Vikings Sign DL Isaiahh Loudermilk
Isaiahh Loudermilk is changing teams for the first time in his career. The sixth-year defensive lineman signed with the Vikings on Thursday, per a team announcement.
[RELATED: Vikings Prepare For Second Round Of GM Interviews]
Loudermilk entered the league as a fifth-round pick of the Steelers. He handed a 29% snap share as a rookie but did not take on an increased role over time. Ahead of roster cutdowns in 2024, Loudermilk’s spot was in question. He remained in the fold for the final season of his rookie contract but was again used in a rotational capacity.
The Wisconsin product re-signed with Pittsburgh last spring. The 2025 season did not provide a boost to Loudermilk’s value, however. He was limited to just two games after being injured in September. That, coupled with limited production when healthy, contributed to a lengthy stay on the open market in 2026.
The defensive interior has undergone a number of changes in the case of the Vikings this spring. Both Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen were released in cost-shedding moves prior to free agency. They were largely replaced not by other veterans but rather by rookies during last month’s draft. The Vikings added Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange in the first and third rounds of the event, respectively. Loudermilk will spend spring practices as well as training camp competing for a depth role along with the other newcomers.
The Vikings entered Thursday with roughly $11.5MM in cap space. This Loudermilk deal will no doubt check in at or near the league minimum, so it will not have a significant impact on any other roster-building moves made in the near future.
Chiefs Viewed As Potential WR Stefon Diggs Suitor
Stefon Diggs remains one of the top free agents on the market. The veteran wideout is among many who will presumably have their next deal in place no later than the start of training camp this summer.
A return to the Patriots (provided they do not wind up trading for A.J. Brown) could be in store, while the Ravens were recently named as a team to watch regarding a receiver addition. The same is also true of the Chiefs, though. Diggs represents one of the options who could receive consideration in Kansas City’s case.
Multiple executives who spoke with SportsBoom’s Jason La Canfora pointed to the Chiefs as a logical landing spot for Diggs. Adding a veteran WR would help alleviate concerns with the team’s depth chart, one which lost Marquise Brown in free agency and did not see any experienced wideouts brought in as a replacement. Kansas City added Cyrus Allen in the fifth round of last month’s draft, but he will of course be expected to handle a depth role.
The Chiefs also have the likes of Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton in place alongside Rashee Rice. Rice’s recent probation violation will result in 30 days of jail time, and his latest legal issue has cast renewed doubt on his future in Kansas City. An extension for the 26-year-old is not being planned at this time. Rice is therefore on track to enter the final year of his rookie contract without clarity beyond that point.
That factor, coupled with Rice’s recent knee surgery, could point further in the direction of a low-cost Chiefs deal late in free agency. The team currently has just under $6MM in cap space, so a splashy signing will not be viable. Adding a veteran such as Diggs on an affordable one-year pact could help stabilize the WR spot, however. The 32-year-old was limited to eight games by an ACL tear in 2024 but he has otherwise topped 1,000 yards every season since 2018.
As La Canfora notes, Diggs’ market has picked up since he was recently acquitted of assault and strangulation charges. A league investigation into the matter is still ongoing, meaning discipline through a fine and/or suspension remains possible. Nevertheless, it would come as little surprise if Diggs were to have his next NFL opportunity lined up by July at the latest. It will be interesting to see if the Chiefs make a push to sign him over the coming weeks.
Eagles’ Nolan Smith Arrested For Speeding, Reckless Driving
Eagles outside linebacker Nolan Smith was arrested this past Friday for speeding and reckless driving, as detailed by ESPN’s Tim McManus.
Notes from the Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office indicate Smith was traveling 135mph in a 70mph zone on the interstate prior to being stopped at 10:41pm. Smith posted bond shortly after being booked, per the sheriff’s office. A future court date has been set.
Smith entered the league in 2023 as an Eagles first-rounder. He represents one of several former Georgia defenders selected by Philadelphia in recent years. The Bulldogs have developed a reputation for off-field incidents given the number of driving charges in particular which have emerged over the years, although this is the first arrest in Smith’s case.
