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Buccaneers CB Jamel Dean Accepts Pay Cut

September 8th, 2025 at 10:07pm CST by Adam La Rose

Jamel Dean‘s Buccaneers future was a talking point this offseason, although the veteran corner remained in place once roster cuts were finished. Dean has worked out a restructure which could make this season his final one in Tampa Bay, though.

Team and player agreed to a pay cut on Monday, as first reported by PewterReport’s Joshua Queipo. The move has since been confirmed by Fox Sports’ Greg Auman, who notes Dean’s base pay for this season has been reduced from $12.5MM to $4.25MM. $750K could be earned back through playtime incentives.

Critically, the restructure also removed the final year of Dean’s contract. The former third-rounder was on the books through 2026 (although his scheduled compensation for that year was not guaranteed). Instead, Dean is now on track for free agency next spring. Given today’s news, it could certainly come as no surprise if a departure were to take place on the open market in this case.

Dean emerged as a starter for the Super Bowl winning Buccaneers in 2020, and he’s maintained his starting spot over the past four years. Thanks to his production, the defensive back earned a four-year, $52MM contract ($21.5MM guaranteed) from Tampa Bay ahead of the 2023 campaign. He’s continued to produce under his active contract, with Pro Football Focus grading him as a top-3o cornerback over each of the past two seasons.

While the Buccaneers may be signaling that they don’t have future plans for the cornerback, the team is clearly relying on him for the time being. Once a candidate to get benched, Dean earned a 97 percent snap share yesterday. The 28-year-old finished the season opener with six tackles and three passes defended.

The organization clearly started preparing for a post-Dean secondary during this year’s draft. The team selected Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison in the second round before selecting Kansas State’s Jacob Parrish in the third round. With Zyon McCollum and Josh Hayes also still attached to their rookie contracts, the Buccaneers are clearly pivoting to youth in their cornerbacks room.

Ben Levine contributed to this post.

NFL Minor Transactions: 9/8/25

September 8th, 2025 at 6:29pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor moves:

Chicago Bears

Dallas Cowboys

Denver Broncos

  • Waived from IR: DT Kristian Williams

Minnesota Vikings

New Orleans Saints

New York Jets

Philadelphia Eagles

Free Agency

Cowboys defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey will now be out through the month of September after landing on IR today. Winfrey has been dealing with a back injury that forced him to miss the season opener. The 25-year-old joined the Cowboys back in June following a successful showing in the UFL.

Free agent defensive back Kemon Hall has been hit with a three-game ban, according to ESPN’s Ben Baby. The suspension would go into effect once the player joins a team. The 2019 UDFA most recently spent the preseason with the Cowboys. He was among the team’s final cuts and subsequently landed on their practice squad, but he was released days later. The 28-year-old has appeared in 24 career games.

Packers Extend P Daniel Whelan

September 7th, 2025 at 2:33pm CST by Ben Levine

SEPTEMBER 7: Providing details on the pact, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports Whelan’s extension is two years in length and has a total value of $6.2MM. Whelan is now on the books through 2027, and he received a $2.2MM signing bonus.

SEPTMEBER 4: After extending their long snapper last week, the Packers have now locked in their punter for the foreseeable future. The team announced that they’ve signed Daniel Whelan to an extension. Terms of the deal have yet to be reported.

Undrafted out of UC Davis in 2022, Whelan had a brief stint with the Saints before having to settle for a job with the XFL’s DC Defenders. After impressing in that gig, the special teamer earned a preseason contract from the Packers ahead of the 2024 campaign.

He ended up beating out Pat O’Donnell for the job, making him the first Irish-born NFL player since Neil O’Donoghue in the 1980s. Whelan has spent the past two years as Green Bay’s full-time punter, appearing in all 34 regular season games and all three of their postseason contests.

Whelan has been consistent over that span, with his yards per punt (46.2 in 2023, 46.1 in 2024) and net yards per punt (39.4 in 2023, 39.6 in 2024) generally staying the same across both campaigns. This past season, he became the first punter in Packers history to average 46-plus yards per punt and 40-plus net yards per punt in a single season. He also sits atop the franchise all-time leaderboard in punting average and net punting average (among players with at least 100 punts).

With long snapper Matt Orzech inking an extension in late August, the Packers have now committed to all of their special teams leaders for the next few years. To kick off the offseason, the team signed kicker Brandon McManus to a three-year, $15.3MM extension.

