Falcons Sign 11 UDFAs
After trading back into the first round on Thursday night, the Falcons made only five selections during the draft. That group of rookies has now been supplemented by an 11-man class of undrafted free agents:
- Simeon Barrow Jr., DL (Miami)
- Cobee Bryant, CB (Kansas)
- Nathan Carter, RB (Michigan State)
- Joshua Gray, OL (Oregon State)
- Nick Kubitz, LB (North Dakota State)
- Dontae Manning, CB (Oregon)
- Nick Nash, WR (San Jose State)
- Joshua Simon, TE (South Carolina)
- Quincy Skinner Jr., WR (Vanderbilt)
- Malik Verdon, LB (Iowa State)
- Jordan Williams, T (Georgia Tech)
Manning is among the players who received a six-figure commitment upon going undrafted. KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson reports he received a $100K base salary guarantee in addition to a $10K signing bonus. Manning spent each of his five years at Oregon, totaling 54 games with the Ducks. He racked up 80 tackles in his career while notching one interception and six pass breakups during each of the past two seasons.
Skinner was also a clear Atlanta target given the financial commitment he received. The Falcons gave him a $15K signing bonus as part of his $150K guarantee package, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The 6-2, 204-pounder will look to compete for a roster spot by adding size to the team’s WR room.
Nash represents an interesting addition at that position. After starting his college career as a quarterback, he converted to receiver; that move proved to be highly beneficial in 2024 in particular. Nash led the FBS in receiving touchdowns (16) last season while totaling 1,382 yards on 104 receptions. The fact he will turn 26 in July hurt his draft stock, but Nash will look to carry over the momentum of his ’24 production into a roster spot at the NFL level.
Steelers Release Ryan Watts; DB’s Career Likely Over
Ryan Watts joined the Steelers as a sixth-round pick in last year’s draft. The defensive back’s time in the organization has come to an end, however, and his playing days appear to be over as well.
“Unfortunately, today we are releasing Ryan Watts from our roster,” a statement from general manager Omar Khan reads. “After consulting with our medical team, medical experts, and Ryan’s representatives, we all agree that it is in Ryan’s best interest to discontinue playing football at this time. We will continue to assist and support Ryan as he transitions to the next phase of his life.”
Watts suffered a neck injury during Pittsburgh’s preseason finale last summer. As a result, he was placed on injured reserve and was ineligible to play during the regular season. Given today’s update, the 23-year-old’s prognosis is obviously not conducive to continuing his football career.
After a pair of seasons at Ohio State, Watts transferred to Texas. He played a pair of seasons with the Longhorns, totaling 89 tackles and six pass breakups during that span. His size (6-3, 212 pounds) offered plenty of potential at the NFL level. As things stand now, though, a major turnaround with respect to his health will be required for a pro career to be possible.
The Steelers’ safety depth chart consists of Minkah Fitzpatrick, Juan Thornhill, DeShon Elliott and Miles Killebrew. At corner, Pittsburgh has the likes of Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, Brandin Echols and Beanie Bishop in the fold. Due to unfortunate health circumstances, though, Watts will not be a member of the team’s secondary moving forward.
Jerry Jones: Cowboys Still In WR Market
In the build-up to the draft, many saw a skill position addition (in particular a wide receiver) as a logical move for the Cowboys. Dallas ultimately went the offensive line route on Thursday, however, selecting Alabama guard Tyler Booker 12th overall. 
In the end, the Cowboys did not make any receiver additions over the course of the draft. As a result, attention will once again turn to the team’s efforts aimed at bolstering the position. Finding a complementary option to CeeDee Lamb was known to be a priority before the draft, and that remains the case at this point.
“It was definitely a big time thought,” owner Jerry Jones said when asked about adding at the receiver spot in relation to a “substantive trade” Dallas discussed recently (via the team’s website). “The train has not left the station if improvement is needed from what we’ve got on campus.”
