HEADLINES

Month: May 2025

Dolphins, Steelers Exploring Jonnu Smith Trade; TE Seeking New Contract

May 29th, 2025 at 10:27pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

10:27pm: Smith isn’t the only offensive playmaker about whom the Steelers have inquired. The team has has “preliminary conversations” with multiple teams as they search for another weapon alongside Metcalf, per Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Schultz’s report indicates that Pittsburgh will complete a trade in the coming months. After adding a third-rounder in the Pickens trade, the team now has eight selections in the 2026 NFL Draft with the potential to add four more via the compensatory pick system.

2:06pm: The Dolphins and the Steelers are exploring a trade that would send tight end Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The trade talks stem from Smith’s desire for a new contract. He arrived in Miami on a two-year, $8.4MM last offseason and quickly outplayed his value with the best receiving numbers of his career and his first Pro Bowl selection. Smith led the Dolphins with 88 catches and eight receiving touchdowns, and his 884 receiving yards trailed only Tyreek Hill. Those numbers were also the best of any tight end in franchise history.

Smith is set to earn $4.1MM this year with additional money available via incentives, per OverTheCap, a bargain relative to his recent production. However, 2024 was his first year with more than 35 yards per game, so the Dolphins may not want to overpay for what could be an outlier season.

Enter the Steelers, who remade their pass-catching corps this season by trading for D.K. Metcalf and sending George Pickens – their leading receiver since 2022 – to the Cowboys. Pittsburgh did sign 2021 second-round tight end Pat Freiermuth to a four-year extension last September, but Smith was the more productive player in 2024. He ranked fifth among all tight ends with 1.95 yards per route run, while Freiermuth’s 1.42 YPRR ranked 20th, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). The Steelers’ lack of WR depth may encourage them to invest in another tight end, especially one who is so familiar with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

Arthur Smith was the Titans’ tight ends coach when they drafted Jonnu Smith in the third-round of the 2017 NFL Draft. The former FIU standout started 25 games across his first two years, largely as a blocker, but became a bigger part of the passing game once Arthur Smith took over as offensive coordinator in 2019. Jonnu Smith started 28 games over the next two years, catching 76 of his 109 targets for 887 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. That earned him a four-year, $50MM contract with the Patriots, while Arthur Smith was hired as the Falcons’ head coach.

An underwhelming two years in New England led to Jonnu Smith’s release during the 2023 offseason. He reunited with Arthur Smith on a two-year, $15MM deal in Atlanta, where he posted career-highs with 50 receptions and 582 receiving yards in 2023. Despite his performance, Jonnu Smith was released after the season, likely because of Arthur Smith’s firing. Now, the two could be on the verge of another reunion that would allow the veteran coach to use his trademark two tight end formations.

However, Jonnu Smith would prefer to remain in Miami with a revised contract, per Schefter. If the Dolphins are unwilling to commit to him past this season, the two sides could find a middle ground via an increased salary, some new guarantees, and/or additional incentives to raise Smith’s earning potential.

Mike Vrabel Addresses Stefon Diggs Video

May 29th, 2025 at 10:26pm CST by Ben Levine

A video of Stefon Diggs went viral earlier this week, as the Patriots wide receiver was recorded flashing an “unidentified pink substance” (per ESPN’s Mike Reiss) while surrounded by women on a yacht. That pink substance has led to plenty of online speculation, and new head coach Mike Vrabel was forced to address the situation today.

“It’s something we’re aware of and obviously we want to make great decisions on and off the field,” Vrabel said (via Reiss). “… Any conversations that I’ve had with Stefon will remain between him and I and the club.”

Vrabel is sticking with his Belichickian upbringing and not revealing too much, but it is still notable that the head coach is already facing off-the-field questions about the headline-stealing receiver. The Patriots inked Diggs to a three-year, $69MM deal this offseason as the wideout continues to recover from his torn ACL.

While the veteran was spotted at a voluntary practice last week, he notably wasn’t in attendance for the start of New England’s OTAs. While an absence from voluntary practices isn’t problematic, this surely some increasing optic issues when taking into account the recent viral video. Vrabel acknowledged that he’s been in contact with Diggs this week, although the coach also admitted that he’s spoken with every player on his roster.

Patriots receivers finished the 2024 campaign last in the NFL with only 1,723 receiving yards. If Diggs is able to even return to his 2023 form (when he finished with 1,188 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns), that’d be a huge boon for the Patriots offense. Prior to suffering his season-ending injury in 2024, Diggs’ lone season in Houston saw him haul in 47 catches for 496 yards and three scores.

“The timelines, and the prognosis, we’re working hard to get him back and be ready to go. When he’s here, we’ll coach him and have him ready to go,” Vrabel said of his WR’s recovery.

