Lions Tried To Trade Up For Edge Rusher
Despite needing some depth on the edge, the Lions waited until the sixth round to address the position in last month’s draft.
That wasn’t for a lack of trying. Detroit traded up twice on Day 2, but general manager Brad Holmes said that he made several more attempts to move up throughout the draft. One of those potential trades was targeting an edge rusher in the first round, per ESPN’s Dan Graziano, though the deal fell through and the Lions stayed at No. 28 to take Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams.
It’s unclear who Holmes’ exact target would have been. The draft’s top edge rusher, Abdul Carter, was taken with the third overall pick by the Giants, far out of the Lions’ range. Mykel Williams, Jalon Walker, and Shemar Stewart were all selected between the 11th and 17th picks, and the Falcons leaped the Lions – and a dozen other teams – to snag James Pearce Jr. at No. 26.
More discernible is why Holmes didn’t pull the trigger on a deal. Trading into the teens would’ve likely cost at least a second-rounder; a pick in the early 20s would have a more reasonable price. It’s also possible that Detroit couldn’t outbid Atlanta for the 26th pick. The Falcons have picked in the top 10 in four of the last five drafts and gave up a future first-rounder in their deal with the Rams.
The Lions’ newfound success means they’re unlikely to be drafting so high next year, making it hard to match the Falcons’ offer even if they wanted to. Concerns about Pierce’s drive and attitude also made him a questionable fit under Dan Campbell. Detroit then drafted Boise State’s Ahmed Hassanein in the seventh round (No. 196) and signed undrafted free agent Keith Cooper Jr. out of Houston to bolster their edge room, though they could still use another reliable veteran.
AFC North Notes: Browns, Bengals, Smith
The Browns‘ quarterback room has been under a microscope for years, but this offseason drew added scrutiny with the pure volume of Cleveland’s transactions at the position.
The Browns first traded for Kenny Pickett before reuniting with Joe Flacco in free agency. They then double-dipped on quarterbacks in the draft, taking Dillon Gabriel in the third round and Shedeur Sanders in the fifth.
Gabriel was expected to be a Day 3 pick, making his selection in the third round a “mild surprise,” according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, though Cleveland wasn’t a shocking destination. They hosted the left-handed passer for a visit on the same day as Sanders and Cam Ward, who both received more media attention for their links with the Browns. But the team was planning to take Gabriel at pick No. 94 all along, even if Jalen Milroe – who went one pick earlier to the Seahawks – was still available.
The Browns’ acquisition of four quarterbacks this offseason has raised questions about their plans for the position moving forward. At least one will likely be surplus to roster requirements in Cleveland, but as Fowler notes, injuries around the league could draw trade interest in Pickett or Flacco, both of whom have moveable one-year contracts.
Here is the latest from the AFC North:
- Browns defensive end Alex Wright has been fully cleared to return to the field after season-ending triceps surgery in 2024, per Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal. The 2022 third-rounder showed promise in 2023 with five sacks, but his injury robbed him of the chance to show further progression last year.
- Bengals cornerback DJ Turner also received medical clearance to participate in the team’s offseason program, according to Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Turner’s 2024 season ended after 11 games due to a broken clavicle, and he will look to retake a starting role in Cincinnati this year.
- The Bengals shuffled their front office staff recently. They promoted football data analyst Sam Francis to director of football research, per Inside The League’s Neil Stratton, and hired former Bills intern Trey LaBounty as a scouting research analyst, according to SI.com’s James Rapien. Bengals scout Christian Sarkisian is also departing the staff, being set to take over as the general manager of the Northwestern athletic department, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
- University of North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham was originally looking to hire Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith as the Tar Heels next head coach, according to David Hale, Andrea Adelson, and Chris Low of ESPN. Smith has never coached at the college level, but he played guard at UNC from 2001 to 2005. Heading into his second season as Steelers OC, Smith turned down the chance to interview for his alma mater’s HC post. Cunningham ultimately went with Bill Belichick, a decision that has drawn significant scrutiny over the last few months.
- The Browns reunited with Shaun Herock in a personnel role, per KRPC2’s Aaron Wilson. Herock was previously a national scout in Cleveland before joining the Raiders as a senior personnel advisor.
Multiple Teams Have Shown Interest In OLB Matt Judon
Four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Matt Judon went unsigned in the NFL’s initial waves of free agency signings, but he has received interest from multiple teams, per Kyle Odegard of Card Player.
