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.
Texans CB Ronald Darby Retires
Another retirement decision has been made today. Cornerback Ronald Darby is the latest player who has elected to end his NFL career. 
Darby has informed the Texans he is hanging up his cleats, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. The 31-year-old signed with Houston in free agency this March. That one-year, $2.5MM pact set him up to offer an experienced presence in the team’s secondary; now though, that will no longer be the case.
The Texans have Derek Stingley Jr. in place for years to come after working out a $30MM-per-year extension with him this offseason. 2024 second-rounder Kamari Lassiter is also in the fold for 2025 and beyond, while Houston added Jaylin Smith in the third round of this year’s draft. That trio will be leaned on with Darby now no longer set to play a depth role this season.
A second-round pick in 2016, Darby handled full-time starting duties right away with the Bills. The Defensive Rookie of the Year runner-up was traded to the Eagles after two seasons in Buffalo, and that move paved the way for a three-year Philadelphia stint. During that time, Darby battled injuries but operated as a starter when healthy. He was a member of the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII-winning team from 2017.
Another season as a first-team cover man took place in 2020 in Washington. Darby continued to bounce around the NFL during the latter stages of his career, one which also sent him to Denver (2021-22), Baltimore (2023) and Jacksonville (2024). The Florida State product never landed a Pro Bowl invitation or received an All-Pro honor, but he operated as a key defender and posted double-digit pass deflections five times in his career.
In total, Darby played 124 combined regular and postseason games. Nearly all of those were starts, and he handled a defensive snap share of at least 74% for all but one of his 10 NFL campaigns. Darby will depart the league with roughly $42.5MM in career earnings.
LT Jedrick Wills To Miss Time In 2025
Jedrick Wills remains unsigned deep into the offseason. The knee injury he dealt with through 2024 represents a key reason why. 
The former No. 10 pick was limited to five games last season, his fifth operating (for the most part) as the Browns’ left tackle. That responsibility will likely now fall to Dawand Jones as the team moves in a different direction in terms of blindside protection. Wills has not yet been linked to a free agent suitor, and that may well remain the case for quite some time.
Fox Sports’ Jordan Schulz reports the 26-year-old plans to sit out most, if not all, of the coming campaign to recover from the knee injury. That ailment landed Wills on injured reserve in December not long after he was removed from the starting lineup. He ultimately made a total of 58 appearances (including 57 starts) with Cleveland in the regular season, adding a pair of games in the playoffs in 2020.
While the Browns have moved on, Schultz adds that multiple teams have shown interest in Wills this offseason. The Alabama product did not develop as hoped during his time in Cleveland, and his best PFF grade came in 2021 (66.1). Run blocking in particular was seen as an issue regarding his yearly evaluations, and an acquiring team will likely see him more as a swing tackle than a full-time starting option at the LT spot. It would come as no surprise if teams waited until Wills receives clearance before a deal is worked out.
With plenty of time remaining until that takes place, the likes of D.J. Humphries – who did not, as it first appeared, sign with the 49ers last month – and George Fant loom as some of the top offensive tackles still on the market. Their health situations should allow them to land a contract no later than training camp in July. For Wills, however, a lengthy recovery period is presumably in store before his next NFL gig is lined up.
Liam Coen: Jaguars Not Looking To Trade RB Travis Etienne
In the build-up to the draft, Travis Etienne was named as a potential trade candidate in the event Jacksonville selected Ashton Jeanty. Even when that did not take place, Etienne’s future was a talking point. 
The new Jaguars regime – led by head coach Liam Coen and general manager James Gladstone – was reported last month to be “not so high” on Etienne. The former first-rounder missed his entire rookie season due to injury but handled a heavy workload as Jacksonville’s lead back in 2022 and ’23. The emergence of Tank Bigsby last season led to a reduction in Etienne’s usage, but the latter should not be considered available at this time.
“He’s done a great job,” Coen said when speaking to the media about Etienne (video link). “I don’t really understand some of the stuff I’ve kind of seen out there. That’s absolutely inaccurate.”
A public rejection of the speculation surrounding Etienne’s future obviously does not represent a guarantee he will remain in place for 2025. Coen’s remarks do, however, certainly point toward that being the case. Jacksonville picked up Etienne’s fifth-year option last spring; as a result, the Clemson product is owed $6.14MM this year. As a pending free agent, Etienne’s play under Coen will of course be crucial in determining his market value.