In addition to Lamb, the Cowboys have 2024 trade acquisition Jonathan Mingo in the fold at the WR position. The 24-year-old made just five scoreless catches with Dallas last season, but a larger snap share than the one he handed upon arrival (29%) could be in store for next season. The Cowboys also have Jalen Tolbert, Parris Campbell, Ryan Flournoy and Jalen Brooks on the depth chart as things stand. Returner KaVontae Turpin – who logged over 300 offensive snaps last season – could also see his workload continue to increase in 2025.
The Cowboys entered Monday with $37.66MM in cap space, so they have plenty of financial flexibility to add a veteran. The free agent pool includes Amari Cooper, although no signs of a reunion being contemplated have emerged yet. As Jones noted, a trade acquisition could also be on the table as teams sort out their post-draft depth charts.
Steelers To Release DT Montravius Adams
After making an addition along the defensive interior during the opening round of the draft, the Steelers are parting ways with a veteran at that spot. Defensive tackle Montravius Adams is being released, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. 
A rotational player throughout his eight years (and seven seasons) in the NFL, Adams had been in Pittsburgh since the midway point of the 2021 campaign. He made a total of 46 appearances and 21 starts during his tenure with the Steelers, with his heaviest workload coming in 2023. Last year, the 29-year-old saw his snap share fall to 27% while playing 11 games.
During this weekend’s draft, the Steelers – which still have the likes of Cameron Heyward, Keeanu Benton and Logan Lee in the fold – made a pair of moves along the D-line. That included the selection of Oregon’s Derrick Harmon on Day 1 along with Iowa product Yahya Black during the fifth round. With those two now in the mix, the decision to move on from Adams comes as little surprise.
One season remained on the former third-rounder’s contract, but none of his scheduled base salary was guaranteed. As a result, Pittsburgh will yield $2.25MM in cap savings with this release while generating a dead money charge of only $875K. The team entered Monday with over $31MM in cap space, but this cut will add even further to that figure.
Adams has reached or surpassed 20 tackles on three occasions during his career, but he has eclipsed five QB pressures or one sack only once in a single season. Known to be a non-factor against the pass, he will now look to find a new opportunity with a team eyeing help against the run.
WR Elijah Moore To Visit Bills
The Bills focused heavily on defense during the draft, leaving their receiver room essentially intact. As the post-draft wave of free agency begins, Buffalo is hosting one of the top options still on the market. 
Elijah Moore will visit the Bills today, Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reports. The former Jets second-rounder only spent his first two years in New York, and he was traded to the Browns halfway through his rookie contract. Moore handled snap shares of 73% and 76% in Cleveland, receiving triple-digit targets both seasons during his time there.
In 2024, the Ole Miss product set a new career high with 61 catches. While his yards per reception average (8.8) marked a step back from his three previous campaigns, the Browns’ quarterback play was lacking throughout the season and their offense struggled as a whole. Considering his age (25), Moore could be seen as a more attractive option to suitors than the other, older wideouts still on the market.
Buffalo’s decision to move on from Stefon Diggs last offseason led to questions at the receiver position. Taking a more balanced approach on offense, the team managed to finish top-10 in passing yards in 2024 while ranking second in the NFL in scoring. Duplicating that success will include continued reliance on Khalil Shakir, who comfortably led the team in yards (821). Shakir was one of several Bills to receive a long-term extension this spring.
Keon Coleman flashed potential during his rookie campaign, averaging an impressive 19.2 yards pre catch (albeit on only 29 receptions). The No. 33 pick in last year’s draft will likely take on an increased workload in 2025, a year in which free agent addition Josh Palmer will occupy a starting role. Buffalo’s WR room lost Mack Hollins in free agency while trade acquisition Amari Cooper remains unsigned at this point.
Room therefore exists for an addition late in free agency. Moore could take on at least a rotational role in Buffalo if today’s visit produces an agreement. One would likely need to be a low-cost flier, though, since the Bills entered Monday near the bottom of the league in cap space ($3.14MM) with rookie signings and UDFA additions still to be added to the team’s books.
