Kyle Pitts Sidelined With Foot Injury
While Kyle Pitts‘ future in Atlanta remains uncertain, his absence from OTA practices has nothing to do with the persistent trade rumblings. Rather, the Falcons tight end is currently sidelined with a strained muscle in his foot, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
[RELATED: Kyle Pitts Drawing Trade Interest]
While plenty of pundits and fans have criticized the former fourth-overall pick’s production, that hasn’t been because of a lack of availability. Besides a 2022 campaign where Pitts was limited to 10 games thanks to a torn MCL, the tight end otherwise hasn’t missed a game during his NFL career. A strained muscle in the foot shouldn’t do much to impact Pitts’ availability for the start of the 2025 campaign, although it could give trade suitors some pause.
We heard earlier this week that multiple teams have reached out to the Falcons about Pitts’ availability. The tight end was described as “relatively available” throughout the offseason, although a deal wasn’t said to be imminent. The team quickly clarified that they weren’t actively shopping Pitts but could be open to the possibility of a trade. It sounded like Pitts had similar feelings about moving on; while the tight end hasn’t requested a trade, he’s reportedly open to a fresh start elsewhere.
Pitts has struggled to live up to his lofty draft stock and subsequent expectations. The Florida product did manage to top 1,000 receiving yards as a rookie, but he hasn’t come close to that mark over the past three years. That includes a 2024 campaign where Pitts finished with 47 receptions for 602 yards, which was his worst showing in any of his three healthy campaigns.
The Falcons picked up Pitts’ fifth-year option, so the tight end is locked in for one more year. As a result, it’s unlikely that teams would view the trade target as anything more than a rental, and the assumed underwhelming offers probably wouldn’t be enough to convince Falcons brass to move on from the starter. In other words, it’s hard to see a true path to a trade.
While Pitts is sidelined with his foot injury, the Falcons will have an opportunity to see what a non-Pitts-led tight ends room will look like. Charlie Woerner is back for another season as a primary backup, although the veteran is more known for his blocking ability. The team was active adding to the position this offseason, acquiring Teagan Quitoriano, Feleipe Franks, Nikola Kalinic, and UDFA Joshua Simon. Those four players should have an extended opportunity to show what they’ve got while Pitts is out of practice.
Patriots Have No Plans To Cut Stefon Diggs
Stefon Diggs‘ absence from the first week of Patriots voluntary OTAs didn’t raise any eyebrows. However, the wideout quickly commanded attention when a video showed him flashing an “unidentified pink substance” while partying on a boat. New coach Mike Vrabel quickly cited making “great decisions,” and there was later speculation that the Patriots could consider ending the partnership before it truly begins.
Well, it appears the two sides have taken a step in the right direction, as Diggs was present during today’s portion of Patriots practice, per ESPN’s Mike Reiss. Even more notably, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport says the Patriots have no plans to cut their free agent acquisition.
Rapoport provided a bit more insight, noting that Diggs presence at today’s voluntary practice “felt about as mandatory” as it could possibly be. Rapoport hints that Diggs addressed his new teammates, and Reiss notes that the receiver was later spotted catching passes from Drake Maye.
It’s been a bit of a rocky start for the receiver’s stint in New England. While the off-field issues commanded the headlines, there was some speculation that Vrabel may have been more perturbed by his receiver’s absence from practices. Not only is the receiver joining a new team with a new coaching staff, he’s also continuing to rehab a torn ACL suffered during his lone season in Houston.
While Boston radio pundits may be licking their chops at the potential drama, it sounds like those in the building are downplaying the whole story. “New” OC Josh McDaniels addressed Diggs’ recent absence, noting that the veteran has still been preparing for the upcoming season even if he wasn’t on the practice field.
“I know he’s staying up on the information and material and there’s so many things and opportunities for us to teach all our guys going forward — between the rest of the practices in the spring and going into the summer and the many days we have before we actually kick the ball off in September,” McDaniels said (via Reiss). “I’m not concerned about Stef in that regard.”
A significant portion of Diggs’ three-year, $69MM contract is based on roster and workout bonuses, and his guarantees are still contingent on Diggs eventually passing a physical (which he still hasn’t done). In other words, the Patriots do have a bit of wiggle room if they decided to bail on the Diggs experience. For the time being, it sounds like the organization isn’t considering that drastic route.
Jets Notes: Youth, UDFAs, Front Office
Thanks in part to Aaron Rodgers and his say on acquisitions, the Jets had no choice but to lean on their veterans in 2024. With Aaron Glenn now controlling the show (and Rodgers no longer on the roster), the team is hoping to be a bit more reliant on their youth in 2025 and beyond.
