Blockbuster Trades Shake Up 3GML Offseason

The 3GML offseason is off to a wild start, with major trades reshaping the landscape for multiple contenders. From star pass rushers swapping teams to franchise quarterbacks finding new homes, general managers are making aggressive moves to position their teams for a Super Bowl run in 2025.

Green Bay Lands Defensive Superstar Myles Garrett

The Packers made a massive splash, acquiring elite pass rusher Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for two first-round picks and a third-round selection. Garrett, a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate, instantly upgrades a Green Bay defense that was already one of the league’s best.

"Adding Myles to this defense is a game-changer," said GM SD. "Pass rush wins in this league, and we just brought in one of the best to do it."

With Garrett joining Carl Granderson and Michael Pierce up front, the Packers now boast a terrifying defensive front to complement their explosive offense.

Houston Revamps Secondary, Trades Away Deebo Samuel

The Texans, looking to add defensive firepower, traded a second-round pick to Cleveland for cornerback Denzel Ward and a fourth-round pick. Ward gives Houston a true No. 1 corner to help contain the high-powered AFC offenses.

Houston also made headlines by moving on from star wide receiver Deebo Samuel. The move signals a shift in offensive philosophy for GM TH, who may be looking to surround Drake Maye with younger, cheaper playmakers as the Texans build for sustained success.

Chargers Make Bold Move for Matthew Stafford

After an up-and-down season with Will Levis, the Chargers made a blockbuster trade for veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, sending a first-round pick and WR Romeo Doubs to the Rams in exchange for Stafford and a third-round pick.

Stafford brings experience and a big arm to an offense in desperate need of consistency. With a talented roster in place, GM BD is betting that Stafford can elevate the Chargers back into contention after narrowly missing the playoffs last season.

"We believe in this team and felt like we needed a veteran presence at quarterback to take the next step," said BD.

49ers Manage Cap Crunch, Restructure Deals

San Francisco, fresh off an NFC Championship and Super Bowl appearance, is feeling the pressure of the salary cap. To create flexibility, they restructured the contracts of star safety Derwin James and WR CeeDee Lamb, freeing up space for potential offseason moves.

Additionally, the 49ers released veteran running back Jamaal Williams, a move that clears even more cap room but leaves a hole in the backfield behind Jaylen Wright. With GM CD known for creative roster-building, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the 49ers active in the coming weeks to round out their roster.

More Moves to Come?

With free agency and the draft still ahead, these moves are likely just the beginning. The 3GML landscape has already shifted dramatically, and teams are clearly in win-now mode. The question now: Who will make the next big move?

2025 3GML NFL Draft - 1st Round Order

1. Tennessee

2. Cleveland

3. New York Giants

4. New England

5. Jacksonville

6. Las Vegas

7. New York Jets

8. Carolina

9. New Orleans

10. Chicago

11. Tampa Bay

12. Dallas

13. Miami

14. Indianapolis

15. Atlanta

16. Arizona

17. Cincinnati 

18. Seattle

19. Houston

20. Denver

21. Pittsburgh

22. Los Angeles Rams

23. Buffalo

24. Minnesota

25. Kansas City

26. Los Angeles Rams

27. Baltimore

28. Detroit

29. Washington

30. Cleveland

31. San Francisco

32. Philadelphia 

2024 3GML Season - Super Bowl LIX

Chiefs Outgun 49ers to Win Super Bowl LIX, 45-27

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs delivered an offensive masterclass, defeating the San Francisco 49ers 45-27 in Super Bowl LIX on Sunday night at Caesars Superdome.

Kansas City’s offense seemed straight out of a video game, moving the ball at will with Mahomes dissecting the 49ers' defense. Despite the lopsided scoreline, San Francisco fought valiantly, led by quarterback Jordan Love, who threw for 432 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions.

“This one hurts,” said Love after the game. “We fought hard all year, and I’m proud of what we accomplished, but it’s tough to come up short in a game like this.”

Rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey shined in the defeat, hauling in six passes for 151 yards and a touchdown. Tight end David Njoku contributed 118 yards and a score, while CeeDee Lamb, who faced constant double coverage, still managed 79 yards and a touchdown. Lamb’s postseason dominance earned him the Kyle Lauletta Award, given to the player exemplifying postseason excellence.

“CeeDee’s effort throughout the playoffs was incredible,” said 49ers GM CD. “He stepped up when it mattered most and showed why he’s one of the best in the league.”

The loss marks the end of an impressive season for the 49ers, who reached their second Super Bowl under GM CD and head coach Kyle Shanahan. While the defeat stings, the 49ers' future remains bright with Love and a young, talented roster poised for another run in the years to come.