Browns, Round 2 RB Quinshon Judkins Agree To Fully Guaranteed Deal

September 7th, 2025 at 9:13am CST by Sam Robinson

SEPTEMBER 7: In an update on this matter, Schefter reports Judkins will meet with the NFL this week as part of the league’s investigation. However, Cabot says Judkins is not expected to be placed on the commissioner’s exempt list, and one source tells Schefter it is likely Judkins will make his professional debut against the Ravens in Week 2.

SEPTEMBER 6: Quinshon Judkins‘ off-field situation continues to cloud his NFL career, even after a recent resolution. But the second-round Browns draftee is moving toward an early-season debut.

The Browns agreed to terms with the running back on a fully guaranteed rookie contract Saturday, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports. Judkins is not expected to play this week but could see his debut come in Week 2, Rapoport adds. He will fly to Cleveland to sign his deal this afternoon, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who confirms the former Ohio State and Ole Miss back’s debut date is not yet known.

Chosen 36th overall, Judkins was ticketed for a fully guaranteed contract based on where the line of demarcation for such deals settled back in July. Tyler Shough receiving a fully guaranteed Saints deal — as the No. 40 overall choice — always pointed to Judkins securing such terms. But charges of battery and domestic violence led to this process dragging to the eve of Week 1.

Even with prosecutors deciding not to move forward with this case, cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot notes the NFL is still conducting an investigation — one that could lead to a suspension under the personal conduct policy.

Cleveland is expected to receive a temporary roster exemption for Judkins, according to NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero. This can last up to two games. Judkins, 21, has not practiced since the Browns’ offseason program. Needing a ramp-up period before being deemed ready to play, Judkins may well be sidelined beyond Week 2. But this agreement puts an early-season debut in play while also finalizing the 2025 rookie class’ contracts. It is an $11.4MM slot deal.

Suspensions typically void guarantees, which led to the Judkins contractual slowdown. That remains a matter to monitor, but the Browns may have inserted language — as they did with Deshaun Watson — to protect the rookie RB in the event of a ban. For the time being, Jerome Ford and fourth-round rookie Dylan Sampson will be expected to lead Cleveland’s backfield. But Judkins will have a say soon.

One of the impact transfers for the Buckeyes last season, Judkins heard his name called before teammate TreVeyon Henderson. The Browns chose Judkins two spots before the Patriots drafted Henderson. While the latter has received far more buzz ahead of his rookie season, Judkins drew extensive interest during the draft runup — after a college career that included three 1,000-yard rushing seasons in three years. He amassed 1,567 rushing yards and 16 TDs as a true freshman, and after leading the SEC with 15 rushing scores a year later, the former high-end recruit formed a 1,000-1,000 duo with Henderson in Columbus.

The Browns bid farewell to longtime backfield stalwart Nick Chubb this offseason, letting the former Pro Bowler walk in free agency. Chubb joined the Texans, who are expected to give the former Browns second-rounder a key role in light of Joe Mixon landing on the reserve/NFI list. Cleveland has Ford — Chubb’s primary fill-in over the past two seasons — under contract for one more year. Judkins and Sampson, however, represent longer-term solutions in being contracted through 2028.

Lions, Jameson Williams Agree To Extension

September 6th, 2025 at 11:00pm CST by Adam La Rose

Jameson Williams was already under contract with the Lions through 2026 entering the season, but he will remain in place beyond that point. The ascending wideout has an extension agreement in place.

Team and player worked out a deal on Saturday, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports. This pact is three years in length, and it is worth $83MM with $67MM guaranteed. Since Williams’ fifth-year option was picked up this spring, he is now on the books through 2029.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter clarifies $83MM represents the maximum value of this pact. The average annual value of the extension at first glance – $27.67MM – is likely an inflated figure as a result. Even if so, a strong guarantee along with long-term stability has been attained via this agreement. Williams is the latest member of the Lions’ offensive core to receive a major raise.

Last offseason, fellow receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown landed an extension averaging just over $30MM per season. Quarterback Jared Goff, along with offensive tackles Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker, as well as running back David Montgomery, each signed new deals in 2024 as well. That led to questions about whether or not Williams would fit into the team’s long-term plans, especially with Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta eligible for extensions next year.

An answer has now arrived just before Week 1. Williams, 24, will finish playing out his rookie deal in the Motor City but he will remain in place on his second contract. The Alabama product played just 18 games across his first two campaigns due to injury and multiple suspensions. When on the field, though, Williams showed his potential as a deep threat.

In 2024, a notable step forward was taken in terms of production. Williams played 16 combined regular and postseason games, and his availability yielded positive results. He recorded 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 17.3 yards per catch. A full-time role and increased expectations will await Williams in 2025 but for several years after the coming season as well.

