T Donovan Smith Retires
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.
Saints To Sign LB Anfernee Jennings
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.
Commanders Still Viewed As Brandon Aiyuk’s 2026 Destination; 49ers Not Eyeing Release
The 49ers have reshaped their receiver room this offseason, bringing in veterans and rookies alike. It is still expected that Brandon Aiyuk will never play for San Francisco again, but he is not on the verge of free agency.
Aiyuk did not play at all in 2025, and the 49ers’ decision to void guarantees in his contract paved the way for a potential trade. Suitors are naturally more interested in acquiring the former second-team All-Pro after the 49ers release him, whereas San Francisco would prefer a trade agreement. This situation may not end any time soon, something which was further illustrated on Saturday.
During NFL Network’s draft coverage, Ian Rapoport reported (video link) a release is still expected to eventually take place in this case. He added, to no surprise, the Commanders remain a team with “significant interest” in adding Aiyuk. Washington has previously been mentioned as a logical destination; Aiyuk and quarterback Jayden Daniels were once teammates at Arizona State. Adding a veteran receiver would help boost an offense which will again have Terry McLaurin in 2026 but is without Deebo Samuel (who is unsigned at this point).
When speaking reporters following the draft, 49ers general manager John Lynch confirmed (via ESPN’s Nick Wagoner) the team’s plans do not include an Aiyuk release at this time. A trade is still San Francisco’s target. Conversations with interested teams have taken place previously, and they could pick up once more as the offseason progresses. Nevertheless, a holding pattern may be in place until a strong trade offer emerges or the September deadline approaches for the 49ers to proceed with a release before Aiyuk’s option bonus is paid out.
“We’re available. Give us a call,” Lynch said (via Wagoner’s colleague Adam Schefter) when speaking about Aiyuk on Saturday. “And like I said earlier, I think it’s the prudent thing to do. He’s an extremely talented player. He’s been an extremely effective player in our league; situation didn’t work itself out here. That’s not to say that it can’t be rekindled somewhere else. And we’d be happy to do something with anyone if the opportunity presented itself.”
It will be interesting to see if non-Commanders suitors emerge over the coming weeks with the 49ers still aiming to recoup draft capital via a trade. If not, Washington will remain a team to watch closely regarding an Aiyuk signing if/when he becomes a free agent.
Buccaneers, QB Jalon Daniels Agree To UDFA Deal
The Buccaneers are among the teams which have acted quickly in lining up a deal with an undrafted free agent quarterback. Jalon Daniels has agreed to terms with Tampa Bay, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports.
Daniels has secured $247K in guaranteed base salary, per Pelissero. That figure is in addition to a $25K signing bonus. A long look during spring practices and then training camp could be in store based on the nature of Tampa Bay’s financial commitment in this case.
The Buccaneers are set to have Baker Mayfield top their QB depth chart once more in 2026. Another extension for the former low-cost free agent addition is expected to be finalized at some point this offseason. Tampa Bay added Jake Browning as a backup on the open market this spring, while Connor Bazelak and Garrett Greene are also in the fold at this time.
Daniels had a six-year career in college, but he did not transfer at any point during that period. Across his time at Kansas, he totaled 49 appearances, 9,282 passing yards and a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 67:31. Daniels added 1,145 yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground. He will now join Tampa Bay’s seven draft selections along with the rest of the team’s UDFA class in competing for a role over the coming months.
Both Bazelak and Greene were signed as undrafted free agents in 2025. They are now in position to compete with Daniels for the third-string quarterback gig. One or two practice squad spots will no doubt be allocated depending on how that plays out over the course of training camp.
Panthers To Sign QB Haynes King
The conclusion of the draft’s seventh and final round is always immediately followed by undrafted free agents lining up deals. 2026 has proven to be no exception on that front.
To no surprise, a few quarterbacks stand out among other UDFAs based on the value of their pacts. One of those is Haynes King; Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports the Georgia Tech product has agreed to terms with Carolina. He adds this contract includes $250K guaranteed.
[RELATED: Panthers’ 2026 Draft Class]
Not long after he had finished making selections in the draft, Panthers general manager Dan Morgan said (via The Athletic’s Joe Person) a UDFA quarterback signing was likely coming. This news thus comes as no surprise. King will join a QBs depth chart topped by incumbent Bryce Young, free agent addition Kenny Pickett and recent signing Will Grier during spring practices and training camp this summer.