Judon spoke about his 2024 season in Atlanta and his free agency plans while participating in a celebrity basketball game hosted by former Patriots teammate Mack Wilson in Arizona. Other ex-Patriots like Christian Gonzalez and Keion White were also in attendance, as well as Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
The 32-year-old Judon still thinks he can be an impact pass rusher in the NFL despite a step back in 2024; his 5.5 sacks were his fewest in a full season since his rookie year with the Ravens in 2016. He attributed his regression to a Falcons defensive scheme that asked too much of him in pass coverage.
“If you go look at the film, I dropped on 60 percent of the plays,” said Judon (via Odegard). “It’s hard to get a pick and a sack on the same play.”
While Judon seems to be exaggerating, he did see an uptick in the percentage of snaps he dropped into coverage in Atlanta compared to his time in New England, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). However, he had even more coverage responsibilities during his four years as a starter in Baltimore.
Jones, who has regularly skipped OTAs in his career, will likely wait until the summer to sign with a new team, though he has been in touch with multiple.
Re-signing with the Falcons would be a surprise. Though the team replaced defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake with Jeff Ulbrich this offseason – which may appeal to Judon given his issues with last year’s scheme – they also drafted two edge rushers in the first round and signed Leonard Floyd in free agency. Judon thinks that would rule out a return to Atlanta, who noted that 2024 third-rounder Bralen Trice would also factor into the defense after missing his rookie year due to a torn ACL.
Judon said he was “open to whatever” when asked about reuniting with the Ravens, but they have a similarly-full edge rushing room. As for other potential destinations, he simply said, “It’s got to make sense,” likely meaning it would take a sizable salary and/or shot at a Super Bowl to get him to put pen to paper.
Patriots Sign 15 Undrafted Free Agents
The Patriots signed 15 undrafted free agents to bring their rookie class to 26 players. Here are New England’s UDFAs:
- Demeer Blankumsee, WR (Memphis)
- Efton Chism III, WR (Eastern Washington)
- Jack Conley, OL (Boston College)
- Brandon Crossley, CB (SMU)
- C.J. Dippre, TE (Alabama)
- Brock Lampe, FB (Northern Illinois)
- Lan Larison, RB (UC Davis)
- Josh Minkins, S (Cincinnati)
- Jordan Polk, CB (Texas State)
- Elijah Ponder, LB (Cal Poly)
- Cam Riley, LB (Florida State)
- Jahvaree Ritzie, DT (North Carolina)
- Gee Scott Jr., TE (Ohio State)
- Jeremiah Webb, WR (South Alabama)
- Ben Wooldridge, QB (Louisana)
Chism’s production improved across each of his five years at Eastern Washington, culminating in a stellar 2024 campaign. He recorded an FCS-high 120 receptions for 1,311 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning him first-team All-American and All-Big Sky honors. The 5-foot-10 Chism projects as a slot receiver at the next level, where his toughness and agile route-running can shine. Still, he’ll face a sizable jump in overall talent, physicality, and athleticism in the NFL; his 4.71-second 40-yard dash at his pro day would’ve been the slowest among WRs at the Combine. Multiple teams were involved in a bidding war for Chism after the draft, including the Broncos, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, but the Patriots won his signature with $259k in guaranteed money.
Dippre spent two years at Maryland before transferring to Alabama in 2023. He was never a productive pass-catcher in college, but established himself as a consistent blocker and special teams presence, which will likely endear him to new Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. He has the size, strength, and athleticism to be a blocking TE2 in the NFL, but he will need to make significant strides as a receiver to grow into more.
Larison ran for more than 2,500 yards and 30 touchdowns across the last two years at UC Davis, but his exploits as a pass-catcher in 2024 (62 catches, 847 yards, six touchdowns) proved he had even more to offer in the NFL. His contract with the Patriots includes a $25k signing bonus and $150k in guaranteed salary, per KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson.
Ponder spent five years at Cal Poly, first garnering national attention with 8.0 sacks and 11.0 tackles for loss in 2021. He took a step back in 2022 but posted 25.5 TFLs and 18.0 sacks over his final two seasons, earning first-team All-Big Sky nods in each year. Ponder then put together an elite pro day performance that placed him among the most athletic edge rushers in the 2025 draft class. His 10-yard split, vertical jump, and broad jump would have led the position at the Combine and his agility scores trailed only eventual second-round pick Donovan Ezeiruaku.
Ritzie is an athletic defensive lineman with sparse production across his first three years at UNC. He broke out as a senior with 6.5 TFLs and 6.5 sacks in 2024, plus an impressive Combine performance that showed off his speed and explosiveness. His length and athleticism could be developed into a more consistent pass-rushing impact in the NFL, but he’s too susceptible to being moved off the point of attack in the run game.
