Micah Parsons To Attend Cowboys’ Minicamp
Micah Parsons has been absent for parts of OTAs this year as he continues to await a Cowboys extension. A holdout during upcoming minicamp would represent an escalation in this situation, but that will not take place. 
Cowboys COO Stephen Jones said he was unsure if Parsons planned to attend the mandatory practices when speaking to the media (via All City DLLS’ Clarence Hill Jr.). He added there is nothing new with respect to the status of extension talks. There is still work to be done on that front, and Parsons and owner Jerry Jones have not been in direct contact for weeks.
The All-Pro edge rusher took to social media to confirm he will indeed be present for minicamp. Choosing to be absent would have made Parsons open to fines, but he will attend (something he also did last offseason, the first in which he was eligible for an extension). Players often hold in for minicamp and/or training camp by electing not to take part in on-field work until an extension is worked out. It will be interesting to see if that takes place in this case.
A flight delay prevented Parsons from arriving at OTAs earlier this week, as noted by Hill. Regardless of how the 26-year-old’s attendance and participation (or lack thereof) plays out, the matter of his second contract will of course remain a key storyline for the Cowboys. An April report indicated Parsons and Jerry Jones worked out the bulk of an extension agreement, but no deal has been signed yet. Until that changes, the four-time Pro Bowler will remain on track for free agency next spring.
Parsons is owed $24.01MM this season as a result of the Cowboys’ decision to pick up his fifth-year option. A long-term deal will of course cost much more, and the top of the edge rush market now sits at $40MM per season. Myles Garrett moved the bar with his Browns extension, and T.J. Watt (Steelers) and Trey Hendrickson (Bengals) are expected to land lucrative new pacts soon. Parsons is notably younger than each member of that trio, however, something which could result in him becoming the league’s top earner amongst pass rushers by the start of the season.
Jones and the Cowboys have a well-earned reputation for taking longer than needed to work out extensions with their top players; the negotiation process for Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb last summer provided a pair of clear examples on that point. Parsons hopes to have his mega-deal in hand by training camp at the latest, and while it remains to be seen if that will be the case he will be present to take part in any potential negotiations during Dallas’ minicamp.
Derek Carr Addresses Retirement Decision
Derek Carr elected to end his NFL career last month, and the Saints officially processed his retirement on Tuesday. The veteran quarterback’s decision to hang up his cleats came about from his desire not to have shoulder surgery, a topic he recently addressed. 
“I wouldn’t have been able to play if I had the surgery,” Carr said during an interview with David Rumsey of Front Office Sports. “And then if I tried to play with it, I wasn’t near 100%, and so that doesn’t help them, either. I just felt like it was the right thing to do for myself and for the team.”
As part of the retirement decision, a financial arrangement was made between Carr and the Saints. The 34-year-old will keep his 2025 roster bonus (valued at $10MM) but he will forego the $30MM in guaranteed salary he was owed for the season. The Saints will move forward with an open competition including Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener and second-round rookie Tyler Shough under center. Carr’s post-2025 New Orleans future had been a talking point prior to his retirement anyway, but team and player have gone their separate ways early.
“That part was tough because I didn’t want to have surgery and just sit there and – it sounds crazy but – just take the Saints’ money,” Carr added. “I had a whole bunch of people tell me how crazy I was, and ‘Man, I would never have done that.’ That’s all cool, but I’ve gained all these things that the world has to offer, and it doesn’t really do anything for your heart. I knew my heart was at peace, and that’s really all that mattered.”
While Carr looked into his non-Saints options this spring prior to retiring, he has expressed contentment with his decision to hang up his cleats. The quarterback market has essentially been settled this offseason, with the Steelers representing the only team where the projected starter is not yet on the roster. Pittsburgh was not mentioned as a potential Carr landing spot, but a QB injury elsewhere could lead to speculation about an NFL return.
Instead, the former Raider confirmed in the interview that he plans to focus his attention on his post-playing days. Carr played a total of 11 seasons in the NFL, and it would come as a surprise if that total were to increase at any time.
Rams DL Braden Fiske Fully Recovered From Knee Surgery
A knee injury suffered during the Rams’ divisional round loss took Braden Fiske out of that contest. He required surgery to address the issue, but head coach Sean McVay noted in February missed time in the 2025 regular season was not a concern. 
Not only has that proven to be the case, a return to action well in advance of training camp has taken place. Fiske has been present for OTAs and has been able to take part in individual drills. The second-year defensive tackle’s recovery no doubt represents a welcomed recovery for the team given his importance.
