Jets S Andre Cisco On Roster Bubble?
Andre Cisco joined the Jets during his first trip to free agency. The veteran safety elected to remain in place with New York this past March, but he may not be assured of a second season with the team.
ESPN’s Rich Cimini names Cisco as one of the players “who could be in trouble” with respect to a roster spot ahead of the 2026 campaign. Following a four-year run in Jacksonville, Cisco took a deal worth $8.5MM to join the Jets. As expected, the Syracuse product handled a starting role in 2025. Cisco was limited to just eight games, however, due to a pectoral tear.
That limited the 26-year-old’s market value, and it came as no surprise when he accepted a less lucrative offer to re-sign with the Jets. Team and player agreed to another one-year pact, this time worth $2.5MM. Of that figure, $500K has already been paid out as a signing bonus. Cutting Cisco before or after June 1 would result in a dead cap charge of $1.25MM and $980K in savings.
The safety position has seen plenty of turnover in the case of the Jets this offseason. Minkah Fitzpatrick was acquired via trade, and the five-time Pro Bowler will be counted on to operate as a full-time starter. Free agency also brought about the arrival of Dane Belton. He too signed a low-cost deal for 2026, but a strong showing during training camp in his case could result in Cisco being knocked down the depth chart.
Defensive tackle Mazi Smith is another player Cimini writes may be in danger during roster cuts. The former Cowboys first-rounder was included in part of the trade which sent Quinnen Williams to Dallas at the 2025 deadline. Smith is a pending free agent, although the final year of his rookie contract (which will pay out $2.56MM) is already guaranteed in full. It will be interesting to see if Cisco and Smith help their respective stocks during training camp or if the Jets show a willingness to move on at the end of the summer.
Michael Penix Jr. Limited In OTAs; HC Kevin Stefanski Addresses Falcons’ Pending QB Competition
Michael Penix Jr. has resumed throwing in time to take part in the Falcons’ early OTA practices. Full participation is the next checkpoint in his case, but that may not be reached until the summer.
Penix has been cleared for individual drills along with seven-on-seven work for the spring. He has not yet participated in 11-on-11 practices so far, however. It remains to seen if the third-year quarterback will be fully available during minicamp next month as Atlanta continues to proceed with caution. If not, Penix will aim to avoid any setbacks in time for a complete workload during training camp.
“But that time is coming,” Stefanski said (via The Athletic’s Josh Kendall) when speaking about Penix being cleared for team drills. “His main focus is getting healthy, and he’s doing that. As a staff and definitely for Mike, we kind of have the blinders on and are really just looking at what’s in front of us.”
Penix’s 2025 campaign ended with the latest ACL tear of his career. The former No. 8 pick has been limited to 12 starts so far, and it is uncertain if he will open the coming season atop the depth chart. Shortly after his Dolphins release, Tua Tagovailoa signed a one-year Falcons deal. A true competition between the two southpaws is set to take place this summer. Stefanski confirmed an even distribution of reps will be forthcoming during training camp.
“I think it’s our job — I think [offensive coordinator] Tommy Rees does an outstanding job of making sure that we’re intentional about how we want this to operate,” Stefanski said during his recent press conference. “One guy will be up first one period and then switch with the next period and rotate every single day and really almost every drill because the truth is we’re trying to get the best version of all of our players, so we want to mix and match guys in different spots.”
Penix’s showing in a number of categories was incrementally better in 2025 than it was during his rookie season. Nevertheless, further improvements will be sought out with the 26-year-old aiming to establish himself as Atlanta’s long-term answer under center. Penix’s performances working with Stefanski and a new coaching staff will be worth watching closely as the summer unfolds. At a minimum, he appears to be on course for a clean bill of health in time for padded practices during training camp.
NFL Mailbag: Chiefs, Sorsby, Vikings, Bengals
This week's edition of the PFR mailbag answers questions related to the Chiefs' receiver situation, the potential for 2026 including a high-profile supplemental draft prospect, the Vikings' busy offseason and the Bengals' outlook for the coming season.
Joey asks:
Who do you think the Chiefs sign to help out at WR after this Rashee Rice news? Do you think he still has a chance to stay long term or are there just too many red flags?
The list of veteran receivers still available is fairly long. Kansas City can’t afford much at the position (or any other, for that matter) but there will be options to choose from.
Cardinals Sign G Chase Bisontis To Fully Guaranteed Rookie Contract
Chase Bisontis is officially on the books. The second-round guard recently signed his rookie contract, per a Cardinals announcement.
[RELATED: Cardinals, Jacoby Brissett Not Close To Contract Resolution]
Selected 34th overall, Bisontis saw a number of other round two players (including those taken later than him) land fully guaranteed deals prior to his own being finalized. To no surprise, then, he too has secured full guarantees across all four years of his pact. As detailed by CardsWire’s Howard Balzer, the contract is worth of total of $13.26MM. That figure includes a $6.1MM signing bonus.
Many viewed the offensive line as an area the Cardinals would address with their top selection. Indications increasingly pointed toward running back Jeremiyah Love leading up to the draft, though, and that wound up being the route Arizona took. Trade interest was shown in the No. 34 pick, but the Cards elected to stay in place. That allowed for Bisontis to hear his name called.