Dolphins Sign 15 Undrafted Free Agents
After making eight picks during the 2025 NFL Draft, the Dolphins have added another 15 undrafted rookies to their roster. Here are Miami’s UDFA signings:
- Andrew Armstrong, WR (Arkansas)
- John Saunders Jr., S (Mississippi)
- Nate Noel, RB (Missouri)
- BJ Adams, CB (UCF)
- Ethan Robinson, CB (Minnesota)
- Jalin Conyers, TE (Texas Tech)
- Monaray Baldwin, WR (Baylor)
- Eugene Asante, LB (Auburn)
- Tedi Kushi, OL (Western Michigan)
- Addison West, OL (Western Michigan)
- Josh Priebe, OL (Michigan)
- Theo Wease Jr., WR (Missouri)
- AJ Henning, WR (Northwestern)
- Tre’vonn Rybka, DT (Kentucky)
- Alex Huntley, DT (South Carolina)
Armstrong broke out as a sophomore at East Texas A&M in 2022 with 62 catches for 1,020 yards and 13 touchdowns, albeit against FCS competition. He transferred to Arkansas, but took a step back in 2023 as he adjusted to SEC play before bouncing back in 2024 with a conference-high 1,140 receiving yards. He has NFL potential as a possession receiver with a 6-foot-4 frame, strong hands, and the know-how to use those traits to win at the catch point. The 24-year-old had solid speed and agility testing at the Combine and his pro day, but lack burst and quickness as a route-runner. Armstrong brings some size that the Dolphins’ receiver room currently lacks outside of Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, but he’ll have to improve his play in the red zone (just one touchdown in 2024) and on special teams to make the roster.
Wease also offers appealing size with a 6-foot-2, 210-pound frame, but he didn’t reach 1,000 receiving yards in any of his six seasons (four at Oklahoma, two at Missouri). He’s a middling athlete who doesn’t play with the physicality his size would suggest, but he’s a solid route runner whose length shows up at the catch point. Wease’s deal with the Dolphins includes $249k in guaranteed money, according to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson.
The Dolphins are undermanned at cornerback, especially if they follow through on their plan to trade Jalen Ramsey. They waited until the fifth round to draft one, so Adams and Robinson should have a chance to make the roster. Adams has good height and length that he deploys in press coverage at the line of scrimmage, but that didn’t translate into much ball production at UCF (13 passes defended, two interceptions in 29 career starts). He’ll need to develop his unrefined coverage technique to make up for his lack of elite movement skills, but his frame and special teams experience make him a developmental 53-man roster candidate. Robinson spent his first three years at Bucknell before transferring to Minnesota. He made a smooth transition from FCS with an honorable mention All-Big 10 selection in 2024. He has a natural feel as a playmaker in coverage (24 passes defended and six interceptions in last two years), but his below-average athletic profile will be more challenging to overcome in the NFL.
Conyers is a former multi-sport athlete who thrived as a basketball player in high school. He brings that background to the TE position with short-area quickness, lateral agility, and an ability to make tough, contested catches. He wasn’t especially productive at Arizona State or Texas Tech, but his size and toughness showed up as a blocker, which will be appreciated in the NFL. Conyers’ Combine performance also showed that he has plenty of athleticism to develop as a pass-catcher. The 23-year-old received a $15k signing bonus and $100k in guaranteed salary, per Wilson.
Asante Samuel Jr. Underwent Neck Surgery In April, Visited Saints
Free agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. underwent neck surgery in April after missing most of the 2024 season due to injury, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. He is planning to play this season, but is waiting until an early July check-up to sign with a new team.
Samuel started just four games for the Chargers last year before landing on injured reserve in October. At the end of the season, he said he was dealing with “stinger symptoms” in both shoulders as part of a lifelong health condition. It’s unclear if his neck surgery was related to that ailment. He played in 12 games as a rookie in 2021 and appeared in all 34 of the Chargers’ regular-season games in 2022 and 2023.
If Samuel’s health checks out, he should have multiple suitors as teams put together their training camp rosters. The Saints will likely be one of them; Samuel visited New Orleans on Monday, per Fowler. (He also visited the Cardinals in March, though that was before his surgery.)