“Tonight wasn’t our night,” Shanahan said, “but this team has the heart of a champion. We’ll be back.”

2024 3GML Season - Championship Round

49ers Dominate Packers to Secure Spot in Super Bowl

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers came out firing on all cylinders and never looked back, defeating the top-seeded Green Bay Packers 38-22 in the NFC Championship Game at Lambeau Field on Sunday.

The 49ers (13-7) set the tone early, scoring touchdowns on their first three drives to build a commanding 21-0 lead in the first quarter. Green Bay (14-5) struggled to respond, and the game was never closer than a two-score margin for the remainder of the contest.

CeeDee Lamb was the focal point of the San Francisco offense, catching 12 passes for 159 yards and consistently converting key downs. Running back Jaylen Wright contributed three rushing touchdowns despite a modest 31 yards on the ground, punching in critical red-zone opportunities.

“We knew we had to come out fast in a hostile environment, and our guys executed perfectly,” said 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. “This is a special team, and we’re not done yet.”

The Packers’ offense, led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, couldn’t find its rhythm until late. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson provided a bright spot with 80 yards, a touchdown, and a two-point conversion, but Green Bay’s efforts fell short in their bid for a comeback.

The loss ends the season for GM SD, who was aiming to lead the Packers to back-to-back Super Bowl titles. For GM CD, the win propels him to his third Super Bowl appearance and his first with the 49ers. He will now aim for his second championship, having previously won with the New England Patriots.

San Francisco will face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV in two weeks in what will be a matchup between two top offenses.

2024 3GML Season - Divisional Round

Packers Hold Off Seahawks in Divisional Round Shootout

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The top-seeded Green Bay Packers weathered a furious comeback by the 5th-seeded Seattle Seahawks to secure a thrilling 37-35 victory in the NFC Divisional Round on Saturday.

Green Bay (15-3) came out firing, scoring 28 points in a dominant first half behind a career performance from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa threw for 415 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, showcasing the precision that powered the Packers to the NFC’s top seed.

Wide receivers Rome Odunze and Justin Jefferson were unstoppable, with Odunze hauling in 122 yards and a touchdown, while Jefferson added 102 yards and a score. Running back Isiah Pacheco complemented the air attack with a bruising 120 yards on the ground and a touchdown.

Despite the early dominance, the Seahawks (11-8) stormed back in the second half, cutting the lead to two points late in the fourth quarter. Green Bay’s defense, however, held firm on Seattle’s final drive to seal the victory.

“Credit to Seattle—they didn’t quit, and they made us earn it,” said Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. “But this team knows how to finish, and that’s what we did today.”

The victory sets up a marquee NFC Championship matchup as Green Bay will host the 2nd-seeded San Francisco 49ers, a clash of two 3GML franchises with Super Bowl aspirations.

49ers Capitalize on Late Turnovers to Advance to NFC Championship

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The 2nd-seeded San Francisco 49ers pulled away late to defeat the 3rd-seeded New York Giants 37-20 in the NFC Divisional Round on Sunday, punching their ticket to the NFC Championship Game.

In a game that was tied 20-20 midway through the fourth quarter, the 49ers (12-7) delivered a string of defensive heroics to put the game out of reach. The turning point came on a critical Giants possession when 49ers defensive tackle Zach Allen strip-sacked Daniel Jones, scooped up the loose ball, and rumbled 27 yards for a game-changing touchdown.

“Zach’s play was incredible—it completely shifted the momentum,” said 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. “That’s the kind of play you dream about in big games.”

Following the fumble return, the Giants (11-8) unraveled. Jones threw interceptions on New York’s next two possessions, first a pick-six to linebacker Drue Tranquill and then another interception to cornerback Jaylon Johnson, sealing the Giants’ fate with three turnovers in as many drives.

Offensively, San Francisco was efficient, with quarterback Jordan Love throwing for 247 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. Running back Jaylen Wright chipped in with 59 rushing yards.

With the win, the 49ers advance to the NFC Championship Game, where they will face the top-seeded Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The clash between two 3GML franchises promises to be a showdown for the ages.

2024 3GML Season - Wild Card Round

Texans Fall Short in Wild Card Thriller Against Chiefs

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The 7th-seeded Houston Texans pushed the 2nd-seeded Kansas City Chiefs to the brink but ultimately fell 41-34 in a thrilling Wild Card showdown on Sunday.

Few gave the Texans (10-8) a chance against the powerhouse Chiefs, but rookie quarterback Drake Maye silenced the doubters with a spectacular performance. Maye threw for 328 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing the poise and talent that made him the second overall pick.