“I’m feeling great right now,” Fiske said (via the team’s website). “Everything went as planned. We’re even ahead of the process now [compared to] where I thought I was going to be. I’m full go right now, moving… doing everything and feeling great.”
Fiske made three consecutive starts to begin his NFL career, although his playing time dropped for a stretch after that. By the end of the campaign, though, he was once again a mainstay along the Rams’ defensive front. The 25-year-old wound up leading the team in sacks with 8.5. That production helped make him a finalist for the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award, a honor which went to teammate Jared Verse.
Those two are set to remain key figures for Los Angeles’ defense in 2025 and for many years beyond that. Fiske in particular will be tasked with building off his strong rookie season and in doing so helping to fill the void created by Aaron Donald‘s retirement. Kobie Turner – selected in the third round of the 2023 draft – has enjoyed a strong start to his career, and he and Fiske could prove to be a highly effective tandem along the defensive interior for years to come. With time remaining on both of their rookie contracts, the Fiske-Turner partnership is also a cost-effective one for the time being.
The Rams’ youth movement on defense produced surprisingly strong results in 2024, and the unit was key in getting Los Angeles to the second round of the playoffs. A repeat of that success could very well be in store this season, and Fiske will be counted on to operate as an impactful presence along the D-line. Barring any setbacks this summer, he will do so with a clean bill of health.
Steelers To Host WR Gabe Davis; No TE Jonnu Smith Trade Expected
Gabe Davis‘ free agent tour will continue this week. The veteran wideout will next meet with the Steelers, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. 
Davis will fly to Pittsburgh tomorrow and visit the team on Thursday. That will mark his third known meeting with an interested team. The former Bill and Jaguar has taken a visit with the 49ers and Giants so far. Neither of those produced a deal, but in the case of at least New York, team and player have remained in contact.
With nothing imminent on either of those fronts, Davis will continue to gauge his market deep into the offseason. The 26-year-old expectedly departed Buffalo in free agency last year, but his debut campaign in Jacksonville did not go according to plan. Taking on $20MM in dead money in the process, the Jags’ new regime moved forward with a release last month (doing so with a failed physical designation).
Evaluating Davis’ knee will of course be a key aspect of his visits before signing a new deal. In the case of the Steelers, it comes as no surprise this meeting has been arranged. Pittsburgh is known to still be in the market for a pass-catching addition of some kind in the wake of the George Pickens trade. D.K. Metcalf will operate as the team’s new No. 1, with incumbents Calvin Austin and Roman Wilson in line to take on increased roles in 2025. Veteran Robert Woods has already been added via free agency, but with nearly $32MM in cap space the Steelers could easily afford another signing.
On another note, Schefter reports Pittsburgh is not expected to swing a trade for Jonnu Smith. The veteran tight end emerged as a potential target last week, and a swap sending him to the Steelers would allow for another reunion with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. The presence of fellow tight end Pat Freiermuth for 2025 and beyond would make a Smith trade at least somewhat redundant, however. After a franchise-record campaign with the Dolphins in 2024, Smith’s preference is to remain in Miami.
With that appearing likely to be the case, Pittsburgh’s attention will return to the receiver spot in terms of adding a pass-catching presence. Depending on how this week’s visit goes, that move could turn out to be a Davis signing.
Ravens Open To Extending OLB Odafe Oweh; No Deal Imminent
Several Ravens edge rushers face an uncertain future beyond the 2025 campaign. The most notable of the team’s pending free agents at that spot is Odafe Oweh. 
The former first-rounder showed flashes during his first three Baltimore seasons. Seeing his playing time fluctuate over that span, Oweh totaled 13 sacks. 2024 resulted in a full-time starting role, though, and that increased workload yielded career highs in sacks (10), pressures (28), QB hits (23) and tackles for loss (nine).
That development could continue in 2025, a season in which Oweh is set to play on his fifth-year option. The 26-year-old is due $13.25MM, but a long-term pact – especially if he can deliver another strong campaign – will be worth much more on an annual basis. As they prepare for another season with Oweh operating as a starter, the Ravens also have Kyle Van Noy and David Ojabo set to enter 2025 as pending free agents.
Van Noy’s two most productive pass rushing seasons have come during his time in Baltimore (nine sacks in 2023, then 12.5 in 2024). The 34-year-old earned his first career Pro Bowl nod last season as a result of his success, and expectations will remain high for the coming season. Beyond that, however, it will be interesting to see if the team authorizes another contract. Ojabo, a second-round pick in 2022, has battled multiple major injuries in his brief career and has managed just four sacks to date. His roster spot is uncertain for the summer, but even if he makes the team he too is far from a lock to return in 2026.
