NFL Player News

Johnson had a forgettable 2024, to put it mildly. The former Steelers receiver saw himself traded to the Panthers last offseason only to later be traded to the Ravens, where his lack of playing time eventually led to his release. He then found his way to the wide receiver-needy Texans, who rostered him for just over three weeks. He was then claimed off waivers by the Ravens but was not eligible to play during the postseason. Now a free agent, Johnson, 28, has not enjoyed the market many expected him to see this time last year. He’s a productive receiver who has amassed 424 catches for 4,738 yards and 28 touchdowns in his six-year career, but it goes without saying that he’s likely in brand rebuilding mode as far as this offseason is concerned. This is the first visit we’ve heard of for Johnson, who may meet with other teams before signing.

Batko adds that the two sides have “been in communication throughout Watt’s minicamp absence.” It is in both parties’ interest to get a new deal done, but Watt’s firm stance is likely a tad unsettling for Steelers fans. The stalwart EDGE is understandably dead set on being paid handsomely. Players are scheduled to report for training camp on July 23rd.

Benson checked in at last year’s NFL Scouting Combine standing, 6'/216 before blazing a 4.39-second Forty. Offseason weight gains at the running back position can sometimes increase sluggishness, so we sure hope Benson’s claim is true. Benson also echoed head coach Jonathan Gannon’s “two starting backs” sentiment from early March, saying his “mindset” is currently “two RB1s.” Last year’s standalone starter, James Conner, banked 283 offensive touches to Benson’s 69. Ideally, Benson would fully overtake Conner for the starting role, but operating in a split backfield would at least be an upgrade on 2024.

Neither Rhim nor Harbaugh specified the injury Williams is currently working through. Williams has been seen working off to the side during Chargers practices over the last two days. The Chargers are counting on Williams to win a couple of jump balls per game this year, and although he is unlikely to return top-36 positional value, he could show up for a few good games, if healthy. The group of injured players who are expected to return in time for training camp reportedly includes WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith, CB Deane Leonard, S Elijah Molden, CB Myles Purchase, WR Luke Grimm and TE Jordan Petaia.

Lloyd was reportedly working with the Packers’ rehab group just 15 days ago, but we’ll take his statement as a net positive nonetheless. Now in good health and ready to compete for the No. 2 role, Lloyd declared he “can run as fast as [he] can, jump as high as [he] wants” and “can catch the ball.” Like Smalls sporting a new pair of P.F. Flyers. Should Lloyd lock up the No. 2 gig, he would make for a high-value bench stash option who could, at times, return standalone value. This is a competition worth monitoring this summer. Lloyd looked like a capable player last year, before injuries derailed his 2024 rookie season.

Hairston “did not practice today and was on the sidelines with a black sleeve on his leg,” per Spectrum News 1’s Andy Young. The first-round rookie cornerback has a chance to compete for a starting role this summer, health pending. Beane also said that “any player with an injury should be good for training camp,” including Joey Bosa (calf).

Nabers has been dealing with the same toe issue since college. He played through it last year and didn’t need offseason surgery, but the problem hasn’t gone away either. Nabers hasn’t done much this offseason, though Daboll noted he did some stuff in walk-throughs. While the toe issue might be a constant source of frustration for Giants fans and fantasy managers alike, Nabers dominated as a rookie to the tune of 1,204 yards and seven scores on 109 receptions. A minor injury isn’t worth fading him in the back half of the first round this year.

McCaffrey has also participated in every phase of organized team activities. All signs out of San Francisco have pointed to McCaffrey being perfectly healthy after missing most of the 2024 season with bilateral Achilles tendinitis and eventually a season-ending PCL sprain. 49ers OC Klay Kubiak told reporters he plans on giving CMC the ball “as much as we can” this year and Kyle Shanahan has been similarly optimistic. The last time we saw a healthy McCaffrey, he broke fantasy with 2,023 yards from scrimmage and 21 touchdowns. The positive buzz has McCaffrey moving up early fantasy boards in a hurry. He will likely end the summer in the top half of the first round.

Roman said he expects Gadsden to “ascend quickly.” He also praised free agent addition Tyler Conklin, noting how often he gets open. Transitioning from the college ranks to the pros is as hard as it gets at the tight end position. It’s even harder when you played a de facto slot receiver role in college as Gadsden did. Being forced to learn a more traditional tight end role should be a tall order for the rookie, but it sounds like Gadsden is taking it in stride. While the fifth-round pick might not be a viable fantasy option in Week 1, he could earn enough work as a part-time player to stymie Will Dissly’s TE2 fantasy outlook.

The Texans released a statement saying, “We are gathering more information and have no further comment at this time.” Ward was out of practice while recovering from foot surgery he underwent late in the 2024 season. At 33 years old, Ward may have played his last snap in the NFL.

The value of every drafted rookie’s contract is determined by where they were selected in the draft, so it’s hard to imagine how a team could drag their feet this aggressively. The Bengals, however, have found a way. They are reportedly haggling over certain clauses in Stewart’s deal. The good news for Stewart is that he isn’t subject to fines for missing minicamp because he’s not under contract yet. Stewart was previously in attendance but not practicing. He’s now out of the building entirely. We fully expect the two sides to get this taken care of before training camp, but it’s another example of the Bengals’ front office needlessly pinching pennies from their players.