The Facts: Rarely does a receiver of this caliber hit free agency. But if Adams hits the open market he will be the most coveted free-agent wide receiver since ... Jerry Rice to the Raiders in 2001? By applying a franchise tag of around $19.1 million, the Packers can stop that from happening. Or they could negotiate a long-term deal over the next two months. "If there's a chance Rodgers returns, I can't see them letting Adams go," an NFC exec told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "They'd have to find a way to keep him. It feels like a package deal with those two." Reported by ESPN.com

Diehards Line: Adams can stake a unique and legitimate claim if he reaches the open market: He's one of the top two or three players at his position, a standing built in part on eight years of learning the nuances of the pro game, yet he's still at an age when several more elite-level years can reasonably be projected. In the past two seasons, Adams has led the NFL in receptions (238) and touchdown catches (29) and is second in receiving yards (2,927). With that said, it is also reasonable to expect that Adams will strongly favor staying with quarterback Aaron Rodgers next season, wherever that might be.. And he can beat just about any defensive coverage. His chemistry with Rodgers knows no limits, but that's where the intrigue lies: Can he duplicate that same chemistry with another quarterback, and what does his game look like outside of Green Bay? The Raiders have a natural connection to Adams, who played college ball with Derek Carr. Adams alongside slot receiver Hunter Renfrow and tight end Darren Waller would help Las Vegas maintain pace in the AFC West track meet. But cost is a major issue with anyone approaching Adams, who, according to Pro Football Network's Tony Pauline, will be looking for a contract near $30 million per year. The Packers, at this point, look as though they may go no higher than $24 to $25 million a year. A few veteran agents tell Fowler Adams would be smart to aim for a three-year deal for at least $80 million with high guarantees.

The Facts: A pending unrestricted free agent, Robinson's days in Chicago are likely over, as both sides are ready to move on. The Colts rarely spend big in free agency, but ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports they appear intent on addressing needs this offseason after the Week 18 meltdown in Jacksonville. Robinson is a good fit there if Indy is willing to spend. Reported by ESPN.com

Diehards Line: The 2021 season was a challenge for Robinson, who battled through COVID-19 symptoms, injuries and the Bears' instability at quarterback. His 38 catches for 410 yards in 12 games were career-worsts, excluding his 2017 season when he played one game. To be sure, finding a rhythm was difficult with three different quarterbacks in the lineup at different times and Justin Fields' Year 1 learning curve. Age isn't a major issue -- Robinson turns 29 in August -- and his strengths haven't gone away. "Route-running and contested catches ... he can still do that," an AFC exec told Fowler. "He was never a speed guy, so he should be able to give a team a few quality years." An AFC coach agreed, saying: "He is great at contested catches, but there's a reason why he has to make [them]. He has some trouble separating."

The Facts: His play for the Rams has evoked enough vintage Beckham moments to get the NFL's attention, as he has six touchdowns in his past nine games. Most agree Beckham fits better on a contender with a strong culture. Going to the Jaguars or Bears for the biggest check could backfire. But Los Angeles is tied to Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods for multiple years, so a return to the cap-strapped Rams appears difficult. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Kansas City Chiefs were in the mix for Beckham during his midseason free-agency swing and are among the most bold front offices. It wouldn't shock to see them circle back. Reported by ESPN.com

Diehards Line: Whatever the case, getting out of Cleveland was the best thing to happen to Beckham. "The talent has always been there, [he] just needed some consistency and good health," an AFC scout told Fowler. Added an NFC exec: "I actually thought he looked good in Cleveland, too. The explosion is still there, even if he was still finding his footing early in the year. If you need nuanced route-running and perfect timing every snap, he's probably not your guy. But he's fit in great in Los Angeles and is showing he can put his head down, work, blend in and let his talent shine. ..." We'll be watching for more in coming weeks.

The Facts: According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, one AFC executive questions whether Chark, who heads into free agency coming off a season-ending injury, has what it takes to be great, saying the traits are there, but his fitness and nuanced route-running aren't where they could be. Still, the Philadelphia Eagles could look to Chark if they need a deep threat to complement DeVonta Smith. Reported by ESPN.com

Diehards Line: After a 1,000-yard season in 2019 with the Jaguars, he seemed poised to stardom but struggled with injury and performance over the next two years. Fowler went on to note that Chark is already moving well and running on the fractured left ankle suffered in October, so that shouldn't affect his free agency status.

