Cowboys Add Nine UDFAs
The Cowboys’ rookie minicamp began on Friday. The group of players taking part included these undrafted free agents:
- Justin Barron, LB (Syracuse)
- Zion Childress, DB (Kentucky)
- Alijah Clark, DB (Syracuse)
- Rivaldo Fairweather, TE (Auburn)
- Bruce Harmon, DB (Stephen F. Austin)
- Traeshon Holden, WR (Oregon)
- Josh Kelly, WR (Texas Tech)
- Tyler Neville, TE (Virginia Tech)
- Mike Smith, DB (Eastern Kentucky)
Clark received a notable commitment from the Cowboys to take part in their offseason program. Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reports his deal contains a $25K signing bonus in addition to $234K in guaranteed base salary. A transfer from Rutgers following his freshman season, Clark racked up 183 tackles and nine pass breakups during his time at Syracuse.
Barron began his college career as a receiver before transitioning to defense in 2020. Over the remainder of his time with the Orange, he saw time at safety and slot corner in addition to linebacker. The 6-5, 224-pounder posted at least 90 tackles over each of the past two years and his special teams experience will give him a strong chance to earn a roster spot.
Before and after the draft, receiver has been named as a position of need for the Cowboys. Holden saw his production increase every year during his college career, which included time at Alabama from 2020-22. At 6-2, he will look to provide the Cowboys with size at the WR spot if he makes the team. Kelly – who played at Fresno State and Washington State before his single campaign with the Red Raiders – topped 1,000 yards in 2024 and will aim to parlay that production into a roster spot this summer.
Panthers WR Adam Thielen Could Retire Following 2025 Season
The second chapter of Adam Thielen‘s NFL career has seen him operate as a key part of the Panthers’ offense. The veteran wideout will remain in Carolina for 2025, but that could be followed by a retirement decision next spring. 
“It could be, yeah,” Thielen said when speaking to the media about the possibility of 2025 being his final season in the league (video link via The Athletic’s Joe Person). “I told you guys at the end of the season, like every year, you look back and you say what left do I have to give to this game? I talked to my family, and they wanted me to keep playing. So it’ll be the same process. I’m not gonna think about that right now.”
Indeed, the two-time Pro Bowler said in February he gave thought to hanging up his cleats. His latest comments thus come as no surprise. For now, though, Thielen – who will turn 35 in August – will turn his attention to a third campaign with the Panthers. Upon receiving a pay bump in March, he remains a pending 2026 free agent.
A former Vikings UDFA, Thielen enjoyed a strong run in Minnesota with a pair of campaigns over 1,200 yards. He was the focal point of a Panthers offense lacking in skill-position options in 2023 when he amassed 103 receptions (the second most of his career). The Minnesota State product was limited to 10 games last year, but he still managed five touchdowns while averaging 12.8 yards per catch.
Carolina has selected a receiver during the first round of each of the past two drafts. General manager Dan Morgan‘s first two years at the helm have produced Xavier Legette and Tetairoa McMillan at that position. Legette will look to take a step forward compared to his production from his rookie campaign, while McMillan can be expected to handle a large workload early in his career. Thielen will remain a key member of the group as Carolina looks to build off the momentum seen on offense to close out last season.
Doing so could see the Panthers reach the postseason, something Thielen has done on four occasions in his career. Regardless of if that takes place, though, 2025 could represent his final NFL campaign.
Sean McVay Addresses Rams’ Interest In Jalen Ramsey Reunion
Jalen Ramsey remains a member of the Dolphins at this point, but a parting of ways can be expected given where things stand between team and player. To no surprise, the Rams loom as a possible destination. 
Ramsey began his tenure in Los Angeles midway through the 2019 campaign and he remained with the team for another three full seasons. The Rams’ efforts to move on from several notable contract resulted in a trade agreement with the Dolphins, a team which made him the league’s highest-paid corner (at the time) just last offseason. As a result, finding a suitable trade agreement for all parties could be challenging.
Before and after the draft, the Rams were mentioned as an interested suitor for Ramsey. The 30-year-old exceled during his time with the team, collecting a Pro Bowl nod for each of the four seasons he was in Los Angeles along with a pair of first-team All-Pro honors. In his latest comments on the matter, head coach Sean McVay confirmed talks regarding a Ramsey trade are still taking place.
