Browns LB Devin Bush Charged With Simple Assault, Harassment
11:15am: Further details have emerged in this case through the police report (h/t Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com). Per the report, the charges stem from an alleged altercation between Bush and his girlfriend. An argument between the two resulted in the latter filming the incident on her phone, which led to Bush allegedly “[clutching] the phone to her chest while he pinned her against a massage table, putting his full body weight on top of her.”
Bush’s girlfriend told police abrasions which were found on her right wrist and right foot were caused by the incident, which resulted in her phone being smashed. Bush admitted to destroying the phone when speaking to police but denied getting physical with the alleged victim.
8:59am: Browns linebacker Devin Bush was arrested in the Bell Acres Borough of Pennsylvania on Sunday, as first reported by Colin Dunlap of KDKA radio. Bush now faces charges of simple assault and harassment. 
Per Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal, court records show Bush has been arraigned and has posted a non-monetary bail. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for May 20 in the Allegheny County Magistral District Court. The simple assault represents a second-degree misdemeanor, while the harassment charge is a summary offense.
A team statement from the Browns indicates they are aware of the situation and are gathering more information at this time. Bush’s legal process will begin to play out later this month. Irrespective of what happens on that front, league discipline under the personal conduct policy could be in play.
Bush spent his first four NFL seasons with the Steelers, facing high expectations after Pittsburgh moved up in the draft to select him. The Michigan product had a highly productive rookie campaign but did not develop as hoped after that, and he departed in free agency in 2023. A one-year Seahawks deal resulted in a depth role for Seattle, and Bush followed that up with a return to the AFC North last offseason.
The 26-year-old made 16 appearances and 10 starts in 2024 for Cleveland, collecting 76 tackles. He re-signed on a one-year deal in March, paving the way for another campaign with the Browns. A fine or suspension limiting his availability for the 2025 season could be in play depending on how this situation unfolds, however.
Dolphins Unwilling To Retain Money In Jalen Ramsey Trade?
Jalen Ramsey remains a trade candidate to watch as the Dolphins look to find a landing spot for him. Efforts on that front will, to no surprise, be influenced in large part by the finances of the situation. 
Ramsey has four years remaining on his contract, including $21.1MM in outstanding guarantees for the 2025 campaign. In the eyes of many observers, the Dolphins are therefore in a position where retaining a portion of that compensation will be required to swing a trade. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported during a Sunday SportsCenter appearance, however, that the team “has not been overly eager” to do so at this point (h/t Bleacher Report).
At least some suitors have known about Ramsey’s availability dating back to the Combine, but a trade agreement has not seen particularly close at any given time. A major reason for that is the fact interested teams are not prepared to take on the 30-year-old’s contract in full. The Dolphins would benefit greatly – from a cap perspective – by trading Ramsey after June 1, so plenty of time remains for their negotiating stance to shift as talks continue.
A parting of ways became known as a mutual desire in mid-April, with tension between Ramsey and head coach Mike McDaniel serving as the reason why a trade could soon be in store. Miami already released fellow 2024 starter Kendall Fuller, meaning a veteran addition during the post-draft wave of free agency could be in store. The team’s CB depth chart would look much different without Ramsey in the fold, something which was not supposed to be a feasible scenario after a big-ticket extension was worked out last offseason.
The seven-time Pro Bowler was limited to 10 games by a knee injury in 2023, but he rebounded with a full campaign last year. Ramsey’s ball production (two interceptions, 11 pass deflections) fell short of what it has been in previous years, but he will still be counted on to serve as a crucial element of his next team’s secondary. A reacquisition on the part of the Rams is indeed something to watch for, per Fowler, as Ramsey looks to join a contender for 2025.
Los Angeles currently has $19.86MM in cap space, although a portion of that figure will be needed to sign the team’s draft class. Landing Ramsey will still likely require assistance from the Dolphins with respect to retaining money, but Miami’s stance on that front will need to change over the coming weeks compared to where it is now.
Fred Warner Will Not Hold Out Amidst 49ers Extension Talks
Like quarterback Brock Purdy, linebacker Fred Warner has been in attendance for the opening stages of the 49ers’ offseason program. Both players represent priorities on the extension front, although plenty of progress is still required in the latter’s case. 
Prior to the draft, it was reported San Francisco had not yet engaged in significant contract talks with Warner. Team and player were not close with respect to tight end George Kittle at that point, but things changed rather quickly on that front. While Kittle drew trade interest prior to signing his pact, it would certainly come as a surprise if San Francisco fielded calls for Warner.