The Facts: The Bengals didn’t offer much in the way of surprises on the final injury report before Sunday’s AFC championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs. As a reminder, Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins being on the first two injury reports as full participants made for catchy headlines but were mere formalities. Both avoided injury designation. Reported by USA Today

Diehards Line: Meanwhile, WR Stanley Morgan and DE Cam Sample are listed as doubtful. DT Josh Tupou is questionable. ... Morgan is a big loss on special teams, while the rookie Sample was getting rotational looks as a pass-rusher. Tupou could be the most significant given his ability to fill in against the run. Overall, though, the Bengals could be in much worse shape for such an important game.

The Facts: The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their NFC Championship Game contest against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The status of OT Trent Williams remains the biggest question heading into the game. He suffered an ankle injury against the Green Bay Packers and is listed as "questionable" for Sunday after not practicing all week. Reported by 49ersWebZone.com

Diehards Line: After Friday's practice, HC Kyle Shanahan said that Williams remains hopeful that he will play against the Rams. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is no longer bothered by his shoulder injury but is still playing through a painful thumb injury. On Sunday, he'll have an opportunity to lead his team to a Super Bowl appearance for the second time in three years. "Feels great. Arm's ready to roll," Garoppolo said of his shoulder. Elijah Mitchell (knee) also avoided injury designation. Fellow RB Jeff Wilson Jr. (ankle) is questionable.

The Facts: According to multiple reports, the Giants are working to hire Bills OC Brian Daboll as their new head coach. Reported by NFL.com

Diehards Line: The two sides will attempt to do a deal and reunite him with old friend and new Giants GM Joe Schoen, who also last worked for the Bills. The job Daboll did with Bills QB Josh Allen was impressive. Now, it’s on to Daniel Jones, who received a strong vote of confidence from ownership in recent days.

The Facts: HC Andy Reid said on Friday that he thinks safety Tyrann Mathieu will be cleared in time to play against the Bengals in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game, but his status remains up in the air for the time being. Mathieu has been listed as questionable for the game. That listing reflects the fact that he still needs to be cleared from the concussion protocol after returning to practice this week. Williams drew the same listing. Reported by Profootballtalk.com

Diehards Line: Williams played eight snaps in the Wild Card round before missing last Sunday’s win with a toe injury. Williams was a limited participant in practice on Friday. Everyone else on the active roster, including Mathieu, fully participated in the last session of the week. Even with the limited work, Reid expects Williams to be ready. “I think he’s going to be OK,” Reid said. Williams had 1,010 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns during the regular season. Jerick McKinnon played the majority of snaps at running back last week, catching five passes for 54 yards while taking 10 carries for 24 yards.

The Facts: HC Sean McVay shared his team’s injury report for Sunday’s NFC Championship Game against the 49ers and it featured some good news for the offensive line. McVay said that left tackle Andrew Whitworth is good to go after missing last Sunday’s win with a knee injury. Whitworth moved from limited to full practice on Thursday, which was a good sign that he was on track to return to action this weekend. Jefferson (knee) and safety Taylor Rapp (concussion) are both considered questionable to play. Reported by Profootballtalk.com

Diehards Line: Jefferson returned to practice Thursday while Rapp has missed the last two games. Linebacker Ernest Jones is also set to play. He was designated to return from injured reserve last week after missing time with an ankle injury. Tackle Joe Noteboom (pectoral) is listed as doubtful and is not expected to play.

The Facts: Mike McCarthy will be back as coach of the Dallas Cowboys in 2022, and according to club owner Jerry Jones, that's been the plan all along. Jones told the Dallas Morning News that McCarthy's status was never in question, noting that the two have been working to make sure defensive coordinator Dan Quinn would stay put, as well. Reported by NFL.com

Diehards Line: Quinn withdrew his name from consideration for coaching jobs with the Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings, and according to the Morning News' David Moore, he's received a multi-year contract extension. It marks quite a turnaround in tone from Jones, whose frustration with McCarthy and his staff was evident in the wake of the team's disappointing first-round exit from the playoffs. The NFC East champions lost at home to the San Francisco 49ers, 23-17. "I've got a lot to think about regarding these coaches," Jones said just a week ago. Jones was also critical of McCarthy's staff in regard to the Cowboys' penalty woes against the 49ers, but insisted Friday he wasn't considering a change. "I want to clear up the idea that Mike McCarthy was twisting in the wind," Jones said on 103.5 The Fan radio. "That wasn't the case at all." Jones said he never gave consideration to replacing McCarthy with Sean Payton, who stepped down as the New Orleans Saints coach this week. "I understand the speculation. Sean is an outstanding coach. But I haven't talked to him and am not in any way part of his departure there in New Orleans," Jones said, per Moore. "He didn't have any place in anything I'm doing regarding our staff." McCarthy, who led the Cowboys to a 12-5 regular season record, will enter his third season as Cowboys coach this fall. The expectations that come with coaching Jones' Cowboys aren't going anywhere, and for now, neither is McCarthy.