As ESPN’s Rich Cimini notes, the Jets entered last season with 12 players aged 30 or older. At the moment, the team only has five such players: quarterback Tyrod Taylor (36), long-snapper Thomas Hennessy (31), wide receiver Allen Lazard (30), wide receiver Josh Reynolds (30), and guard Zack Bailey (30). After finishing last season with the NFL’s eighth-oldest roster, Cimini writes that the Jets are currently armed with the league’s fourth-youngest squad.
The team’s approach is somewhat by design, and Glenn said he won’t be afraid to use his inexperienced players in 2025.
“Listen, do we want younger players? Absolutely. It’s a young man’s game,” Glenn told Cimini. “It’s a young man’s game, but we want players that can help us win. So if those players happen to be 30 years old, we get those players. It just so happened that we got younger while we got players that could help us win.”
More notes out of New York…
- In that same article, Cimini notes that the Jets front office was especially aggressive in the UDFA pool this offseason. While a $200K guarantee is considered a significant payday for undrafted players, Cimini observes that the Jets gave out that kind of money to three rooks: guard Leander Wiegand ($249K), defensive tackle Payton Page ($201K), and edge rusher Ja’Markis Weston ($200K).
- While Darren Mougey is just about done with his first offseason as Jets GM, the executive continues to add to his staff. According to insider Neil Stratton, the Jets have hired TJ McCreight in an unspecified executive role. McCreight brings more than 25 years of NFL experience in stops with the Colts, Ravens, Eagles, and Cardinals. Per ESPN’s Seth Walder, the Jets also hired former NFL consultant Sean Clement into a director-level analytics role. The organization is also promoting from within, as Stratton notes that former player personnel assistant Thomas Witty has been promoted to a pro scout role.
- We heard recently that the Jets started engaging in contract talks with wideout Garrett Wilson. Our own Nikhil Mehta explored Wilson’s extension candidacy yesterday.
Minor NFL Transactions: 6/2/25
Today’s minor moves, including a handful of recent retirements that were made official:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: S Josh Thompson
- Waived: CB Benny Sapp
Baltimore Ravens
- Placed on reserve-retired list: DT Michael Pierce (story)
Detroit Lions
- Signed: CB Divaad Wilson
- Waived/injured: CB Gavin Holmes
Green Bay Packers
- Waived/injured: WR Jadon Janke
- Waived from IR: DL Jeremiah Martin
Houston Texans
- Placed on reserve-retired list: CB Ronald Darby (story)
Miami Dolphins
- Placed on reserve-retired list: OT Terron Armstead (story)
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: OL Marcus Tate
- Placed on reserve-retired list: DE Brandon Graham (story)
NFL Draft Pick Signings: 6/2/25
One more draft pick signing to pass along:
New York Giants
- DT Darius Alexander (third round, Toledo)
Darius Alexander heads to New York following a successful collegiate career with the Rockets, including a senior season where he compiled 40 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, and 3.5 sacks. That performance helped make him the 65th-overall pick in this past year’s draft.
He should have a chance to contribute as a rookie with his new squad. The pass-rusher will have an opportunity to play opposite All-Pro Dexter Lawrence on the Giants defensive line.
With today’s signing, the Giants now have one unsigned rookie draft pick in fourth-round RB Cameron Skattebo.
Vikings OL Will Fries Expected To Be Ready For Training Camp
The Vikings clearly weren’t concerned with Will Fries‘ fractured tibia, as the team handed him a lucrative five-year contract this offseason. The offensive lineman is rewarding the team’s commitment, as he’s “on track” to being fully ready for training camp, per ESPN’s Kevin Seifert.
Fries suffered a fractured right tibia back in October, ending his final season in Indy prematurely. As Seifert notes, the guard is currently in the “final stages” of his recovery process, although he’s still not expected to do much (if any) work during spring practices.
Still, the Vikings can rest easy knowing that their investment should be in the starting lineup by the time Week 1 comes around. A former seventh-round pick, it took Fries until his sophomore season to carve out a part-time role on the offensive line. He later ran with the RG job in 2023, starting all 17 games.
He seemed to be taking another step forward in 2024. After PFF ranked Fries as a middle-of-the-road guard in 2023, the 27-year-old graded out as the second-best player at his position this past season before he went down with his season-ending injury. Still, that was enough for the Colts, who handed the free agent lineman a five-year, $88MM contract in the early days of free agency.
