NFL Player News

Smith was drafted in the first round of the 2011 draft by the Ravens and spent his entire career with Baltimore. He played in 128 career games, totaling 374 tackles, 14 interceptions, three sacks, and two defensive touchdowns. Smith was a part of the Ravens’ Super Bowl-winning 2012 team, playing in all four playoff games. He played in a total of 10 playoff games, totaling 19 tackles and one incerception in the playoffs. Smith operated as a reserve for his final years with the Ravens and the 34-year-old will now officially call it quits.

NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent credits Bills LT Dion Dawkins and retired OT Andrew Whitworth for the award’s creation. Per ESPN, the “winner will be decided by a panel that includes a number of former offensive line greats.” Whitworth adds that Protector of the Year Award “isn’t just about stats—it’s about the mindset, grit, and leadership it takes to be the foundation of a football team.” The phrasing indicates that all offensive line positions will be eligible for the award, not just the high-value left tackle position that stars in today’s pass-heavy league.

The cause of death has not yet been released, but Irsay reportedly dealt with a severe respiratory illness in 2024. Irsay assumed control of the Colts organization when his father, Robert, passed in 1997. Jim signed on as a Colts staffer in 1982, quickly joining the scouting department while being trained in administrative duties. He was named vice president and general manager in 1984, at just 24 years old. We wish the Irsay family well.

Junior’s ticket to the active roster is via special teams, though he may be able to cover No. 4 wide receivers on occasion. The Packers also waived fellow former Jaguar, CB Kaleb Hayes, earlier this month.

The Jets’ new head coach outlined his intended usage for Wilson back on March 31st, by using the exact same phrasing he employed today. That sound you hear is Glenn building Wilson’s fantasy football drumbeat all by himself. Wilson is currently being drafted as the WR14, at the 3.01 spot, in managed PPR leagues. Although his best ball positional ADP remains the same, he is available even later, coming off the board at 3.05. Wilson looks an awful lot like a fantasy football WR1 who is being drafted as a high-end WR2.

Though technically listed as a defensive tackle, Harmon will ultimately play the 3-4 defensive end role in the Steelers’ defensive front. The 6'5/313 defender is a versatile three-down player who registered 22 tackles, six TFLs, 49 quarterback pressures and four sacks in regular season play last year. He profiles as a long-time Pittsburgh Steeler.

Smith was already locked into 2025 starting duties, given his $40 million cap hit this season, so Carroll’s high praise should be expected. Still, for a head coach like Carroll, who embraces competition across his roster, it’s nice to see. Smith’s pocket passing proclivities will likely prevent him from achieving elite QB1 status in fantasy football land, but he should serve as a borderline QB1/2 capable of producing multiple positively volatile performances.

FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz reports that the fully guaranteed deal is worth $48.75 million and includes a $32.1 million signing bonus. Ward will now go back to competing with Will Levis for the starting role, a competition Ward should win soon enough. Ward’s 2025 fantasy prospects likely lie in the QB13-24 range, but it will be worth monitoring Titans training camp reports to see if he can sneak into the QB1 ranks.

Per the Washington Post’s Mark Maske, Goodell said that the owners instead discussed “potential CBA issues with the NFLPA, including costs and salary cap matters.” The failed vote to ban the Tush Push took center stage this time around, but adding an 18th game to the NFL schedule will surely be discussed by team owners soon enough. Perhaps as early as one year from now.

The Cardinals released LB Milo Eifler in a corresponding move. Both Russell and Eifler are special teams contributors, though Russell has been more productive in this regard, racking up nine special teams tackles in three NFL seasons to the two Eifler totaled from 2021-2024.

Per NBC Houston’s Aaron Wilson, the deal is worth $16.458 million and comes with an $8.609 million signing bonus. Williams was an effective player at Ohio State, racking up 71 tackles, 20 TFLs and 13 sacks over four seasons. He joins a Lions defensive line rotation that was hit hard by injuries last season. Williams will be asked to meaningfully contribute in year one.