“Those conversations are ongoing as I’m sure they are with multiple teams,” McVay said during an appearance on Mad Dog Radio with Adam Schein. “And we’ll see, but we’re never gonna shy away from opportunities to increase the competitiveness of our roster or add great players as long as it fits within the framework of everything that an acquisition like that would entail.”
Four years remain on Ramsey’s contract, including major guarantees for the 2025 season. The Dolphins could wind up retaining money to facilitate a trade as a result, given the small number of teams with the cap space to absorb his pact. The Florida State product could also agree to a restructured pact with an acquiring team as part of a trade deal, particularly if his destination were to be one of interest to him.
Ramsey has permission to find a trade partner, and McVay’s comments certainly suggest the Rams are still in the running to work out a deal. Los Angeles’ CB depth chart includes the likes of Cobie Durant, Darious Williams, Ahkello Witherspoon and former Commanders first-rounder Emmanuel Forbes. The team did not add any draft picks at the position, but reacquiring Ramsey would certainly alter the dynamic of Los Angles’ secondary.
Trading Ramsey before June 1 would leave the Dolphins with a dead money charge of over $25MM, while doing so after that date would generate $6.75MM in dead money while yielding $9.92MM in cap space. A final resolution to this situation will therefore likely need to wait one more month, and it will be interesting to see if the Rams pursue any other cornerback deals in the meantime.
RB Jerome Ford Agrees To Browns Pay Cut
Jerome Ford saw the Browns make a pair of running back additions during the draft, something which may have opened the door to a trade taking place. Instead, the three-year veteran will remain in Cleveland for 2025. 
Ford has agreed to a pay cut, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reports. The 25-year-old was on track to collect $3.49MM next season, but that figure has now dropped to $1.75MM (which has been guaranteed). Ford remains on track for free agency in 2026.
The former fifth-rounder saw just eight carries during his rookie campaign, but his workload increased dramatically the following year. Nick Chubb‘s knee injury opened the door for Ford to take on a starting role, and he used it to total 1,132 scrimmage yards and nine total touchdowns. The passing game in particular saw Ford thrive with an average of 7.3 yards per reception.
The Browns did not bring back Kareem Hunt for the 2024 campaign, but Chubb returned midway through the season. That led to a drop in Ford’s workload (104 carries), although he saw his efficiency spike to 5.4 yards per carry. He will spend the offseason competing for snaps as part of a backfield which also includes Pierre Strong as well as the two rookies (Quinshon Judkins, Dylan Sampson) added via the draft.
Of course, one of the main takeaways from today’s move is the fact it represents another sign Chubb will be playing elsewhere in 2025. Not long after the draft took place, general manager Andrew Berry noted the team was evaluating its options in the backfield, something which hinted toward Chubb not being retained. A Ford trade could have allowed for a deal to be worked out on that front, but that will not be the case. Chubb’s free agent market will remain worth monitoring, while Ford will look to help his free agent stock with a strong showing in 2025.
Eagles Sign Nine UDFAs
The Eagles added 10 players during the draft, and their rookie class has expanded further today. Philadelphia has signed the following undrafted free agents:
- Darius Cooper, WR (Tarleton State)
- Lance Dixon, LB (Toledo)
- Maxen Hook, DB (Toledo)
- Brandon Johnson, DB (Oregon)
- Montrell Johnson, RB (Florida)
- BJ Mayes, DB (Texas A&M)
- Taylor Morin, WR (Wake Forest)
- Hollin Pierce, OL (Rutgers)
- Shunderrick Powell, RB (Central Arkansas)
The Super Bowl champions, like all other teams, made a few notable investments as part of the process of putting together their UDFA class. Pierce received $180K in guarantees, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reports. He will spend the offseason competing for a depth role behind one of the best O-lines in the NFL.
Brandon Johnson also landed a six-figure commitment from Philadelphia. Per Wilson, the 5-11, 180-pounder received $170K guaranteed. After three years at Duke, Johnson played out his senior season with the Ducks. He recorded one interception and a scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery in 2024. Johnson will aim to carve out a roster spot via a special teams role.
Hook will likewise aim to earn a spot as a third phase contributor while providing depth on defense. His five-year stint at Toledo included three consecutive campaigns with first-team All-MAC honors. Hook totaled seven interceptions over that span, and in 2024 he set a new career high with 107 tackles.
Cowboys Agree To Terms With Tyler Booker
The first Day 1 selection of the 2025 draft has agreed to terms with their new team. Guard Tyler Booker has a deal in place with the Cowboys, as first reported by ESPN’s Todd Archer. 