Panthers To Exercise LT Ikem Ekwonu’s Fifth-Year Option
Ikem Ekwonu has served as the Panthers’ starting left tackle throughout his time in the NFL so far. That will continue for at least the next two years. 
When speaking to the media after the draft, general manager Dan Morgan said Carolina will pick up Ekwonu’s fifth-year option. As a result, he will be on track to earn $17.56MM in 2026. Morgan added a long-term extension is something the team will pursue in this case.
Selected sixth overall in his draft year, Ekwonu faced questions about his ability to handle tackle duties at the NFL level rather than moving inside to guard. He has remained on the blindside despite struggling in pass protection for much of his pro career. The NC State product was charged with six sacks allowed as a rookie by PFF; that figure rose to 11 the following year before dropping to seven in 2024 (a season in which he missed two games).
While continued development in that regard (along with a reduction in penalties) will be needed, Ekwonu has lived up to expectations in terms of being a strong run blocker. The 24-year-old finished 11th among qualifying tackles last season with respect to PFF grade on that front. Continued strong play would be welcomed by a Panthers team looking to take a necessary step forward on offense in 2025 and beyond.
The Panthers have relied on right tackle Taylor Moton as a starter for the past seven years, and he remains under contract for 2025. An extension or restructure aimed at lowering his cap figure ($31.35MM) for this season could be in store, and it will be interesting to see if agreements can be worked out on that front and/or the Ekwonu one during the summer. For one more season, at least, that tandem will remain intact for Carolina.
This Ekwonu update comes as teams remain split with respect to fifth-year options on offensive lineman from the 2022 draft class. The top blocker from that year will remain in Charlotte through at last 2026, but his time there could stretch further based on Morgan’s extension comment.
Giants To Decline OL Evan Neal’s Fifth-Year Option
Over the course of his three years with the Giants, Evan Neal has not lived up to expectations. As a result, the team has expectedly decided not to pick up his 2026 fifth-year option. 
After the draft, general manager Joe Schoen said (via Ralph Vacciano of Fox Sports) Neal’s option will be declined. Exercising it would have set up the former No. 7 pick to collect $16.69MM in 2026. Considering how things have gone to date, that figure would not have been feasible. Instead, Neal will enter the coming campaign as a pending free agent.
The Alabama product operated as a starter at the right tackle spot during his rookie season, one which did not yield the desired results. The following year, Neal was limited to seven games but when healthy he continued to struggle. Talk of a move to guard took place in 2024, but he remained at tackle during the year. Improvement was seen in terms of PFF evaluation – especially with respect to run blocking – but as things stand Neal is not in position to operate as a starter.
For the coming campaign, a move inside could very well be in store. New York has veteran Greg Van Roten in place at the right guard spot, and keeping him atop the depth chart would relegate Neal, 24, to backup duties. The Giants were named as a team to watch regarding an early addition along the interior of the offensive line; the team’s only addition in that regard, though, was Purdue’s Marcus Mbow in the fifth round.
Of course, today’s news leaves the door open to Neal continuing his career in the Big Apple beyond next season. For that to be likely, however, a notable turnaround will be needed given where things currently stand. It will be interesting to see where Neal lines up during spring practices and training camp as he attempts to help his value to his current team or another one ahead of next offseason.
Both the guard and tackle markets have proven to be relatively strong in the case of players without a lengthy track record of success. Given his age, Neal could land a relatively notable deal if he shows signs of development in 2025. He will do so knowing his future beyond the coming season is uncertain.
Cowboys Draft CB Shavon Revel Jr.; Trevon Diggs Uncertain For Week 1
APRIL 26: Owner Jerry Jones confirmed on Saturday (via ESPN’s Todd Archer) Diggs is a candidate to begin the regular season on the PUP list. It will be interesting to see how his rehab progresses as Revel looks to earn playing time right away during his rookie season.
APRIL 25: The Cowboys have made another defensive addition on Day 2 of the draft. East Carolina cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. has been selected at No. 76 by Dallas. 
The move comes amongst uncertainty in the case of Trevon Diggs‘ availability to start the season. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported during a TV appearance Diggs is uncertain to be fully healthy in time for Week 1.