New Orleans makes sense as a destination after parting ways with their two most experienced cornerbacks in the last year. 2024 starters Kool-Aid McKinstry and Alontae Taylor are set to reprise their roles this season, but Samuel would be an upgrade over re-signed slot corner Ugo Amadi. Samuel could take over at nickel or play on the boundary with Taylor in the slot.
Samuel is also familiar with the Saints’ new coaching staff. He played under defensive coordinator Brandon Staley when he was the Chargers’ head coach from 2021 to 2023. Samuel also knows Saints head coach Kellen Moore from his season as the Chargers’ offensive coordinator in 2023.
NFL Draft Pick Signings: 5/12/25
The following 2025 draft picks signed their rookie contracts today:
Arizona Cardinals
- LB Cody Simon (fourth round, Ohio State)
Dallas Cowboys
- RB Jaydon Blue (fifth round, Texas)
New Orleans Saints
- S Jonas Sanker (third round, Virginia)
New York Jets
- WR Arian Smith (fourth round, Georgia)
Philadelphia Eagles
- OL Drew Kendall (fifth round, Boston College)
San Francisco 49ers
- QB Kurtis Rourke (seventh round, Indiana)
Tennessee Titans
- TE Gunnar Helm (fourth round, Texas)
Minor NFL Transactions: 5/12/25
Here are the latest minor moves from around the NFL:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: LB Caleb Johnson
- Released: WR Phillip Dorsett
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: K John Hoyland, FB Lucas Scott
Chicago Bears
- Signed: CB Jeremiah Walker
- Placed on Exempt/International Player list: P Tory Taylor
Cincinnati Bengals
- Signed: S Shaquan Loyal
- Waived: CB Micah Abraham
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: WR Luke Floriea, WR Kisean Johnson, WR Cade McDonald
- Waived: S Trey Dean, DE Marcus Haynes, FB Eli Wilson
- Waived/injured: WR Ja’Seem Reed
Denver Broncos
- Signed: LB Jordan Turner, WR Kyrese White, LS Zach Triner, TE Cole Fotheringham
- Waived: CB Kendall Bohler, LB K.J. Cloyd, NT Christian Dowell, TE Thomas Yassmin
- Placed on Exempt/International Player list: P Jeremy Crawshaw
Detroit Lions
- Signed; TE Luke Deal, WR Malik Taylor, DL Raequan Williams
- Waived: TE Caden Prieskorn
Green Bay Packers
- Signed: QB Taylor Elgersma
- Released: OL Marquis Hayes
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: C Mose Vavao
- Waived: DT Joe Evans
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: DE Jahfari Harvey, WR Ketron Jackson Jr., WR Key’Shawn Smith, LB Wesley Steiner
- Waived: OT Dominic Boyd, LB Amari Burney, DT Matthew Butler, WR Tyleik McAllister, LB Brandon Smith
- Released: WR Kristian Wilkerson
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: WR Dalevon Campbell, LB Kana’i Mauga
- Waived: OL Bucky Williams
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: CB Kendall Sheffield
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: LB Matt Harmon, DL Elijah Williams
New England Patriots
- Signed: DT Isaiah Iton, G Mehki Butler, DT Wilfried Pene
- Waived: OT Cole Birdow
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: S Terrell Burgess, QB Hunter Dekkers
- Waived: S Millard Bradford, RB Jordan Mims
New York Giants
- Signed: CB T.J. Moore
- Waived: DB R.J. Delancey, DB Tommy McCormick
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: RB Max Hurleman, T Gareth Warren
- Released: RB Aaron Shampklin
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: LB Stone Blanton
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: WR Montorie Foster
- Waived: WR River Cracraft
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: DL Dvon J-Thomas
- Waived; LB Deion Jennings, TE Anthony Landphere
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: TE Drake Dabney,WR TJ Sheffield
- Waived: CB Virgil Lemons, S Jerrin Thompson
Hoyland converted 79.3% of his field goal attempts for the Wyoming Cowboys across the last five years. He was ultra-consistent on extra points with 147 makes on 148 tries. Hoyland will compete with sixth-round pick Tyler Loop for the Ravens’ kicking job after the team released Justin Tucker.
Sheffield brings some much-needed experience to the Dolphins’ cornerback room, though he hasn’t started since 2020. He could provide crucial veteran depth in Miami, especially if Jalen Ramsey is traded.
Elgersma was the starting quarterback at Wilfried Laurier University in Ontario, Canada, for the last three years. In 2024, he won the Hec Crighton Trophy – the Canadian equivalent to the Heisman – and earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl, the first-ever for a Canadian QB. Elgersma was drafted in the second round of the 2025 CFL Draft by the Winnepeg Blue Bombers, but a successful tryout with the Packers will give him a chance at making an NFL roster.