The 28-year-old said (via ESPN’s Nick Wagoner) he does not plan on skipping any portion of the 49ers’ offseason by way of holding out. That is certainly a positive sign traction could be gained on the extension front relatively soon, although of course Purdy’s incoming raise needs to be finalized as well. Warner is confident at this point his camp and the 49ers will “figure out the right move” regarding a new deal.
As things stand, the four-time All-Pro is attached to his $19.05MM-per-year accord. That is the second most lucrative deal for off-ball linebackers, behind only Roquan Smith. Warner is on the books for another two years, but his $17.65MM base salaries for 2025 and ’26 are not guaranteed. An extension would provide him with a new round of locked-in money while also reducing scheduled cap charges of $29.17MM and $26.71MM.
Warner has remained durable and productive throughout his seven-year career. The former third-rounder filled the statsheet with 131 tackles, four forced fumbles and a pair of interceptions in 2024. He earned his third consecutive Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro nod as a result while helping his leverage in contract talks. A new agreement moving him to the top of the position’s market will likely be in store if progress is made during negotiations.
San Francisco’s roster has undergone plenty of changes this year (including at the LB spot and others on defense), but an offensive nucleus including notable contracts for Kittle, left tackle Trent Williams, receiver Brandon Aiyuk and Christian McCaffrey is still in place. Purdy’s second contract will bring with it a massive raise and no doubt tie him to the franchise for years to come. As talks continue in that case, it will be interesting to see if Warner’s long-term future also gets worked out sometime this summer.
No Timetable For Investigation Into Ravens K Justin Tucker To Conclude
The NFL’s investigation into Justin Tucker‘s alleged sexual misconduct is ongoing. As the Ravens await its findings, they have another kicker in the fold. 
The possibility loomed throughout the pre-draft process that Baltimore would draft a kicker for the first time in franchise history. That proved to be the case with Arizona’s Tyler Loop coming off the board in the sixth round. Now, he and Tucker are in position to compete with one another during training camp. That could change in the wake of the NFL’s investigation coming to an end, but it remains to be seen when that will be the case.
“I think that right now they’re both on the roster,” general manager Eric DeCosta said of Tucker and Loop when speaking to the media after the draft (via ESPN’s Jamison Hensley). “It was a situation for us where we’re just trying to find the best football players, so we’re excited to see what [Loop] can do. He’ll be here… [and we will] get a chance to see his leg and that will help us address what our decision-making is going to be moving forward.”
Tucker has been accused of inappropriate conduct during message sessions by a total of 16 Baltimore-area therapists. The 35-year-old has denied any wrongdoing on two occasions, but his future with the Ravens was already a talking point during the 2024 campaign based on his play. Tucker’s 73.3% accuracy rate on field goals was by far the worst of his 13-year career. A strong return to form took place toward the end of the campaign and through the playoffs after a mid-season slump, but there is an argument to be made a change at the position is in order based strictly on football reasons.
DeCosta noted in his post-draft press conference there is no timetable in place for the league’s investigation to conclude. Amidst the uncertainty surrounding Tucker’s situation, head coach John Harbaugh noted (via Hensley) the seven-time Pro Bowler was informed by the team a kicker could be drafted this spring. Especially now that Loop is in place, a Tucker release could very well be something to watch for.
Three years remain on the five-time All-Pro’s contract, with scheduled salaries ranging from $4.2MM to $5.15MM during that span. None of Tucker’s outstanding base salaries are guaranteed, though, and cutting him after June 1 would free up funds for Baltimore. Proceeding with a release past that date would generate $4.2MM in cap savings while incurring a dead money charge of $2.87MM.
Loop’s field goal percentage declined each season in college, but his leg strength – illustrated by a school-record 62-yarder in 2024 – made him a target for the Ravens. Harbaugh reiterated on Sunday (video link via Hensley) the commitment to retaining Tucker or replacing him with Loop will be be a football matter. That remains the case for now, but as Harbaugh noted the NFL has not informed the team about any developments in its investigation. Until that probe is closed, Baltimore’s kicker situation will be unclear.