[RELATED: Team-By-Team Draft Results]
Booker was selected 12th overall, a slot which contains plenty of upfront money as part of the fully guaranteed compensation first-round picks receive on their initial contracts. Archer notes the pact is worth a total of $22.55MM. Booker will collect a $13MM signing bonus.
Dallas was linked to other positions in the build-up to Day 1, but the team had Booker as its top remaining player when on the clock at No. 12. As a result, the Cowboys added the Alabama product and by doing so used a first-round pick on an offensive linemen for the third time in the past four years. Booker will aim to join Tyler Smith and Tyler Guyton as a starter up front in 2025 and for years to come.
As expected, future Hall of Famer Zack Martin retired this offseason, ending his decorated 11-year run in Dallas. That decision created a vacancy in the starting lineup at right guard, and Booker could step into it as a rookie. He is on the books for at least the next four years, but the team will be able to keep him in place through the 2029 campaign by means of the fifth-year option.
Arizona wideout Tetairoa McMillan would have been Dallas’ pick had he been available. Instead, the Panthers drafted him at No. 8, leading the Cowboys to pivot to Booker; that has left a need at the receiver spot deep into the offseason. As the Cowboys explore their options on that front with their rookie camp opening today, Booker will begin competing for a first-team gig.
WR Henry Ruggs Eyeing NFL Return
Henry Ruggs remains in prison as a result of the sentence he received in August 2023 stemming from a November 2021 car accident. Ruggs pled guilty after a woman and her dog were killed in the crash. 
The former Raiders wideout was accused of reaching speeds up to 156 mph and he registered a blood alcohol content of 0.16, more than double the legal limit in Nevada. Ruggs was waived the same day charges were filed, ending his tenure in the NFL after playing 20 games across two seasons. As a result of the plea agreement he reached, the former first-rounder received a sentence of three to 10 years in prison.
Ruggs is first eligible for parole on August 5, 2026. In the event he does get released from prison at that point or later, he is interested in attempting an NFL comeback. Former Alabama and Raiders teammate Josh Jacobs said during an appearance on The Pivot podcast Ruggs is training for a return to football.
Jacobs added he has been speaking on Ruggs’ behalf when discussing a return with NFL teams. The Packers running back also said of Ruggs there seem to be “a couple teams” which could be “willing to give him a chance.” Interest on the part of any team would obviously be a noteworthy development given the seriousness of Ruggs’ actions, but Jacobs remains an advocate for a second opportunity in the league.
“He’s a good kid,” Jacobs said, via Lauren Merola of The Athletic (subscription required). “He’s never been in trouble. I’ve never seen him do nothing crazy. He was just one of them guys that had a very, very unfortunate situation and something happened from a decision that he made.”
The top receiver taken in the 2020 draft, Ruggs averaged 18.4 yards per catch and scored four touchdowns during his time with the Raiders. At the time when he first becomes eligible for parole, he will be 27 years old.
Bengals Likely To Release Germaine Pratt?
Throughout the offseason, Germaine Pratt has represented a cut candidate for the Bengals. The veteran linebacker remains in the fold for now, but that may soon change. 
Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic writes it “shouldn’t be long until” Pratt is released by Cincinnati (subscription required). Cutting the six-year veteran (before or after June 1) would yield $5.85MM in cap savings while generating $2.33MM in dead money. One season remains on Pratt’s contract.
The NC State product made nine starts as a rookie and he has remained a fixture on defense ever since. Pratt – who turns 29 later this month – set a new career high with 143 tackles last season. The Bengals have Logan Wilson in place as the anchor of the LB unit for 2025 and beyond, though, and the draft brought about a pair of additions at the position. That includes Demetrius Knight Jr., who will likely find himself in a starting role if/when Cincinnati moves forward with a Pratt release.
The latter requested a trade in February, but to no surprise teams have proven to be unwilling to pursue a deal in his case. With Pratt on track to be released, suitors can of course wait for him to become a free agent in the post-draft market. Cincinnati has Wilson and Knight in place, along with Barrett Carter – selected in the fourth round of the draft – and free agent signing Oren Burks. It would come as no surprise if the team entered training camp with that core group not including Pratt.
If the former third-rounder is indeed let go, he will join a free agent linebacker group which also features Shaq Thompson, Kyzir White, Ja’Whaun Bentley and De’Vondre Campbell. As the Bengals sort through their depth chart in the wake of the draft, Pratt’s situation remains one to watch.