After operating as a backup during his rookie season, Smith took on a starting role in 2024. The 25-year-old posted 6.5 sacks in the regular season and added another four during the playoffs. Expectations were high after he played a key role in Philadelphia’s Super Bowl run, but Smith was limited to 12 games in 2025. He totaled three sacks in that span.
Eyeing an upgrade along the edge after Jaelan Phillips‘ free agent departure, the Eagles swung a trade for Jonathan Greenard. The former Vikings Pro Bowler will be counted on to handle starting duties, and at least a two-year run alongside Smith can be expected. Roughly one month ago, the Eagles elected to pick up Smith’s fifth-year option; he is under team control through the 2027 campaign as a result. Smith will collect $13.75MM that season.
The Eagles will begin spring practices on May 21 by starting OTAs. Those will be followed by mandatory minicamp June 9-10. Smith’s availability on that front will be tied to the timing of his upcoming court date.
QB Brendan Sorsby Files Injunction For 2026 NCAA Eligibility
With the deadline for entry into the NFL’s supplemental draft approaching, Brendan Sorsby‘s efforts to resolve the matter of his college eligibility continue. The latest development in this saga is a legal one.
Sorsby’s legal team has filed an injunction in Lubbock County, Texas, as detailed by ESPN’s Pete Thamel. A hearing for June 15 has been requested so that a ruling can be made in time for June 22. The latter date represents the deadline for players (most notably Sorsby) to enter the supplemental draft.
Given that short timeframe, an expedited resolution on the matter of Sorsby’s 2026 eligibility is being sought out. His legal team has long expected a rejection on that front, leading to the injunction as an anticipated next step. A statement from Texas Tech said the school plans to “quickly initiate the reinstatement process” for Sorsby, who included a signed affidavit in the court filing and worked out an “agreed-upon stipulation of facts” between himself, Texas Tech and the NCAA.
“The relief [being sought] is narrow: one student-athlete and one senior season,” the court filing reads in part. “The NCAA will suffer no cognizable harm from letting Mr. Sorsby play football while this case proceeds. But if this Court does not act, no future judgment can give Mr. Sorsby what the NCAA will have taken from him.”
The filing also states that Sorsby – who transferred to the Red Raiders and signed a lucrative NIL deal along the way – offered to accept a two-game suspension to begin the 2026 campaign provided he was reinstated for his senior campaign. The highly-touted quarterback is likely to face a far steeper punishment given the NCAA’s rules related to gambling. Sorsby admitted to placing small wagers on Indiana to win games during his redshirt freshman season. The wagers were not placed on any contests in which Sorsby played, and the filing claims the betting stopped in 2022.
Sorsby stipulated to making several other bets in recent years on non-football events, leading to the expectation he will not be reinstated by the NCAA. In that event, attention will turn to the matter of the supplemental draft. The low-profile event occurs on an as-needed basis for players no longer eligible to play in college, and Sorsby would represent the most noteworthy player taking part in the event in several years.
The 2027 QB draft class is expected to be led by Texas’ Arch Manning and Oregon’s Dante Moore, but several other passers are viewed as having a strong chance of being selected in the first round. On that note, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports Sorsby is widely seen as a top-50 prospect ahead of the 2026 season. Multiple evaluators Howe spoke with indicated Sorsby may have been drafted higher than Ty Simpson – who went 13th overall last month – had he been in the 2026 class.
Recent editions of the supplemental draft have come and gone without players being taken. Teams often prefer to retain their draft capital for the main event in April rather than losing it in the summer through the auction-style supplemental version. Sorsby could of course represent an exception, though, if teams view him as a starting-caliber passer at the pro level. The timeline along which clarity emerges in this case will be worth watching closely.
NFL Owners Vote To Expand International Schedule
MAY 19: The owners have voted to expand the international schedule from eight to 10 games in 2027, NFL executive vice president Peter O’Reilly announced (via Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports).
