It has been a tough week in the NFC East.
Giants exploring potential sale of minority stake in 100-year-old New York franchise – Tyler Sullivan, CBS Sports
Up to 10% of the Giants may soon be sold.
The New York Giants are exploring the potential sale of a minority stake in the NFL franchise, the team said in a statement obtained by NFL Media on Thursday night. The team has retained Moelis & Company, an investment bank and strategic adviser, to examine the possibilities around selling a non-controlling stake in the team. This announcement comes in response to an initial report from the Sports Business Journal that reported on the potential sale.
“The Mara and Tisch families have retained Moelis & Company to explore the potential sale of a minority, non-controlling stake in the New York Giants,” the club said in a statement, via NFL.com. “There will be no further comment in regard to the process.”
The Mara family has owned the franchise in some capacity since its inception in 1925, when it was founded by Tim Mara. More recently, the team has been split 50-50 between the Mara and Tisch families since 1991. John Mara and Steve Tisch have been in control of the organization since 2005.
While there was no specific reason given surrounding the possible sale of a minority stake, this isn’t an unprecedented practice in the league. The Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills are among a handful of teams that have completed minority sales of their franchises.
The league also approved a vote to allow private equity firms to buy up to a 10% stake in organizations last August. The report from the Sports Business Journal indicated that the Giants are looking to sell up to 10% of the team.
Of course, the price for the New York franchise will be a fascinating situation to follow. The Philadelphia Eagles sold 8% of the team in a pair of deals last year, which valued the team at $8.1 billion and $8.3 billion. Given the New York City market, it’s possible, if not a certainty, that the evaluation for the Giants will exceed that of their division rival.
‘The connection we have in this locker room is pretty special’ – PhiladelphiaEagles.com
Eagles players reflected on their season as they cleaned out their lockers.
Eagles players were back at the NovaCare Complex on Thursday to clean out their lockers before Friday’s Championship Parade in Philadelphia.
For many of them, it’s the first time they will experience anything like this – there is expected to be more than a million fans decked in green cheering them on each step of the way up to the Philadelphia Muesum of Art.
As they packed up for a final time this season, players reflected on their memories from the season and how excited they are to celebrate with the fans.
“I’m excited for it. Can’t wait. It’s going to be crazy, I’m sure. I’m just excited to see all of the people and to be able to celebrate with the whole city,” rookie defensive back Cooper DeJean said.
The rookie likely had the most memorable birthday he will ever experience – winning a Super Bowl and getting a pick-six in the game.
He shared his favorite memories of his outstanding rookie season: “Spending time with the guys, really. The connection we have in this locker room is pretty special, I think.
For center Cam Jurgens, his favorite memory of the 2024 season came on the field, and it was with a guy who was just a little popular in his first season in Philadelphia.
“This game right here (Week 17 vs. Cowboys) when Saquon (Barkley) broke 2,000 yards. That was such a historic landmark for Eagles franchise history, for Saquon, and for us to be a part of it. We know how much hard work we put in, how dominant we were, and to reach that milestone it felt pretty good,” Jurgens said.
The Nebraska native will experience an Eagles Championship Parade for the first time on Friday.
“I’m just super excited to see everybody. I know what it means to me, what it means to the team and the franchise, but I don’t fully grasp what it means to this community and Philadelphia and all of the fans out there and how it plays such a role in their lives. I can’t wait to see that,” Jurgens said.
Commanders ‘have chance to take a big leap’ in 2025 NFL season – Darius Hayes, Sports Illustrated
More surprises may be in store in Washington in 2025 after surprising everyone in 2024.
After a surprising run to the NFC Championship Game, the Washington Commanders enter the offseason with momentum and significant questions.
With rising star quarterback Jayden Daniels leading the way, the Commanders are positioned to take another leap forward. However, general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn must navigate a critical offseason to solidify its roster and maintain its newfound success.
ESPN writer John Keim highlights both the potential for Washington and their challenges. “After unexpectedly reaching the NFC Championship Game, and with a young rising star at quarterback in Jayden Daniels, the Commanders have a chance to take a big leap,” Keim said.
Washington has the financial flexibility to be aggressive in roster building. “They do have the third-most salary cap space available and seven draft picks,” Keim said. That kind of capital gives the team the ability to target key free agents and make strategic draft selections to reinforce its roster. However, there are significant roster concerns that must be addressed.
“But they have 28 unrestricted free agents and the second-fewest players under contract for 2025. Washington has only two receivers under contract for 2025,” Keim added. With so many players potentially leaving, General Manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn must decide which core pieces to retain while identifying external upgrades.
The offensive and defensive lines are particular areas of need. “It needs to fortify both lines, as well as corner and running back,” Keim stated. Protecting Daniels and improving the defensive front will be crucial to Washington’s success next season. The team must also add depth at key skill positions, including wide receiver and running back, to sustain offensive efficiency.
Washington’s front office faces a pivotal few months. If they can make the right personnel moves, the Commanders could position themselves as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. But failure to adequately address their roster holes could leave them struggling to replicate last season’s success. The stakes are high, and the next step in the franchise’s rebuild starts now.
