Giants Sign Randy Bullock, Place Graham Gano On IR; Cade York Added From Titans’ Practice Squad
NOVEMBER 3: In addition to Bullock, the Giants have signed Cade York, head coach Brian Daboll announced on Friday. As ESPN’s Jordan Raanan notes, the pair will have a brief competition to determine the team’s kicker in Week 9. York was drafted in the fourth round last year by the Browns, but his struggles in training camp and the preseason this summer led to Cleveland waiving him. The 22-year-old quickly joined the Titans’ practice squad, but this move to New York’s active roster will give him the opportunity to win a full-time gig in Gano’s absence.
NOVEMBER 2: Graham Gano has given the Giants some kicker stability during the 2020s, but the team will need to pivot to another option soon. Gano’s knee injury will sideline him for a while.
The recently extended kicker is set to undergo knee surgery and will land on IR, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, who adds the team will replace Gano with Randy Bullock. The veteran kicker joined Mason Crosby, Robbie Gould and Matthew Wright in working out for the Giants on Thursday, per ex-Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes.
Bullock, whom ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter notes will initially join the Giants’ practice squad, has not kicked in a game this season. Amid a February salary purge, the Titans released Bullock. But he will bring 10 years’ experience to the Giants. Bullock, 33, kicked for the Titans for the past two seasons. While Bullock has bounced around the league, the Thursday signing will mark a reunion. During his 2010s travels, Bullock stopped through New York in 2016, kicking in one game with the Giants.
Gano signed a three-year, $16.5MM Giants extension in September; the 36-year-old specialist has been the Giants’ kicker since 2020. Gano acknowledged recently he will need surgery at some point. Rather than playing through this issue any longer, Gano will go under the knife soon.
The veteran kicker is coming off a two-miss performance in an ugly Giants loss to the Giants; the second of those misses came from 35 yards out. Gano, who also missed a 47-yarder in Week 8, could have effectively sealed a Giants win by making the shorter try late in the fourth quarter. The Jets instead rallied back to tie the game and force overtime, winning in the extra period. The former Washington and Carolina kicker had hoped to finish out the season and then undergo surgery, per Fox Sports’ Ralph Vacchiano, but the Jets outing appears to have changed plans.
On the season, Gano is just 11-for-17. The Giants guaranteed the 15th-year veteran $11.34MM at signing, providing an opportunity for the incumbent to reclaim his job once recovered. For now, Bullock will receive another chance. The former Texans fifth-round pick has kicked for six teams, also suiting up for the Bengals, Steelers and Jets during his run. The Giants stopover, which came in Week 1 of the 2016 season when Josh Brown served a one-game suspension, occurred as Bullock bounced around during the 2016 and ’17 seasons. Beyond those two slates, he served as a steady option in Houston, Cincinnati and Tennessee.
Bullock finished his two Titans seasons with 84% and 85% field goal accuracy rates. He is not necessarily known for prolific long-range success, having not made more than three 50-plus-yard field goals in a season since 2014. But the Giants preferred Bullock to Wright and the more experienced options they brought in Thursday.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/2/23
Today’s practice squad transactions:
Arizona Cardinals
- Released from practice squad IR: WR Jeff Smith
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: CB Mark Milton
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: LB Cory Littleton
Cory Littleton could provide a spark to the Saints defense. The linebacker started 37 of his 64 appearances for the Rams between 2016 and 2019, including a 2018 campaign where he earned second-team All-Pro honors after finishing with 125 tackles and four sacks. Following a three-year stint with the Raiders, Littleton spent the 2022 campaign with the Panthers, where he collected 47 tackles in 15 games (seven starts). He’s spent the 2023 season in Houston, where he primarily played on special teams.
Minor NFL Transactions: 11/2/23
Today’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Promoted: RB Tony Jones Jr.
Baltimore Ravens
- Waived: DB Kevon Seymour
Cleveland Browns
- Signed to active roster: OT Leroy Watson
Detroit Lions
- Signed to active roster: LB Trevor Nowaske
- Waived: RB Devine Ozigbo
Las Vegas Raiders
- Waived: DB David Long
New England Patriots
- Signed to active roster: CB Alex Austin
Tennessee Titans
- Promoted: RB Jonathan Ward
With the trade deadline behind us, all veterans are now subject to waivers, meaning some of the players cut today could land on new teams without even hitting free agency. David Long is probably the most intriguing of the bunch, with the cornerback having started 11 of his 60 appearances through five seasons in the NFL. The 25-year-old started one of his eight appearances for the Raiders this season, compiling 12 tackles.
