Minor NFL Transactions: 7/22/25
With training camps kicking off around the NFL, teams continue to make adjustments to their rosters. Here are today’s minor moves:
Buffalo Bills
- Signed: TE Matt Sokol, WR David White
- Waived: WR Kelly Akharaiyi, P Jake Camarda
- Placed on active/PUP: OT Spencer Brown, C Sedrick Van Pran-Granger
- Placed on active/NFI: TE Dawson Knox
- Activated from active/PUP: DE Landon Jackson
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: TE Tyler Mabry
- Released/failed physical: LB Josey Jewell (story)
- Placed on active/NFI: DT Bobby Brown
Cincinnati Bengals
- Waived: DT Dante Barnett
- Placed on active/NFI: RB Zack Moss
Cleveland Browns
- Waived (with injury designation): WR Jaelen Gill
- Placed on active/PUP: DT Mike Hall Jr., QB Deshaun Watson
- Placed on active/NFI: WR David Bell
Green Bay Packers
- Signed: K Mark McNamee
Houston Texans
- Waived: CB Keydrain Calligan
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Placed on active/PUP: DT Maason Smith
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: WR Phillip Dorsett, G Atonio Mafi, WR Seth Williams
- Waived: CB Mello Dotson, WR Zakhair Franklin, WR Key’Shawn Smith, LB Jailin Walker
Los Angeles Chargers
- Waived: OT Savion Washington
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: OL Daniel Brunskill
- Waived: QB Brett Gabbert
- Placed on active/PUP: OL Liam Eichenberg, TE Darren Waller
- Placed on active/NFI: S Ifeatu Melifonwu
New Orleans Saints
- Placed on active/PUP: TE Taysom Hill, TE Foster Moreau
- Placed on reserve/retired: TE Dallin Holker, S Tyrann Mathieu (story)
New York Giants
- Signed: S K’Von Wallace
- Waived/failed physical: S Anthony Johnson Jr.
- Placed on active/PUP: RB Eric Gray, LT Andrew Thomas
- Placed on active/NFI: LB Victor Dimukeje
New York Jets
- Waived: OT Obinna Eze
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: WR Equanimeous St. Brown
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Placed on active/PUP: OT Silas Dzansi, WR Chris Godwin, G Sua Opeta, QB Michael Pratt, OT Tristan Wirfs
- Placed on active/NFI: LB Anthony Walker
- Placed on active/non-football illness: DL Desmond Watson
Tennessee Titans
- Placed on active/PUP: C Lloyd Cushenberry, CB L’Jarius Sneed
Washington Commanders
- Waived/NFI: RB Michael Wiley
Titans EDGE Lorenzo Carter Plans To Retire
Despite joining the Titans earlier this offseason, Lorenzo Carter won’t be suiting up for his new squad. The veteran edge rusher informed the Titans that he plans to retire, according to Jim Wyatt of the team’s website. Carter will land on the reserve/retired list.
“He notified us yesterday that he will be retiring,” Titans GM Mike Borgonzi told reporters (via Wyatt), “so we wish him well.”
The former third-round pick spent the first four seasons of his career with the Giants. He dealt with injuries throughout his stint in New York, but he still managed to collect 14.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss in 49 games (33 starts). He caught on with the Falcons ahead of the 2022 season and generally stayed healthy in three seasons with the organization. He finished his time in Atlanta with seven sacks in 47 games, although he got shutout in that statistical category during the 2024 season.
Carter will finish his career having tallied 278 tackles, 21.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles. He got into 96 games across seven NFL seasons.
The 29-year-old joined the Titans earlier this offseason and was expected to provide some veteran experience on the edge for the rebuilding squad. The team lost Harold Landry in free agency this offseason but will still return the likes of Arden Key and Jaylen Harrell. The Titans also brought in Dre’Mont Jones via free agency while selecting Oluwafemi Oladejo in the second round of the draft.
Kyle Shanahan: Jauan Jennings Hasn’t Formally Requested Trade
A report last week indicated that 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings either wanted a new contract or a trade. The veteran is still expected to report to training camp tomorrow, and 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that his wideout hasn’t formally requested out of San Francisco (per ESPN’s Nick Wagoner).