Houston carried a seven-point lead into the fourth quarter, but the Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, capitalized on two late drives to take control. The injury-depleted Texans fought valiantly but couldn't muster a final answer as time expired on their 2024 campaign.

“We didn’t come here to play close; we came to win,” said GM TH. “But I’m proud of this team. Drake showed today why he’s our guy, and this group never stopped fighting despite all the adversity we faced this season.”

While the loss ends Houston's season, the effort signals a bright future for a team built around its young QB.

49ers Dominate Eagles to Advance to Divisional Round

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The 2nd-seeded San Francisco 49ers left no doubt in their Wild Card matchup, dismantling the 7th-seeded Philadelphia Eagles 38-14 on Sunday.

Behind a stellar performance from 3GML MVP Jordan Love, the 49ers (11-7) rolled to 474 yards of total offense in a game that was decided early. Love carved up the Eagles’ defense, throwing for 349 yards and five touchdowns.

Wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and Diontae Johnson both eclipsed the 100-yard mark, with Lamb tallying 113 yards and a score, while Johnson added 100 yards and a touchdown of his own. The offensive outburst and a smothering defensive effort ensured the Niners’ victory never came into question.

“Jordan showed why he’s the MVP,” said head coach Kyle Shanahan. “When he’s on, this offense is tough to stop, and today was one of those days.”

With the win, the 49ers move on to the Divisional Round, where they will host the 3rd-seeded New York Giants in a battle of NFC powerhouses.

2024 3GML Season - Week 18

Texans Fall to Titans 29-24, Playoff Fate Uncertain

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Houston Texans dropped a crucial game to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, losing 29-24 at Nissan Stadium. The defeat leaves Houston (10-7) on the edge of the playoff picture, awaiting results from other games to determine their postseason fate.

The Texans offense struggled to find its usual rhythm, with quarterback Drake Maye throwing for 286 yards and a touchdown but also tossing two costly interceptions. Derrick Henry, who has been a consistent force for Houston this season, was held to 56 rushing yards but managed to punch in two touchdowns to keep the Texans within reach.

“It’s a tough one to swallow,” said Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans. “We fought hard, but we didn’t make the plays we needed to in critical moments. Now we just have to wait and see how things shake out.”

With their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the Texans will anxiously await the outcomes of other Week 18 matchups to see if their 10-7 record is enough to secure a spot in the AFC playoffs.

Packers Eliminate Bears from Playoffs with 10-7 Victory

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — In a game that had no playoff implications for the Green Bay Packers but everything on the line for their rivals, the Packers secured a 10-7 win over the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on Sunday. The victory knocked the Bears out of playoff contention and served as a final regular-season tune-up for Green Bay (13-4), who already clinched the NFC's number one seed.

The Packers' defense was the star of the game, with cornerback Christian Gonzalez intercepting rookie quarterback Caleb Williams twice, including a key pick in the fourth quarter to snuff out a potential game-tying drive.

The Bears managed a lone touchdown in the second quarter but struggled to move the ball consistently against Green Bay’s stingy defense.

“Anytime you can beat the Bears, it’s a good day,” said Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. “But our focus now is on the playoffs. We’ve got bigger goals ahead.”

The Packers now turn their attention to the postseason, while the Bears head into the offseason wondering what could have been.

Chargers Close Season with 27-17 Win Over Raiders

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Los Angeles Chargers ended their 2024 campaign on a high note, defeating the Las Vegas Raiders 27-17 on Sunday to secure a winning record at 9-8.

The Chargers dominated on the ground, with Najee Harris, Will Levis, and fullback Hunter Luepke each rushing for a touchdown. 

“This was a great way to finish,” said Chargers head coach Bobby Slowik. “We showed resilience this season, and now it’s about building on this momentum for next year.”

For GM CD, the win closes a season of ups and downs. With a strong foundation in place, the Chargers aim to bolster their roster through free agency and the draft to make a stronger playoff push in 2025.

49ers Fall to Cardinals but Clinch NFC West, Secure No. 2 Seed

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers closed out the regular season with a 35-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday but still clinched the NFC West and secured the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs.

Jordan Love continued his strong campaign, throwing for 237 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Love connected with CeeDee Lamb and rookie David Nkoju for scores, making a final push for 3GML MVP honors.

Despite the defeat, San Francisco (10-7) capped a successful regular season highlighted by their dominance in divisional play, finishing 5-1 in the NFC West.

“Not the way we wanted to end the season, but we’re ready for what’s ahead,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said. “We’ve earned the right to play at home, and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

The 49ers will host the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card Round next weekend, aiming to kick off their postseason run on a high note.