Against that backdrop, Oweh’s contract situation represents an interesting one to monitor. Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic notes Baltimore “appears to be open” to working out an extension in this case (subscription required). He adds, however, that no signs have emerged this offseason indicating an agreement is close. Baltimore still has lucrative deals with the likes of safety Kyle Hamilton and center Tyler Linderbaum to attend to. A new pact aimed at lowering quarterback Lamar Jackson‘s future cap hits is also on the agenda.
Baltimore’s edge rush group also includes recent mid-round picks Tavius Robinson and Adisa Isaac as depth options. Mike Green – selected in the second round of this year’s draft after his stock fell in the wake of sexual assault allegations – represents a long-term option at the position and his college production certainly offers considerable upside. Still, the lack of NFL production from that trio will require Oweh to remain a key contributor on defense this year.
Like many other recent Penn State edge rushers, Oweh’s success to date has largely been based on his speed and athleticism. As Zrebiec notes, he has gained 20 pounds this spring in an effort to diversify his pass-rush skillset and improve against the run. Succeeding on that front will help his 2026 market value on a pact keeping him in Baltimore for years to come or one sending him elsewhere for the first time in his career.
Lions C Frank Ragnow Retires
Frank Ragnow‘s playing days have come to an end. The Pro Bowl center has informed the Lions he plans to retire, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Ragnow was away from the team during OTAs, but not as a result of a contract dispute. Instead, the 29-year-old was contemplating his options while weighing the possibility of continuing his career against the numerous injuries he has dealt with in the NFL. Health concerns led to today’s decision, which is now official. 
“These past couple of months have been very trying as I’ve come to the realization that my football journey is ending and I’m officially retiring from the NFL,” Ragnow wrote on Instagram Monday. “I’ve tried to convince myself that I’m feeling good but I’m not and it’s time to prioritize my health and my family’s future. I have given this team everything I have and I thought I had more to give, but the reality is I simply don’t.
“I have to listen to my body and this has been one of the hardest decisions of my life. The Lions organization has been absolutely incredible throughout this process and I can’t emphasize enough how grateful I am for this team and all the fans.”
An injury limited Ragnow to four games in 2021, but he managed to suit up for either 15 or 16 games during each of the past three seasons. This included playing through a pectoral injury last season. The former first-rounder earned a Pro Bowl nod every year in that stretch, bringing his career total to four. Ragnow earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2020, and he matched that feat over both of the past two campaigns. He operated as a Lions’ starter upon arrival, later becoming a key piece during a rebuild that saw the O-line play a pivotal role. But for the first time in seven years the team will be without his services.
Ragnow drew middling PFF evaluations during his rookie season as a guard, sliding to center ahead of his second season. Since then, he ranked among the league’s best at the center spot. The Arkansas product finished no worse than sixth for qualifying centers in terms of overall grade (with the exception of his brief 2021 season, when he earned a mark of 86.7 in his limited action). Expectations would have remained high moving forward, and two years remained on Ragnow’s contract. Now, though, his attention will turn to his post-playing days.
Detroit has veteran Graham Glasgow in place as an option to handle first-team center duties. The 32-year-old has spent much of his career at both guard spots, with that being the case for the majority of his two Lions stints. In 2018, though, Glasgow did operate as the team’s starting center before Ragnow took over that role. Glasgow also served as a Broncos center starter in 2022, replacing an injured Lloyd Cushenberry after Quinn Meinerz had taken Glasgow’s right guard spot. Another option at the center position would be second-round rookie Tate Ratledge. Rapoport’s colleague Mike Garafolo notes both Ragnow and Ratledge have taken center reps this spring.
The Lions managed to keep a number of depth options in place along the offensive line this offseason, but right guard Kevin Zeitler departed in free agency. Today’s news means multiple moves will need to be made along the interior ahead of the 2025 campaign. Expectations will remain high for Detroit’s offense in no small part due to the play of the team’s O-line. That unit will nevertheless be notably different with Ragnow no longer in the fold.
After exceling on his rookie pact, Ragnow landed a 2021 extension. Only three centers have since surpassed the AAV of Ragnow’s extension ($13.5MM), an indication of the center position’s market but also his value to the Lions. After 100 combined regular and postseason appearances, Ragnow will depart the NFL with roughly $57MM in career earnings.
Steelers Have Submitted T.J. Watt Extension Offer?
With OTAs underway, T.J. Watt has yet to work out an extension agreement with the Steelers. At least one offer appears to have been made in this case, however. 