While the Patriots lack top-end receiver talent, they do have some solid depth, and there should be plenty of competition for the spots this summer. Diggs is a shoo-in to make the squad, and Reiss believes free agent acquisition Mack Hollins, third-year slot receiver DeMario Douglas, and third-round rookie Kyle Williams are also safe. That means the likes of Kendrick Bourne, Kayshon Boutte, and 2024 draft picks Ja’Lynn Polk (second round) and Javon Baker (fourth round) are competing for the remaining spots on the roster.

Bengals Unlikely To Trade Trey Hendrickson; Holdout Still On Table

May 29th, 2025 at 10:25pm CST by Ben Levine

As the Trey Hendrickson/Bengals staring contest wages on, there’s an increasing sentiment that the saga will lead to an extension agreement or a holdout. As ESPN’s Ben Baby and Jeremy Fowler write, there doesn’t seem to be much momentum surrounding a potential Hendrickson trade.

As the 2024 sacks leader pushed for a new contract, the Bengals allowed the player to seek a trade to a new squad this offseason. According to ESPN, a handful of teams showed interest in extending Hendrickson if they were able to complete a trade with Cincy’s front office. Ultimately, “nothing materialized,” and that’s led to the current stalemate between the two sides.

The Bengals were reportedly seeking at least a first-round pick in return for the All-Pro. Per ESPN, there’s a belief that the organization “either didn’t get an offer including a first-round pick or it rebuffed engaging trade offers in March.” While a suitor could still come out of the woodwork, the general consensus is that Hendrickson will still be on the Bengals roster for the start of the regular season.

So, focus will instead turn to extension negotiations. Hendrickson has already gone public with his frustrations, going as far as to threaten a holdout. A source described the defensive star as “extremely dug in,” and while in-season holdouts are becoming increasingly rare under the current CBA, it sounds like Hendrickson could be one of the few players to follow through with their threat.

After pacing the NFL in sacks in 2024, Hendrickson is naturally looking to join the top of the market among edge rushers. As ESPN notes, a pair of offseason deals exacerbated the situation: Myles Garrett‘s record-breaking deal with the Browns and Danielle Hunter‘s $35MM-plus annual earnings from his new deal in Houston. That latter contract is especially notable since Hunter and Hendrickson are both 30, and it could perhaps serve as a benchmark on a Bengals deal.

The $34MM threshold is notable among edge rushers, with Maxx Crosby and Nick Bosa joining Garrett and Hunter in that exclusive club. While the Bengals may be willing to temporarily pay that type of AAV, term is the likely sticking point between the two sides, as ESPN notes that Hendrickson will surely be seeking some long-term security.

“I still think they can come to a compromise, getting him above that $30-million threshold while covering themselves,” an NFC executive told ESPN. “The age [30] is something that must be a factor for them.”

So, as the two sides continue without a resolution, Hendrickson will likely stay away from voluntary OTAs. When it’s time for the pass rusher to show up, it’s uncertain if he’ll engage in a hold-in or a literal holdout. Per ESPN, the veteran has already been warned that he’ll face fines for any unexcused absences. In other words, this situation could get even more contentious as we get closer to training camp.

Bryce Huff Not In Eagles’ 2025 Plans

May 29th, 2025 at 10:20pm CST by Ben Levine

We heard recently that the Eagles were shopping Bryce Huff. Even if a trade doesn’t materialize, it sounds like the pass rusher isn’t in Philly’s plans for the 2025 campaign.

Huff wasn’t in attendance for the start of the second phase of Eagles offseason team activities, according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. According to a source, the veteran also stayed away from all spring practices. These workouts are voluntary, so Huff won’t face any punishment for the no-show. In fact, McLane wonders if the two sides may have agreed to this arrangement to avoid an ill-timed injury.

Huff was one of the few disappointments on the eventual Super Bowl winners in 2024. Following a career 2023 season with the Jets that saw him compile 10 sacks, Huff earned a three-year deal worth more than $50MM from the Eagles. The pass rusher was ineffective in Vic Fangio’s defense, finishing with 2.5 sacks and only 285 defensive snaps. He was quickly booted from the rotation, including a five-week stretch where he didn’t see the field. Huff also didn’t play a snap during the Eagles’ playoff run to a championship.

Naturally, both sides are seeking a fresh start, but the financials are an obvious obstacle. McLane can’t envision the Eagles finding a trade suitor for Huff, at least under the current terms of the player’s contract. The writer proposes that the Eagles could look to swap Huff for another team’s overpriced and underperforming player, or they could even hang on to Huff as insurance in case they suffer injuries to their pass-rush corps.

Ultimately, the writer believes the Eagles will simply have to waive the defensive lineman. While there’s no financial incentive from this route (the Eagles are on the hook for his 2025 cap hit regardless), McLane is worried that Huff could serve as “a distraction from the otherwise positive momentum the Eagles have going on.”