Chiefs Add 16 UDFAs
The Chiefs made a total of seven selections during the draft, and they will be joined by 16 undrafted free agents at rookie minicamp. Here is a look at Kansas City’s 2025 UDFA class:
- Elijhah Badger, WR (Florida)
- Jake Briningstool, TE (Clemson)
- Will Brooks, S (Tennessee)
- Dalton Cooper, T (Oklahoma State)
- Jacobe Covington, S (USC)
- Eddie Czaplicki, P (USC)
- Mac Dalena, WR (Fresno State)
- Brandon George, LB (Pittsburgh)
- Coziah Izzard, DT (Penn State)
- Kevin Knowles, DB (Florida State)
- Justin Lockhart, WR (San Jose State)
- Glendon Miller, S (Maryland)
- Esa Pole, T (Washington State)
- Melvin Smith, CB (Northern Arkansas)
- Tre Watson, TE (Texas A&M)
- Elijah Young, RB (Western Kentucky)
Of the names on this list, at least six have received a six-figure commitment from Kansas City. The most lucrative pact – in terms of guarantees – is the one for Briningstool, with Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reporting he received a total of $264K locked in. Watson, meanwhile, landed $249K in guarantees (per Wilson). They will both look to earn a roster spot as a depth tight end option.
Wilson reports Cooper secured a $20K signing bonus as part of his $259K in total guarantees. The 24-year-old spent the first four seasons of his college career at Texas State before playing pair of seasons with the Cowboys. At 6-6 and 326 pounds, he could look to earn a place on the roster as a swing tackle or compete for playing time at guard.
Izzard landed $225K in guarantees, Wilson adds. His 4.85 40-yard dash time from Penn State’s Pro Day is an indication of his athleticism, something which could earn him a spot on the D-tackle depth chart. According to Wilson, meanwhile, Knowles received a $20K signing bonus along with $200K in guaranteed salary.
Czaplicki’s base salary for 2025 includes $95K locked in; Wilson adds his pact also contains a $5K signing bonus. Matt Araiza operated as the Chiefs’ punter last season, producing a net average of 41.5 net yards per punt. 25 this season, Araiza will have competition during training camp.
Packers Have Conducted Jaire Alexander Trade Talks
The top offseason storyline for the Packers remains the future of Jaire Alexander. The high-priced corner is still in the organization at this point, although he was absent from Green Bay’s voluntary workouts this week. 
Participation on that front should not be expected as things stand. The Exhibit’s Josina Anderson reports Alexander and the Packers have an agreement in place where he will not report to the team until a resolution on his situation is found. That update comes as little surprise given the extent to which the two-time Pro Bowler’s future remains in the air. Anderson confirms all options are still on the table in this situation.
One of those would see Alexander remain in Green Bay for the 2025 campaign, something which did not appear likely in February. Green Bay shopped the 28-year-old in advance of free agency, but no agreement was reached around that time or during the draft. Teams around the league have done most of the heavy lifting from a roster-building perspective by now, but Alexander is among the high-profile players still available deep into the offseason.
Per Anderson, Green Bay has conducted “exploratory” trade talks involving the Louisville product. No specific suitors have emerged to date, but she adds a pair of teams have kept tabs on this situation for a lengthy period of time. If a trade is to take place, an acquiring team will need to take on the two years remaining on Alexander’s contract (which does not include any outstanding guaranteed salaries).
With Alexander set to carry cap charges of $24.64MM and $27.02MM, a restructure could be in order to facilitate a trade. The former first-rounder’s preference, however, would be a release allowing him to join a new team as a free agent. Green Bay would need to wait until after June 1 until proceeding with a cut if the team were to take that approach given the cap implications of doing so. As a result, this saga could continue for several weeks (with mandatory minicamp looming later in June).
Jalen Ramsey joins Alexander as a veteran corner available on the trade market. The latter’s injury history – single-digit games played in three of the past four years – will no doubt hinder his market to at least an extent, but interest persists at this point.
Ikem Ekwonu Aiming For Panthers Extension
Ikem Ekwonu will remain with the Panthers for at least the next two seasons given the team’s recent decision on his fifth-year option. If Carolina’s left tackle starter has his way, though, he will stay in place beyond 2026. 
Ekwonu took on starting duties as a rookie and he has manned the blindside for each of his three years in the league. He will finish his rookie pact in 2025, and the Panthers’ decision to pick up his option has him in line to receive $17.65MM the following year. A long-term pact could be in place by that point, something the 24-year-old would welcome.
“I have no timeline, honestly,” Ekwonu said of a potential extension (via the team’s website). “I’ll let my agent and [general manager] Dan [Morgan] and everybody kind of figure that out for themselves. “But I mean, obviously, all parties know, all parties involved know I want to be here in Carolina long term. Hopefully, we can get that done.”
Pass protection has been a sore spot for Ekwonu, and continued development in that regard will be key if he is to become a long-term mainstay up front. The NC State product’s run blocking has proven to be a strength as expected, however. A commitment beyond the intermediate term was mentioned by Morgan as something on the Panthers’ radar when the option decision was announced, so it will be interesting to see when extension negotiations take place.
