance on reviving Murray could be justified. Yet, it resembles what the Jets aimed to do with Justin Fields this season.

Fowler: Coaches are often drawn to redemption projects, and I believe Murray can be revitalized. Numerous former first-round quarterbacks have thrived following their exits from their initial teams: Daniel Jones (Colts), Sam Darnold (Vikings/Seahawks), Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers), and even Mac Jones (49ers) to a lesser degree. Although Murray is further along in his career than these examples, many league evaluators still view him as a top-12 or 14 quarterback at the start of this season. This year’s struggles shouldn’t drastically alter that perception too much.

The NFL yearns for competent quarterback play, which suggests he will find a place somewhere. The Rams could be an intriguing destination; with Matthew Stafford approaching 38 in February, Murray might thrive by learning Sean McVay’s system and potentially rediscovering a starting role down the line.

Graziano: That’s another solid option. We are uncertain about Stafford’s future beyond this season, but previous uncertainties during the past spring provide grounds for speculation. The Rams hold two first-round picks in the next draft, potentially enabling them to secure a rookie quarterback. Nonetheless, not every team is positioned to make that move, and those in search of upside plays may explore the trade and free-agent markets.

Many aspects concerning Murray’s situation remain unresolved, including whether the Cardinals will give him another shot this season once he’s fit. Attitudes regarding Murray as a potential long-term answer for 2026 and beyond could shift based on how the concluding weeks of this season unfold.

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Which contender is attracting the most skepticism across the league?

Graziano: The Steelers stand as the sole team in the AFC North with a winning record, yet many anticipate the Ravens to dominate the division. Baltimore has managed to recover from a sluggish start and has both of their head-to-head clashes with the Steelers ahead. Cincinnati remains in contention, despite two tough losses, with hopes of having quarterback Joe Burrow back shortly.

The Steelers have benefited from a couple of unexpected victories against teams like the Jets, Patriots, and Colts, but they’ve consistently looked outmatched lately, especially in their recent loss to the Chargers. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers struggled during that matchup, though he had previously masked age-related issues through quick passes and decisions. Coach Mike Tomlin and OC Arthur Smith are extracting what they can from a Rodgers-led offense focused on tight ends and running backs, yet a ceiling appears to limit their offensive output, compounded by significant shortcomings on defense.

While we’re aware of Tomlin’s streak of never having a losing season, predicting its end feels questionable. Nevertheless, the Steelers currently seem like the weakest of the first-place teams, and sub-.500 rivals know they can compete effectively against them.

Fowler: The Steelers hope Rodgers’ performance last week in Los Angeles was a one-off. Until that game, he had been performing relatively well, but that time he appeared jittery in the pocket. The team failed to acquire an additional wide receiver at the trade deadline, and it’s evident they need another playmaker to counteract defenses stacking against their tight-end-centric alignments.

The Bills are also facing their own issues, primarily questioning whether they have sufficient offensive talent to support quarterback Josh Allen adequately and if their defense is playoff-ready. There have been too many instances where the defense has not met head coach Sean McDermott’s expectations. I entered last week believing Buffalo would seize control in the AFC East, yet New England now holds a 1½-game advantage and triumphed in their first matchup. The Patriots face the Jets, Bengals, and Giants, with a combined record of 7-21, in their upcoming games, positioning them to widen the gap.

Graziano: On the NFC side, the Bears are 6-3 and tied with the Lions for the NFC North lead, yet many analysts I spoke with believe their defense is suspect and they’ve had some miraculous comebacks that are unlikely to sustain. The Jaguars started strong but have cooled to 5-4. Although they currently occupy a playoff spot in the AFC, there are fears they could be surpassed by the Chiefs or Texans.

Fowler: I was in Denver Thursday night, and it’s evident that Broncos players are worried about the offense. Several offensive players recognized that they’re risking their season if improvements don’t materialize. Denver is aware that quarterback Bo Nix can perform better than what has been displayed on the field, especially seeing how Las Vegas executed a strong defensive strategy to hinder the Broncos’ offensive efforts in the short turnaround. They missed Marvin Mims Jr. more than expected, as he had become a reliable source for essential yards amidst struggles.

Though Nix still possesses strengths—his ability to push the ball downfield, albeit in a rough manner, and his fourth-quarter clutch performances—the recent poor showings could result in an early playoff exit for the Broncos, despite their defensive strength, if the offense doesn’t see improvement.

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Who stands out among the upcoming 2026 free agents, and where might he end up?

Fowler: Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens showcases elite talent. He’s on trajectory for over 1,400 yards and 10 touchdowns in his rookie season with Dallas, making him an excellent complement to CeeDee Lamb. Many in the league believe he will succeed excellently. Dallas may opt to franchise tag him, potentially costing around $29 million.

Graziano: The likelihood of the Cowboys utilizing a franchise tag on Pickens appears strong, provided they remain pleased with his performance through season’s end. This leads to challenges in discussions like this early in the season: top prospective free agents frequently either extend contracts or receive franchise tags. Daniel Jones could be a compelling candidate here, but if he continues his strong play, the Colts are likely to extend his contract. Otherwise, his market might diminish.

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Consider Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd as well. He made significant contributions early this season to a defense that thrives on takeaways in Jacksonville. As a 2022 first-round selection whose fifth-year option was not exercised, his strong performances have occurred under a front office and coaching staff that did not draft him. I can see him reaching the free agent market and finding success.

Fowler: Good observation, Dan. The off-ball linebacker market can fluctuate based on draft depth at the position. Lloyd is likely to be among those who secure substantial contracts, alongside Green Bay’s Quay Walker and a few others.

Jaelan Phillips’ forthcoming free agency grabs my attention. Before injuries hampered his progress, he was on the verge of securing a place among the top 10 pass rushers in the NFL. Now that he appears revitalized by a trade to Philadelphia, recording six tackles (one for loss), two quarterback hits, and a fumble recovery on Monday Night Football against Green Bay, he could spark considerable interest, whether in Philadelphia or elsewhere, leading to a significant payday. This scenario places the Eagles in a position to secure a valuable compensatory draft pick for Phillips if he departs.

Graziano: I would also mention Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum. Another 2022 first-round pick, he didn’t have his fifth-year option activated due to the nature of offensive line evaluations—the fifth-year option treats all offensive linemen equally, so the Ravens would have to pay him at offensive tackle rates, which are substantially higher.

Baltimore has held conversations with Linderbaum regarding a long-term deal, and there’s a strong possibility they will reach an agreement to keep him off the open market. Consider the scenario last March when many expected Ravens’ left tackle Ronnie Stanley to hit free agency, yet Baltimore extended his contract the day before the market opened. Linderbaum poses a complex case because of his position’s compensation. He is critical to their offensive line, but will they position him among the league’s highest-paid centers? Currently, that title belongs to Kansas City’s Creed Humphrey at $18 million annually.