Fumbles emerged as an issue in Bigsby’s case last year, one in which his snap share jumped to 36%. Two more years remain on his rookie contract, so a role of some kind should be expected as the Coen era begins. The Jags’ backfield also includes fourth-round rookie Bhayshul Tuten, and he will aim to carve out a share of the carries in 2025. Improvement on the ground will expected for Jacksonville given Coen’s success in that regard with Tampa Bay last year.
Etienne – who topped 1,400 scrimmage yards in 2022 and again the following year – will aim to return to his previous efficiency as a rusher while remaining a key contributor out of the backfield in 2025. Doing so would help his chances of landing a long-term Jacksonville commitment next spring. While it remains to be seen if that will take place, a trade between now and Week 1 has become even more unlikely.
Jonnu Smith Wants To Remain With Dolphins
Jonnu Smith became the subject of trade talk last week when a report of Steelers interest emerged. While a swap remains something to watch for, the veteran tight end’s preference would be to remain in Miami. 
During his usual Sunday WSVN appearance, Smith’s agent Drew Rosenhaus spoke about Smith’s situation. 2024 resulted in a career high across the board for Smith (884 yards, eight touchdowns on 88 receptions). In the wake of that production – the most in a season by any Dolphins tight end – an extension is being sought. One year remains on the Pro Bowler’s current deal.
“Jonnu would definitely like to stay in Miami,” Rosenhaus said (via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald). “That’s his first choice. This is where he lives in the offseason… His dream team is the Dolphins. Hopefully, everything works out where he can stay in Miami.”
Smith is currently owed $4.09MM in 2025, but an extension agreement would no doubt include a raise if one were to be worked out. Depending on how negotiations on that front go, however, the possibility of a trade could increase based on interest from outside teams. It came as no surprise when Pittsburgh emerged as a potential landing spot based on the presence of offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. The two worked together in Tennessee and again in Atlanta, so a Steelers acquisition would mark another reunion between player and coach.
Pittsburgh’s tight end depth chart is already topped by Pat Freiermuth, though, and he is on the books for another four years. Adding Smith via trade (and then, presumably, extending him) could be problematic as a result. It will be interesting to see if other suitors show interest in Smith, 29, as a starting-caliber addition late in the offseason.
In the meantime, Miami has a number of other low-cost tight end options. Pharaoh Brown is a veteran of 87 games, but he has never operated as a focal point in a team’s passing game like Smith did in 2024. The rest of the Dolphins’ TE depth chart consists of Julian Hill, Hayden Rucci and Jalin Conyers; each member of that trio entered the league as an undrafted free agent, meaning expectations will be low for whichever ones wind up earning a roster spot this summer. An opening would be created in the event Smith were to be traded, but his preference would be to avoid such a move.
Saints Hosting DL Jonathan Bullard
Jonathan Bullard remains on the free agent market, but that could soon change. The veteran defensive lineman has a visit lined up with the Saints today, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports. 
Bullard started his career with the Bears, and during the 2017 and ’18 seasons he spent time with Brandon Staley. The latter is now in place as New Orleans’ defensive coordinator, meaning a Saints agreement would allow for a reunion between the two parties. Bullard had not previously been linked to any suitors this offseason.
The 31-year-old had one-year stints in Arizona, Seattle and Atlanta after his Bears tenure ended. Bullard missed considerable time during his stretches with the Cardinals, Seahawks and Falcons, but he has fared much better on that front over the past three seasons. Each of those have come with the Vikings, the team which has used him at a higher rate than any other during his career. Bullard totaled 38 starts across his time in Minnesota, and he posted 108 tackles and three sacks as a Viking.
Minnesota made a number of moves along both sides of the line of scrimmage this offseason. That effort included a three-year, $51MM investment in defensive tackle Jonathan Allen following his Commanders release. As a result of that move, it comes as little surprise Bullard will not return to the Vikings in 2025. The former third-rounder will nevertheless provide his next team with an experienced option capable of starting.
Bullard played on a series of one-year deals with Minnesota, and like any other free agent still on the market at this point he can be expected to receive another one in 2025. The Saints have a full roster at the moment, but with over $22MM in cap space they could easily afford a modest investment in the Florida product. Depending on how today’s visit fares, an offer could be made in the near future.