Browns Sign 13 Undrafted Free Agents
The Browns have signed 13 undrafted free agents to bring their rookie class to 20 players. Here are Cleveland’s initial UDFA signings:
- Adin Huntington, DE/DT (Tulane)
- Jason Ivey, OT (North Carolina A&T)
- LaMareon James, CB (TCU)
- Dom Jones, CB (Colorado State)
- Gage Larvadain, WR (South Carolina)
- Ahmani Marshall, RB (Appalachian State)
- Eason Mascarenas-Arnold, LB (Southern California)
- Bret Matiscik, LS (TCU)
- Donovan McMillon, S (Pittsburgh)
- Justin Osborne, C (SMU)
- Ja’Seem Reed, WR (San Diego)
- Dartanyan Tinsley, OG (Cincinnati)
- Eli Wilson, FB (Appalachian State)
Huntington spent three years at Kent State before transferring to Louisiana-Monroe and breaking out with 16 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks across 12 games. That earned him renewed interest in the transfer portal, but he could not sustain his production at Tulane against better competition in 2024. Huntington put together an extremely impressive performance at his pro day, but his 6-foot-1, 281-pound frame doesn’t have a clear positional fit in the NFL. His athleticism gives him potential as a disruptive pass-rusher and his ability to line up at multiple spots along the D-line could help him find a role in Jim Schwartz‘s defense.
Matiscik, the younger brother of Jaguars long snapper Ross Matiscik, spent three years as TCU’s starting long-snapper and will compete for the same role in Cleveland. The Browns used two long snappers last season: veteran Charley Hughlett for the first five games and rookie Rex Sunahara for the remaining 12. Hughlett was released this offseason after 10 years in Cleveland, leaving Sunahara as the incumbent to fend off Matiscik this summer.
McMillon started his collegiate career at Florida before transferring to Pittsburgh in 2023 to take over a starting role. He recorded 220 tackles in 25 games across the last two years, but he didn’t make many splash plays with just two tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one interception, and nine passes defended. The 6-foot-2, 203-pound McMillon has the requiste size and athleticism for the NFL, but he lacks a standout strength that could help him carve out a role as a rookie. He’ll need to establish himself on special teams to make the roster as he develops as a safety.
Osborne is a strong, explosive athlete who brings positional versatility and experience to the NFL. He logged starts at all five offensive line positions at SMU, primarily at tackle before playing guard and center in 2024. Despite that pedigree, he’s still a raw player who relies on his solid instincts to win blocks.
WR Gabe Davis Visits 49ers
Less than a week after he was released by the Jaguars, veteran wide receiver Gabriel Davis visited the 49ers, according to FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz.
Davis arrived in Jacksonville last offseason on a three-year, $39MM deal, but struggled to make an impact before tearing his meniscus in November. He underwent season-ending surgery, but is expected to complete his recovery in time for the 2025 season, per Schultz.
Wide receiver isn’t a significant roster need for the 49ers, but they did trade Deebo Samuel this offseason and Brandon Aiyuk is still recovering from a significant knee injury sustained in October. He’s unlikely to be ready for the start of the season, leaving veteran Jauan Jennings and 2024 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall as San Francisco’s top wideouts heading into the summer.
The 49ers have reason to be confident in that duo. Jennings stepped into a bigger role after Aiyuk’s injury and broke out with 975 receiving yards, more than double his production from his first three seasons. Pearsall’s rookie year was stunted by a gunshot wound during an attempted robbery, but he showed promise at the end of the season. Behind them are 2024 fourth-rounder Jacob Cowing and veteran Demarcus Robinson, the latter of whom signed in San Francisco on a two-year deal in free agency. The 49ers also used Day 3 picks Jordan Watkins (fourth round, No. 138) and Junior Bergen (seventh round, No. 252).
Still, Jennings and Robinson are the only healthy and proven receivers currently on the roster. Though Davis disappointed in his debut year in Jacksonville, he established himself as a deep threat in his previous four seasons in Buffalo. He can line up on the outside and free the 49ers’ more dynamic receivers to play out of the slot if he beats out fellow veteran receivers Isaiah Hodgins, Russell Gage, and Trent Taylor for a roster spot.
However, Davis’ significant statistical regression with the Jaguars (compared to his time with the Bills) will likely force him to take a one-year, ‘prove-it’ deal with his next team, whether that be the 49ers or another club.