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Jaguars | Travis Hunter possesses endless endurance (Tue Jun 17, 01:05 PM) [jump to this story] Steelers | Aaron Rodgers gets rave review (Tue Jun 17, 10:54 AM) [jump to this story] Vikings | J.J. McCarthy impressing with arm strength (Tue Jun 17, 09:58 AM) [jump to this story] |
Falcons | Michael Gonzalez catches on with Atlanta Fri May 16, 03:28 PM
Undrafted free-agent C Michael Gonzalez (Louisville) signed an undisclosed contract with the Atlanta Falcons on Friday, May 16.
Link to storyGreen Bay Packers WR Dontayvion Wicks has 'matured so much' over the last few months, according to passing game coordinator Jason Vrable.'I think early in (2024), he wanted the results so bad. He wanted to catch the ball and score. He was getting open, and then he would have a bad drop and everybody would be so upset over him and he'd be down on himself. I think he really learned to just handle one play at a time. It just happens to some guys. ... I think he's matured so much. And you saw at the end of the year when the ball was coming his way there was a real confidence toward the end to get open and make the play. And just do one play at a time. If you watched our practices, the speed that he's playing at, (offensive coordinator Luke) Getsy just came back here and was like, 'Man, this guy is so fast. And he's practicing so hard.' And you can see it. He's in Year 3, and he knows the system, he's playing with confidence and the energy's been awesome right now,' Vrable told the team's website earlier this week.
Footballguys view: We'll see what Wicks can do this season. The physical talent is there, but the Packers added another receiver in first-round pick Matthew Golden. When Christian Watson is healthy, the targets for Wicks will be even more limited. If you believe in the 2023 fifth-round pick, Wicks is cheap to pick up in dynasty formats. |
Dontayvion Wicks player page
New Orleans Saints WR Chris Olave appears unlikely to be traded this offseason, but the Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly have made their interest known to the Saints in recent days, according to a source. Per Nick Farabaugh of PennLive.com, the Saints do not seem interested in trading Olave.
Footballguys view: The Steelers are just checking in here. With their trade of George Pickens to the Cowboys earlier this month, they have DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson, and Calvin Austin as their top three wide receivers. The Saints have picked up the fifth-year option of Olave, and there might be a contract extension with him in the future. |
New York Jets PK Greg Zuerlein was released on Friday, May 16. Undrafted free-agent Michael Fletcher (Appalachian State) was signed to replace him on the roster.
Link to storyGreg Zuerlein player page
Denver Broncos director of player personnel Reed Burckhardt was promoted to assistant general manager on Friday, May 16.
Link to storyRetired New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr was reportedly receiving some interest from at least two teams around the start of free agency in March, more than a month before he announced his retirement due to a shoulder issue.
Footballguys view: No surprise here. Carr didn't seem to be on good terms with new Saints HC Kellen Moore, and some out there are questioning if his retirement is all health related. Could he return in 2026? Some think that's unlikely, but things change quickly in this league. If Carr wants to play in the future after taking a break in 2025, a few teams would have interest again. |
Derek Carr player page
Cleveland Browns third-round pick TE Harold Fannin Jr. signed his four-year, $6.7 million deal Friday, May 16. Fannin set FBS single-season records for receptions (117) and receiving yards (1,555) by a TE at Bowling Green last season.
Footballguys view: Fannin was a great player in college at Bowling Green, and he showed flashes against great college competition at the Senior Bowl. David Njoku is entrenched as the starter for the 2025 season, but Fannin could be an eventual starter - and star - for the Browns. We like the way he uses his body to box out smaller defenders, and he can turn to run quickly after the catch. |
New York Jets TE Mason Taylor is a 'pro-ready fix' for the Jets' needs at the tight end position, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com.
Footballguys view: Taylor was one of the most intriguing tight ends in this draft class. He's got an athletic profile that could make him a mismatch no matter if a linebacker or safety is tasked with covering him. Taylor sits atop the depth chart for the Jets with veteran Jeremy Ruckert as the no.2 for the Jets. It would be wise if QB Justin Fields got Taylor the ball early and often. |
New York Giants QB Jaxson Dart will likely sit the entire 2025 season 'if all goes well,' according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com.