During a recent episode of the Kaboly + Mack podcast, Mark Kaboly of the Pat McAfee Show reported that a “pretty significant” extension offer has been submitted to Watt (video link). It is unclear when it was made, but the offer is on the table at this point. Without a deal being signed, though, a gap clearly still exists between team and player in this situation.
Kaboly added it is unknown whether or not the current offer outpaces the extension Myles Garrett signed with the Browns this offseason. That four-year, $160MM pact ended speculation about his future in Cleveland – which was of course driven in large part by his trade request – and reset the edge rush market. Watt was once the league’s highest earner at the position, with that being the case for the first two years of his existing contract (four years, $112MM). A raise is in store once again, although it remains to be seen if surpassing Garrett’s deal will be required.
Team and player have expressed a desire to continue their relationship beyond 2025. That led to an expectation Watt would join the list of high-profile pass rushers receiving a new deal this offseason. The former Defensive Player of the Year remains a pending 2026 free agent at this point, though. Age (30) will be a key consideration in this case. Watt has nevertheless led the NFL in sacks three times since 2020 and has earned at least second-team All-Pro honors in five of the past six seasons.
The Steelers do not have a long history of committing guaranteed money beyond the first year of an extension for non-quarterbacks. Watt’s 2021 deal (signed days before the start of the campaign) represented an exception, but it will be interesting to see how far the team is willing to go on another monster extension. The seven-time Pro Bowler saw his sack total drop to 11.5 in 2024, and he was held off the statsheet in that regard for the team’s final four games last season.
An April social media post led to increased speculation about Watt’s situation, and he is among the veterans currently skipping OTAs while extension talks take place. Pittsburgh also has the likes of Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig and – on a full-time basis starting this year – DeMarvin Leal as experienced pass rushers. Rookie Jack Sawyer will compete for a depth role in 2025, but much of the team’s success will depend on Watt’s production. That, in turn could be influenced by the nature of extension negotiations, a process which will clearly need to continue.
Bills, James Cook Failed To Make Progress During Extension Talks
The Bills have worked out a number of extensions with ascending players this offseason. Running back James Cook is notably not a member of that group, and no deal appears to be imminent in his case. 
That is not due to a lack of communication between team and player, however. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reports Cook and the Bills engaged in extension talks earlier this offseason. He adds, though, that the parties never came particularly close to an agreement.
For several weeks, it has been clear a gap exists between the 25-year-old’s asking price and what the Bills are willing to commit on a long-term deal. Cook is currently on track to play out the final season of his rookie contract, but he has skipped voluntary workouts while continuing to seek a new pact. $15MM per year was mentioned online by the former second-rounder as the value he is aiming for, but the Bills have not been prepared to reach that price point.
General manager Brandon Beane has publicly implied Buffalo is prepared to wait out the coming season before assessing Cook’s value on a big-ticket deal. The Georgia product has only handled starting duties for the past two years, but in that span he has amassed 2,834 scrimmage yards. After rushing for only two touchdowns during each of his first two campaigns, he tied for the league lead with 16 in 2024. With totals like that and age on his side, Cook submitting an asking price near the top of the market is not entirely surprising.
On the other hand, the deals given out to the likes of Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey and Derrick Henry have come in the wake of sustained All-Pro play. Those veterans are the three backs whose deals average $15MM per year or more, with another four collecting eight figures annually on average. Cook could join one of those groups when his next contract is signed, but he may need to wait until at least some of the 2025 campaign takes place to secure a raise.
The Bills have worked out long-term deals with wideout Khalil Shakir, edge rusher Gregory Rousseau, linebacker Terrel Bernard and cornerback Christian Benford this spring. With those agreements in place – not to mention, of course, the restructure which moved Josh Allen much closer to the top of the QB position’s financial pecking order – most of the team’s offseason work has been taken care of. The Cook situation will linger into the summer if no agreement is reached, and in the absence of a successful second round of negotiations it appears that will be the case.
Eagles, 49ers Finalize Bryce Huff Trade
TODAY, 6:10pm: The two teams have officially announced the trade, pending a physical. The Eagles will receive a conditional fifth-round pick that could become a fourth-round selection based on performance conditions, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reports.
While the trade may represent one of the 49ers’ final big swings of the 2025 offseason, it didn’t come out of nowhere. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently reported that the organization had been sniffing around on Huff since March.