King spent three years at Texas A&M before transferring to Georgia Tech. During a three-year run as the Yellow Jackets’ starter, he totaled 55 passing touchdowns and 24 interceptions. King’s rushing ability was on full display as well, as he amassed 2,277 yards and 36 touchdowns on the ground. King was named the ACC’s Player of the Year for 2025, and he finished 10th in Heisman voting for this past season.
Those accolades made him a candidate to be drafted at some point on Day 3. However, NFL teams expectedly steered clear of several passers in the 2026 class, one not held in high regard. King will spend the offseason aiming to at least earn a spot on the Panthers’ practice squad as a quarterback. Given his athleticism and rushing success, though, Carolina may also attempt to have him transition to another position as a means of carving out an NFL role.
Chiefs Draft QB Garrett Nussmeier At No. 249
Garrett Nussmeier‘s lengthy draft wait has come to an end. The LSU quarterback has been drafted with pick No. 249 by the Chiefs.
Nussmeier was mentioned alongside the likes of Carson Beck and Drew Allar as a candidate to be selected at some point on Day 2 of the draft. Beck was taken by the Cardinals while the Steelers added Allar. Nussmeier, on the other hand, remained available heading into Saturday. It has taken until well into the seventh round for his name to be called.
Like many other quarterbacks, Nussmeier faced high expectations for the 2025 season based on his play the previous year. Things did not go according to plan, however, with an abdominal injury suffered during training camp lingering throughout the season. Nussmeier wound up starting the first nine games of the year before being replaced atop the Tigers’ QB depth chart.
Injury concerns remained during the pre-draft process, although his level of play at the Senior Bowl was praised. Medical testing at the Combine revealed a cyst on his spine was the cause of the ailment, and a minor surgery may be needed as a result. Such a procedure did not appear to threaten Nussmeier’s stock to a large extent, but teams around the league clearly have doubts about his NFL outlook. In Kansas City, the 2024 Manning Award finalist will join a QBs room which is certainly not lacking in experience.
Patrick Mahomes will of course handle starting duties once he is healthy. In the meantime, trade acquisition Justin Fields is positioned to take first-team reps during spring practices. The Chiefs also have Jake Haener and Chris Oladokun in the fold. Nussmeier will provide depth while remaining under team control for years to come. He could develop into a low-cost backup over time.
Nussmeier completes a 2026 Chiefs draft class which, to little surprise, was defense-heavy during the early rounds. The play of Kansas City’s earlier picks will have more of an impact on the team’s immediate success, but it will be interesting to see how Nussmeier develops under Andy Reid.
Rams Add No. 197 From Eagles, Select WR CJ Daniels
The Rams are completing a three-for-one trade as the draft nears its conclusion. They will add No. 197 from the Eagles in exchange for Nos. 207, 251 and 252, ESPN.com’s Tim McManus tweets.
Los Angeles drafted Miami wide receiver CJ Daniels at 197. This continues a high-volume draft for the Hurricanes, the 2025 CFP runners-up. It also thins out the remaining capital available to Los Angeles as the closing stages of the draft play out.
The Rams have exclusively brought in rookies on offense so far this weekend. The team added at the tight spot by selecting Max Klare yesterday, and Daniels will now look to offer depth out wide. Los Angeles’ receiver depth chart will of course be topped once again by Puka Nacua and Davante Adams in 2026, but the team elected not to add an option like Makai Lemon on Day 1 and instead went with quarterback Ty Simpson.
That decision left WR as a potential need for the later rounds of the draft, and the Rams have moved up to ensure an addition winds up being made. Daniels began his collegiate career at Liberty, spending four years there. That was followed by a single campaign at LSU and then a transfer to Miami for 2025. Contested catches were a specialty for the 6-2, 202-pounder even after he matched up against stronger competition. Strong play in the red zone could thus be Daniels’ path to a roster spot this summer.
As a result of this trade, the Rams only own one more pick today (No. 232). The Eagles, meanwhile, are set to remain busy through the seventh and final round of the event with the selections added in this swap.
Jaguars Land No. 191 From Patriots, Draft WR Josh Cameron
The Jaguars are making another Day 3 trade-up move, acquiring No. 191 from the Patriots. New England will acquire Nos. 196 and 245 from Jacksonville.