Footballguys view: The Giants have an interesting quarterback situation, and they have a head coach (Brian Daboll) and general manager (Joe Schoen) who are likely on the hot seat. The team moved back into the first round to select Dart, and he's clearly seen as the quarterback of the future - we just don't know if the coach and the GM will be around for that future. The Giants could roll with Russell Wilson as the starter with Jameis Winston as the primary backup. |
Baltimore Ravens RB Derrick Henry ran for a league-high 909 yards after contact during the 2024 regular season, according to Pro Football Reference.
Footballguys view: Henry is pretty much a Mack truck between the tackles...or anywhere on the field. When he builds a head of steam, Henry is extremely difficult to bring down. With a new contract extension signed this week, Henry is set to lead the way on the ground for the Ravens again. We should see Henry get around 300 carries again this year after a monster 2024 with 325 carries, 1.921 yards, and 16 rushing touchdowns. |
Derrick Henry player page
Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes absorbed a league-high 70 hits during the 2024 regular season, according to Pro Football Reference.
Footballguys view: The Chiefs need to do a much better job of protecting the superstar quarterback. Mahomes said he wants to "try to get back to some of the explosive passing plays that we've done in years past." In order to do that, Mahomes needs time to throw on those downfield plays. They did select Ohio State OT Josh Simmons at the end of the first round, and he could be part of the solution the Chiefs need up front. |
Patrick Mahomes II player page
Kansas City Chiefs RB Keaontay Ingram (undisclosed) was waived with an injury designation Thursday, May 15.
Link to storyKansas City Chiefs WR Justin Lockhart (undisclosed) was waived from the Reserve/Injured list with an injury settlement Thursday, May 15.
Link to storyFree-agent LB Matt Judon (Falcons) said he has received interest from a few teams this offseason.
Link to storyMatthew Judon player page
Former New England Patriots DT Eric Johnson was claimed off waivers by the Indianapolis Colts Thursday, May 15. The team also waived S Marcel Dabo.
Link to storySan Francisco 49ers QB Kurtis Rourke (knee) may be a candidate for the Physically Unable to Perform list because he is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, in the opinion of ESPN.com's Nick Wagoner.
Link to storyPhiladelphia Eagles fourth-round draft choice DT Ty Robinson (Nebraska) signed his four-year rookie contract on Thursday, May 15. Financial terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.
Link to storyUpdating a previous report, free-agent OT D.J. Humphries (Chiefs) never agreed to terms on a contract with the San Francisco 49ers in late April, as had been reported by the agency that represents him. Furthermore, Matt Maiocco of NBCSportsBayArea reports that no agreement appears to be imminent either.
Link to storyNew England Patriots DT Christian Barmore (blood clots) told reporters on Thursday, May 15, that he has been cleared for football activity and should be ready well in advance of the team's Week 1 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Link to storyChristian Barmore player page
Jacksonville Jaguars TE Patrick Murtagh was released on Thursday, May 15.
Link to storyChicago Bears QB Caleb Williams - and specifically his father, Carl - went to 'great lengths' to circumvent the 2024 NFL Draft for several reasons, including their initial impression of the team and its history with quarterbacks, according to details in a forthcoming book from ESPN's Seth Wickersham. The father and son even considered attacking the organization and the city of Chicago in hopes they could make the situation untenable for the franchise, much like Jack and John Elway did with the Baltimore Colts in 1983. Ultimately, Caleb Williams' decision to potentially 'nuke the city' fell by the wayside following a predraft visit, after which he believed he could be part of a process to turn the franchise around.
Footballguys view: The Bears let Williams down last year, and that's why the coaching staff was changed. Coming over from the high-powered Lions, new head coach Ben Johnson should be able to craft a dynamic scheme around Williams and what he does best. Chicago had a Pope named before they had a 4,000 yard passer. Perhaps this year, Williams can be the first to surpass that mark. |
Philadelphia Eagles senior director of scouting Brandon Hunt was hired as the new vice president of player personnel for the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday, May 15.
Link to storyLos Angeles Chargers WR Ladd McConkey's 15 receptions of 20-plus yards ranked third among rookies and 18th in the NFL while having the third-lowest rate of vertical routes run last season.