[RELATED: 49ers WR Jauan Jennings Seeking Extension Or Trade]
Jennings signed a two-year deal last spring that replaced his second-round RFA tender. He proceeded to have a career season as the 49ers navigated a number of injuries. Jennings finished the 2024 campaign with 77 catches for 975 yards and six touchdowns. Set to earn $3.28MM in salary guarantees in 2025 (plus an option bonus of $1.12MM on September 1), the impending free agent is now seeking some long-term security.
With Deebo Samuel no longer on the team and Brandon Aiyuk recovering from a torn ACL, the 49ers are set to be even more dependent on Jennings in 2025. The 49ers front office has dealt with plenty of contract drama at the position in recent years, but Jennings’ lack of track record makes this situation a bit more unique. It remains to be seen if Jennings will carry through with his trade-request threat, and for the time being, it appears both sides will proceed as planned.
If Jennings does suddenly pivot to a holdout or trade request, the 49ers will have to dig even deeper into their depth chart. 2024 first-round pick Ricky Pearsall would likely lead the group, although he’s currently nursing a hamstring issue that landed him on PUP. The team brought in some reinforcement at the position this offseason, signing veterans Demarcus Robinson and Isaiah Hodgins while drafting Jordan Watkins (fourth round) and Junior Bergen (seventh round). The team is also rostering 2024 fourth-round pick Jacob Cowing.
The 49ers could also count on an eventual return for Aiyuk, although it sounds like the star receiver’s comeback is still a ways off. GM John Lynch told reporters today that Aiyuk is still “not anywhere close to having a concrete timeline” (per ESPN’s Adam Schefter). Aiyuk suffered his knee injury in late-October, and it seems like he’s destined to miss at least the first four games of the upcoming campaign.
TE Jimmy Graham Announces Retirement
Jimmy Graham is calling it a career. The veteran tight end confirmed a report from John DeShazier of the Saints website that he’s indeed hanging up his cleats.
After sitting out the 2022 campaign, Graham returned to New Orleans for the 2023 season. After hauling in four touchdowns that season, the veteran wouldn’t commit to the 2024 campaign and ultimately didn’t end up joining a team. Still, the tight end avoided an official retirement announcement until today.
Graham was one of the most productive receiving tight ends during his early days with the Saints. Between the 2011 and 2013 seasons, the former third-round pick averaged 90 catches for 1,169 yards and 12 touchdowns per season. His numbers slowly declined as he approached his age-30 campaign, although he remained productive in stops with the Seahawks and Packers. Following a two-year stop in Chicago, Graham sat out the 2022 season before reuniting with the Saints for the 2023 campaign.
Graham will finish his career having hauled in 719 receptions for 8,545 yards and 89 touchdowns. He also amassed over $82MM in career earnings.
Lions Agree To Terms With Second-Round OL Tate Ratledge
July 18: The Lions guaranteed 66% of Ratledge’s Year 3 salary, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Comparatively, Chris Braswell, the No, 57 pick in 2024, only received guarantees for 16.4% of his Year 3 salary (and 57.2% of his total contract).
Ratledge’s deal represents another significant leap in guarantees for second-round picks as the 2025 class continues to sign their rookie contracts.
July 17: Tate Ratledge will be in the building when the Lions start their training camp in full this weekend. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Lions have agreed to terms with their rookie offensive lineman.
Like many teams around the league, the second rounder represented the Lions’ only unsigned draft pick. Detroit’s rookies reported to training camp yesterday.
Ratledge was the 57th pick in this year’s draft following an illustrious college career at Georgia. He established himself as a starter in 2022, and he was part of the championship-winning squads in 2023 and 2024. The lineman earned All-SEC and All-American nods in each of his final two seasons with the Bulldogs.