MAY 18: The NFL’s owners will meet this week in Orlando. Among the items on the agenda is a potential expansion of the league’s international schedule.
Owners will have the option of increasing the number of overseas games to 10 for 2027, as noted by Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. That figure would not include the Jaguars’ ability to schedule a London contest separate from the NFL’s slate. The team’s home games are set to be played in Orlando in 2027 while stadium renovations in Jacksonville take place.
As a result, a maximum of 11 international games could be played that season. 2026 will see a new record set in that regard, and continued expansion of the overseas slate has long been a priority for the NFL’s owners. That is not expected to end (or even see a reduction) any time soon with new markets consistently being sought out.
In 2026, three games will be played in London; the Jags will play there in consecutive weeks. One game in each of Paris, Madrid and Munich will also be taking place. Melbourne and Rio de Janeiro will serve as host cities for NFL contests as well, with a return to Mexico City also forthcoming. Nine of the league’s first 11 weeks during the regular season will include an overseas game.
The NFL is aiming to eventually have every team play once internationally on an annual basis, something which has become increasingly clear over time. A 16-game slate would of course become more feasible with an overall expansion of the schedule from 17 games to 18. Nothing seems to be imminent on that front, but the widespread expectation remains that an 18-game setup will be in place relatively soon. Especially if/when that is the case, further expansion of markets outside the United States can be anticipated.
Lions Attempted To Acquire No. 14 Pick From Ravens
Not long after the draft was finished, it was reported the Ravens nearly worked out a trade which would have seen them move down the first-round order. Further details on the offer Baltimore considered have emerged.
The latest edition of Ravens Wired (video link) showcases the discussions held by general manager Eric DeCosta and Co. leading up to the 14th overall pick. The Lions attempted to move up from No. 17, offering pick No. 118 and a third-round selection in 2027 to do so. Teams were largely hesitant to part with capital in next year’s draft, one believed to be much stronger than the 2026 edition.
That makes Detroit’s offer a notable one, although it comes as little surprise GM Brad Holmes showed interest in moving up the board. The Lions had long been connected to Kadyn Proctor, and drafting him would have helped stabilize an offensive line which has been in flux this year. Based on the timing of Baltimore’s conversations with Detroit, it appears as though Holmes’ offer was rescinded shortly before the Ravens made their selection.
The Dolphins wound up selecting Proctor at No. 12, taking the Alabama product out of consideration for any Lions deal moving them up the board. As a result, the Ravens remained in place and went the expected route of drafting Penn State guard Vega Ioane. The Lions, meanwhile, still managed to add an offensive tackle by drafting Clemson’s Blake Miller at No. 17. All three O-linemen will be expected to contribute early and often in their careers.
Proctor flashed considerable potential with his combination of size and athleticism during his college career. Concerns related to his playing weight and overall consistency were raised leading up to the draft, but it came as little surprise when he was selected early on Day 1 (albeit to play guard in Miami). Miller’s stock nevertheless rose considerably during the pre-draft process, and his success as a rookie will play a key role in determining the Lions’ play up front as they seek to return to the playoffs in 2026.
Giants’ RB Cam Skattebo Expects To Play In Week 1
Cam Skattebo‘s rookie season came to an abrupt end when he suffered a fractured ankle. His rehab process is ongoing, though, and progress has been made to the point a full slate in 2026 is expected.
“Obviously there’s ups and downs in the injury process and coming back and rehabbing, but the mental battle has been the hardest part: making sure that I trust it fully,” the second-year running back said on Monday (via Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press). “I’m a little ways out. Not too far, but I’ll be ready to go. Week 1, I’ll be ready to go.”
Skattebo underwent surgery late in October, setting up a long recovery process along with teammate Malik Nabers. The latter has since undergone a cleanup procedure on his knee, and his Week 1 availability will remain in question for the months ahead. Skattebo, on the other hand, is further ahead. A return in time for training camp – perhaps earlier – is expected in his case.