Revel entered the season firmly on the first-round radar. His production (albeit at a lower level of competition), coupled with his size and athleticism led to high expectations for 2024. The 6-2, 202-pounder suffered an ACL tear in Week 3, however, which cost him most of his final college campaign.
To little surprise, the injury also led to a fall in Revel’s draft stock. After not hearing his name called on Thursday, the entire second round took place without a selection coming to bear either. Now, though, Revel can turn his attention to competing for playing time in Dallas.
The Cowboys have Diggs along with DaRon Bland atop the depth chart at the cornerback spot. Diggs has been limited to just 13 games across the past two years, and he underwent surgery in January. That procedure led to a positive outlook with respect to his ability to recover in full but also the expectation of missed time during training camp. This latest update points further to the possibility of Diggs missing game action in September.
Dallas ranked 31st in the NFL in scoring defense last season. The team finished mid-pack against the pass, but adding in the secondary represents a logical goal regarding the draft. If Revel checks out medically this summer, he could see defensive playing time right away.
Vikings To Sign QB Max Brosmer As UDFA
With the 2025 draft in the books, UDFA signings have already begun. At least one notable quarterback deal is included among the first ones to be agreed to. 
Max Brosmer – who finished his college career at Minnesota – will be staying in the state this offseason. The Vikings are set to sign him as an undrafted free agent, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports. He adds this pact includes $250K guaranteed.
Brosmer spent four years at New Hampshire, serving as the school’s full-time starter during that span. He earned first-team All-American honors in 2023 before a one-and-done campaign with the Golden Gophers. Brosmer set a new career-high in completion percentage last year (66.5%), but he only threw 18 touchdowns (coupled with six interceptions). Given the 24-year-old’s age, coupled with that level of production, the chance loomed that Brosmer would not hear his name called during the draft.
In spite of that turning out to be the case, he has not needed to wait long to land an NFL opportunity. With his deal in hand, Brosmer will turn his attention to competing for a third-string gig in Minnesota. The Vikings are in position to hand starting duties over to J.J. McCarthy after the 2024 first-rounder missed his entire rookie campaign due to injury.
Veterans Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones each departed on the open market knowing McCarthy was in place to assume the QB1 role. Questions remained entering the draft, therefore, about the Vikings’ depth under center. That was addressed to an extent earlier today with the trade acquisition of Sam Howell. The former Commander and Seahawk will be counted on to operate as a backup, while Brosmer will aim to win the third-string role. Doing so could ensure a roster spot during cutdowns; otherwise, a practice squad arrangement could be in store.
Patriots Select CB Kobee Minor At No. 257
Entering the seventh round, the 257th and final selection of the 2025 draft belonged to the Chiefs. Kansas City traded up in the round, however, in a deal which left New England in position to wrap up the event.
The Patriots have selected cornerback Kobee Minor at No. 257. As a result, the Memphis product has the distinction of being this year’s ‘Mr. Irrelevant.’
Like many other prospects in this year’s class, Minor spent time at multiple schools during his time in college. He started out at Texas Tech, making a total of 23 appearances with the Red Raiders. After three seasons in the Big 12, Minor transferred to Indiana and played there for one year. In 2024, he was on the move once more, playing at Memphis.
Minor set new career highs across the board during his lone season with the Tigers. He posted 38 tackles (including seven for a loss), along with a pair of sacks, six pass deflections and two forced fumbles. Given his size – 5-11, 188 pounds – however, it very much remained to be seen entering the draft if his name would be called. Now, Minor will turn his attention to competing for a roster spot in New England.
The Patriots focused on a number of areas during the draft, but this pick is the only one including the cornerback position. The team’s depth chart will be topped by returnee Christian Gonzalez along with free agent acquisition Carlton Davis in 2025. New England also has the likes of Marcus Jones and Alex Austin in the fold. Minor will look to carve out a role amongst that group (presumably on special teams, of course) during training camp. If he is unable to do so, he will be a practice squad candidate to begin the campaign.