The Texas A&M product established himself as a high-end guard prospect across his three years with the Aggies. Bisontis will be a candidate to take on a starting role immediately upon entering the NFL. The right guard spot in particular could be the subject of a training camp competition. Isaiah Adams logged 11 starts in that capacity last season, and two years remain on his rookie contract. A change to backup duties could be in store depending on how Bisontis fares this summer, however.
As a result of this signing, five of the Cards’ seven draftees are on the books. Only third-round quarterback Carson Beck and fourth-round defensive tackle Kaleb Proctor are still unsigned at this point. With neither of them in position to secure a fully guaranteed pact, a dispute over terms should not be expected.
Bears Expect Training Camp Return For DE Dayo Odeyingbo
Dayo Odeyingbo‘s debut season with the Bears did not go according to plan. An Achilles tear limited him to just eight games, but a return for practices this summer is expected.
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said (via ESPN’s Courtney Cronin) Odeyingbo will “definitely be in the mix” during training camp. He specified the sixth-year veteran will be used at defensive end, but the fact a clean bill of health in time for July is anticipated represents positive news.
Last spring, the Bears added Odeyingbo on a three-year, $48MM deal. The former Colt flashed potential in terms of sack production while playing out his rookie contract. In 2025, however, Odeyingbo managed only one sack, six pressures and four quarterback hits prior to his injury. A lengthy rehab process has ensued, but the opportunity to compete for a starting role will again present itself this summer provided a full recovery is made by that point.
Improving in the pass rush department is a major Bears priority heading into 2026. No major additions from outside the organization have been made to date, so the performances of Chicago’s incumbent options this summer will be worth watching closely. Odeyingbo, 26, is joined by Austin Booker and Shemar Turner as a candidate to operate as the team’s edge rushing complement to Montez Sweat. Another strong season from Sweat, coupled with an improved showing from the supporting cast, would be key in helping the Bears’ front seven take a step forward.
Allen has a lengthy history with free agent Cameron Jordan based on their history in New Orleans. A reunion between the two is unlikely, though. Several other veteran pass rushers remain unsigned at this time, but the Bears’ approach will include an evaluation period for those already in place. Odeyingbo in particular will be worth watching closely as he returns from a long-term injury. He is owed $16MM in 2026, much of which is already guaranteed.
NFL Eyeing Japan As Next International Market
Earlier this week, NFL owners voted to expand the slate of international contests in 2027. As many as 11 games will be played outside of the United States next season as a result.
The league has made continued expansion into new markets a long-running priority, and that remains the case presently. Exploration of other countries which could serve as the host for regular-season games could soon lead to the list of markets growing once again. Hints on that front emerged during the recent owners’ meeting.
When asked by Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer about where the league could turn next, NFL executive vice president Peter O’Reilly specifically mentioned Japan. It will be interesting to see if efforts pick up in the near future to set up a game there over the coming years. One team (the Rams) currently holds marketing rights in Japan.
In 1936, Japan’s football federation was created. The organization is therefore one of the oldest outside of the United States and Canada. Japan also won each of the first two editions of the IFAF World Championship for tackle football before hosting the event in 2007.
It would thus comes as little surprise if Japan were to become a regular host country for NFL action relatively soon. The matter of travel distance is among the logistical issues which will be raised, although 2026 will see the Rams and 49ers play each other in Melbourne, Australia. The league already intends to return there before seeing how this fall’s debut contest plays out, so games staged well beyond Mexico, Brazil and Europe could increase in regularity down the road.
Breer writes Italy should also be considered a strong candidate to host NFL games soon. Further expansion throughout Europe can certainly be anticipated, but attempting to break through in Asian markets could begin with a presence in Japan.
WR Henry Ruggs Seeking Parole
One year ago, it was learned former NFL receiver Henry Ruggs was interested in a return to playing football. His first chance at being paroled is approaching, and the process of seeking parole has begun.
Ruggs appealed to the Nevada Board of Parole earlier this week, as detailed by Mark Inabinett of Alabama.com. The board plans on having a decision made by June 14. The earliest date at which Ruggs could be paroled is August 5.
A November 2021 car accident resulted in the death of Tina Tintor and her dog. Ruggs’ Corvette was traveling at 127 mph at the time of the accident, and his blood alcohol content was 0.16 (double the legal limit in Nevada). Ruggs entered into a plea agreement in May 2023; as a result of the arrangement, he received a sentence of three to 10 years in prison.
“Not a minute goes by where I don’t think of the pain I caused her family, her friends and the Las Vegas community,” Ruggs said when addressing the parole board. “I’m a religious person and pray for her family daily.”
Ruggs was initially incarcerated at the High Desert State Prison near Indian Springs, Nevada. From there, he was moved to Stewart Conservation Camp near Carson City. The 27-year-old worked at the Governor’s Mansion before being transferred to Casa Grande in late 2024. After roughly one year in that transitional facility, Ruggs was moved to the Northern Nevada Correctional Facility.