Footballguys view: McConkey can take short passes and turn them into long gains. He changes direction quickly, and quickly became a favorite target of QB Justin Herbert. In the Wild Card loss to the Texans, McConkey set an NFL record with 197 yards (the most by a rookie in league history). In PPR formats, McConkey is a set-it-and-forget-it starter as a WR2. |
Denver Broncos WR Devaughn Vele had 52% of his targets go for first downs or touchdowns as a rookie last season, which was fourth in the NFL, per ESPN's Ben Solak. Following the selection of WR Pat Bryant in the third round, however, Solak believes that Vele will be competing with the rookie for the slot role in 2025.
Footballguys view: Vele reminded many in Broncos Country of a young Tim Patrick, and he played well as a rookie in 2024. He was a key cog for the passing game as Bo Nix went through his rookie season. This year in training camp, Vele is going to have to compete with Pat Bryant and Troy Franklin to establish a pecking order behind Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims. |
Indianapolis Colts WR Adonai Mitchell was primarily targeted on deep balls, finishing second in the NFL to New Orleans Saints WR Rashid Shaheed in average air yards per route run, and 40% of his targets came against man coverage. That's unlikely to change, in the opinion of ESPN's Ben Solak, who notes that Mitchell will 'probably' remain 'stuck' behind WRs Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs, as well as rookie TE Tyler Warren in terms of targets.
Footballguys view: Mitchell was a second-round pick for the Colts coming out of Texas in 2024. He's got a great size/speed combination, but the team doesn't have a refined passing attack and he's further down the pecking order - and primarily used as a deep target. Mitchell started six games as a rookie, catching 20 passes for 254 yards and zero touchdowns. Fantasy GMs will see him as only a 'what the heck' flex in deeper leagues unless injuries strike ahead of him on the depth chart. |
Chicago Bears WR Rome Odunze ranked sixth in the NFL in unrealized yards -- defined as air yards the player got via target but failed to convert into receiving yards -- in 2024, and ESPN's Ben Solak opines that he's 'more than a little worried about the severe lack of chemistry between [QB Caleb] Williams and Odunze.' Solak also adds that if Odunze isn't sharp running new head Ben Johnson's offense there are 'plenty' of options that could 'jump him on the depth chart.'
Footballguys view: Earlier this year, Bears assistant head coach Antwaan Randle El said the Bears can "get [Odunze] the ball in a lot of different ways." New head coach Ben Johnson should be creative in the design of his offense when it comes to getting Odunze opportunities to make plays. |
Minnesota Vikings OG Donovan Jackson signed a four-year, fully guaranteed $17.177 million deal that includes $9.422 million signing bonus.
Link to storySan Francisco 49ers DE Mykel Williams signed a four-year deal worth $24.943 million with a $14.78 million signing bonus Wednesday, May 14.
Link to storyFree-agent WR Kristian Wilkerson (Raiders) worked out for the Buffalo Bills Wednesday, May 14, according to a source.
Link to storyKristian Wilkerson player page
Philadelphia Eagles LB Nolan Smith (triceps) is expected to be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season.
Link to storyPhiladelphia Eagles TEs Dallas Goedert and Grant Calcaterra are locks to make the 53-man roster, but the team may decide to only keep two on the roster and elevate a tight end from the practice squad when needed, in the opinion of NBC Philadelphia's Reuben Frank.
Footballguys view: It would be an interesting move, considering Goedert's injury history. But as Frank notes, Goedert has never missed a playoff game. He's gotten banged up, but he always comes back. He's never suffered a season-ending injury, and he's always been just as productive when he's come back as before he got hurt. In addition, Goedert has played the 24th-most games by a tight end since 2019, but he's got the fifth-most games with 50 or more yards. He's had 50 or more yards in 44 percent of his games during those six years, and only Travis Kelce, George Kittle, Mark Andrews, T.J. Hockenson, and Darren Waller have reached 50 yards more frequently among tight ends who've played at least 50 games since 2019. That shows how dangerous Goedert is when he can make it onto the field. Goedert is being drafted as TE17 in early best balls. |
Dallas Goedert player page
Free-agent WR Jadon Janke (Dolphins) signed with the Green Bay Packers Wednesday, May 14. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Link to storyFormer New Orleans Saints LB Anfernee Orji was claimed off waivers by the Tennessee Titans Wednesday, May 14. The team also waived RB Jabari Small.
