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Poll: Grading Rams’ Ty Simpson Pick

By | at April 26, 2026 11:39 pm

After acquiring a first-round pick from the Falcons at last year’s draft, the Rams entered this offseason with two No. 1s. They were scheduled to select 13th and 29th until general manager Les Snead made yet another win-now move in a March trade with the Chiefs. Snead gave up No. 29 in a package for star cornerback Trent McDuffie, whose presence should boost the Rams’ Super Bowl chances next season.

Once the Rams lost the 29th pick, their odds of using a first-rounder on a developmental quarterback reportedly decreased. Expectations were they would look for immediate aid at No. 13, where USC wide receiver Makai Lemon and Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq were still on the board. Either could have improved an already formidable offense and provided another weapon for quarterback Matthew Stafford. However, instead of drafting Lemon, Sadiq or another pro-ready prospect, Snead decided to take a long-term gamble on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.

With Stafford entering his age-38 season and the unproven Stetson Bennett as the Rams’ only other quarterback, it is not surprising they drafted a passer. It did come as a shock that they spent their top pick on one, though, especially in a weak class for the position.

Simpson was considered the second-best QB available throughout the pre-draft process, trailing Raiders No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, but there was some doubt he would go in the first round. After making a mere 15 starts at Alabama, Simpson entered the draft as a polarizing prospect. He had Snead in his corner all along, though. Even before Simpson officially left school in January, Snead had a first-round grade on him. He said as much to Simpson’s father, Tennesee-Martin head coach Jason Simpson, back in December.

While there was talk that Rams head coach Sean McVay was unhappy with the Ty Simpson pick in the immediate aftermath, he and Snead “were on the same page on this,” Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic said as a guest on Check The Mic with Steve Palazzolo & Sam Monson. Rodrigue added that the Rams would not have taken Simpson without McVay’s blessing.

If Simpson stayed in school for his senior season, the 23-year-old could have taken a $6.5MM offer from Miami to transfer and replace Cardinals third-rounder Carson Beck, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Had he fallen out of the first round, Simpson would have made more money playing for the Hurricanes in 2026. As the 13th overall pick, though, he will sign a four-year deal worth a fully guaranteed $25.41MM.

At least from a financial standpoint, Simpson made the right move leaving college for the pros. The question is: Did the Rams make the right move when they picked him? Vote in PFR’s latest poll and weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section.

Grade the Ty Simpson pick

Vote to see results

 

26 comments 2026 NFL Draft Los Angeles Rams PFR Originals PFR Polls

Giants, Odell Beckham Jr. Undecided On Potential Reunion

By | at April 26, 2026 11:15 pm

Odell Beckham Jr. has played for five teams in his 10-year NFL career, but the majority of his success came as a member of the Giants from 2014-18. Although the free agent wide receiver has not suited up since Dec. 8, 2024, the Giants brought him in for a workout on Monday. While head coach John Harbaugh said Beckham “looked good,” it is unclear if the 33-year-old will rejoin the Giants.

“We’re not decided on that yet; he’s not quite decided on that yet,’’ Harbaugh revealed (via Paul Schwartz of the New York Post). “I think we just have to kind of see where we’re at this next week.’’

The Giants entered this week’s draft needing at least one receiver. After addressing other weaknesses with their first three selections, they traded up 31 picks to grab former Notre Dame wideout Malachi Fields in the third round. Fields is now part of a receiving corps that also includes Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, free agent signings Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin, and 2023 third-rounder Jalin Hyatt, among others. If the Giants are not fully content with their current group, they could take a cheap flier on Beckham or another available veteran.

A first-rounder of the Giants 12 years ago, Beckham earned all three of his Pro Bowl nods and his two second-team All-Pro selections in their uniform. Among pass catchers, the former LSU star ranks second in franchise history in yards (5,467) and fourth in both receptions (390) and touchdowns (44). Beckham largely shined as a Giant, but they cut ties in a March 2019 trade with the Browns. The deal delivered a first-round pick (No. 17), which the Giants used on Dexter Lawrence, among other assets.

Beckham played a full season and hauled in 74 catches for 1,035 yards in his first year in Cleveland, but he has not approached those numbers since then. Various injuries limited Beckham to 44 of a possible 84 regular-season games from 2020-24. In addition to the Browns, he spent time with the Rams, Ravens and Dolphins during that five-year run. While he was effective during his short stint with the Rams in 2021, he tore his ACL in Super Bowl LVI. Beckham caught a touchdown in the Rams’ 23-20 triumph over the Bengals, but he has not reached those heights since.

