NFC Notes: Leftover Draft Buzz, Bears, Kirk Cousins, Vikings

Aaron Donald, retired for over a year, continues to challenge NFL players, notably Jared Verse, who accepted his "old man workout" at Donald's home. Verse described the intense session, which included rigorous cardio and weightlifting, leaving him exhausted and altering his training mentality, as Donald emphasized the importance of perseverance, particularly in the fourth quarter of games. Want More Context? 🔎

On the day of training camp, Cowboys left guard Tyler Smith stated that winning the Super Bowl is a "realistic goal," a sentiment echoed by new coach Brian Schottenheimer and quarterback Dak Prescott, who emphasized the team's high expectations. As Prescott enters his 10th season with a 2-5 postseason record, he acknowledges the pressure to improve and align with the team's championship aspirations. Want More Context? 🔎

Several high-profile players from the 2024 NFL free-agent class are failing to meet expectations early in the 2025 season, struggling to justify their substantial contracts. Despite the financial investments made in them, these athletes have been underperforming, raising concerns about the long-term value of their deals. Want More Context? 🔎