Rumors emerged about a potential trade being considered in this situation, but Lions general manager Brad Holmes said in April that was not the case. Williams’ future in Detroit was ensured to an extent when his option – like that of former No. 2 pick Aidan Hutchinson – was exercised. Talks on a Hutchinson extension have taken place, but during that process work has also successfully been done on a new Williams accord.

The Lions were largely quiet this offseason with respect to outside free agent additions, looking instead to retaining as many member of their core as possible. That resulted in safety Kerby Joseph landing a monster deal of his own, and Williams has now joined him in that regard. Continued development from both players would be key in allowing for Detroit to remain among the NFL’s top contenders.

St. Brown topped 1,100 yards for the third straight season in 2024, and he will be counted on to lead the way once again this year. LaPorta figures to reprise his role as a key figure in the passing game. Williams will offer a different skillset than those two, and based on this investment the Lions are confident he will be able to consistently offer them another high-end option on offense.

Broncos Place DL Malcolm Roach On IR, Promote QB Sam Ehlinger

September 6th, 2025 at 8:39pm CST by Adam La Rose

Malcolm Roach was already known to be out for Week 1. The veteran defensive lineman will be unavailable through at least the first month of the campaign.

The Broncos announced on Saturday that Roach was placed on injured reserve. A grade two calf strain will thus keep him sidelined through Denver’s first four contests at a minimum. Roach played every regular and postseason game in 2024, his debut Broncos campaign. That will not be the case this time around.

Denver’s defensive front will be expected to remain one of the league’s best through the early portion of the season and beyond, with Zach Allen, D.J. Jones and John Franklin-Myers each set to reprise their roles as starters. Still, being without Roach will deal a blow to the Broncos’ D-line. The 27-year-old handled a 42% snap share on defense last season and set a new career high in tackles (43) and sacks (2.5).

Roach is owed $2.75MM this season, the final one of his deal. The former UDFA would stand to benefit from another productive campaign with respect to his market value, just like Franklin-Myers. Plenty of time remains for a return at some point, but Roach’s absence could hurt his free agent stock while also leaving Denver shorthanded along the defensive interior for a stretch.

In a corresponding move, quarterback Sam Ehlinger has been promoted from the practice squad to the active roster. The former Colts passer was among Denver’s roster cuts last week but he remained in place by signing to the team’s taxi squad. That decision came after two offers were made by outside suitors for a spot on their 53-man rosters. Ehlinger elected to stay put, and Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette notes the Broncos planned to make room for him on the active roster in the near future. That opportunity has now arrived.

Bo Nix will handle starting duties in 2025 while looking to build off his impressive rookie season. Jarrett Stidham will once again operate as Denver’s backup, but Ehlinger is now in place to serve as the team’s third-string (and, on gamedays, emergency QB3) option.

Minor NFL Transactions: 9/6/25

September 6th, 2025 at 7:28pm CST by Ely Allen

With our first slate of Sunday games tomorrow, we’ll see our first slew of standard gameday practice squad elevations. Here are today’s minor transactions:

Atlanta Falcons

Baltimore Ravens

Buffalo Bills

Carolina Panthers

Cincinnati Bengals

Denver Broncos

Detroit Lions

Green Bay Packers

Houston Texans

Indianapolis Colts

Jacksonville Jaguars

Las Vegas Raiders

Los Angeles Rams

Miami Dolphins

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

New York Giants

New York Jets

Pittsburgh Steelers

San Francisco 49ers

Seattle Seahawks

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tennessee Titans

Washington Commanders

Each NFL team is granted up to two standard gameday practice squad elevations each game, allowing them to call up two members of their practice squad who are able to play in that weekend’s game. After the game is played, the elevated players revert back to the practice squad with no transaction required. This differs from the situation with somebody like Crumedy in Carolina. With Mathis’ placement on injured reserve opening a spot on the 53-man roster, Crumedy has been promoted from the practice squad to the active roster, where he will remain until he is cut or his contract expires.

Practice squad players can be called up a maximum of three times under a single practice squad contract. If a team wants to call up a player who’s been called up three times already, the team will usually sign the player to their active roster for a game, cut them after, and then sign them to a new practice squad contract. Under the new contract, the player would be eligible to be elevated for three more games.

As the Dolphins await Jason Sanders‘ return from IR, Patterson was named the winner of a kicking audition with three other veteran kickers. Miami will be able to elevate him three times but will have to promote him to the active roster for any games between that and Sanders’ activation. Similarly, Prater will likely be on the same plan in Buffalo.

