NFL Player News

Johnson (6’4/299) became a full-time starter for Missouri State in 2020, putting together a strong resumé over his final two seasons. He was named second-team All MVFC in 2021 after totaling 43 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, and 1.5 sacks for the Bears. Snubbed by the Combine, Johnson received invites to both the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and the Senior Bowl - impressing scouts at both events. A legitimate riser throughout the draft process, Johnson’s ability to penetrate gaps quickly and fight off blockers has generated hype. His Pro Day workouts resulted in an elite 9.15 relative athletic score. However, his 11 reps on the bench press are concerning for a player of his size and position. Johnson earned top-30 visits from teams as the draft drew closer, further enforcing the narrative of rising interest in the small school prospect. Johnson could be a bit of a project at the next level, but his intangibles suggest he’s an intriguing rookie with good upside.

Gifford will be a depth piece for the linebacking corps, but where he’s excelled over the last couple of years is on special teams. He’ll help improve that unit while backing up the inside backers on the 49ers’ defense.

Koonce missed all of 2024 after he tore his ACL before the start of the season. The 26-year-old was re-signed to a one-year $12 million contract, and if he is the same player he was prior to the injury — 52 QB pressures in 2023 — the contract will be a steal, and Koonce will be looking at a massive deal come 2026.

$2 million of this is guaranteed, per Ian Rapoport. Turner was a first-round bust for the Saints, never playing more than 335 defensive snaps in a season. The former 28th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft has five sacks in 31 career appearances. The Cowboys will try to turn the tools that initially got Turner drafted highly into a productive EDGE rotational player.

Floyd was released by the 49ers on Tuesday, and it took mere hours for him to find a new home. The 32-year-old will get $10 million according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Floyd was able to procure 8.5 sacks with San Francisco in 2024, and he should be one of the primary pass-rushers for Atlanta in the 2025 campaign.

Pettis saw late playing time for the lowly Saints because of playing time, but the former second-round pick will make his living with New Orleans as a special-teams contributor.

Fraboni has done that thing where the center snaps the ball before someone kicks it since 2022.

The journeyman is making a home in Atlanta after spending 2020-2022 on three different teams. Hughes’ 71.4 PFF coverage grade in 2024 was the second-highest of his career. It was the first year the Falcons had him play almost exclusively outside after he spent most of 2023 at slot. Hughes isn’t a game-changer, but this is solid money for a solid player.

French, 28, missed the 2024 season due to injury. He’ll likely be a reserve lineman for the Colts; a role he’s served since signing back in 2022.

As an exclusive rights free agent, the Titans were the only game in town for Brown. Entering his age-26 season, Brown has played on 497 defensive snaps over the past two years as (mostly) a deep safety. He’ll be in line for more work there in 2025, and if Quandre Diggs doesn’t return as a free agent he has a shot to start.

Stoops will be able to participate in training camp and play in preseason games, but will be forced out of the first two contests of the regular season. The 25-year-old will be battling for a roster spot and is far from a lock to make the Rams out of exhibition season.