NFL Player News

Njoku apparently tweaked his hamstring last week against the Steelers. Njoku should be OK for Week 15 against the Chiefs if he’s able to log a limited practice on Thursday or Friday. Kansas City represents a great matchup for Njoku, as no defense has allowed more tight end receptions this season than the Chiefs. Njoku has 30 targets over his past two games.

Allen joins two other backups in Detroit; Hendon Hooker, who is under contract through 2026, and Jake Fromm, who is under contract through 2025, The Lions can notably save all $1.03 million of Fromm’s salary with a pre-June 1 release. Allen is a more proven veteran than Fromm and it would be unsurprising to see the latter player be released.

This runs directly counter to a report from NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo earlier today. It is unclear as to whether the Jaguars have changed their minds, or if the sources are saying that the Jaguars were never interested in signing Kupp in the first place. Regardless, reports have consistently indicated that Kupp is looking for a hefty payday and would prefer to remain on the West Coast. This Floridian squad is, obviously, unable to accommodate the latter request.

Shrader joined the Colts as an undrafted free agent rookie last year before briefly spending time on both the Jets and Chiefs’ rosters. A right-leg hamstring strain sidelined him at the end of the season but, on the season, he converted 5-of-5 field goals and 9-of-9 extra points. The Athletic’s James Boyd notes that incumbent K Matt Gay remains on the roster, and that the signing was done “to promote more competition throughout the roster.” The team can save $4 million by cutting Gay after June 1st.

The 31-year-old Heinicke smartly reups with the Chargers. His days of competing for a starting job are well behind him, but he can do his part in practice, when needed. The Chargers should be equally happy to retain a moderately capable game manager behind Justin Herbert.

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports that the Bears increased Jackson’s 2026 base salary guarantees to $7 million, with "$5.25 million more for injury.” He will also get “all $17.5 million he was slated to earn this season in the deal he [previously] signed with the Rams.”

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.