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Chiefs | No suspension for Rashee Rice at this point (Fri Jun 20, 02:03 AM) [jump to this story] Steelers | Quick passes for DK Metcalf? (Fri Jun 20, 02:03 AM) [jump to this story] Texans | Joe Mixon may not be ready for start of camp (Fri Jun 20, 12:23 AM) [jump to this story] |
Falcons | OC sees big things from Kyle Pitts in 2025 Tue May 6, 03:06 PM
Atlanta Falcons TE Kyle Pitts is expected to take 'a big jump' in his second year in offensive coordinator Zac Robinson's system.'I'm expecting Kyle to take a big jump. You know, Year 2 of the system. Year 2 of understanding what we're trying to do offensively. All those things that come with it, so expecting a lot of good things from Kyle. He knows what he needs to work on with the details, some of the fundamentals and techniques, the consistency down in and down out, those are things we talk about with him and (tight ends coach Kevin) Koger talks about with him all the time is those finer details and that next level that he can take as a player. So I'm pumped for Kyle, can't wait to get on the field with him and that's going to be a lot of fun to see his growth,' Robinson said.
Footballguys view: We touched on this on Sunday when Robinson's quotes first circulated. Adding to that, we'll remind you that Pitts, who doesn't turn 25 until October, had 68 receptions for 1,026 yards as a rookie. But those numbers remain his career bests after four seasons. He had a career-high four touchdowns last year, but his overall line of 47 catches for 602 yards and the four TDs is hardly much to get excited about, especially for a former No. 4 pick. His yards were 13th among TEs, his catches tied for 21st and his touchdowns tied for 11th. Still, the Falcons picked up his fifth-year option for this season, making it a make-or-break year for Pitts in Atlanta. So whatever the formula is for Pitts to find success with the Falcons, it needs to come this year. Time is running out on the potential. |
Kyle Pitts player page
Los Angeles Rams senior personnel executive/coaching assistant Brian Xanders will reportedly accept a front office job with the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to a source.
Link to storyGreen Bay Packers WR Christian Watson (knee) said he is doing 'really well' in his rehab after last season's torn anterior cruciate ligament, speaking with reporters Sunday, May 4. 'I'm in a really, really good spot,' Watson said. 'Just keeping the mentality there. Just working. I've got a couple more months ahead of me, but I'm attacking it every day. I'm in a really good spot.'
Footballguys view: The timing of the injury means that Watson has a cloudy outlook for a return in 2025. And even if the start of the offseason program has lifted Watson's spirits, the immediate future is uncertain. The Packers added Matthew Golden in the first round and Savion Williams in the third round, so they moved to bolster the receiver group well ahead of any concrete news about when Watson might be able to play. As Profootballtalk.com suggests, if that duo makes a quick transition to NFL life, Watson's future in Green Bay beyond 2025 -- the final year of his rookie deal -- will also be cloudy. |
Cincinnati Bengals DT B.J. Hill (undisclosed) was seen wearing a walking boot Tuesday, May 6, during voluntary workouts.
Link to storyB.J. Hill player page
Cincinnati Bengals S Geno Stone agreed to take a pay cut for the 2025 season, OverTheCap.com's Jason Fitzgerald reported Tuesday, May 6. Rather than the $6.475 million he was schedule to earn, Stone will receive $4.9 million with $1.5 million guaranteed.
Link to storyGeno Stone player page
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Dallas Cowboys "have not yet ramped up negotiations" with star edge-rusher Micah Parsons. "That doesn't mean they will not. They are budgeting for that," Fowler reported Sunday on SportsCenter. Fowler went on to say Dallas could use some of its available salary cap space to bolster the receiving corps, with the Cowboys and Amari Cooper having "some mutual interest" in a reunion.
Footballguys view: Cooper is coming off a disappointing 2024 season. His 44 receptions, 547 yards, and four touchdown grabs were all career lows. With the team not taking a wideout in the 2025 NFL draft, the five-time Pro Bowler would at least provide some depth behind CeeDee Lamb. Remember, the Cowboys traded for Cooper in 2018, with a first-round pick going the other way. The former Raider remained in Dallas for another three seasons, topping 1,100 receiving yards on two occasions. With Lamb emerging as the team's WR1, Cooper was dealt to the Browns in March 2022 as part of a late-round pick swap agreement. In addition to Lamb, the Cowboys currently have Jalen Tolbert, Jonathan Mingo Parris Campbell, and returner KaVontae Turpin on their depth chart. |
Amari Cooper player page
Updating previous reports, Cleveland Browns WR Diontae Johnson's one-year deal is for the veteran's minimum of $1.17 million and includes no guaranteed money.
