Bengals Sign 10 UDFAs
The Bengals left the draft with seven rookies, five of which were selected on the final day. The team added some competition to that grouping, as they announced the signing of 10 undrafted free agents:
- Liam Brown, G (Montana)
- Kentrel Bullock, RB (South Alabama)
- Jack Dingle, LB (Cincinnati)
- Eric Gentry, LB (Southern California)
- Jamal Haynes, RB (Georgia Tech)
- Christian Jones, OT (San Diego State)
- Josh Kattus, TE (Kentucky)
- Corey Robinson II, OT (Arkansas)
- Noah Thomas, WR (Georgia)
- Ceyair Wright, CB (Nebraska)
Jack Dingle is probably plenty familiar to Bengals fans, as the linebacker spent four years playing for the hometown Bearcats. The linebacker turned into one of Cincinnati’s top defenders as a sophomore, and over his final three collegiate seasons, he tallied 151 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and four sacks. He wasn’t the only UDFA linebacker to catch on with the Bengals, as the team also signed USC’s Eric Gentry. The six-foot-six prospect is more known for his height, although he did average more than five tackles for loss and two sacks per season during stint with the Trojans.
There’s another Cincy connection among the grouping, as Josh Kattus is the son of former Bengals player Eric Kattus. The younger Kattus is coming off a four-year stint at Kentucky where he hauled in 38 catches for 505 yards and six touchdowns.
The team also added a pair of RBs in Kentrel Bullock and Jamal Haynes. Bullock gradually saw more work through his career at South Alabama, culminating in a 2025 campaign when he finished with 1,138 yards from scrimmage and 15 touchdowns. Haynes, meanwhile, peaked as a sophomore, when he compiled 1,210 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns. He found the end zone 12 times in 2024, but he was limited to only five touchdowns and 788 yards in 2025.
Vikings To Sign WR Jauan Jennings
One of the top remaining free agents has finally found a new home. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that wide receiver Jauan Jennings has reached an agreement with the Vikings.
Schefter adds that it’s a one-year deal worth up to $13MM. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero clarifies that the receiver will earn an $8MM base salary. Jennings met with the franchise last month.
While the player‘s price point was believed to be misaligned with his value, it was eventually understood that he’d settle for a modest deal once the compensatory pick formula was no longer in effect. Indeed, he garnered his first visit of the offseason days after the draft, when he met with the Vikings. It took an additional week, but the WR finally completed a deal with Minnesota.
PFR’s No. 18-ranked free agent, Jennings market never emerged as many expected. The 49ers were initially interested in re-signing the veteran, but his potential return took a major hit when the organization pivoted to the likes of Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, and second-rounder De’Zhaun Stribling. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald adds that the Dolphins were also interested in Jennings’ services, but the front office “couldn’t compete financially” considering their cap situation.
During his time in San Francisco, Jennings worked his way up from a seventh-round pick to one of the team’s most dependable wideouts. As the organization navigated a number of injuries at WR in 2024, Jennings had a breakout season, hauling in 77 catches for 975 yards and six touchdowns. He requested a trade after that showing when he couldn’t agree to an extension with the 49ers. The franchise opted to keep him via a restructured deal.
With Deebo Samuel out the door and Brandon Aiyuk sidelined with an injury, there was hope that Jennings could carry his momentum into the 2025 campaign. Even with Aiyuk sitting out the entire year and Ricky Pearsall missing nearly half the season, Jennings struggled to match his 2024 numbers. While he hauled in a career-high nine touchdowns, he saw his yards-per-game (42.9), yards-per-target (7.1), and catch percentage (61.1) drop. He also didn’t do much in the playoffs, when he tallied three catches for 68 yards in two games.
Jennings’ stint as a WR1 will surely come to an end in Minnesota. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison will continue to lead the depth chart, but Jennings should still be able to carve out his own role in 2026. Jalen Nailor was productive as the team’s WR3 last year, finishing with 29 catches for 444 yards and four touchdowns, a performance he parlayed into a three-year, $35MM deal with the Raiders.
Commanders Sign Nine UDFAs
The Commanders sat out the middle rounds of the draft. They added a pair of early-round selections in first-round LB Sonny Styles and second-round WR Antonio Williams. Otherwise, the rest of their selections were made between the fifth round and seventh round, a grouping of players who certainly aren’t guaranteed to make the roster. The organization added some more competition to that group today when they signed nine undrafted free agents:
- Jaden Bradley, WR (UNLV)
- Tanoa Togiai, G (Utah)
- Jeffrey M’Ba, DT (SMU)
- Malik Spencer, S (Michigan State)
- Robert Henry, RB (UTSA)
- Quentin Moore, TE (Washington)
- Chris Hilton, WR (LSU)
- Fred Davis, CB (Northwestern)
- Drew Stevens, K (Iowa)
Quentin Moore got one of the most lucrative deals among this year’s UDFA class. The tight end earned a $20K signing bonus and a whopping $250K of his base salary guaranteed, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston. The six-foot-five, 250-pound prospect didn’t show much offensively during his collegiate career, hauling in 13 catches across five seasons. While he earned a chunk of guarantees, he’s not a shoo-in for the active roster, as he’ll be joining a relatively deep TEs room in Washington.
