NFL Player News

A linchpin special teamer, Banjo had to step in for 437 snaps on defense last season. On the wrong side of 30, Banjo will hunt for third unit work after teams’ final cuts are finalized this week.

This is a great signing for the Commanders. At 29 years old, Martin has something left in the tank and a talent-maximizer like Dan Quinn will undoubtedly deploy Martin as an effective member of the edge rotation. Martin totaled 17 quarterback pressures, three sacks, 10 tackles and three tackles for loss or no gain last year.

The 26-year-old former undrafted free agent made 10 appearances for the Bears last season, including two starts. He also started four games for the Seahawks in 2023. He has fairly extensive at both tackle and guard, enhancing his odds of making the Cardinals’ 53-man roster.

Tufele joins the Jets’ defensive line rotation as a big-bodied backup. He totaled four quarterback pressures and 0.5 NFL sacks last year. The former figure ties his career-high and the latter sets a new one. He’s secured double-digit tackles in each of the last three seasons, bringing his four-year career sum to 27.

Weeks’ signing ends an era. NBC Houston’s Aaron Wilson reports that Weeks is the “longest-tenured player in [Texans] franchise history.” He fills a need for the 49ers, who released C/LS Taybor Pepper just hours ago.

35-year-old Bellore is a longtime special teams ace, but last year was his first season in Washington. He played only eight snaps on defense. He’ll remain one of the captains of the third unit, but the vet obviously isn’t about to see more time at linebacker.

For those keeping track at home, Kupp’s reported suitors now include the Broncos, Seahawks, Jaguars, Saints and Patriots. Reports vary regarding how much money teams are willing to pay Kupp, but Schultz’s “sources say he will get the number he wants, despite a slow receiver market.”

Carlson has totaled just one regular season snap (special teams) since 2020. The 28-year-old tight end reportedly injured his collarbone last season. Good on him for reupping with the Bears.

Mukuamu has flashed at times as a backup coverage defender though he tends to play inconsistently. The 25-year-old player generally tackles well, having recorded just two total missed tackles in his career. Mukuamu also effectively contributes on special teams.

Shenault’s wide receiver labeling is perhaps a formality at this point. He earned just 15 targets over the last two seasons but averaged 28.7 yards per kick return, via 16 returns, with the Seahawks and Chargers last year. Shenault can still provide the occasional splash play though and may be able to work his way into the Bills’ thin wide receiver rotation.

That’s “compared to where he is at this point in his career,” and via a league source. Kupp would also reportedly like to remain on the West Coast if possible, making his rumored $16 million asking price more difficult to achieve since it narrows down the list of potential suitors. Kupp has an elite pedigree, but an even longer injury history. He could have a tough time reaching that number three months shy of his 32nd birthday. $10-$12 million is probably more realistic, if maybe also aspirational. Then again, Dyami Brown and Tutu Atwell. Kupp has so far been linked to the Seahawks, Saints and Jaguars, while the Pats are rumored to be interested.