After sitting out 2022 to rehab his knee injury, Beckham returned to post decent complementary production with the Harbaugh-coached Ravens in 2023. Beckham snagged 35 receptions for 565 yards (16.1 YPC) and three TDs in Baltimore, but he made no impact in a nine-game, nine-catch year with the Dolphins in 2024. Although Beckham did not find a job last season, he still served a six-game suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drugs policy.

15 comments New York Giants

Bears Restructure Contracts Of TE Cole Kmet, OL Jonah Jackson

By | at April 26, 2026 11:11 pm

The Bears restructured the contracts of tight end Cole Kmet and offensive lineman Jonah Jackson to open up salary cap space before the 2026 NFL Draft, per Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.

Chicago converted $7.65MM of Kmet’s $8.9MM salary into a bonus that was prorated across the remainder of the contract. His cap number was reduced by $3.8MM in 2026 and raised in 2027 by the same amount, resulting in $7.8MM and $15.4MM hits in each year, respectively.

Jackson’s contract was restructured in a similar manner, just with different numbers. His 2026 salary was reduced by $13.5MM and converted into a bonus, half of which will be moved to the Bears’ 2027 cap table. Jackson’s cap hit is now $12.8MM for this season; it will go up to $23.8MM next year. Both moves were traditional restructures that did not add void years to the contracts to maximize the 2026 cap savings.

The Bears entered draft week with the least cap space in the NFL. If they wanted to trade or acquire a player during the draft, Fitzgerald explains, they would not have been financially permitted to do so. These restructures ensured that Chicago’s options remained open throughout the weekend.

No such trade materialized, but the restructures were not for naught. The team will still need to sign their rookie class, which would have forced them to open up cap room after the draft anyway.

The restructures turn next offseason – and therefore, this upcoming season – into a pivotal one for both players.

Kmet’s future in Chicago became murky as soon as they drafted Colston Loveland in the first round last year. He saw a significant drop in playing time and production and will likely cede more ground in 2026. His $15.4MM cap hit will be too expensive for a No. 2 tight end, and though the Bears could approach Kmet about a pay cut, he may prefer to hit the open market for the first time in his career. He could also become a trade target for teams seeking a proven, reliable tight end who can provide starting-caliber play as a pass catcher and a blocker.

The Bears acquired Jackson from the Rams last offseason and signed him to a three-year, $54.5MM extension. He started all 17 games at right guard, reestablishing his value after missing most of the previous season due to injury. He is slated to take up the same role in 2026, and a repeat performance should set up him up for another extension closer to the top of the still-rising guard market.

5 comments Chicago Bears Transactions

Steelers To Re-Sign DT Dean Lowry

By | at April 26, 2026 9:33 pm

The Steelers are re-signing veteran defensive tackle Dean Lowry, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Lowry, 31, spent the last two years in Pittsburgh, but did not play in 2025 due to a torn ACL suffered in training camp. That was one of several injuries to the Steelers’ defensive line last year; Derrick Harmon, Isaiahh Loudermilk, and Daniel Ekuale all missed multiple games as well.

Originally a Packers fourth-round pick in 2016, Lowry emerged as a starter in his second NFL season. After his third, he received a three-year, $20.3MM contract extension that carried him through the rest of his time in Green Bay. He hit free agency in 2023 and signed a two-year, $8.5MM deal with the Vikings. He went down with a pectoral injury after just nine games and spent the rest of the season on injured reserve.

Lowry then signed a two-year, $5MM contract with the Steelers, but could not carve out more than a rotational role in their defense. He appeared in 12 games in 2024 with a 21% snap share with just five total tackles (none for loss) and one sack.

The Steelers bolstered their defensive line this offseason by signing Sebastian Joseph-Day to a two-year, $11MM deal while allowing Loudermilk and Ekuale to hit free agency. Retaining Lowry ensures some more veteran continuity – and indicates his recovery process has gone smoothly. Eight months removed his injury, he has a chance to participate in spring practices and should be ready for training camp.

0 comments Pittsburgh Steelers Transactions

Jaguars Sign 18 Undrafted Rookies

By | at April 26, 2026 8:08 pm

The Jaguars added 11 players in the 2026 NFL Draft, many of them selected well above their consensus rank. Jacksonville then signed 18 undrafted free agents to fill out their roster, per a team announcement, as listed below:

Aguilar, who turns 25 years old in June, threw for over 3,500 yards at Tennessee in 2025 after two years starting for Appalachian State. . At 6-foot-3 and 229 pounds, he brings good size and a strong arm to the NFL, but his vision, anticipation, and mental processing will all need improvement. In Jacksonville, Aguilar will have to quickly learn Liam Coen‘s offense and battle for a spot on the roster or (more likely) the practice squad over the next few months.