Link to storySources: The Jaguars are signing former Bills TE Quintin Morris to a one-year deal.
Footballguys view: As FOX Sports insider Jordan Schultz noted, Morris, who had three touchdowns over three seasons in Buffalo, is especially valued for his blocking ability. That's a trait Jacksonville's new coaching staff prioritizes in tight ends. Fantasy managers? Not so much. Brenton Strange remains the fantasy target of interest at the position in Jacksonville. |
Free-agent RB Trayveon Williams (Bengals) signed with the New England Patriots Wednesday, May 14. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. The team also released DT Eric Johnson.
Footballguys view: Williams, 28, has spent the last six seasons with the Bengals after joining the team as a sixth-round draft pick) in the 2019 NFL Draft. The 5-8, 206-pounder has played in 68 regular season games and has 62 rushing attempts for 307 yards and 15 receptions for 74 yards. He has also returned 33 kicks for 743 yards. Last season, he played in all 17 games for the Bengals, mostly on special teams. That's also his likely role in New England, with Ramondre Stevenson, rookie TreVeyon Herndson, and Antonio Gibson ahead of him on the current depth chart. |
Trayveon Williams player page
Free-agent RB Trayveon Williams (Bengals) worked out for the New England Patriots Wednesday, May 14, according to a source.
Link to storyTrayveon Williams player page
Free-agent RB Jordan Mims (Saints) worked out for the New England Patriots Wednesday, May 14, according to a source.
Link to storyJordan Mims player page
Free-agent LB Jadeveon Clowney (Panthers) could be a possible option for the Baltimore Ravens this offseason, in the opinion of BaltimoreRavens.com's Ryan Mink.
Link to storyJadeveon Clowney player page
Green Bay Packers RB Josh Jacobs is looking better than he did at this time last year and will not have any limitations during offseason workouts, according to running backs coach Ben Sirmans.
Footballguys view: As CheeseheadTV.com suggested, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst took a gamble replacing longtime locker room leader and fan favorite Aaron Jones with Jacobs, but it paid off. In his first season with Green Bay, Jacobs finished sixth in the league with 1,329 YDs rushing on 301 attempts. He averaged 4.4 YDs per carry and totaled 15 rushing TDs, third among running backs. He was reliable, playing in all 17 games and caught 43 passes for 342 yards, scoring his first career receiving touchdown in week 7. His average of 9.5 yards per catch was second among the top 25 running backs in catches. But make no mistake, handing the ball to Jacobs is a winning formula, and we'll see it again this season. Jacobs is RB10 on the initial Footballguys 2025 Projections. That aligns directly with his current RB10 Average Draft Position in early Underdog best-ball drafts. Fantasy managers who invest in anticipated workload will find this price appealing. |
Josh Jacobs player page
Miami Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill (wrist) is still expected to be ready for the start of training camp even though he underwent another procedure on his wrist to remove pins from the wrist, according to agent Drew Rosenhaus.
Footballguys view: Hill had surgery in February to repair an injury he played through during the 2024 season. He had a second procedure earlier this month to remove screws from the wrist, a procedure that was part of his initial treatment plan. Word at the time of the initial surgery was that Hill would be ready to go for training camp, and there's no sign that anything has changed on that front. Hill is coming off a disappointing season, but he heads into 2025 as the WR13 on the Footballguys initial projections. |
Tyreek Hill player page
Free-agent CB Rasul Douglas (Bills) recently received a contract offer from the Miami Dolphins but decided to reject the offer, according to a source.
Link to storyRasul Douglas player page
Baltimore Ravens RB Derrick Henry agreed to terms on a two-year contract extension with the Ravens Wednesday, May 14, worth $30 million. Henry is guaranteed to receive $25 million over the next two seasons.
Footballguys view: It is the largest deal in NFL history for a running back over 30 years old. Henry is 31 years old and coming off a phenomenal first season in Baltimore, having compiled 1,921 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on a career-high 5.9 yards per carry across 17 regular-season games. He added 193 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 19 catches. He became the first player in NFL history with multiple seasons of 1,900-plus rush yards. Henry, who signed a two-year contract with the Ravens last year, had been set to become a free agent after this season before agreeing to this new extension. Fantasy investors were already all in on Henry, who is going as RB6 in early best-ball drafts. He's RB7 on the initial Footballguys 2025 Draft Projections. |
Derrick Henry player page
Seattle Seahawks third-round draft choice QB Jalen Milroe signed a four-year contract with the Seahawks Tuesday, May 14, worth $6.264 million.