In Minnesota, Fries will be joining his former Colts linemate Ryan Kelly on a somewhat new-look Vikings offensive line. The organization recently used a first-round pick on offensive guard Donovan Jackson, and the new trio will join holdovers Brian O’Neill and Christian Darrisaw in the starting lineup. That latter lineman is currently recovering from a knee injury, opening the door for 2024 starter Blake Brandel and offseason acquisition Justin Skule to earn some extra reps at camp.
Mike Vrabel Addresses Stefon Diggs Video
A video of Stefon Diggs went viral earlier this week, as the Patriots wide receiver was recorded flashing an “unidentified pink substance” (per ESPN’s Mike Reiss) while surrounded by women on a yacht. That pink substance has led to plenty of online speculation, and new head coach Mike Vrabel was forced to address the situation today.
“It’s something we’re aware of and obviously we want to make great decisions on and off the field,” Vrabel said (via Reiss). “… Any conversations that I’ve had with Stefon will remain between him and I and the club.”
Vrabel is sticking with his Belichickian upbringing and not revealing too much, but it is still notable that the head coach is already facing off-the-field questions about the headline-stealing receiver. The Patriots inked Diggs to a three-year, $69MM deal this offseason as the wideout continues to recover from his torn ACL.
While the veteran was spotted at a voluntary practice last week, he notably wasn’t in attendance for the start of New England’s OTAs. While an absence from voluntary practices isn’t problematic, this surely some increasing optic issues when taking into account the recent viral video. Vrabel acknowledged that he’s been in contact with Diggs this week, although the coach also admitted that he’s spoken with every player on his roster.
Patriots receivers finished the 2024 campaign last in the NFL with only 1,723 receiving yards. If Diggs is able to even return to his 2023 form (when he finished with 1,188 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns), that’d be a huge boon for the Patriots offense. Prior to suffering his season-ending injury in 2024, Diggs’ lone season in Houston saw him haul in 47 catches for 496 yards and three scores.
“The timelines, and the prognosis, we’re working hard to get him back and be ready to go. When he’s here, we’ll coach him and have him ready to go,” Vrabel said of his WR’s recovery.
While the Patriots lack top-end receiver talent, they do have some solid depth, and there should be plenty of competition for the spots this summer. Diggs is a shoo-in to make the squad, and Reiss believes free agent acquisition Mack Hollins, third-year slot receiver DeMario Douglas, and third-round rookie Kyle Williams are also safe. That means the likes of Kendrick Bourne, Kayshon Boutte, and 2024 draft picks Ja’Lynn Polk (second round) and Javon Baker (fourth round) are competing for the remaining spots on the roster.
Bengals Unlikely To Trade Trey Hendrickson; Holdout Still On Table
As the Trey Hendrickson/Bengals staring contest wages on, there’s an increasing sentiment that the saga will lead to an extension agreement or a holdout. As ESPN’s Ben Baby and Jeremy Fowler write, there doesn’t seem to be much momentum surrounding a potential Hendrickson trade.
As the 2024 sacks leader pushed for a new contract, the Bengals allowed the player to seek a trade to a new squad this offseason. According to ESPN, a handful of teams showed interest in extending Hendrickson if they were able to complete a trade with Cincy’s front office. Ultimately, “nothing materialized,” and that’s led to the current stalemate between the two sides.
The Bengals were reportedly seeking at least a first-round pick in return for the All-Pro. Per ESPN, there’s a belief that the organization “either didn’t get an offer including a first-round pick or it rebuffed engaging trade offers in March.” While a suitor could still come out of the woodwork, the general consensus is that Hendrickson will still be on the Bengals roster for the start of the regular season.
So, focus will instead turn to extension negotiations. Hendrickson has already gone public with his frustrations, going as far as to threaten a holdout. A source described the defensive star as “extremely dug in,” and while in-season holdouts are becoming increasingly rare under the current CBA, it sounds like Hendrickson could be one of the few players to follow through with their threat.
After pacing the NFL in sacks in 2024, Hendrickson is naturally looking to join the top of the market among edge rushers. As ESPN notes, a pair of offseason deals exacerbated the situation: Myles Garrett‘s record-breaking deal with the Browns and Danielle Hunter‘s $35MM-plus annual earnings from his new deal in Houston. That latter contract is especially notable since Hunter and Hendrickson are both 30, and it could perhaps serve as a benchmark on a Bengals deal.