Neal spent time at Baylor and Louisville before arriving at Virginia as a graduate transfer in 2025. He led the Cavaliers defense with 88 tackles and eight passes defended. However after posting six interceptions in 2022 and 2023, he has not recorded one since. Neal received $231K in guarantees to sign with the Jaguars, per KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson. He will join a safety room headlined by veterans Antonio Johnson and Eric Murray that just added Maryland’s Jalen Huskey with a third-round pick over the weekend.

After four quiet seasons at Syracuse, Pena burst onto the college football scene in 2024 with an ACC-high 84 receptions for 941 yards and nine touchdowns. He transferred to Penn State in 2025 in the hopes of boosting his stock further, but disappointed with just 49 catches for 522 yards and two touchdowns. He lacks high-end athletic or physical traits but plays bigger than his listed size (5-foot-10, 187 pounds) and brings value as a returner, which may help him make the roster in Jacksonville.

Taylor spent his first five college seasons playing in the FCS at North Carolina State and also transferred to Virginia last year. He served as the Cavalier’ starting running back with 1,062 yards on 222 carries (4.8 yards per attempt). He also flashed as a pass-catcher with 43 catches for 259 yards, and his 15 total touchdowns led the ACC. The Jaguars let Travis Etienne walk in free agency this offseason and will be counting on 2025 draft picks Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen to pick up the slack. Taylor may have an opportunity to carve out a role in Coen’s offense as a rookie.

Thomas, 21, is an underside edge rusher with ascending production over the last three years, including seven sacks and 10 tackles for loss in 2025. He received $248K to sign in Jacksonville, per Wilson, where his name may sow some early confusion among fans and beat writers. But for one letter, he shares a name with a current Jaguars: wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.

3 comments Jacksonville Jaguars Transactions

WR Jermaine Burton To Participate In Bills’ Rookie Camp

By | at April 26, 2026 6:08 pm

Former Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton is set to participate in the Bills’ rookie minicamp, per NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

Burton, 24, was a third-round pick in 2024 and arrived in Cincinnati with the hopes of becoming a reliable complement to star wideouts Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. He played little as a rookie (only 131 snaps over 14 games) and caught just four of his 14 targets for 107 yards. Pre-draft concerns about his character and maturity turned out to be well-founded. Burton was accused of assault in December and did not travel with the team for their season finale in Pittsburgh due to a coach’s decision.

The Bengals hoped Burton could turn things around in 2025, but he did not appear in a single game. He was suspended in Week 14, waived shortly after, and received virtually no interest this offseason until the Bills came calling.

At Buffalo’s rookie camp, Burton will have to first earn a 90-man roster spot by showing he can still be the player who led the SEC with 20.5 yards per reception in 2023 – without the off-field issues. The Bills’ current wide receiver room is headlined by D.J. Moore and Khalil Shakir with Josh Palmer serving as the No. 3, though fourth-round pick Skyler Bell could push for a role as a rookie.

At present, Burton does not even factor into that equation, but the talent is there. He is still relatively young and will come cheap until and unless he proves he truly belongs in the NFL.

8 comments Buffalo Bills

5 Key Stories: 4/19/26 – 4/26/26

By | at April 26, 2026 4:14 pm

As always, the NFL draft produced a number of interesting developments with rookie selections as well as veteran player movement. In case you missed some of the top stories from around the league this past week, here is a quick recap:

  • Draft Produces Rams’ Simpson Pick, Other Surprises: It did not take long for the second quarterback to come off the board on Thursday night, with the Rams taking Ty Simpson 13th overall. Many were surprised by Los Angeles’ decision, one which will provide the team with a Matthew Stafford successor if things pan out. Connections with the Alabama passer persisted through the lead-in to the draft, but the Rams were expected to target more immediate help for an attempted Super Bowl run in 2026. Instead, general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay agreed to proceed with the Simpson selection. Other notable draft developments included highly-rated cornerback Jermod McCoy dropping to the Raiders in the fourth round due to medical concerns along with several teams making depth QB investments (such as the Steelers with Drew Allar and the Chiefs with Garrett Nussmeier).
  • Eagles, Vikings Finalize Greenard Trade: The Eagles were known to be seeking a pass rush addition well before the draft started. During the event’s second day, to little surprise, a trade agreement was reached with the Vikings to acquire the former Pro Bowler. Greenard and a 2026 seventh-round pick went to Philadelphia for a pair of third-rounders (this year and next). Upon arrival with the Eagles, Greenard – who had been seeking a raise in Minnesota – agreed to a four-year, $100MM extension. The 28-year-old is in line to collect $50MM guaranteed as a result of the new deal. Greenard (who totaled 24.5 sacks between the 2023 and ’24 seasons) will be tasked with helping replace the edge rush production lost when Jaelan Phillips departed in free agency.
  • No Cowboys Extension, Trade Expected For Pickens: Shortly before the first round began, it was learned the Cowboys will not negotiate with wideout George Pickens on a long-term deal. The franchise tag recipient has until mid-July to sign an extension, but none will be forthcoming unless talks resume. Pickens, 25, is set to sign his tender and thus become eligible for a trade. However, Dallas does not intend to move on in this case. The Cowboys are scheduled to pay Pickens $27.3MM in 2026, making him an expensive partner for CeeDee Lamb next season. Keeping that tandem in place for the long term would cost even more, and it remains to be seen if the team is prepared to do so. Meanwhile, Pickens signing the tag will obligate him to attend events like mandatory minicamp in June and training camp the following month.
  • Williams Agrees To New 49ers Deal: The 49ers managed to accomplish their goal of settling the Trent Williams situation in time for the draft. Team and player agreed to a two-year, $50MM extension. The new deal contains $37MM in guarantees and will set up Williams to continue serving as San Francisco’s left tackle through at least 2027. The 12-time Pro Bowler was in line to carry an untenable cap charge for this season without a new agreement, and he managed to secure a notable figure in terms of locked-in compensation once more. Williams is entering his age-38 campaign, but he will be expected to remain one of the league’s top blockers deep into his career. Doing so would go a long way in helping the 49ers return to the playoffs in 2026.
  • Reed Lands Packers Extension: Jayden Reed was set to enter 2026 as the final year of his rookie contract. A potential free agent departure will not be taking place, though, with the fourth-year wideout agreeing to a Packers extension. Green Bay authorized $50.25MM in new money on a three-year contract, including $20MM guaranteed. Reed, 26, later this month, is thus under team control through 2029. He was limited to just seven games last season, but a return to full health could see Reed reprise his role as a focal point in Green Bay’s passing game. The Packers traded away Dontayvion Wicks, whereas Reed is joined by Christian Watson as a member of the team’s young receiving corps who has landed a deal beyond his rookie pact.
0 comments PFR Originals Week In Review

T Donovan Smith Retires

By | at April 26, 2026 2:30 pm

Donovan Smith‘s playing career has officially come to an end. The veteran left tackle announced on Sunday that he has retired at the age of 32.

“Dear Football,” Smith wrote in his announcement. “When I first started out this journey in 7th grade, I didn’t know what the other side would hold… Football has made me feel and experience every emotion imaginable. 

“Thank you to all that has helped me through the years along my football career. It has allowed me to grow and experience life in ways I can’t put into words.”

Smith entered the NFL as a second-round pick of the Buccaneers. He immediately handled starting duties on the blindside, a role he went on the hold for eight years. Smith totaled 124 appearances during the regular season with Tampa Bay, starting all of them. He also handled the left tackle gig for each of the Bucs’ seven playoff games from 2020-22. That span included the team’s Super Bowl LV victory.

Durability was a constant for most of Smith’s Tampa Bay tenure, although he missed four games in 2022. One of the team’s cost-shedding moves during the 2023 offseason was the decision to proceed with a release, something which made him a free agent for the first time. Shortly after the draft, Smith signed with the Chiefs on a one-year deal. That made him Kansas City’s stopgap left tackle for the year, and was a starting presence who helped the team win Super Bowl LVIII.

Smith was not retained following the Chiefs’ championship, although the offensive tackle spot remained an issue afterwards. When the team was considering in-seasons signings to fill in on the blindside in 2024, Smith was weighed as an option. In the end, though, he was not brought back. After spending the rest of the year unsigned, the Penn State product was once again a free agent through all of 2025. The initial waves of this year’s free agency – along with the draft – are now in the books, and Smith will officially turn his attention to his post-playing days.

In all, Smith made 147 combined regular and postseason appearances in the NFL. In addition to his two Super Bowl titles, he amassed over $66MM in career earnings.