Ratledge exclusively played right guard in college, and there’s a chance he sticks at either one of the guard positions during the 2025 campaign. The rookie will also compete to replace the retired Frank Ragnow at center. While Ratledge didn’t play the position in college, he served as Georgia’s backup center in practices. The rookie was also spotted snapping for the Lions during spring practices, per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
With the signing, the Lions’ entire draft class is now under contract:
- Round 1, No. 28: Tyleik Williams (DT, Ohio State) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 57 (from Rams through Panthers and Broncos): Tate Ratledge (G, Georgia)
- Round 3, No. 70 (from Jaguars): Isaac TeSlaa (WR, Arkansas) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 171 (from Cowboys through Patriots)*: Miles Frazier (G, LSU) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 196 (from Buccaneers): Ahmed Hassanein (OLB, Boise State) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 230 (from Cardinals through Panthers and Broncos): Dan Jackson (S, Georgia) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 244: Dominic Lovett (WR, Georgia) (signed)
Cowboys Agree To Terms With Second-Round DE Donovan Ezeiruaku
Another second-round pick has been signed. The Cowboys have agreed to terms with second-round defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
As second-round picks around the NFL have pushed for guaranteed deals, Ezeiruaku got part of the way there. Per Garafolo, the rookie got 38 percent of the fourth year of his rookie pact guaranteed. Based on recent deals, we can assume a large portion of the first three seasons of the player’s contract were also guaranteed.
Ezeiruaku is coming off a standout career at Boston College, although he took his play to another level in 2024. The pass rusher finished this past year with 80 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and 16.5 sacks. That performance earned him a number of accolades, including the Ted Hendricks Award, which is awarded annually to the nation’s top defensive end.
The pass rusher didn’t have to wait too long to hear his name called, as the Cowboys used the 44th-overall pick on the edge rusher. The rookie will be joining a deep DEs grouping that’s already led by Micah Parsons and Dante Fowler, although Ezeiruaku could eventually carve out playing time ahead of Sam Williams and Marshawn Kneeland.
With the signing, the Cowboys have now inked their entire draft class to rookie contracts:
- Round 1, No. 12: Tyler Booker (G, Alabama) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 44: Donovan Ezeiruaku (DE, Boston College)
- Round 3, No. 76: Shavon Revel (CB, East Carolina) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 149: Jaydon Blue (RB, Texas) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 152 (from Cardinals): Shemar James (LB, Florida) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 204 (from Lions through Browns and Bills): Ajani Cornelius (G, Oregon) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 217 (from Titans through Patriots): Jay Toia (DT, UCLA) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 239 (from Packers through Titans): Phil Mafah (RB, Clemson) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 247 (from Chiefs through Panthers): Tommy Akingbesote (DT, Maryland) (signed)
Seahawks, Second-Round S Nick Emmanwori Agree To Fully Guaranteed Deal
While many of the second-round picks who signed their rookie contracts today had to settle for partially guaranteed deals, Nick Emmanwori has reportedly gotten his way. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the rookie safety and the Seahawks have agreed to terms on a fully guaranteed rookie deal. The deal is worth $11.6MM.
Per Schefter, this is the first time in history that the 35th-overall pick has received a fully guaranteed rookie contract. The 35th pick in 2024, Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro, got 88.1-percent of his deal guaranteed. That was an increase from the 35th pick in the 2023 draft, Raiders tight end Michael Mayer, who got 82.7 percent of his contract guaranteed.
Emmanwori had three standout years at South Carolina, but he took his play to another level in 2024. He finished this past season with 88 tackles and four interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns. For his efforts, he earned first-team All-SEC and All-American honors.
The Seahawks traded up to select the safety early in the second round of the draft, and they’ll be counting on the rookie to contribute in 2025. Coby Bryant emerged as a starter next to Julian Love, and the duo is expected to lead the depth chart next season. However, with Rayshawn Jenkins no longer in the picture, Emmanwori should have plenty of opportunities for playing time, especially if Bryant struggles to maintain his play from 2024.
From a financial standpoint, the guaranteed deal certainly sets a new precedent for the draft slot, and it could influence unsigned second-round picks who were selected around Emmanwori. Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger and Texans wideout Jayden Higgins, the two second-round picks selected ahead of the safety, have already signed their deals.
The Seahawks now have one unsigned second-round pick to deal with in Miami tight end Elijah Arroyo.