The $34MM threshold is notable among edge rushers, with Maxx Crosby and Nick Bosa joining Garrett and Hunter in that exclusive club. While the Bengals may be willing to temporarily pay that type of AAV, term is the likely sticking point between the two sides, as ESPN notes that Hendrickson will surely be seeking some long-term security.
“I still think they can come to a compromise, getting him above that $30-million threshold while covering themselves,” an NFC executive told ESPN. “The age [30] is something that must be a factor for them.”
So, as the two sides continue without a resolution, Hendrickson will likely stay away from voluntary OTAs. When it’s time for the pass rusher to show up, it’s uncertain if he’ll engage in a hold-in or a literal holdout. Per ESPN, the veteran has already been warned that he’ll face fines for any unexcused absences. In other words, this situation could get even more contentious as we get closer to training camp.
Bryce Huff Not In Eagles’ 2025 Plans
We heard recently that the Eagles were shopping Bryce Huff. Even if a trade doesn’t materialize, it sounds like the pass rusher isn’t in Philly’s plans for the 2025 campaign.
Huff wasn’t in attendance for the start of the second phase of Eagles offseason team activities, according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. According to a source, the veteran also stayed away from all spring practices. These workouts are voluntary, so Huff won’t face any punishment for the no-show. In fact, McLane wonders if the two sides may have agreed to this arrangement to avoid an ill-timed injury.
Huff was one of the few disappointments on the eventual Super Bowl winners in 2024. Following a career 2023 season with the Jets that saw him compile 10 sacks, Huff earned a three-year deal worth more than $50MM from the Eagles. The pass rusher was ineffective in Vic Fangio’s defense, finishing with 2.5 sacks and only 285 defensive snaps. He was quickly booted from the rotation, including a five-week stretch where he didn’t see the field. Huff also didn’t play a snap during the Eagles’ playoff run to a championship.
Naturally, both sides are seeking a fresh start, but the financials are an obvious obstacle. McLane can’t envision the Eagles finding a trade suitor for Huff, at least under the current terms of the player’s contract. The writer proposes that the Eagles could look to swap Huff for another team’s overpriced and underperforming player, or they could even hang on to Huff as insurance in case they suffer injuries to their pass-rush corps.
Ultimately, the writer believes the Eagles will simply have to waive the defensive lineman. While there’s no financial incentive from this route (the Eagles are on the hook for his 2025 cap hit regardless), McLane is worried that Huff could serve as “a distraction from the otherwise positive momentum the Eagles have going on.”
There’s no true urgency to resolve the situation. However, if the Eagles share the belief that Huff could be an issue come training camp, it may be in their best interest to move on sooner than later.
49ers WR Ricky Pearsall, S Ji’Ayir Brown Likely Sidelined Until Training Camp
The 49ers are already navigating a pair of notable injuries at the start of OTAs. Kyle Shanahan told reporters today that safety Ji’Ayir Brown recently underwent ankle surgery and is out until training camp (via Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle). Meanwhile, wideout Ricky Pearsall tweaked his hamstring and isn’t likely to practice in full until training camp (per Matt Barrows of The Athletic).
Brown’s absence would be especially notable considering his standing as one of the 49ers’ most reliable defenders. The former third-round pick carried over momentum from his rookie campaign into his sophomore year. The safety finished the 2024 season with 77 tackles and an interception while pacing the position in snaps played.
It’s unfortunate timing, as the 49ers are also without starting safety Malik Mustapha, who’s currently recovering from a torn ACL. This will provide an opportunity for a pair of newcomers to immediately get their feet wet. Free agent acquisitions Richie Grant and Jason Pinnock should temporarily lead the depth chart.
With Deebo Samuel no longer in the picture and Brandon Aiyuk recovering from a torn ACL and MCL, Pearsall was one of several players with an opportunity to step up in the 49ers offense. The 2024 first-round pick overcame a gunshot injury to appear in 11 games as a rookie, finishing with 31 catches for 400 yards and three touchdowns.
Pearsall will likely have a role waiting for him when he comes back, but his absence will provide Brock Purdy to build a rapport with more of the team’s WR depth. Jauan Jennings will likely be the team’s temporary WR1, while the likes of free agent addition Demarcus Robinson, rookie fourth-round pick Jordan Watkins, and former fourth rounder Jacob Cowing compete for top spots on the depth chart.
In non-injury news, Trent Williams notably didn’t show up for OTAs, according to Shanahan (h/t David Bonilla of 49erswebzone.com). The coach didn’t seem overly concerned about the lineman’s no-show, with Shanahan noting that Williams had been in the building for some spring practices.