There’s no true urgency to resolve the situation. However, if the Eagles share the belief that Huff could be an issue come training camp, it may be in their best interest to move on sooner than later.

49ers WR Ricky Pearsall, S Ji’Ayir Brown Likely Sidelined Until Training Camp

May 29th, 2025 at 8:32pm CST by Ben Levine

The 49ers are already navigating a pair of notable injuries at the start of OTAs. Kyle Shanahan told reporters today that safety Ji’Ayir Brown recently underwent ankle surgery and is out until training camp (via Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle). Meanwhile, wideout Ricky Pearsall tweaked his hamstring and isn’t likely to practice in full until training camp (per Matt Barrows of The Athletic).

Brown’s absence would be especially notable considering his standing as one of the 49ers’ most reliable defenders. The former third-round pick carried over momentum from his rookie campaign into his sophomore year. The safety finished the 2024 season with 77 tackles and an interception while pacing the position in snaps played.

It’s unfortunate timing, as the 49ers are also without starting safety Malik Mustapha, who’s currently recovering from a torn ACL. This will provide an opportunity for a pair of newcomers to immediately get their feet wet. Free agent acquisitions Richie Grant and Jason Pinnock should temporarily lead the depth chart.

With Deebo Samuel no longer in the picture and Brandon Aiyuk recovering from a torn ACL and MCL, Pearsall was one of several players with an opportunity to step up in the 49ers offense. The 2024 first-round pick overcame a gunshot injury to appear in 11 games as a rookie, finishing with 31 catches for 400 yards and three touchdowns.

Pearsall will likely have a role waiting for him when he comes back, but his absence will provide Brock Purdy to build a rapport with more of the team’s WR depth. Jauan Jennings will likely be the team’s temporary WR1, while the likes of free agent addition Demarcus Robinson, rookie fourth-round pick Jordan Watkins, and former fourth rounder Jacob Cowing compete for top spots on the depth chart.

In non-injury news, Trent Williams notably didn’t show up for OTAs, according to Shanahan (h/t David Bonilla of 49erswebzone.com). The coach didn’t seem overly concerned about the lineman’s no-show, with Shanahan noting that Williams had been in the building for some spring practices.

Minor NFL Transactions: 5/29/25

May 29th, 2025 at 7:25pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor moves:

Green Bay Packers

Seattle Seahawks

The Packers added a wideout to their squad today, as the team signed UDFA Sam Brown Jr. The receiver bounced around during his collegiate career, with his best showing coming during his time in Houston. Between the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Brown hauled in 103 catches for 1,286 yards and seven touchdowns. He transferred to Miami (FL) for the 2024 campaign and proceeded to catch 36 passes for 509 yards and a pair of scores.

Ravens Sign Round 1 S Malaki Starks

May 29th, 2025 at 4:59pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Ravens first-round safety Malaki Starks has signed his four-year, fully guaranteed rookie deal, per a team announcement.

Starks, the No. 27 overall pick in April’s draft, will receive $16.58MM on his first NFL contract including a $8.7MM signing bonus, according to KRPC2’s Aaron Wilson. The Ravens also have a fifth-year option they can exercise in 2028 that will keep Starks under contract through 2029.

The former Georgia Bulldog was already expected to have an impactful rookie year as a versatile third safety in defensive coordinator Zach Orr‘s scheme. An Achilles injury to 2024 starter Ar’Darius Washington will likely press Starks into a full-time role, something head coach John Harbaugh mentioned after Wednesday’s practice.

“It’s a lot on his plate right now,” said Harbaugh. “He’s going to have to step up, but that’s why we drafted him in the first round.” The longtime head coach added that he had yet to see Starks make a mistake on the field.

Having Starks on a cost-controlled rookie contract for the next four years should allow the Ravens to make Hamilton the highest-paid safety in the NFL sometime in the next year. The team picked up the 2022 first-rounder’s fifth-year option, ensuring he will stay in Baltimore for at least two more seasons, but general manager Eric DeCosta‘s history of rewarding his best players suggests that Hamilton will be a Raven for a long time. That will allow him to mentor Starks as the two develop chemistry with the intention of becoming the best safety duo in the NFL.

Rams Sign OT David Quessenberry

May 29th, 2025 at 4:33pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Rams have signed veteran offensive tackle David Quessenberry to a one-year deal, per a team announcement.

Quessenberry played for the Vikings in 2024, his seventh NFL season. He appeared in every game as Minnesota’s swing tackle, but logged only 110 snaps during the regular season. He filled in for left tackle Christian Darrisaw after his injury in Week 8 and was expected to take over the starting job until the Vikings traded for Cam Robinson. Quessenberry played most of the game in Week 12 after Robinson left with an injury and added another 14 snaps in relief of right tackle Brian O’Neill in Week 15. He also closed out the Vikings’ wild card loss in January after O’Neill tore his Achilles during the game.