Raiders Agree To Terms With Second-Round WR Jack Bech
Following the lead of many other teams around the league, the Raiders have finally agreed to a deal with their second-round pick. According to Tashan Reed of The Athletic, the Raiders agreed to terms with wideout Jack Bech.
While sixth-overall pick Ashton Jeanty has garnered much of the focus in Las Vegas, Bech also brings plenty of upside to the offense. The receiver burst onto the scene in 2024, his second season at TCU. Bech finished last season with 62 catches for 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns, and he earned the Senior Bowl MVP after hauling in the game-winning touchdown.
Thanks to that breakout performance, Bech was a Day 2 pick by the Raiders, with the organization using the 58th-overall pick on the receiver. In Las Vegas, he should have an immediate chance to contribute on an uncertain offense, although there’s no guarantee that he’s even the top rookie receiver on his squad.
Last month, we heard that rookie fourth-round pick Dont’e Thornton Jr. was pushing hard for a starting spot next to Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker. That would leave Bech competing for any leftover reps with the likes of free agent acquisition Collin Johnson and rookie sixth-round pick (and former QB) Tommy Mellott.
With the signing, the Raiders have completed their draft pick signings:
- Round 1, No. 6: Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 58 (from Texans): Jack Bech (WR, TCU)
- Round 3, No. 68: Darien Porter (CB, Iowa State) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 98 (from Dolphins)*: Caleb Rogers (G, Texas Tech) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 99 (from Giants through Texans)*: Charles Grant (T, William & Mary) (signed)
- Round 4, No. 108: Dont’e Thornton (WR, Tennessee) (signed)
- Round 4, No. 135 (from Dolphins)*: Tonka Hemingway ((DT, South Carolina) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 180: J.J. Pegues (DT, Ole Miss) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 213*: Tommy Mellott (QB, Montana State) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 215*: Cam Miller (QB, North Dakota State) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 222: Cody Lindenberg (LB, Minnesota) (signed)
NFL Minor Transactions: 7/17/25
Today’s minor moves:
Baltimore Ravens
- Placed on active/PUP: S Ar’Darius Washington
Detroit Lions
- Placed on active/PUP: OT Taylor Decker, CB Khalil Dorsey, OG Miles Frazier, DL Alim McNeill, LB Malcolm Rodriguez, DL Mekhi Wingo
- Placed on active/NFI: DL Josh Paschal, CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver
- Waived-injured: RB Anthony Tyus
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: OT Ryan Nelson
Seattle Seahawks
- Placed on active/PUP: LB Uchenna Nwosu
Jaguars Sign LB Jack Kiser, Complete Draft Class Signings
While much of the focus today has been on the signings of second-round picks, there was one fourth-round pick who remained unsigned…until now. The Jaguars announced that they have inked fourth-round linebacker Jack Kiser to his rookie deal, a move that wraps up their rookie class signings.
While the unsigned second-round picks have been pushing for more guaranteed money, it’s uncertain why Kiser was the lone holdout from the fourth round. The 107th pick in this year’s draft, the Notre Dame product finished his college career with a career-high 90 tackles in 2024.
While the Jaguars will naturally have higher hopes for the rookie, Kiser was a special teams standout in college, so he should have an immediate impact on that unit in 2025. He should also see some reps on defense, although he’ll have to compete with a number of his teammates (including fellow rookie Jalen McLeod) for playing time.
With the signing, the Jaguars have officially signed their entire 2025 draft class:
- Round 1, No. 2 (from Browns): Travis Hunter (WR/CB, Colorado) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 88 (from Vikings): Caleb Ransaw (CB, Tulane) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 89 (from Texans): Wyatt Milum (G, West Virginia) (signed)
- Round 4, No. 104 (from Browns): Bhayshul Tuten (RB, Virginia Tech) (signed)
- Round 4, No. 107: Jack Kiser (LB, Notre Dame)
- Round 6, No. 194 (from Seahawks): Jalen McLeod (LB, Auburn) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 200 (from Vikings through Browns): Rayuan Lane (S, Navy) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 221: Jonah Monheim (C, USC) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 236 (from Broncos through Eagles, Commanders and Texans): LeQuint Allen (RB, Syracuse) (signed)