Kyle Pitts Drawing Trade Interest; Falcons TE Has Not Requested Trade
JUNE 1: ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler confirms the Falcons are not actively shopping Pitts but are open to the possibility of a trade (video link). Pitts himself may be amenable to such a move as well, because while he has not requested a trade and is said to love Atlanta, he may prefer an offense that allows him to be more of a featured target (especially since he is entering a platform year).
MAY 30: Since a productive rookie campaign, Kyle Pitts has not lived up to expectations. The Falcons tight end remains in the team’s plans, but he has been the subject of trade talks. 
Multiple teams have reached out to speak about Pitts’ availability, Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reports. He adds that nothing is imminent at this time. Today’s development is not entirely new, however. Bleacher Report’s James Palmer notes the former No. 4 pick has been “relatively available” throughout the offseason.
After a strong college career at Florida, Pitts faced major expectations given his draft slot. He managed to record 1,026 yards during his debut season, earning a Pro Bowl nod along the way. That campaign only included one touchdown grab, though, and improved red zone production was viewed as a source of improvement moving forward. In different offensive systems and with a number of quarterbacks in Atlanta, Pitts has been unable to match his rookie year or establish himself as a consistent touchdown threat.
Given the Falcons’ decision to pick up Pitts’ fifth-year option, he is owed $10.88MM in 2025. The pending free agent would thus represent an expensive addition on the part of any acquiring team. Swinging a trade for the 24-year-old would no doubt include at least a short extension being worked out upon arrival. To date, Pitts has not done enough to warrant a big-ticket deal or a sizable price on the trade market.
On that point, Schultz reports a Day 2 pick would need to be the starting point for any serious trade talks. He adds Atlanta’s preference would be to keep Pitts in place for at least one more season. The team’s offense also features former top-10 picks in the form of wideout Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson. Expectations are high for those two to continue developing as the Falcons turn to Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback on a full-time basis on 2025.
Pitts has played a full 17 game-slate in three of his four NFL seasons, but since his encouraging rookie campaign he has only averaged between 35.4 and 39.2 receiving yards per game. Especially considering his skillset, increasing that figure will be critical in landing him a notable second contract in the NFL. That effort will likely take place in Atlanta, but an acceleration of trade discussions could pave the way for a swap taking place before the start of the season.
Aaron Rodgers Yet To Offer Steelers Assurances Of 2025 Deal?
The 2025 offseason has been filled with connections between Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers. No signing has taken place yet, with nothing appearing to be imminent at this point. 
Considering how Pittsburgh has handled the quarterback spot this offseason – reuniting with Mason Rudolph, not pursuing other starting-caliber free agents and waiting until the sixth round of the draft to add a rookie – many have assumed an agreement of sorts is in place between team and player in this situation. Rodgers himself hinted at that during his latest public remarks on the subject. However, it appears no assurances have been received in Pittsburgh’s case.
During a recent appearance on the Rich Eisen Show, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Rodgers has “not affirmatively told the Steelers that he’s coming” (video link). Pittsburgh has clearly operated as though the 41-year-old will sign at some point, with owner Art Rooney II and head coach Mike Tomlin practicing patience for a decision to be made. Rodgers (who was at one point under consideration from the Giants and preferred to sign with the Vikings this spring) has not committed, at least publicly, to playing at all in 2025. The expectation still remains, though, that a Steelers deal is forthcoming.
The four-time MVP’s only free agent visit took place at the Steelers’ facility, and at least one contract offer has been made. Rodgers worked out with trade acquisition D.K. Metcalf earlier this offseason, one in which he has remained in contact with Tomlin. Each of those signs have contributed to the ongoing assumption he will handle starting duties for Pittsburgh in 2025 as the team prepares for a high draft investment next spring. That could still prove to be the case, but mandatory minicamp looms as a potential deadline for an official commitment to be made.
The Steelers have already begun OTAs with Rudolph – who was made aware of the possibility Pittsburgh could add an established starter in free agency – in the QB1 spot. Minicamp is set to begin June 10, and that could be seen as a point at which the team moves forward with its incumbent quarterbacks (along with, potentially, another veteran added late in the offseason). If the Steelers were to take that route, Kirk Cousins would increasingly become a name to watch.
As Rodgers’ offseason continues to include a pressing matter related to a member of his inner circle, May has come and gone without a Steelers deal coming to pass. A resolution on that off-the-field matter would presumably accelerate his decision, something which has apparently still not been explicitly been communicated to the team yet.
Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton Expected To Become NFL’s Highest-Paid Safety
Plenty of time remains for Kyle Hamilton and the Ravens to work out an extension. The All-Pro safety expectedly had his fifth-year option picked up earlier this spring. 
As a result of that move, Hamilton is on the books through 2026. The option year is valued at $18.6MM, but a long-term accord will check in at a much higher rate. Indeed, as ESPN’s Jamison Hensley writes, Hamilton is expected to become the league’s highest-paid safety whenever his extension is worked out.
After operating on a part-time basis during his rookie season, the Notre Dame product took on a starting role in 2023. Hamilton emerged as a foundational member of Baltimore’s defense that year, totaling four interceptions, 13 pass deflections and 10 tackles for loss. Those figures helped earn him first-team All-Pro acclaim and led to high expectations for this past campaign.
Hamilton endured a statistical regression in some categories in 2024, although his 107 tackles set a new career high en route to a second straight Pro Bowl nod. At the age of 24, he represents a key member of the Ravens’ secondary now but also for the foreseeable future. His second contract will no doubt reflect that, although a new pact may not be in place by the start of the coming campaign. Baltimore has other extension priorities, including fellow 2022 first-rounder Tyler Linderbaum.
The Ravens declined their center’s fifth-year option, leaving him on track for free agency next spring as things stand. Linderbaum – just like Hamilton – is a strong candidate for a new deal, but the timing of his may be accelerated by the option decision. In any event, Hamilton will be joined by first-round rookie Malaki Starks as a safety starter while remaining a critical member of Baltimore’s defense in 2025.
When Antoine Winfield Jr. inked his Buccaneers extension last offseason, he became the first safety to surpass $20MM in average annual earnings. That deal also marked the first time in which a safety was the league’s top earner amongst defensive backs. The cornerback market has since surged to $30MM per year, and Winfield has already been surpassed at the top of the pecking order for safeties. Kerby Joseph secured $21.25MM on average with his Lions extension last month.
It would come as no surprise if Hamilton were to surpass that figure whenever his next contract takes shape. In the meantime, the Ravens will look into extensions for Linderbaum and – perhaps as early as this offseason – Lamar Jackson. Those deals will offer more financial clarity on where the team stands entering the 2026 offseason. By the time it ends, Hamilton will likely account for a sizable portion of Baltimore’s finances over the course of several years.
49ers Reducing Christian McCaffrey’s Offseason Workload
Achilles and knee injuries limited Christian McCaffrey to just four games last year. The 49ers have their lead back healthy now, but to no surprise they are taking a cautious approach with his offseason workload. 
McCaffrey earned Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2023 after leading the NFL in a number of categories. That production helped earn him an extension and fresh set of guarantees but things did not go according to plan this past season. The two-time All-Pro will look to bounce back from an availability standpoint in 2025, joining other key 49ers in that regard.
“Right now, he’s as healthy as can be and we’ve got to protect him from himself,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said (via Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle) when speaking about how McCaffrey would be managed this spring. “He’s doing a lot less than he normally would do. I know he’s excited about how healthy he feels and the fact that he can get out there.”
On an offense featuring a number of other notable skill-position players, McCaffrey was a focal point for the unit en route to a Super Bowl appearance in 2023. Expectations for a repeat of his production were high until it became clear his Achilles tendinitis would require an IR stint and several weeks of recovery during the season. Not long after making his season debut in Week 10, a PCL injury ended his campaign. Fortunately for the 49ers, the three-time Pro Bowler was fully cleared in time for the start of spring practices.
San Francisco leaned on Jordan Mason to a large extent during McCaffrey’s absence last year. Despite tendering him at the second-round level, though, the team traded Mason to Minnesota in March. That move was followed by the selection of Jordan James in the fifth round of the draft, leaving McCaffrey in place with he, Isaac Guerendo and Patrick Taylor in the backfield. The 49ers’ depth options are all cost effective, something which represents a stark contrast to McCaffrey’s $19MM AAV.
That figure ranks second to only Saquon Barkley – who signed a new Eagles deal in the wake of his historic debut season with the Super Bowl winners. McCaffrey will again be expected to perform at an elite level in 2025, and helping ensure he is capable of doing so will no doubt continue to involve an unusually lighter practice schedule for the time being.