Footballguys view: The Browns could cut Johnson at any point before the first week of the regular season and avoid being on the hook for any of that salary. Remember, Johnson was traded by the Steelers to the Panthers ahead of the 2024 season and played seven games for Carolina before being dealt to the Ravens. He was waived in December after refusing to enter a game and was claimed by the Texans. Houston cut him during the playoffs, and the Ravens claimed him in order to position themselves for a potential compensatory pick. They won't be getting that pick, and Johnson has work to do before he can be viewed as fantasy-relevant again. |
Diontae Johnson player page
Undrafted free-agent PK John Hoyland (Wyoming) is expected to sign with the Baltimore Ravens. Hoyland will compete with sixth-round pick PK Tyler Loop for the starting job.
Link to storyBuffalo Bills DBs Cole Bishop and Damar Hamlin will likely compete for the starting safety spot opposite S Taylor Rapp, according to The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia, with Bishop, a second-round pick last year, having the 'inside track' on the job over Hamlin, who was re-signed to a one-year deal back in March.
Link to storyDamar Hamlin player page
Buffalo Bills WR Laviska Shenault Jr., who signed with the club early in the offseason, 'can't be counted out' for a spot on the 53-man roster, in the opinion of The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia, who notes that the team liked him when he was entering the NFL draft and believe he could be an option as the team's kick returner. He could push fellow newcomer WR Elijah Moore for WR5 or could stick if the team elects to carry six receivers.
Footballguys view: Though Shenault didn't carve out a significant role at receiver during his time as a Panther, Carolina's then-special teams coordinator, Chris Tabor, saw an opportunity for Shenault to become a special teams weapon with the ball in his hands. Ultimately, it was just nine total kickoff returns, but they allowed Shenault to reinvent himself -- to become a valuable asset for teams prioritizing special teams play. Tabor is now with the Bills, having joined the team this offseason. Shenault said that Tabor played a huge role in his signing a one-year contract to play with Buffalo. Fantasy managers should expect special teams to be Shenault's primary focus. |
Buffalo Bills WR Elijah Moore is likely to have the 'inside track' for a spot on the 53-man roster, per The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia, though he notes there figures to be competition for the fifth receiver spot. He considers WRs Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel, and newly signed WR Joshua Palmer to be entrenched as the top four.
Footballguys view: Moore can play multiple receiver spots, which could help him carve out a possible role in a group that includes Laviska Shenault Jr. The Bills also picked Kaden Prather out of Maryland in the seventh round Saturday, their only selection at wide receiver in the draft. Josh Allen has proven he can put up points despite not having a star-studded wideout room. Moore should have every chance to carve out a role in this offseason. We'll watch for more on that as the season draws nearer. |
Elijah Moore player page
Buffalo Bills QBs Mitchell Trubisky and Mike White are likely competing for one roster spot, in the opinion of The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia, who notes that the team is unlikely to utilize more than two spots on the 53-man roster for quarterbacks. Both players are set to become free agents following the 2025 season, so there's no contractual element to the competition.
Link to storyMitchell Trubisky player page
San Francisco 49ers QB Kurtis Rourke (knee) likely will compete with QB Tanner Mordecai for the No. 3 quarterback job if he is medically cleared to participate during training camp, in the opinion of NinersWire's Kyle Madson.
Link to storyUndrafted free-agent P James Burnip (Alabama) signed with the New Orleans Saints Monday, May 5. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Link to storyUndrafted free-agent DE Paris Shand (Louisiana State) signed with the Buffalo Bills Monday, May 5. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Link to storyKansas City Chiefs fifth-round draft choice LB Jeffrey Bassa and seventh-round draft choice RB Brashard Smith signed four-year contracts with the Chiefs Monday, May 5. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Link to storyGreen Bay Packers WR Lideatrick Griffin was released Monday, May 5.
Link to storyFree-agent TE Josiah Deguara (Jaguars) signed with the Arizona Cardinals Monday, May 5. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Link to storyJosiah Deguara player page
Ravens released kicker Justin Tucker. After drafting kicker Tyler Loop, the organization continues to insist it is a "football decision."