Tanoa Togiai also got some good money to join Washington. The offensive lineman got a $15K signing bonus and $125K of his salary guaranteed, per Wilson. He started 13 games at left guard for Utah in 2025, earning him a spot on the All-Big 12 honorable mentions list.
Perhaps most notably, the Commanders added kicker Drew Stevens. The Iowa product earned All-Big Ten honors during each of his four seasons at Iowa, where he finished his career having converted 80 percent of his field goal tries (76 for 95) and 98.4 percent of his XP attempts (124 for 126). After getting into six games down the stretch for the Commanders in 2025, Jake Moody is currently penciled in atop the depth chart for the organization.
Falcons Add 14 UDFAs
The Falcons left the draft with only six rookies, but the team significantly increased their first-year roster today. The Falcons announced the signing of 14 undrafted free agents:
- Brandon Frazier, TE (Auburn)
- Jack Strand, QB (Minnesota State-Moorehead)
- Kam Dewberry, OG (Alabama)
- James Brockermeyer, C (Miami)
- Riley Mahlman, OT (Wisconsin)
- Le’Meke Brockington, WR (Minnesota)
- Vinny Anthony, WR (Wisconsin)
- Carlos Allen, DT (Houston)
- Malcolm DeWalt, CB (Akron)
- Jack Velling, TE (Michigan State)
- CJ Nunnally, DE (Purdue)
- Philip Florenzo, LS (Clemson)
- Cash Jones, RB (Georgia)
- Keelan Marion, WR (Miami)
The Falcons added a Division II star in Jack Strand, who started the last four seasons at Minnesota State-Moorehead. The QB set a number of school records, but he also finished his collegiate career ranked top-10 all time in DII for passing yards and completions. The rookie would represent a practice squad developmental piece for the franchise, as the rest of the organization’s depth (Michael Penix, Tua Tagovailoa, Trevor Siemian) will earn spots on the 53.
Falcons fans may be excited about the addition of Georgia standout Cash Jones. The RB served as a bit of a Swiss Army Knife for his Bulldogs, finishing his college career with more catches (57) than carries (52). He also saw some work in the return game and tallied seven tackles across five seasons. His best shot at making the 53-man roster would be via special teams, although he could perhaps beat out the likes of Tyler Goodson, Nathan Carter, and Carlos Washington for the RB3 role in Atlanta.
Minor NFL Transactions: 5/7/26
Today’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Released: WR Andre Baccellia (failed physical)
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: CB Darren Hall
- Waived: S Tysheem Johnson
Carolina Panthers
- Waived: LB Jacoby Windmon
Chicago Bears
- Waived: DB Zah Frazier
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Waived: OL Sal Wormley
Los Angeles Chargers
- Waived: DL Josh Fuga, CB Jordan Oladokun
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: DL Zxavian Harris
New York Giants
- Released: DL Marlon Tuipulotu
- Waived: LB Swayze Bozeman, DL Elijah Chatman, WR Courtney Jackson
New York Jets
- Waived: C Gus Hartwig (failed physical)
- Waived/injured: S Chris Smith
The Bears surprised many today when they moved on from 2025 fifth-round pick Zah Frazier. The six-foot-three cornerback sat out his entire rookie campaign for what the team described as a “personal reason,” leading to his placement on the non-football injury list. As Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun Times notes, GM Ryan Poles recently acknowledged that the player had a “mountain to climb” if he hoped to contribute in 2026, with the executive adding that Frazier “needed to play” last year. Now, the defensive back will have to make his NFL debut elsewhere.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals received a roster exemption today for international player Valentin Senn. The former Austrian prospect will be auditioning for a spot on Arizona’s offensive line. The Jets also got a roster exemption for Paschal Ekeji. The former rugby player will be competing for a spot on the Jets defensive line.
Robert Saleh: Titans Could Add Veteran CB Depth
The Titans have done some work to remake their cornerbacks depth this offseason, and the organization may not be done. While speaking with reporters last week, coach Robert Saleh hinted that the organization could bring in additional veteran depth at the position (via Jim Wyatt of the team’s website).
There were five Titans cornerbacks who garnered more than 300 snaps last season; only one of them, slot CB Marcus Harris, is still on the roster. The team used free agency to plug some of their openings. They gave former Saints CB Alontae Taylor a three-year, $60MM deal, and they signed former Giants defensive back Cor’Dale Flott to a three-year, $45MM pact. The two free agent acquisitions are currently penciled in for starting roles on Tennessee’s defense.
Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley is also high on another free agent addition. Former Chiefs CB Joshua Williams inked a modest two-year deal with the Titans this offseason and is expected to be the team’s top depth option on the outside. Bradley lauded Williams’ length while reaffirming that he’d likely be the top backup behind Taylor and Flott (per Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com).
While Harris is penciled in as the team’s top slot CB, he earned notable praise from his head coach. Saleh told reporters to not “sleep” on the 2025 sixth-round pick, noting that Harris is “going to be a fun one to watch” (per Wyatt). This could be an indication that the 25-year-old could also contribute on the outside, although that would force the coaching staff to identify another candidate for the slot role. The rest of the team’s current depth consists of Micah Robinson, Keydrain Calligan, Erick Hallett, and a handful of UDFAs.
As for reinforcement, there are still some names remaining in free agency. It’s hard to imagine the team investing in the likes of Marshon Lattimore, Trevon Diggs, or old friend L’Jarius Sneed, especially since the organization seems content with Taylor and Flott leading the way. However, a veteran who’s used to a backup role could be a logical target for the Titans, especially if their current depth proves to be underwhelming.
Panthers Sign 10 UDFAs
In addition to signing the majority of their draft picks today, the Panthers also added a handful of undrafted players to their rookie class. The team announced the signing of 10 UDFAs:
- Haynes King, QB (Georgia Tech)
- Jaylon Guilbeau, CB (Texas)
- Aaron Hall, DT (Duke)
- Isaia Glass, OT (Vanderbilt)
- Cam Miller, CB (Rutgers)
- Parker Peterson, DT (Wisconsin)
- Kobe Prentice, WR (Baylor)
- Albert Reese, OT (Mississippi State)
- Devonta Smith, CB (Notre Dame)
- Isaiah Smith, LB (SMU)
The team also noted that Coastal Carolina wide receiver Malick Meiga is expected to sign a contract and join the Panthers next week. The signing of Haynes King was reported shortly after the draft concluded.
Aaron Hall got a chunk of money to catch on with the franchise. Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston reports that the Duke defensive lineman got a $25K signing bonus plus $247.5K of his base salary guaranteed. Hall transformed into one of Duke’s most dependable defenders over the past three years. Between 2023 and 2025, the defensive tackle tallied 7.5 sacks, 21 tackles for loss, and 111 tackles.
Besides Tetairoa McMillan, the Panthers still lack convincing depth at wide receiver, making Kobe Prentice an intriguing addition by the Panthers. The Baylor wideout never truly broke out during his time at Alabama, leading to him transferring to Baylor for the 2025 campaign. His performance with his new squad also left some to be desired, as he finished the year with only 26 catches for 380 yards. Notably, he did haul in six touchdowns.
QB Taylor Heinicke Announces Retirement
Taylor Heinicke is calling it a career. The veteran quarterback announced on Instagram that he’s decided to retire.
“For 25 years, I had the pleasure to play this great sport of football,” Heinicke wrote. “…It has taught me a lot, not only about myself, but about life as well.
“Many ups and downs throughout the years, but the ups outweigh the downs tenfold. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would’ve been able to live this life.
“Thank you to all who have supported me in this journey. Thank you all who have believed in me. And thank you to those who gave me the opportunity to live out my childhood dream.”
Following a standout career at Old Dominion that saw him win the Walter Payton Award and FCS Player of the Year in 2012, Heinicke went undrafted during the 2015 draft. He bounced around a bit during his first few years as a professional, spending time with the Vikings, Patriots, Texans, Panthers, and even the St. Louis BattleHawks of the United Football League. Through his first six years in the NFL, he made eight appearances, including one start with the Panthers.
Heinicke caught on with the Commanders practice squad late in the 2020 season. With Dwayne Haskins getting cut and Alex Smith suffering a calf injury, Heinicke suddenly found himself under center for Washington’s Wild Card Round matchup against the Buccaneers. While the Commanders ended up losing that game, Heinicke performed admirably, completing 26 of his 44 pass attempts for 306 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. He also added another 46 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
He signed a new two-year deal with the franchise the following offseason and was expected to serve as the top backup to Ryan Fitzpatrick. However, the veteran starter suffered an injury in Week 1, and Heinicke proceeded to start 15 games that season. He went 7-8 as a starter in 2021, completing 65 percent of his passes for 3,419 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. He also added 313 yards and a score on the ground.
