NFL Player News

Outright released by the Giants in 2018, Okwara, 26 in June, careered with 10 sacks and the fifth-most pressures (61) among the league’s EDGE rushers in his contract year in Detroit. With Shaq Barrett and Markus Golden additionally off the market, Okwara’s lucrative deal is expected to pave the way for others — Carl Lawson, Yannick Ngakoue, etc. — in the same free agency boat. Okwara’s long-term deal also proves that the Lions are still interested in building around young core pieces despite allowing Kenny Golladay to walk.

Johnson earned All-UFL honors while playing for the Stallions in 2024. He previously played for the Packers and Titans while also earning camp tryouts with the Cardinals, Broncos, and Ravens since entering the league in 2020.

Bolton made 23 appearances for the Raiders over the previous two seasons, with almost all of his snaps coming on special teams. Should he make the cut from 90 to 53 in Miami, we’re likely to see him serve in a similar capacity. The Dolphins waived quarterback Gavin Hardison in a corresponding move.

Burford has started 29 games with 30 appearances through his first two years in the league with the 49ers. The team is reportedly in the process of deciding whether or not to pursue surgery although he is expected to miss three weeks regardless. The health of Jon Feliciano and Aaron Banks could determine how much playing time Burford sees on the interior in 2024 and could help rookie Dominick Puni earn more offensive snaps early in the season.

Pearsall is currently on the reserve/non-football injury list with the ailment, which would require a transaction prior to returning to the field. Fellow rookie wide receiver Jacob Cowing is also on the reserve/NFI list in addition to rookie running back Isaac Guerendo, with Pearsall apparently the closest to a return to the practice field. Keep an eye on all three rookies as they battle for early-career snaps behind one of the best primary skill position groups in the league.

Moore also listed presumed backup Kenneth Gainwell and rookie Will Shipley as players that could be deployed in various areas of the formation, adding “that will be a huge advantage for us.” Moore described the offense as requiring an outlet for the quarterback underneath, an area of the field that all three backs can help “create horizontal space, and every once in a while, get them vertical.” Moore’s previous offenses have harbored running back production through the air, something that could help offset the potential for decreased total touchdowns from the position considering the presence of quarterback Jalen Hurts and the famed “tush push” when close to the goal line. The fact that Moore also mentioned Gainwell and Shipley when discussing the utilization of running backs in the pass game places a theoretical cap on the weekly upside of his starter, returning a weekly range of outcomes that should be more condensed about Barkley’s median expectation.

This seems to confirm reports that Hill could stand to see his package role grow further heading into the new season after serving as a multifaceted and dynamic player in various packages over the previous three seasons in New Orleans. We are likely to see more of the same usage in the backfield while lining up under center or as a back in addition to both slot work, inline work, and wide work as a pass-catcher. Weekly volume is likely to change dependent on the matchup, leaving Hill better served as a best ball target as compared to a redraft or season-long contributor. Even so, current ADP suggests there could be significant weekly upside at a modest price on sites where he maintains a tight end designation.

Anderson also adds that “there’s recent hope that Reddick’s presence and acclimation process with the team is approaching.” The Jets have seemingly made little effort to secure Reddick to a long-term extension despite trading for him and knowing his desire for a new deal while with the Eagles. Reddick is in the midst of a holdout while awaiting a new deal and stayed away from the team during OTAs and mandatory minicamp. One of the league’s premiere pass rusher, Reddick, 29, has totaled 38 sacks over the last three seasons and currently has one year remaining on his contract.

With Tremble shut down, the Panthers signed tight end Feleipe Franks. Tremble has reportedly been dealing with a hamstring injury that hasn’t quite worked itself out. Rather than force the issue, head coach Dave Canales has opted to sideline Tremble in hopes of him reaching a full recovery. Tremble caught 23 passes for 194 yards and three scores last season and is battling for snaps with rookie Ja’Tavion Sanders and veteran Ian Thomas.

Watson’s recovery from shoulder surgery continues to go well. After participating in 11-on-11s without pads earlier in the week, Stefanski believes Watson is also ready for padded practices. Given the way teams protect quarterbacks during training camp, Watson shouldn’t be at risk of re-injury in padded practices since defenders aren’t allowed to hit him. He continues to trend in the right direction, which is an encouraging sign so early into camp.

Hines suffered a torn ACL in a freak jet ski accident last season, costing him an entire year’s worth of football. Now with the Browns, Hines reunites with former Bills offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, who was part of the regime that traded for him during the 2022 season. Hines brings versatility as a satellite back and can also contribute as a kick/punt returner. He’s been spotted rehabbing with Nick Chubb during camp, but like Chubb, we don’t know when he could return to full football action.