Kevon Seymour is another potential target for those who need some help in the secondary or on special teams. After bouncing around the NFL to begin his career, Seymour found a home in Baltimore in recent years, seeing time in 30 games (two starts) across two-plus seasons with the organization. The former sixth-round pick has mostly played special teams over the past year-plus, collecting six total tackles.
Bears, Andrew Billings Agree To Extension
The Bears have a pair of notable extensions to work on, but another priority has been taken care of. The team announced on Thursday that defensive tackle Andrew Billings has signed a two-year extension. 
As a result of the move, Billings will remain on the books through 2025. The 28-year-old joined Chicago this offseason on a one-year deal worth up to $3.5MM. He will see a raise on this latest pact, however; Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports the deal has a maximum value of $8.5MM with $6MM guaranteed.
Billings has proven to be an effective member of the Bears’ defensive interior, posting 14 tackles (three for loss) and one quarterback hit so far. PFF has credited him with 14 pressures, making him one of the more disruptive members of an otherwise underwhelming Chicago D-line. The former fourth-rounder has also provided a veteran presence to a DT group which includes rookies Gervon Dexter and Zacch Pickens.
As a result, Billings will receive an extended look in the Windy City. The Baylor alum spent three seasons in Cincinnati to start his career before opting out of the 2020 season. He has also had one-year stints with the Browns and Raiders, while spending time on the Dolphins’ and Chiefs’ practice squadx. Billings has played a signficant role in Chicago’s success against the run this season (the team ranks third in the league, allowing 79 yards per game on the ground), though, and he has been rewarded with multi-year security as a result.
“We’re extremely excited to be able to keep Andrew in Chicago,” general manager Ryan Poles said in a statement. “The professionalism, dependability and toughness he brings exhibit the type of player we want in our organization.”
Chicago has work to do on an extension for newly-acquired defensive end Montez Sweat, and the team’s decision to retain cornerback Jaylon Johnson leaves them in search of an agreement on a new contract in the near future as well. Regardless of what happens on those fronts, Billings’ future has now received clarity.
Raiders Sign LB Jaylon Smith Off Saints’ Practice Squad
The Raiders have made their first roster move under interim general manager Champ Kelly. Veteran linebacker Jaylon Smith has joined Vegas by signing off the Saints’ practice squad, his agency announced. 
Smith worked out with the Raiders this summer, but he joined New Orleans in time for the preseason. The 28-year-old impressed during his exhibition performances, though it quickly became clear a special teams role would represent his best path to playing time. Smith was part of the Saints’ final roster cuts; to no surprise, however, he was immediately signed to the team’s taxi squad.
In spite of that, he has yet to see any game action in 2023. Today’s decision to head to Vegas will give Smith a better chance to be active on gamedays, and it will be interesting to see what kind of a role he can carve out under interim head coach Antonio Pierce. The latter will have a number of lineup decisions to make – aside from the move to bench quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to clear a path for rookie Aidan O’Connell to take over – with respect to a defense which has struggled in a number of categories, particularly against the run.
Vegas – led at the LB spot by Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo – has surrendered an average of 141 yards per game on the ground this season, and Smith will look to aid in that department. It remains to be seen how effective his efforts on that front will be, however. The former second-rounder has yet to make much of a statistical impact (or find a permanent home) since his Cowboys tenure came to an end. Smith has bounced around to the Giants, Packers and Saints since he was released by Dallas midseason in 2021.
The two-time Pro Bowler recorded at least 121 tackles every year between 2018 and ’20, adding eight sacks during that span. Smith saw a notable drop in playing time the following season, though he served in a starting capacity with the Giants in 2022. While logging a 72% snap share, he posted 88 tackles but drew the second-worst PFF grade (56) of his career. Improving on that mark with the Raiders, presuming he sees the field in some capacity, will no doubt help his free agent stock come March.
Bills Place CB Kaiir Elam On IR, Sign DT Linval Joseph
After coming up in trade rumors, Kaiir Elam will now be sidelined for an extended stretch. The Bills corner has been placed on injured reserve, per a team announcement. 
As a result of the move, Elam will be required to miss at least the next four games. An ankle injury is the cause of the former first-rounder’s absence, though he has been a healthy scratch at multiple points this season. That lack of Year 2 development led to a report from last week indicating Elam was on the trade block. However, general manager Brandon Beane made it clear after this week’s trade deadline that no consideration was given to moving on from the 22-year-old.