Heinicke entered 2022 as the backup to Carson Wentz, but he was once again inserted into the starting lineup when the QB1 got injured. Heinicke started nine games that year, going 5-3-1 while tossing 12 touchdowns vs. six interceptions. That performance earned him a two-year, $14MM deal with his hometown Falcons, where he was expected to be the backup to Desmond Ridder. Heinicke garnered four starts during that 2023 campaign, going 1-3.
After the Falcons added both Kirk Cousins and first-rounder Michael Penix Jr. during the 2024 offseason, Heinicke was dealt to the Chargers. He spent the 2024 campaign as Justin Herbert‘s backup, and he was limited to five pass attempts in four cameo appearances. He inked a one-year, $6.2MM deal with Los Angeles during the 2025 offseason but didn’t make it to the regular season with the squad, with Trey Lance winning the backup battle. Heinicke didn’t end up getting another gig during the 2025 season.
The 33-year-old will finish his career with 42 appearances. He went 13-15-1 in his 29 starts, tossing 33 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. He also added another three rushing TDs.
Panthers Sign First-Round OT Monroe Freeling
With the Panthers set to begin rookie minicamp tomorrow, the team has signed a handful of their draft picks. The team announced the signing of six rookies today, including first-round offensive tackle Monroe Freeling.
The Panthers reportedly entered the first round with a “tackle or bust” mentality, and they landed one of the draft’s top positional prospects in Freeling. The Georgia product exclusively played left tackle during his collegiate career, including a 2025 campaign where he earned second-team All-SEC honors. Freeling possesses the length and athleticism that teams seek from their LTs, although scouts did note that he needs to add some weight to compete in the NFL.
The Freeling selection could also lead to some interesting roster decisions for the franchise. The team is returning longtime RT Taylor Moton and is still rostering LT Ikem Ekwonu on a fifth-year option. Ekwonu is set to miss the beginning of the 2026 season, but the team seemingly filled that temporary hole by signing Rasheed Walker to a one-year deal worth just $4MM. Depth is never a bad thing, but it will be interesting to see how the OL ultimately shakes out, and the team’s surplus of OTs could potentially lead to some moves.
The team’s other signings today included:
- Round 3, No. 83: Chris Brazzell II (WR, Tennessee)
- Round 4, No. 129 (from Bears): Will Lee III (CB, Texas A&M)
- Round 5, No. 144 (from Titans via Panthers): Sam Hecht (C, Kansas State)
- Round 5, No. 151 (from Dolphins): Zakee Wheatley (S, Penn State)
- Round 7, No. 227 (from Dolphins): Jackson Kuwatch (LB, Miami (OH))
This leaves the Panthers with only one unsigned draft pick: second-round DT Lee Hunter. While it’s notable that the Texas Tech product wasn’t included among the team’s other signings, there’s a chance he quickly inks his deal to be in attendance for tomorrow’s minicamp.
Giants Still “In The Mix” For DT D.J. Reader
The Giants continue to be connected to D.J. Reader. Jordan Schultz reported last week that the Giants are “very much in the mix” for the free agent defensive tackle, but the reporter does caution that the organization has some “real competition.” Jason La Canfora echoes that sentiment, noting that John Harbaugh is still expected to “lure” Reader to New York.
The veteran met with the Giants about a month ago. We heard that Reader was expected to wait until after the draft to sign with a team, allowing him to survey the defensive line landscape while also allowing his suitor to avoid the 2027 compensatory-pick formula. Notably, the Giants have added Shelby Harris and Leki Fotu to the mix, and they drafted Auburn DT Bobby Jamison-Travis in the sixth round. Still, Schultz believes these additions won’t have any influence on Reader’s decision.
As for the unnamed competition, the only other team that’s been definitively connected to the free agent is the Ravens. Baltimore has since made a significant addition at the position in Calais Campbell. While New York’s DL additions may not have any bearing on the Reader sweepstakes, Campbell’s addition could take the Ravens out of the running. For what it’s worth, Dan Duggan of The Athletic says the Giants were never in the mix for Campbell’s services.
Reader spent the past two seasons with the Lions, starting all 32 of his appearances. He finished his first year in Detroit with three sacks, four TFLs, and eight QB hits, but those numbers dropped to zero sacks, zero TFLs, and four QB hits in 2025. The 31-year-old still earned similar PFF grades between the two years, including a 2025 showing when he ranked 32nd among 127 qualifying interior defenders. Any suitor would be hoping Reader can return to his performance from Cincinnati, where he ranked between sixth and 11th during his final three-year stretch with the organization.
The Giants needed some reinforcement at the position entering the offseason, and that need only intensified after they acquired the No. 10 pick for Dexter Lawrence. In addition to the players mentioned above, the team also has former third-round pick Darius Alexander and offseason acquisitions Sam Roberts and Marlon Tuipulotu at the position. Reader would represent an upgrade over any of the existing options, and it sounds like it’s only a matter of time before he joins the organization.