Footballguys view: The team might insist it's a football decision, but Tucker has been accused of inappropriate behavior by 16 massage therapists from eight different Baltimore spas and wellness centers between 2012 and 2016, covering Tucker's first five seasons in the NFL. Tucker has publicly disputed the allegations twice, calling the accusations "unequivocally false." The NFL has been investigating the matter. Meanwhile, Loop finished his college career with the highest field goal percentage (83.75 percent) in Arizona history, and he made a program-record 62-yard field goal against Houston in 2024. Loop is versatile; he can handle kickoffs and was Arizona's primary punter in 2020. |
Justin Tucker player page
Las Vegas Raiders sixth-round draft choice QB/WR Tommy Mellott is a 'unique guy' who the team views as an 'athlete/receiver,' according to college scouting director Brandon Yeargan.'We view him as a receiver that's going to have a lot of value in the kicking game, potentially as a returner, as a cover player, maybe play some quarterback, too. We're looking (at him) really as an athlete/receiver, but he's a unique guy,' Yeargan said.
Footballguys view: As Review-Journal staffer Vincent Bonsignore noted, Mellott caught the attention of several NFL scouts and coaches with an electrifying pro day at Montana State on April 4. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds, posted a 41-inch vertical jump, and recorded a 10-foot, 4-inch broad jump. He threw passes as a quarterback and then caught them as a receiver. Bonsignore reports the Raiders have a broader vision for Mellott, much like the Patriots did with Julian Edelman when they selected him in the seventh round of the 2009 draft. The former Kent State quarterback became an excellent receiver and the MVP of Super Bowl 53. However, Mellot has much to prove before he's viewed as a potential fantasy asset. |
Free-agent WR Diontae Johnson (Ravens) officially signed an undisclosed contract with the Cleveland Browns on Monday, May 5.
Footballguys view: After playing for three different teams last year, Johnson hopes to find a role in a Cleveland receiving corps led by Jerry Jeudy and featuring DeAndre Carter, Cedric Tillman, Michael Woods II, Jamari Thrash, David Bell, and Kaden Davis. The Browns also have to figure out their starting QB, so any help they get on the outside is a plus. |
Diontae Johnson player page
Miami Dolphins OTs Austin Jackson, Patrick Paul and Braeden Daniels have been training with former NFL offensive lineman-turned-trainer Torrian Wilson this spring.
Link to storyFree-agent WR Britain Covey (Eagles) signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams on Monday, May 5. Financial terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.
Link to storyLos Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford signed a renegotiated contract that will allow him to earn $44 million in 2025, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport. If Stafford is on the roster at the start of free agency in 2026, he will make another $40 million guaranteed.
Footballguys view: Considering that they don't have an heir apparent on the roster, Stafford seems likely to get every opportunity to earn that money. At this point, there's no reason to believe he can't play at a level similar to what we've seen in the last two years. He's 19-12 as a starter over that span, completing 64.2 percent of his passes for 7,727 yards with 44 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. Stafford gives the Rams a great shot at post-season play, and, as we've noted in the past, fantasy managers with stakes in Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and Kyren Williams have a better chance of getting the most out of their investments. |
Matthew Stafford player page
Pittsburgh Steelers WR George Pickens reportedly 'flirted' with the idea of requesting a trade but has seemingly had a change of heart about remaining with the team, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.'Trade talks or any sort of buzz around that has cooled. There was a little bit of smoke out of the draft, but I was told that Pickens, in the end, wants to be in Pittsburgh. Sort of flirted with a trade request, but in the end, loves (head coach) Mike Tomlin, wants to be a part of things,' Fowler said.
Footballguys view: As USA Today suggested, it's startling that Pickens was close to requesting a trade out of Pittsburgh, but there were issues. In his first three years in the league, he had to develop chemistry from scratch with Mitchell Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph, Justin Fields, and Russell Wilson -- all to have zero direction at QB heading into 2025. If the news about Pickens' love for Tomlin and the Steelers is to be believed, an extension -- instead of the previously speculated trade -- could be in the works. |
Houston Texans second-round draft choice OT Aireontae Ersery will remain at offensive tackle for now, according to head coach DeMeco Ryans. There had been some thought that the 331-pound Ersery might move inside to guard.
Link to storyHouston Texans S Jimmie Ward (foot) is 'doing fine' and no longer wearing a walking boot, according to head coach DeMeco Ryans. Ward suffered a season-ending foot injury in Week 16.
Link to storyJimmie Ward player page
Free-agent WR Elijah Moore (Browns) officially signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills on Monday, May 5. Financial terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.