Footballguys view: While Milroe fell into the late third round, Footballguy Sigmund Bloom pointed out that the rookie still landed on a team that could give him a chance to start in 2026. Sam Darnold's deal is basically year-to-year after 2025, and if you think Darnold bombs outside of Minnesota, then Milroe's immense fantasy upside could be unlocked. Bloom added: "Milroe is still a viable late first-round pick in superflex leagues and has as much upside as anyone going outside of the first in 1QB leagues." |
Cleveland Browns WR Ja'Seem Reed (undisclosed) moved to the Reserve/Injured list Tuesday, May 14, after clearing waivers.
Link to storyUndrafted free-agent QB Will Rogers (Washington) worked out for the Green Bay Packers Wednesday, May 14, according to a source.
Link to storyFree-agent LB Matt Judon (Falcons) said he does not expect to re-sign with the Atlanta Falcons this offseason but is still interested in playing this upcoming season.
Link to storyMatthew Judon player page
Free-agent S Jordan Poyer (Dolphins) said he is looking to play this upcoming season and is interested in returning to the Buffalo Bills.
Link to storyJordan Poyer player page
Cincinnati Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson said he was disappointed in a text message exchange with head coach Zac Taylor, who threatened to fine him for skipping mandatory minicamp in June. 'A little bit transpired between me and Zac,' Hendrickson said. 'We've tried to keep it as least amount as personal as possible, but at some point, in this process, it becomes personal.' 'I don't think it was necessary,' Hendrickson said of Taylor's text. 'I think we should have all hoped for the best until proven otherwise. Other things have transpired like the importance of me being here in OTAs doesn't seem to be respected. I think I've carried a lot of respect. I don't mean to insinuate anything about anyone's character, but that was disappointing. I think that was the word of the offseason.'
Footballguys view: Hendrickson, who led the NFL in sacks last season, is one of the NFL's best defensive players and wants to be paid as such. He and the Bengals have yet to be able to come to a close on terms of what his next deal should look like, and personal issues with the coach won't make that easier. Although he showed up at team headquarters to make his case to the media, Hendrickson did not declare whether he plans to attend mandatory minicamp. Nor did he discuss sitting out of training camp or games, for that matter. For the most part, Hendrickson refrained from making any declarations as he hopes to get his situation resolved as soon as possible. However, he confirmed he wouldn't play in the upcoming season on his current deal. He is scheduled to make a base salary of $15.8 million with a salary cap hit of $18.6 million this season. This means the Bengals and Hendrickson will have to find a middle ground somewhere for a long-term extension to be reached by Week 1. |
Trey Hendrickson player page
Retired QB Derek Carr (Saints) is 'extremely unlikely' to unretire in 2026, according to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, who cited 'sources with knowledge of the situation.' Carr is already making other professional plans, though it's entirely possible he could change his mind once fully healthy.
Footballguys view: While Carr eventually will land on the Saints' reserve/retired list, an unretirement in 2026 would likely trigger an immediate release of his rights, given that his 2025 salary of $30 million would immediately hit the cap. At most, the Saints would finagle a late-round pick from a team interested in signing him. And if he eventually has a change of heart, Given that the shelf life for quarterbacks has extended deep into the 30s and, for some, beyond their 40th birthdays, the 34-year-old Carr could still play if/when his shoulder is healed. So, even if it's unlikely for now, we may revisit this story down the road. |
Derek Carr player page
Free agent wide receiver Gabe Davis visited the 49ers on Monday. Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reports that Davis is now on his way to see the Giants.
Footballguys view: Giants head coach Brian Daboll was the offensive coordinator in Buffalo in Davis' first two seasons. Davis spent his first four seasons with the Bills after they made him a fourth-round pick in 2020. The Jaguars signed him in free agency a year ago, but Davis caught only 20 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns in 10 games in 2024 before tearing the meniscus in his left knee. The Jaguars recently released Davis with a failed physical designation. |
Gabe Davis player page