Eagles Decline G Kenyon Green’s Fifth-Year Option
Kenyon Green has not developed as hoped in the NFL, as illustrated by the fact he has already been traded. The former Texans guard now finds himself on track for 2026 free agency, to no surprise. 
The Eagles are declining Green’s fifth-year option, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Exercising it would have locked Philadelphia into a $16.69MM commitment for the 2026 season, which would not be feasible given his performances to date. The former No. 15 pick missed all of the 2023 season due to a shoulder injury and has not met expectations when on the field.
[RELATED: Fifth-Year Option Tracker]
Green made 14 starts during his rookie season, a year in which he was charged by PFF with four sacks and 47 pressures allowed. Upon returning from the injury in 2024, he remained a key figure on Houston’s offensive line (nine starts in 12 games). Once again, however, pass protection was an issue; Green was one of several interior blockers who struggled during the year and contributed to the Texans’ underwhelming offensive performance. Part of the team’s renovations up front included the decision to move on from Green.
The Texas A&M product was traded to the Eagles in March as part of a package which saw safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson head to Houston. Green will compete for a starting spot at right guard after seeing Mekhi Becton thrive in that role in 2024. The former Jets first-rounder parlayed his one-and-done Eagles campaign into a two-year, $20MM pact with the Chargers. It would certainly be notable if that feat were to be repeated in Green’s case during the coming campaign.
At a minimum, the 24-year-old will give the defending Super Bowl champions depth along the interior of the offensive line. Tyler Steen represents a candidate to win out the RG gig over Green, especially considering how late in the draft Philadelphia added rookies up front. Remaining healthy will be a key target for Green, and he could help his market value with a strong showing in Philadelphia.
In the event a first-team role proves to be elusive, though, free agency will no doubt be limited next spring. The Eagles now have four offensive linemen attached to lucrative deals, and another major commitment would come as a surprise if it were made in Green or another blocker.
49ers, George Kittle Agree To Extension
Extension talks with George Kittle have produced an agreement. The All-Pro tight end announced during an appearance on the Bussin’ With the Boys podcast that he has signed a new deal. 
This will be a four-year pact, per Kittle. The deal is worth $76.4MM in total and includes $40MM in guarantees. The latter figure consists of $35MM locked in at signing along with $5MM in guarantees covering the 2027 campaign. 2025 had represented the final year of Kittle’s contract, but he is now on the books through 2029; his scheduled cap charge for the coming year ($22.03MM) will no doubt be lowered as a result of the agreement.
This deal carries an annual average value of $19.1MM, surpassing the AAV of Trey McBride‘s recent Cardinals extension. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk cautions, though, that the final year of the contract contains an inflated figure to push that mark from $18MM to its record-breaking point. Kittle had been attached to a $15MM-per-year pact, but his future has now been secured by means of another lucrative 49ers commitment on the offensive side of the ball.
Kittle surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the fourth time in his career in 2024, and his eight touchdowns marked the second-highest total in a single season for him to date. That production helped his leverage in contract talks, and prior to the draft it was reported team and player were far apart on terms. Originally, the 31-year-old was absent from the start of voluntary offseason workouts. Kittle did attend on Friday, though, and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport notes negotiations gained steam from that point on.
A report stating the former fifth-rounder was aiming to become the league’s highest-paid tight end – with that being the reason for his early absence – drew a public rebuttal from the six-time Pro Bowler himself. Nonetheless, Kittle is now atop the position’s financial pecking order as he looks to remain a mainstay in the pass and run games for San Francisco. The team’s list of remaining extensions now includes quarterback Brock Purdy and linebacker Fred Warner, both of whom are in attendance for the start of offseason work.
The 49ers made 11 selections in this year’s draft, tied for the most in the NFL. None of those picks were used on a tight end, an indication the team would continue relying on Kittle (along with free agent addition Luke Farrell) for 2025 and beyond. San Francisco’s season did not go according to plan last year as the team dealt with a slew of injuries at key positions. Kittle continued a run of making at least 14 appearances which dates back to 2021, though, and the 49ers will be counting on that stretch of availability extending deep into his career.
As San Francisco prepares for a period with Purdy attached to one of the league’s most lucrative deals, the team also has big-ticket commitments in place with Kittle, wideout Brandon Aiyuk and running back Christian McCaffrey. If that nucleus is to guide the 49ers to a Super Bowl, Kittle will no doubt continue operating as a central figure in the team’s success.