Footballguys view: Moore also met with the media to discuss why he came to Buffalo. The list of reasons started with the player charged with getting him the ball this fall. Moore said quarterback Josh Allen's presence made it "very, very easy" to decide on the Bills as his next team. Moore also cited his fit with the offense when discussing what appealed to him about the Bills. Moore said he was looking for a club where his "talent isn't really there" and that he found it with the Bills. We'll watch in the coming weeks as the veteran wideout tries to carve out a role in Buffalo. |
Elijah Moore player page
Cleveland Browns LB Devin Bush was arrested Sunday, May 4, for simple assault and harassment by Bell Acres Police in Pennsylvania.
Footballguys view: In his first season in Cleveland in 2024, Bush started 10 games and totaled 76 tackles, which ranked fourth on the team. In March, the Browns re-signed Bush to a one-year, $3.25 million deal. We'll follow up on this situation as developments warrant. |
Devin Bush player page
Chicago Bears RB Travis Homer is a 'relatively secure' pick to make the 53-man roster, in the opinion of The Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs, who notes that it is Homer's special teams ability that makes him a safer selection to make the club than fellow backup RBs Roschon Johnson and Kyle Monangai.
Footballguys view: There are still questions at the position with D'Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson, and seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai, but all three are ahead of Homer in the offensive pecking order. Swift is going at a discount as RB32, with the 100th pick overall in current best-balls, and Johnson is available at the tail end of drafts. Monangai and Homer don't have ADPs. |
Travis Homer player page
Roschon Johnson player page
Detroit Lions WR Isaac TeSlaa, who the team drafted in the third round, is a 'potential sleeper' and 'budding freak athlete,' in the opinion of The Detroit Free Press' Carlos Monarrez, but is also someone that could 'need time to develop.' TeSlaa is capable of lining up in the slot or out wide.
Footballguys view: The good news is the Lions, with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs, and TE Sam LaPorta all serving as high-end producers in the passing game, have plenty of room for TeSlaa to grow. But the rookie's size, speed, and ability to play the ball can make him a threat for big plays at any point. As noted in the Footballguys Rookie Draft Guide 3.0, TeSlaa has a "better in best ball" profile. But Dynasty investors should also be plenty interested. |
Green Bay Packers OT Anthony Belton could serve as the team's left tackle or right guard, in the opinion of the Green Bay Press-Gazette's Pete Dougherty, who says Belton could take over for OT Rasheed Walker, the team's starting left tackle in 2024, or OG Sean Rhyan, the team's starting right guard, both of whom are entering the final year of their contracts. Last year's first-round pick, OL Jordan Morgan, is also a possibility at both spots. C Elgton Jenkins, OG Aaron Banks, and OT Zach Tom appear locked in as the team's center, left guard, and right tackle, respectively.
Link to storyGreen Bay Packers WR Savion Williams is being viewed by the team as a 'real receiver' going forward, according to The Green Bay Press-Gazette's Pete Dougherty, though he notes that will come as Williams gains experience as a route runner. Early on, Dougherty believes the team will use Williams on things like jet sweeps and bubble screens, making comparisons to how players like Pittsburgh Steelers RB Cordarrelle Patterson and Washington Commanders WR Deebo Samuel have been utilized.
Footballguys view: As noted in the 2025 Footballguys Rookie Draft Guide Version 3.0, with Williams and Jayden Reed, the Packers have two wide receivers who do their best work on designed touches. If any coach can find a way to work Williams into their offense, it's Matt LaFleur. But it's a crowded field. They also have 2025 first-round pick Matthew Golden, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, and others (including Christian Watson after he returns from a torn ACL) to rotate in and frustrate fantasy managers. To make matters worse, Williams' best traits came to life in the return game, where Green Bay already has All-Pro returner Keisean Nixon under contract for two more seasons. How they plan to use Williams will be a key storyline throughout training camp and the preseason. |
Green Bay Packers WRs Mecole Hardman, Bo Melton, and Malik Heath are likely fighting for two spots on the 53-man roster, in the opinion of The Green Bay Press-Gazette's Pete Dougherty, who lists WRs Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden, and Savion Williams as locks with WRs Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks as 'close to locks.' WR Christian Watson (knee) is recovering from a torn ACL and is expected to open the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list with a return to the field sometime in November.
Link to storyMecole Hardman player page
Malik Heath player page
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed free-agent WR Ja'Corey Brooks (Louisville) on Monday, April 28.
Link to storyUndrafted free-agent WR Nate McCollum (North Carolina) signed with the New York Giants on Saturday, April 26.
Link to storyHouston Texans WR Tank Dell (knee) 'will more than likely miss the 2025 season' while recovering from a knee injury, according to Jonathan Alexander of the Houston Chronicle.