3 comments Kansas City Chiefs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Transactions

Saints To Sign LB Anfernee Jennings

By | at April 26, 2026 1:43 pm

Anfernee Jennings saw his Patriots tenure come to an end last month. The veteran linebacker has managed to line up his next gig immediately after the draft, though.

Jennings has agreed to a deal with the Saints, as first reported by Nick Underhill of New Orleans.Football. Numerous free agent signings can be expected after Monday, since that is the point where the 2027 compensatory pick formula is no longer affected. Since Jennings was cut earlier this offseason, however, he was free to sign at any time without impacting the Saints’ outlook in that regard.

A third-round pick in 2020, Jennings spent each of his first six years (and five seasons) in New England. He joined the team as a middle linebacker but also saw time on the edge over time. Jennings served as a full-time starter in 2023 and ’24, but the arrival new head coach Mike Vrabel resulted in a drop in defensive playing time. The Alabama product handled a snap share of just 33% in 2025, although he managed a pair of sacks during the season (and another two during New England’s run to the Super Bowl).

Jennings was cut in March in a move which came as little surprise since he was a trade candidate leading up to the deadline. The 28-year-old will look to earn at least a rotational role upon arrival in New Orleans, a team which made an addition to its front seven yesterday. During Day 3 of the draft, the Saints swung a trade with the Raiders for edge rusher Tyree Wilson. He and Jennings will be in place for OTAs as they attempt to earn a spot with New Orleans.

The Saints entered Sunday with nearly $14MM in cap space. That figure will be reduced once the team’s draft class is signed, while the acquisitions of Wilson and now Jennings point further to New Orleans choosing to move on from Cameron Jordan. The franchise icon remains unsigned at this time, and general manager Mickey Loomis noted the draft would play a role in determining how the team proceeded with respect to a re-signing.

New Orleans did not select any edge rushers or linebackers this weekend. With Wilson and Jennings in place, though, the team has added depth at that spot entering spring practices. It will be interesting to see how things play out with Jordan moving forward.

0 comments New Orleans Saints Transactions

Chargers Add 18 Undrafted Free Agents

By | at April 26, 2026 12:52 pm

The Chargers put the finishing touches on an eight-player draft class on Saturday. After quickly getting to work in the undrafted market, the Chargers announced 18 new rookie additions Sunday. Here is the list:

Dane Brugler of The Athletic ranked four of these players among his 300 best prospects entering the draft. At No. 181, Smith was highest on the pre-draft list. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound Smith played four years at Toledo, where he was in the same secondary as Eagles 2024 first-round cornerback Quinyon Mitchell and Browns 2026 second-round safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren for various periods. Smith made second-team All-MAC in each of his final two seasons with the Rockets. He combined for 100 tackles, 25 passes defensed and three interceptions in that 26-game span. While Smith mostly lined up on the outside in college, Brugler expects him to work as a nickel corner if he makes it to the NFL.

The Chargers can take their time with World (No. 199), a four-year college starter who is recovering from a serious injury. After spending four years at Nevada, World transferred to Oregon ahead of the 2025 campaign. He went on to earn second-team All-Big Ten honors as the Ducks’ left tackle, but the 6-8, 318-pounder’s season ended in brutal fashion. World tore his left ACL in a loss to Indiana in the College Football Playoff in January. The injury took a sledgehammer to World’s draft stock, but he now in position to develop behind the Chargers’ elite tackle duo of Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt.

Tucker (No. 236) is reuniting with new Chargers defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary, who held the same position at Western Michigan in 2025. Their one-year partnership at the college level could not have gone any better. Tucker posted jaw-dropping numbers (21 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks) en route to MAC Defensive Player of the Year honors. While Tucker was excellent at WMU, he mustered just 1.5 tackles for loss and went without a sack at Houston in 13 games from 2022-24. Also a former junior college player, Tucker will already be 26 when the season starts. Nevertheless, “his high-effort pass rush can earn him a subpackage role” in the pros, Brugler writes. Tucker will earn a guaranteed $287,500 on his undrafted deal, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2.

Barton, 286th in Brugler’s rankings, joined the Chargers on a $264,500 guarantee (via Wilson). The former Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year (2022) recorded 208 tackles, 17 TFL, eight sacks and five INTs over 46 games and 34 starts at Utah. Some teams regard the 6-4, 233-pound as a potential tight end convert, per Brugler, but the Chargers announced him as a linebacker. He is the brother of Titans linebacker Cody Barton and free agent offensive tackle Jackson Barton.

4 comments Los Angeles Chargers Transactions
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