Baylor wide receiver Josh Cameron is heading to Jacksonville via this trade. This marks the third pass-catcher the Jags have selected during the event, joining tight ends Nate Boerkircher (second round) and Tanner Koziol (fifth round). Cameron will look to compete for a depth role in Jacksonville’s receiver room.
Jacksonville has Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers and Parker Washington in position to remain key figures at the WR spot in 2026. Travis Hunter is also set to contribute on offense even if the team follows through with its plan of primarily using him as a cornerback. That will not leave much in the way of opportunities in the passing game for Cameron, but he could carve out a special teams role during training camp.
The 6-1, 220-pounder spent five years with Baylor, and his production took off beginning in 2024. Cameron caught 10 touchdown passes that season, adding another nine in 2025. He profiles as a red zone threat at the NFL level, with drops not viewed as a major concern. Further route-running refinement and better separation will be needed for Cameron to emerge as a regular on offense in the pros, however.
As things stand, the Jaguars own another sixth-round pick (No. 203). That will be followed by a trio of seventh-round selections on the part of general manager James Gladstone unless he winds up making any further trades.
Buccaneers Acquire No. 185 From Raiders, Select TE Bauer Sharp
The latest trade involving Day 3 picks has resulted in a deal between the Buccaneers and the Raiders. Tampa Bay has acquired pick No. 185 from Vegas in exchange for Nos. 195 and 229.
The Bucs have used their new selection on LSU tight end Bauer Sharp. As things stand, this represents Tampa Bay’s final pick of the 2026 draft. Sharp is the first and only tight end selected by general manager Jason Licht and Co this year, and he is the second rookie pass-catcher added to the mix this weekend (joining receiver Ted Hurst, who was taken in last night’s third round).
Sharp played quarterback in high school but transitioned to tight end upon arrival at Southeastern Louisiana in 2022. After two seasons there, he transferred to Oklahoma. A single campaign with the Sooners was followed by another move, this time to LSU. During his lone season as a member of the Tigers, Sharp scored a pair of touchdowns for the second year in a row while seeing his yards per catch average jump to 10.5 (compared to 7.7 in 2024).
Modest production at the collegiate level will no doubt lead to expectations for Sharp to earn an NFL roster spot as a run blocker and special teams presence. He is not regarded as one of the top blockers in this year’s TE class, but the 6-4, 249-pounder will look to offer depth during training camp with Tampa Bay. The Bucs’ depth chart at the position is set to be led once more by Cade Otton, with Ko Kieft, Devin Culp and Payne Durham also in the mix.
The Bucs have now made seven selections in the draft. A trade aimed at acquiring another Day 3 pick could be in the cards. Otherwise, Licht and the front office will now turn their attention to the upcoming undrafted free agent class.
Teams Calling Texans About Nico Collins
APRIL 24: Nick Caserio did not deny interested teams contacted the Texans on Collins, but the sixth-year GM said (via KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson) the team will not move its No. 1 wide receiver. Two seasons remain on Collins’ three-year extension.
APRIL 23: The draft represents a major checkpoint on the NFL calendar when it comes to high-profile player movement. Several veterans are always the subject of calls from suitors, and one of the Texans’ offensive pillars is on that list.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports teams are calling Houston about Nico Collins. He adds no trade is currently expected, but traction on this front will be worth monitoring. Per Schultz, interested teams are operating with the assumption a Collins extension will be sought out this offseason.
After two seasons with modest production, Collins saw his production surge. The former third-rounder topped 1,000 yards in 2023, a feat he has matched each of the past two years. Collins, 27, is attached to the three-year, $72.75MM extension he inked in 2024. The pact contains $20.63MM in compensation for the coming season, but it does not include any guaranteed salary for 2027.
No later than next spring, it would thus come as no surprise if Collins and his camp sought out a new deal. The receiver market has continued to surge, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba recently moved the bar to $42.15MM in average annual value with his monster Seahawks extension. In terms of AAV, Collins currently ranks 18th leaguewide at the WR position. Moving up the pecking order could very well be a goal when negotiations commence.
The Texans have Collins and 2025 draftees Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel in place at the receiver position. The team added Jaylen Watson that year, and he is on the books for one more season. Xavier Hutchinson‘s rookie contract runs through 2026, while Tank Dell is on course to return to action after a one-year absence. That depth could lead to Houston avoiding a notable receiver investment during the draft, but the team’s stance on that front could of course change if serious consideration were to be given to a Collins trade.