Taking on a large role early in his career, Skattebo logged 104 carries in eight games prior to this injury. The Arizona State product rushed for five touchdowns during that span, and he added a pair of scores on 24 receptions. Contributions on the ground and in the passing game will be expected in 2026 and beyond with the Giants aiming for overall improvement on offense under new head coach John Harbaugh.
Devin Singletary and Tyrone Tracy Jr. are still in the fold as backfield options for New York. The team did not select any running backs during the draft, meaning those two will be counted on to continue serving as complementary contributors this season. A full campaign from Skattebo, 24, would of course be welcomed by all parties. Three years remain on his rookie contract, and establishing himself as a full-time RB1 would confirm his status as an offensive focal point for the new coaching staff.
Tuesday marks the beginning of the Giants’ OTAs. Mandatory minicamp will soon follow, and it will be interesting to see if Skattebo can take part in those non-contact practices in any capacity. Even if that does not turn out to be the case, a return to full health in time for the fall remains his expectation.
Aaron Rodgers Reports To Steelers’ OTAs; Latest On Contract Agreement
News broke over the weekend that Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers had once again agreed to a one-year contract. The timing of the deal was not unexpected, since it allowed Pittsburgh’s returning QB1 to take part in spring practices.
To no surprise, ESPN’s Brooke Pryor notes Rodgers reported to the team facility on Monday morning. Uncertainty loomed after the draft with respect to a deal being finalized in this case, but Pittsburgh elected to keep the door open to a second straight season with Rodgers in the fold. In the wake of his return becoming official, further details on the negotiating process between team and player have emerged.
Aside from ongoing talks between Rodgers and head coach Mike McCarthy, communication was limited in this situation. Nevertheless, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports a “ballpark figure” on a new contract was agreed to at least one month ago. Rodgers took a deal containing $22MM guaranteed and a maximum of $25MM via incentives. Those figures represent a raise compared to 2025 but fall well short of the top of the quarterback market.
A bump in compensation was sought out during contract negotiations, Pryor’s colleague Jeremy Fowler reported during a SportsCenter appearance yesterday (h/t Bleacher Report). The UFA tender set a baseline of roughly $15MM for Rodgers to collect in 2026, but his performance during his debut Steelers campaign resulted in a raise relative to that figure. The approach of OTAs represented the latest artificial deadline for a deal to be struck, and Dulac adds the team would have begun to lose patience had Rodgers still not signed in time for today.
Concerns on that front remained relatively low, however. Mark Kaboly of the Pat McAfee Show reports there was never a formal handshake agreement between Rodgers and the Steelers, but he notes there was a general understanding a resolution would be found in time for spring practices. With the 42-year-old in place, the possibility of dividing first-teams reps among some combination of Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and Drew Allar has been eliminated. That was something Pittsburgh planned for as recently as Saturday morning, though, according to SportsBoom’s Jason La Canfora.
News of the Rodgers-Steelers agreement emerged on Saturday night, setting up an official signing for today. The four-time MVP was long expected to face the option of a Pittsburgh deal or retirement, and La Canfora confirms limited interest existed around the rest of the NFL. Nonetheless, this long-running saga arrived at its expected conclusion in time for Rodgers to prepare for his 22nd season and first working with McCarthy since 2018.
Patriots Still Open To Trading WR Kayshon Boutte?
The Patriots continue to loom as A.J. Brown‘s presumed destination via trade. An agreement with the Eagles does not appear to be in place, but a swap happening after June 1 would increase the possibility of an in-house New England wideout being dealt.
On that note, Kayshon Boutte‘s name has been mentioned on more than one occasion. The Patriots were open to a trade leading up to last month’s draft. Nothing materialized at the time, but it appears as though New England would still be willing to authorize a swap in this case.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported in April the Patriots were prepared to move Boutte for a Day 3 pick. Even though no deal was made then, and despite the fact the Brown swap has not yet occurred, Breer writes New England would still likely accept a fifth- or sixth-round selection in a Boutte trade. The LSU product is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Boutte played in just five games as a rookie, but he has operated as a regular presence on offense over the past two seasons. The 24-year-old has totaled 1,140 yards and nine touchdowns during that span, and he chipped in with one score during the Patriots’ run to the Super Bowl in 2025. Boutte is owed $1.15MM in cash for the coming campaign.