Haener’s stint on the Saints’ active roster was short-lived as the team decides to move forward with only two quarterbacks. Spencer Rattler will handle starting duties to begin the campaign with second-round rookie Tyler Shough serving as his backup.

Eagles Waive G Kenyon Green

September 6th, 2025 at 6:43pm CST by Adam La Rose

Kenyon Green did not survive the Eagles’ cuts ahead of last week’s deadline. The former first-rounder quickly found himself back in the fold, but that is no longer the case.

Green was waived once again on Saturday, per a team announcement. The offseason trade acquisition was on Philadelphia’s active roster in time for the team’s regular season opener, but he did not take part. Green will now hit the waiver wire with free agency looming in the event he does not get claimed.

[RELATED: Eagles Sign Za’Darius Smith]

During his three years in Houston, Green was unable to live up to the expectations brought about by his draft stock. The 24-year-old managed to play 12 games last season after missing the previous campaign in its entirety. His play when on the field, however, was a key factor in the Texans’ struggles along the offensive line. The team made a number of changes up front this spring, including the decision to include Green in the C.J. Gardner-Johnson trade.

Four of Philadelphia’s starter along the O-line are still in place from 2024. The lone vacancy compared to last season was right guard, with Mekhi Becton landing a two-year Chargers pact in free agency after delivering a strong campaign with the Eagles. Tyler Steen won the RG gig in training camp and played there on Thursday. Without a first-team opening for Green – and without the Texas A&M product being viewed as one of Philadelphia’s top backup options along the interior – a change of scenery is likely in store.

Green could remain with the Eagles via a practice squad agreement after clearing waivers. Failing that, he will look to join a new team with the regular season underway.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/6/25

September 6th, 2025 at 4:15pm CST by Ely Allen

Here are today’s only practice squad transactions:

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons released Sills yesterday but still wanted him to play in their season opener tomorrow. In order to make that happen, Atlanta needed to sign him to the practice squad so he can be a standard gameday elevation in Week 1.

Titans Extend S Amani Hooker

September 6th, 2025 at 9:54am CST by Sam Robinson

Amani Hooker will agree to a second extension in Tennessee. The veteran safety will put pen to paper on a new three-year deal before Week 1, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports.

The longtime Titans starter is signing a three-year, $48.6MM accord — one that comes with $29MM guaranteed in total. Hooker was set to enter the final season of his previous deal (three years, $30MM). This will mark a significant raise for a player extended two GMs ago. The Titans have since announced the extension.

[RELATED: Assessing Titans’ 2025 Offseason]

Jon Robinson signed off on Hooker’s previous contract nearly three years ago today. The Titans have changed coaching staffs since then and have fired two GMs — Robinson and Ran Carthon — in that time. Formerly in place as a Kevin Byard sidekick, Hooker has endured in Tennessee and factors in prominently moving forward under the Chad Brinker–Mike Borgonzi power structure.

Hooker’s second Titans extension comes after he intercepted five passes last season. Although the Titans bottomed out at 3-14, Hooker has been one of their best players for several years. The team traded Byard to the Eagles during the 2023 season, building their safety corps around Hooker. One of Robinson’s top draftees, the former fourth-rounder is still only 27. He has started 51 games. That number will continue to climb in Nashville, as the Titans are now building around Cam Ward‘s rookie contract.

If the $48.6MM number represents the contract’s base value, Hooker becomes the NFL’s fifth-highest-paid safety. He would settle between Derwin James and Budda Baker, though initial reports frequently reflect contracts’ max values. At $29MM in total guarantees, Hooker sits 11th. Only agreeing to a three-year extension naturally stands to reduce the seventh-year vet’s standing in that category. But this deal should keep the door open for another lucrative deal down the line; Hooker will turn 30 in his 2028 contract year.

No Pro Bowls are on Hooker’s resume, though he was extended the first time following a third-place finish in Pro Football Focus’ 2021 rankings. Last year, PFF slotted Hooker 33rd among safeties. This came on a Titans defense that produced a 30th-place points ranking but second in total yardage. Ward’s presence should help bring those numbers closer together, and Tennessee wants Ward as a key part of its Ward-years nucleus.

The Titans made a few investments at safety this offseason, adding Xavier Woods and re-signing Quandre Diggs. The team also drafted Kevin Winston Jr. in the third round. Woods is expected to start alongside Hooker, having signed a two-year, $8MM deal.

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