NFL Player News

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Allen’s contract includes a record-setting $250 million guaranteed. With four years still on his deal, the Bills choose to get ahead of the curve and give Allen the highest-paying guaranteed contract in the league, exceeding Deshaun Watson’s guarantees by a total of $20 million. The reigning NFL MVP is now signed through 2030, with his annual average of $55 million exceeding his rivals Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson. Allen is tied with Joe Burrow for the second-highest annual average in the league, while having the highest total value and guaranteed money on his deal. His contract will almost certainly change the way total guarantees are viewed for top quarterback contracts.

The 26-year-old returns for a fourth season in Kansas City on a one-year deal worth $3.2 million, per Over the Cap. In 2024, Johnson appeared in 16 games during the regular season, and made two starts in the playoffs. He posted a career-high 53 tackles, along with one sack and three passes defensed. However, he was the lowest-graded defensive back for the Chiefs last season, according to PFF.

The deal surprisingly includes $2.75 million guaranteed, which suggests a player who was cut by the Broncos in December and Jaguars earlier this month has strong 53-man roster odds. Now on the wrong side of 30, Reynolds does offer plenty of experience as a boundary role player. The Jets are evidently comfortable penciling him into one of their 5-6 receiver spots in what is a really undermanned group behind Garrett Wilson. It goes without saying that Reynolds won’t come into fantasy relevance as a down-ballot player in a limited offense.

Pryor entered the league as a sixth-round Eagles reserve but spent the past four years bouncing around various locales. That includes as a 15-game starter for the Bears last season. He held up surprisingly well on Caleb Williams’ right side, mostly at guard. Although he’s now on the wrong side of 30, Pryor is valuable, experienced depth.

Carter, the consensus All-American who had 12 sacks and an FBS-leading 23.5 tackles for loss in 2024, is widely projected as a top-three pick in next month’s NFL Draft. NBC Sports’ Connor Rogers has the Browns selecting Carter with second overall pick in his latest mock draft released on March 24. During last month’s NFL Combine, tests revealed a stress fracture in Carter’s right foot. Penn State’s pro day is scheduled for Friday. ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed Carter won’t be working out shortly after Jones’ report.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Sanders’ workouts are scheduled to take place after the University of Colorado’s Pro Day on April 4. Former University of Miami quarterback Cam Ward, the consensus number one overall pick, worked out for the Browns on Wednesday and is set to do the same with the Titans on Friday. The Titans and Browns hold the top two picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Both teams are doing their due diligence on the class, but all signs point to Ward at the top of the draft with Cleveland choosing between Sanders and a non-quarterback.

Van Lanen is a restricted free agent and got an original round tender from the Jaguars for $3.26 million. Restricted free agents can negotiate with teams until April 21, and the Seahawks are a team in need of offensive line help. Van Lanen appeared in nine games for the Jaguars last season, starting three. He primarily plays tackle but has taken snaps at guard as well. The Seahawks are gauging offensive line options late in free agency and exploring signing Van Lanen, though he is tied to the Jaguars through restricted free agency.

Butler signed his exclusive rights free agent tender from the Raiders and will return to the team for the 2025 season. He played in seven games last season, starting one and tallying nine combined tackles. The Raiders now retain the 25-year-old Butler as depth in the defensive line rotation.

Schefter made this point while speaking on NFL Live on ESPN. The NFL’s premier insider was confident the Browns would be drafting a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick a month ago. The team hasn’t done anything at quarterback outside of swapping Dorian Thompson-Robinson for Kenny Pickett in a trade. Still, some quarterback dominoes have since fallen and the Browns’ front office may want to get another year closer to the end of Deshaun Watson’s fully guaranteed contract before spinning the wheel at quarterback again. If that’s the case, the only realistic options for Cleveland are Carter and Colorado’s Travis Hunter.

Wilson signed with the Giants on Tuesday, inking a one-year deal with $10.5 million guaranteed. Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the deal is loaded with incentives. Russ can make up to another $10.5 million via a variety of incentives and escalators. Because of this, the Giants’ front office likely told Wilson he would get the first crack at the starting gig when he signed. Wilson is joined by Tommy DeVito and fellow free agent addition Jameis Winston on the roster. Winston is on a two-year deal and is being paid like a backup while DeVito’s time in the spotlight should be over. Barring a surprise via the 2025 NFL Draft, Wilson should be penciled in as the Giants’ Week 1 starter.

Boyle began the 2024 season on Miami’s practice squad but was quickly called into action after a slew of quarterback injuries hit the team. He didn’t make any starts but did attempt 26 passes, which he turned into 153 yards before being released. The Giants then found themselves in a similar situation and signed Boyle. He completed 12-of-24 passes for 123 yards, one touchdown, and one pick. With five career touchdowns to 13 interceptions, it’s baffling to see teams still giving Boyle chances, even as a deep backup. Needless to say, Boyle’s agent deserves a raise.