FRIDAY, 10:20pm: While the restructure to Huff’s contract and his subsequent trade will clear more than $15MM off the Eagles’ 2025 salary cap, the team is only receiving $2.4MM in practical savings, according to OverTheCap’s Jason Fitzgerald. Originally, Huff would have counted for $7.4MM against the 2025 cap with his option bonus prorating out over the next five years. Now, the Eagles will have to absorb a $4.94MM dead cap charge this year with $16.6MM in dead money in 2026.
12:43pm: To little surprise, Bryce Huff will not remain with the Eagles for 2025. A trade agreement is in place for the veteran edge rusher.
After remaining away from the team during spring workouts, Huff is set to be on the move shortly. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports a trade has been worked out which will send him to the 49ers in return for a mid-round pick. The swap will officially take place after June 1. Schefter notes a Day 3 pick will change hands in this case.
Huff has restructured his contract to facilitate the trade. As Schefter’s colleague Field Yates details, Philadelphia declined Huff’s option bonus (which was worth a guaranteed $15.58MM), giving him a 2025 base salary of the same amount. The Eagles then converted $9.05MM of that salary into a signing bonus that they will absorb as dead money across the next two years. San Francisco will take on the remaining $7.95MM in base pay for the coming campaign. Philadelphia will save more than $15MM in cap space while the 49ers become responsible for the final two years of Huff’s contract.
Expectations were high for Huff upon his arrival in Philadelphia last year, but his $51MM pact did not work out as planned. This deal will allow him to reunite with Robert Saleh after the two worked together with the Jets. Saleh was the head coach for Huff’s final three years in New York and returned to the 49ers’ defensive coordinator position this offseason.
Returning to a Saleh-coached defense could help Huff return to his 2023 form, which featured 10 sacks and a league-high 21.3% pressure rate, per ESPN’s Nick Wagoner. The 27-year-old struggled to adapt to Vic Fangio‘s scheme in Philadelphia, which demanded more versatility out of its edge defenders. In San Francisco, Huff can focus on rushing the passer, which could free up No. 11 pick Mykel Williams to take on a more variable role on third downs.
For the Eagles, this is yet another smart bit of business by general manager Howie Roseman, who pursued Huff aggressively last offseason but wasn’t afraid to admit his mistake and move on this year. The restructured contract is an example of Roseman’s creative salary cap management that allowed Philadelphia to avoid paying out the full $34MM of guaranteed money in Huff’s contract.
After letting Josh Sweat walk in free agency, the Eagles will need another edge defender to step up as a starter alongside Nolan Smith. They have multiple options to choose from after re-signing Patrick Johnson and adding Azeez Ojulari and Josh Uche this offseason. 2024 third-rounder Jalyx Hunt could also earn a starting job after flashing his pass-rushing talent during the team’s playoff run last season.
Titans Sign RB Tyrion Davis-Price
5:00pm: In a corresponding move to the Davis-Price addition, Bernard has been waived. In the likely event he clears waivers tomorrow, the latter will be free to sign with a new team at any time.
9:44am: Tyrion Davis-Price has lined up his next NFL opportunity. The former 49ers and Eagles running back has agreed to a two-year deal with the Titans, per his agent (h/t NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport). 
A third-round pick of San Francisco in 2022, Davis-Price made just six appearances during his rookie campaign. He saw even less in the way of usage the following season, and in December of 2023 the 49ers moved on by waiving him. Davis-Price finished out the season on the team’s practice squad.
That was followed by a futures contract with the Eagles, one which offered the opportunity to compete for a larger workload. Davis-Price was nevertheless waived during roster cutdowns, although he immediately re-joined the team on the practice squad. The 24-year-old made only one appearance during the campaign – a Week 17 game in which he received three carries – but was again retained via a futures deal following the Eagles’ Super Bowl win. One month ago, however, Davis-Price was waived.
As expected, no team put in a claim, making him a free agent. No known suitors had emerged prior to today’s news, which comes as no surprise given Davis-Price’s sparse NFL production to date. This Titans pact will allow him to join the team well in advance of training camp and thus allow him to compete for a role on his third career team.
Tennessee still has starter Tony Pollard in place at the running back spot, and the team’s backfield will once again include Tyjae Spears in 2025. The Titans also have Julius Chestnut, 2025 sixth-round selection Kalel Mullings and undrafted rookie Micah Bernard in the fold. Those three will be joined by Davis-Price this summer as they compete for a depth spot on the team’s Week 1 roster.
The Titans ranked 19th in rushing last season, but a number of changes have taken place on offense since then. Multiple new starters up front, along with No. 1 pick Cam Ward at quarterback, will raise expectations for the unit. Davis-Price will of course not be expected to elevate Tennessee’s running game to any notable extent, but he could carve out a role with his latest team over the coming months.