Footballguys view: This is no real surprise given the nature of his knee injury and the timing of his ACL surgery, which took place just two months ago. The timetable for ACL injuries is typically six to 12 months. Dell also dislocated his knee, tore other ligaments, and damaged his meniscus. The Texans signed Christian Kirk as a free agent this offseason and added Iowa State's Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel with the 34th and 79th pick overall, respectively, in the NFL Draft. The Texans currently have 12 receivers on their 90-man roster: Nico Collins, Kirk, Higgins, Noel, Dell, Justin Watson, Xavier Hutchinson, John Metchie III, Jared Wayne, Braxton Berrios, Johnny Johnson III, and Xavier Johnson. But by September, that number should be whittled down to six. Collins is signed through 2026, and Higgins and Noel, who are projected to be contributors sooner rather than later, will play on four-year rookie deals. |
Tank Dell player page
The New England Patriots signed undrafted free-agent TE CJ Dippre (Alabama) on Saturday, April 26.
Link to storyBaltimore Ravens WR Zay Flowers (knee) did not need to undergo offseason surgery on his injured knee and is making good progress in his rehab, according to head coach John Harbaugh.
Footballguys view: "He was doing a little dance in the weight room this last week and said he's feeling great," Harbaugh said of Flowers. "His knee's back. He did it with rehab." Flowers was injured in the 2024 regular-season finale, which kept him sidelined for Baltimore's two playoff games. Flowers had a career-high 1,059 receiving yards in his second season and averaged 14.3 yards on 74 catches, becoming the first Raven to make the Pro Bowl at wide receiver. Flowers opens as WR34 on the Footballguys 2025 Fantasy Football Draft Projections. |
Zay Flowers player page
Kansas City Chiefs OT Josh Simmons signed his four-year, fully-guaranteed contract worth $14,675,353 on Sunday, May 4, according to his agents.
Link to storyUndrafted free-agent TE Graham Walker (Rice) participated in the Kansas City Chiefs rookie minicamp this weekend on a tryout basis.
Link to storyKansas City Chiefs OT Josh Simmons (knee) participated in individual drills during practice Sunday, May 4, according to head coach Andy Reid.
Link to storyUndrafted free-agent RB Marcus Major (Minnesota) signed with the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, May 4. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Link to storyKansas City Chiefs OT Josh Simmons (knee) said he is making progress in his recovery in hopes of being ready for training camp.
Footballguys view: Simmons suffered a non-contact knee injury last year in Week 7 for Ohio State. The Chiefs felt good enough about his recovery to select him with the no.32 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft. Adding him is just part of what the Chiefs have done this offseason to revamp their offensive line with the hopes to protect QB Patrick Mahomes better this season. |
New Orleans Saints TE Taysom Hill (knee) is expected to miss an extended period of time because of his knee injury, according to general manager Mickey Loomis.
Footballguys view: Hill tore his ACL in early December last year, and he's been recovering ever since. The Saints have a ton of questions marks on offense in Kellen Moore's first year as head coach. When Hill is healthy, which may be at the halfway point of the 2025 season, he'll once again bring versatility to that side of the team. |
Taysom Hill player page
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said the team has big plans for TE Terrance Ferguson during his rookie season.
Footballguys view: Ferguson with the Rams was one of the most exciting landing spots for any rookie tight end. He has good speed, and during his time with the Oregon Ducks you could see Ferguson as a downfield target. He'll work with Tyler Higbee this season, but Ferguson looks like a future starter - and star - for the Rams in the near future. |
Undrafted free-agent QB Brayden Schager (Hawaii) is participating in the Baltimore Ravens rookie minicamp on a tryout basis.
Link to storyAtlanta Falcons TE Kyle Pitts should see a big jump in production this upcoming season because he will be more familiar with the offensive scheme, according to offensive coordinator Zac Robinson.
Footballguys view: That's the message coming from the Falcons this offseason. Earlier this year at the NFL Combine, both Falcons HC Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot said Pitts needs to be "the best version of himself" in 2025. Pitts is a frustrating player because the physical talent is there, but his production has been disappointing for a former first-round pick. We'll see if this is the year Pitts puts it all together in a TE-friendly system. |
Kyle Pitts player page
Baltimore Ravens OT Emery Jones Jr. (shoulder) is dealing with a shoulder injury and may not take part in practice until training camp, according to head coach John Harbaugh.
Link to storyPhiladelphia Eagles RB Tyrion Davis-Price was waived Sunday, May 4.
Link to story