Carolina has longtime right tackle Taylor Moton in place for 2025, the final year of his contract. The team’s center spot is also uncertain beyond the coming campaign with Austin Corbett being re-signed this spring and Cade Mays inking his RFA tender. At guard, by contrast, the Panthers’ plans are clear with 2024 free agent additions Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis still in the fold.
A total of 15 offensive tackles are currently attached to a deal averaging at least $20MM per year. Ekwonu has not done enough to warrant a commitment near the top of the market so far, and it would come as no surprise if the Panthers waited before engaging in contract talks. Considering a mutual interest exists on the extension front, though, this situation will be worth watching.
NFL Draft Pick Signings: 5/3/25
Saturday’s lone draft pick signing:
Philadelphia Eagles
- CB Mac McWilliams (fifth round, UCF)
The Eagles inked four of their draftees to rookie deals yesterday, and they have taken care of another pierce of business on that front. Half of Philadelphia’s selections are yet to be signed, including each of the team’s first three picks.
49ers Rejected Trade Offer For George Kittle Prior To Extension Agreement
Over a brief period of time, George Kittle and the 49ers went from being far apart on contract terms to reaching agreement on a long-term extension. Prior to the team’s latest investment in the All-Pro tight end, though, at least one trade conversation took place. 
Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports San Francisco spoke with an interested team the night before the draft began about a Kittle trade. She adds that suitor was willing to give up a second-round pick in return for the 31-year-old. That offer was obviously rejected, and less than one week later a four-year, $76.4MM deal was in place. The 49ers wound up making 11 selections during the draft, tied for the most in the NFL.
Kittle remains on track to finish his career in San Francisco. The six-time Pro Bowler sits atop the tight end market in terms of AAV, with his $19.1MM mark surpassing Trey McBride‘s recent Cardinals extension (although it was reported not long after the Kittle deal was announced it contains a final year which notably inflates the overall average). Needless to say, the 49ers will be counting on him to remain a core contributor in the pass and run games for years to come.
San Francisco’s offensive nucleus has included big-ticket deals for the likes of Kittle, left tackle Trent Williams, running back Christian McCaffrey and wideouts Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel in recent years. All but the latter member of that group is still in place ahead of the 2025 campaign, one in which the 49ers will aim to bounce back from an underwhelming, injury-riddled season. The team’s financial planning needs to take into account a lucrative long-term pact for quarterback Brock Purdy; that could be in place in the near future.
While a Purdy deal near the top of the QB market will alter the team’s cap outlook for years to come, the 49ers will remain heavily invested in Kittle for at least much of that span. The former fifth-rounder topped 1,000 yards for the second straight season (and fourth overall) in 2024, and if he can remain healthy and continue to produce at that level moving forward, the decision to retain him will prove to be a beneficial one.
Browns Undecided On Nick Chubb’s Future
Nick Chubb remains unsigned at this point of the offseason, and his Browns future is still uncertain. That is especially true considering Cleveland added a pair of running backs during the draft. 
Cleveland selected Ohio State’s Quinshon Judkins in the second round before bringing in Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson in the fourth round. Those two join a backfield which also includes Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong. Chubb could be re-signed at any time, but it remains to be seen if the team will be willing to pursue a new deal.
“The complexion of our RB room has changed this weekend,” general manager Andrew Berry said after the draft (via The Land on Demand’s Tony Grossi). “We’ll be assessing where the roster is in the coming week.”
Cleveland currently has $16.59MM in cap space. A portion of that figure will be required to sign the team’s draft picks and make other moves during the summer, but the funds for another Chubb contract should be available if needed. The four-time Pro Bowler agreed to a pay cut last offseason in a deal which put him on track for free agency in 2025. Based on his level of play, it comes as little surprise Chubb still finds himself on the market.
After returning from the major knee injury he suffered early in the 2023 campaign, Chubb made a total of eight appearances last year. The 29-year-old logged a notable workload during that time, receiving double-digit carries six times. Chubb averaged only 3.3 yards per attempt – after seeing that figure range from 5.0 to 6.1 during each of his previous seasons – and he never managed more than 59 rushing yards in a contest in 2024, though. While a bounce-back season could be in store one more year removed from the injury, the Georgia product faces the possibility of never returning to his previous form.
Based on Berry’s remarks, a decision could be made soon with respect to Chubb’s situation. If no new Browns deal is to come, it will be interesting to see how his free agency unfolds.