New England’s receiver depth chart no longer includes Stefon Diggs, but it is currently topped by free agent addition Romeo Doubs. He is set serve as a starter, while the same will of course be true for Brown if/when he winds up with the Patriots. Boutte is joined by Mack Hollins and DeMario Douglas as a pending 2027 free agent, so movement among wideouts in that group could take place prior to roster cutdowns at the end of August. By that point at the latest, more clarity on the Boutte front should emerge.
Steelers, Aaron Rodgers Agree To Deal
MAY 18: The Rodgers pact is now official, per a team announcement. Rodgers will indeed collect up to $25MM in 2026. He took part in the first day of OTAs, and a first-team workload will be in store through the remainder of the offseason.
MAY 16: Speculation surrounding the second year of the Steelers-Aaron Rodgers partnership can be put to rest. A deal is indeed in place between team and player.
Rodgers has agreed to another one-year Pittsburgh contract, as first reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Rodgers has long been expected to suit up for the 2026 season. He will do so and reunite with head coach Mike McCarthy in the process while delaying retirement once more.
This pact has a base value between $22MM and $23MM, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. It can max out at $25MM via incentives. Pelissero notes $22MM is guaranteed. Last year, Rodgers collected $10MM guaranteed and over $14MM in total, so this new deal certainly marks a considerable raise.
McCarthy – who took over following Mike Tomlin‘s resignation – remained in constant communication with Rodgers in recent months. That helped fuel the belief a reunion between the two would be forthcoming, although no firm commitments were known to be made by the four-time MVP. In the end, the anticipated outcome has emerged. Pelissero adds, to no surprise, Rodgers is set to take part in the start of organized team activities on Monday.
OTAs represented the latest artificial deadline for an agreement in this case. The Steelers hoped to avoid a lengthy waiting period on the Rodgers front after one took place in 2025. As the draft came and went, uncertainty continued to loom with respect to Pittsburgh’s quarterback outlook. Drew Allar was added in the third round of the event, but he will spend the coming campaign as a developmental passer. Veteran Mason Rudolph and 2025 sixth-rounder Will Howard are also in the fold.
In the event a Rodgers agreement fell through, Rudolph and Howard were set to engage in a training camp competition with Pittsburgh not seeking an outside addition. The latest update on that front confirmed, however, that both passers were expected to occupy depth roles in 2026. Not long after receiving the rarely-used UFA tender, Rodgers is indeed in the mix. The future Hall of Famer was seen in Pittsburgh today with some members of the Steelers, and he will spend the coming months preparing for his 22nd NFL season.
A visit from earlier this month suggested an agreement was imminent, although it was only Rogers’ agent who spoke with the Steelers at that time. Finances were not seen as an issue regarding a second arrangement between the parties, something which has proven to be true. An otherwise low-cost Pittsburgh quarterback room will no doubt continue to face questions regarding the future as the 2026 season plays out, but there will be stability atop the depth chart.
Rodgers made 16 appearances during the year in 2025 and also played in Pittsburgh’s wild-card loss. His statistical output over that span fell short of his peak years but offered Pittsburgh with a high floor in QB play, especially relative to the team’s other post-Ben Roethlisberger passers. Expectations will need to be tempered as Rodgers approaches his age-42 campaign, but the Steelers have made several notable offseason additions on offense. Improved play with those new faces, and a revamped staff led by McCarthy, could see the Steelers end their drought (2016-present) for playoff victories.
A veteran-laden core remains in place on defense in particular for Pittsburgh. Rodgers will be expected to help the win-now group justify the commitment from owner Art Rooney II, general manager Omar Khan and Co. to contending in 2026 instead of resetting under center this spring. Questions will loom about the Steelers’ plans over medium- and long-term future at the quarterback position, but for at least one more season the status quo will be in place.