“Non-compliance with travel arrangements” was cited as the reason Ruggs was transferred from Casa Grande to a higher-security location. That could hinder his chances at receiving parole. On the other hand, mitigating factors such as his work at the Governor’s Mansion, leading cardio workouts with fellow inmates and the completion of his degree, were presented to the board.
After a productive college career at Alabama, Ruggs was the first receiver selected in the 2020 draft. His time with the Raiders proved to be short-lived, as he was waived in the immediate aftermath of the crash. A report from last year suggested NFL teams could show interest in Ruggs in the event he were to be paroled.
Bears CB Kyler Gordon Sidelined During OTAs
The 2025 season was severely impacted by injuries in Kyler Gordon‘s case. Things have not gone according to plan on that front so far this spring.
Gordon landed on injured reserve twice last year, and he made just five combined regular and postseason appearances as a result. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports the fifth-year cornerback was absent from the team at the onset of the Bears’ offseason program this spring. More notably, he adds Gordon has been sidelined during Chicago’s initial OTAs due to a “soft-tissue injury.”
Absences during voluntary workouts is of course not a serious concern in general with plenty of time remaining until training camp and the regular season. Still, a case such as Gordon’s makes any missed time a potential cause for concern. The 26-year-old was highly durable during his first three seasons in the NFL before an injury-marred campaign with Chicago’s new coaching staff in place.
Gordon is attached to the three-year, $40MM extension he signed last offseason. That deal made him the league’s highest-paid slot corner, a distinction which came as little surprise at the time. The 26-year-old has been a key figure in Chicago’s secondary when healthy, and expectations will be high upon returning to action. Strong play against the pass will be critical for defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and Co. in 2026 after the Bears added two new starting safeties this offseason. Gordon, along with perimeter corners Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson, is a returnee.
Gordon’s pact runs through 2028, and his $10MM base salary for next year has already vested. A strong run over at least the next two seasons will be critical as a result, and a clean bill of health would represent a welcomed starting point. It will be interesting to see if he manages to return to full strength by the start of training camp or if a new round of injury concerns will linger during the build-up to the 2026 campaign.
Giants DL Roy Robertson-Harris Suffers Achilles Tear
Defensive line depth was already a question mark for the Giants entering spring practices. The unit has now suffered a serious blow.
Roy Robertson-Harris suffered a torn Achilles during Thursday’s OTA practice, as first reported by Dan Duggan of The Athletic. The injury can of course be expected to sideline him for most (if not all) of the 2026 campaign. Robertson-Harris is a pending 2027 free agent.
Team and player agreed to a two-year, $9MM pact last March. That deal set up Robertson-Harris to handle a full-time starting role, and he logged a 56% snap share in 2025. The 32-year-old was in position to once again serve as a key figure along the defensive interior for the Giants, especially in the wake of the Dexter Lawrence trade. Instead, Robertson-Harris’ attention will now turn to a lengthy recovery process.
New York waited until the sixth round of last month’s draft to add a defensive lineman (Bobby Jamison-Travis). The team added veteran reinforcements in the form of Shelby Harris and then D.J. Reader during the post-draft wave of free agency. Those two will be counted on to occupy significant roles for a D-tackle group which no longer features Lawrence and which will not have Robertson-Harris in the picture for the foreseeable future. Reader inked a two-year deal, but Harris is only on the books for 2026.
The Giants also have 2025 third-rounder Darius Alexander and recent waiver claim Zacch Pickens in place at this point. The competition for playing time among the remaining defensive linemen will be worth watching closely as the offseason continues. New York currently has just over $11MM in cap space, a portion of which could be devoted to adding another depth option to compensate for losing Robertson-Harris.
Since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent, Robertson-Harris has amassed 134 appearances and 79 starts. He was unable to remain a low-end sack contributor with the Giants last season after chipping in during his time with the Bears and Jaguars. Nevertheless, another campaign of consistent play against the run had been anticipated in this case. Instead, 2026 will be marked by a rehab process for Robertson-Harris which will have a notable impact on the Giants’ plans for their defensive front.
WR Collin Johnson Retires
Collin Johnson announced his retirement on Thursday. The receiver’s NFL career has therefore come to an end at the age of 28.
“Football has shaped my life in more ways than I can put into words,” Johnson’s announcement reads in part. “It taught me faith, discipline, resilience, leadership, and how to compete at the highest level. I’m thankful for every teammate, coach, organization, and person who helped me along the way.”
Johnson entered the league as a Jaguars draftee in 2020. The former fifth-round pick spent his rookie season with the Jaguars, but only ended up playing one year in Jacksonville. Johnson would go on to see time with the Giants and Bears over the course of his career. The Texas product’s last regular-season game came with Chicago in 2024.
Instead of aiming to land on a roster this summer, Johnson will turn his focus to academic and business pursuits. His announcement states he will enroll at MIT Sloan this fall with the intent of graduating with an MBA. Johnson is the founder and CEO of Beyond-Sports, and his company is set to expand by launching Founders Academy to assist current and former athletes with business ventures.
In total, Johnson made 38 appearances in the NFL. He amassed roughly $3.6MM in career earnings along the way. Attention in his case will now turn to a clearly-defined next chapter.