The 34-year-old Quessenberry will likely fill a similar role in Los Angeles backing up starting tackles Alaric Jackson and Rob Havenstein. His experience on the blind side will be crucial to the Rams after the departure of Joseph Noteboom this offseason. The team’s other backup OT, Warren McClendon, primarily played right tackle in college and his first two NFL seasons with just 52 snaps at left tackle last year.

Quessenberry has played a handful of snaps at guard in his career, though not since 2022. The Rams have more depth along the interior of their O-line, so he likely wouldn’t be needed there unless an emergency arises.

Originally a Texans sixth-round pick in 2013, Quessenberry spent his rookie year on injured reserve due to a foot injury. He was diagnosed with Lymphoma during the following offseason; his treatment sidelined him for three years. He finally made his NFL debut in 2017 with two appearances for the Texans. He didn’t play in 2018 and eventually landed with the Titans in 2019. Quessenberry took over Tennessee’s starting left tackle job halfway through the 2020 season and started all 17 games at right tackle in 2021. He then started three games for the Bills in 2022 before signing with one-year deals with the Vikings in 2023 and 2024.

Micah Parsons Not Present At Cowboys OTAs

May 29th, 2025 at 2:58pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said that Micah Parsons is not participating in the team’s second set of OTAs, according to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News.

The All-Pro edge rusher did attend the first day of OTAs last week, but was not present for subsequent practices.

All eyes have been on Parsons’ ongoing contract negotiations this offseason. Extensions for Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby have turned up the pressure on Dallas to get a deal done. Parsons has said that he wants to finalize an agreement before training camp so he can “hit the ground running,” but he is prepared to stage a hold-in if that doesn’t happen.

The Cowboys last set of OTAs is scheduled for the first week of June, followed by mandatory minicamp the week after. The team will then break until training camp starts in July, which should give the two sides plenty of time to reach an agreement that will likely make Parsons the NFL’s highest-paid defender (and perhaps the highest-paid non-quarterback).

Parsons’ negotiations appear to be taking a similar progression to those of CeeDee Lamb. Lamb skipped OTAs and mandatory minicamp last year and staged a holdout well into training camp until he finally signed a four-year, $136MM deal. However, Lamb had to compete for the Cowboys’ attention with Dak Prescott also demanding a new contract last summer, while the team has no such distractions this year.

At this point, it’s unclear what gap remains in negotiations. Parsons has repeatedly proven himself to be one of the best defenders in the league and the market at his position has been clearly defined this offseason. One report in April indicated that the two sides had agreed on the framework of an extension, but the Cowboys’ lack of communication with Parsons’ agent, David Mulugheta, could be holding up a finalized agreement on the contract’s exact structure and guarantees.

Colts HC Shane Steichen Addresses QB Competition Schedule

May 29th, 2025 at 12:49pm CST by Adam La Rose

Earlier this offseason, Colts head coach Shane Steichen said the evaluation of Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones will begin during spring practices. He offered further details on the team’s quarterback competition at the onset of OTAs.

“We’re breaking down the reps,” Steichen said (via a team transcript) when asked about how the workload will be split between Richardson and Jones over the course of Organized Team Activities. “I think through OTAs, we’ve got nine good practices. They’ll both get about 170 reps apiece with those guys, with the ones and twos, and we’ll flip-flop them.”

Richardson immediately took on starting duties as a rookie despite his limited playing time in college. The Florida product only managed four games before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury, limiting his time to develop at the NFL level. In 2024, Richardson’s accuracy struggles continued with a completion percentage of just 47.7% and he found himself being replaced by Joe Flacco at one point during the year. Flacco’s departure left Indianapolis in need of a new veteran capable of handling QB1 duties.

That resulted in the Jones deal. His one-year pact has a base value of $14MM, nearly all of which is guaranteed. Incentives are also in place which could increase the former Giant’s 2025 earnings and potentially help his market value for next spring. Of course, a long run with Jones atop the depth chart would be an indication Richardson was unable to earn the starting gig in Year 3.

Such a development would not be welcomed by the team after making Richardson the fourth overall selection in 2023. After the coming season ends, a decision will need to be made on the 23-year-old’s fifth-year option. Exercising it would keep Richardson in place through 2027, although a notable step forward will be needed for such a commitment to be feasible. In the meantime, his attention will be aimed at preparing for a healthy campaign and outperforming Jones.

Midway through his ill-fated Giants extension, the former No. 6 pick was waived. Jones landed a deal with the Vikings to close out the year, but – just like Sam Darnold – he departed on the open market in search of his best chance to serve as a starting quarterback again. A path to that role clearly exists in Indianapolis, and it will be interesting to see if the even split in reps yields a clear frontrunner for the QB1 gig in the near future.

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