Buffalo acquired veteran Rasul Douglas from the Packers on Tuesday, accomplishing the team’s goal of finding help in the secondary in the wake of Tre’Davious White‘s Achilles tear. Beane confirmed (via Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic) that White’s injury prompted a search for a CB addition. That included a roughly week-long negotiating period with Green Bay over the Douglas swap, and the latter will no doubt have a large role in Buffalo upon arrival. Bringing back Elam will use up one of the team’s seven remaining IR activations.
To fill the open roster spot created by Elam being sidelined, the Bills have signed defensive tackle Linval Joseph. The 35-year-old signed with the Eagles last November, and he helped the Eagles reach the Super Bowl while serving in a depth capacity (38% snap share). Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports Joseph’s one-year pact has a maximum value of $3.72MM.
The two-time Pro Bowler has logged 179 games across his time with the Giants, Vikings, Chargers and Eagles. He will meet Buffalo’s stated intention of making an addition along the defensive interior while using up a portion of the team’s remaining spending power. The Bills entered Thursday with $3.64MM in cap space, so the base value of Joseph’s deal will drop the figure to an extent. If he can provide a rotational presence for a banged-up defense down the stretch, though, his addition will prove to be worthwhile.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 11/1/23
Today’s practice squad transactions:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: QB Jeff Driskel
Cincinnati Bengals
- Signed: LB Clay Johnston
Detroit Lions
- Signed: LS Jake McQuaide
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: LB Austin Ajiake, LB Isaac Darkangelo
Los Angeles Rams
- Signed: QB Dresser Winn
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: DE Michael Dogbe, CB JoeJuan Williams
- Released: CB C.J. Coldon
New York Jets
- Signed: DL Bruce Hector
- Released: DL Elerson Smith
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: TE E.J. Jenkins
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: WR Cody Thompson
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: DL Pat O’Connor
With Matthew Stafford questionable for Week 9, the Rams are adding some additional QB depth. Winn had a standout career at UT Martin before going undrafted in this year’s draft. The QB spent training camp with the Rams before eventually joining the Edmonton Elks in the CFL. As Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic notes, the signing is especially notable considering Winn also punted in college; Rams punter Ethan Evans is currently dealing with a sprained ankle.
Minor NFL Transactions: 11/1/23
Today’s minor moves:
Baltimore Ravens
- Designated for return: CB Daryl Worley
Cincinnati Bengals
- Signed to active roster: TE Tanner Hudson
Kansas City Chiefs
- Designated for return: WR Richie James
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed to active roster: TE Nick Vannett
Los Angeles Rams
- Signed to active roster: RB Darrell Henderson
New York Jets
- Signed to active roster: OL Chris Glaser
With the Chiefs adding Mecole Hardman and eyeing a WR crunch, the team reportedly shopped James last week. A trade didn’t end up happening, and with the wideout sitting on IR, the team has decided to designate him for return. After resurfacing last year with the Giants, James signed a one-year deal worth $1.23MM with the Chiefs back in April. He got into Kansas City’s first two games, hauling in one six-yard catch.
Dolphins OL Terron Armstead Returns To Practice
The Dolphins should soon be getting a significant boost to their offensive line. Coach Mike McDaniel told reporters that offensive tackle Terron Armstead has returned to practice (via Pro Football Network’s Adam Beasley).
Armstead has missed the last four games while recovering from a knee injury that required an IR stint. He’s eligible to be activated from injured reserve at any time, and the Dolphins will now have 21 days to make the move.
“We’ll see how he responds to the effort and we’ll assess that the next day and do the same the following day,” McDaniel said (via Daniel Oyefusi of the Miami Herald).
Following a nine-year stint in New Orleans to begin his career, Armstead earned a five-year, $75MM deal (up to $87.5MM) from the Dolphins in 2022. He missed a chunk of games last year while dealing with a pectoral strain but still earned a Pro Bowl nod, the fourth of his career. He graded as Pro Football Focus’ 15th-best offensive tackle among 81 qualifying players.
As Oyefusi notes, the Dolphins were down four offensive line starters at one point during last weekend’s game against the Patriots. The Dolphins continue to bring center Connor Williams along slowly, while right guard Robert Hunt is day to day after suffering a hamstring injury vs. New England. While it might not happen this weekend in Germany, Miami should soon have most of their starting OL back in the lineup.
Steelers Activate DL Cameron Heyward From IR
The Steelers are welcoming back one of their defensive captains. The team announced that they’ve activated Cameron Heyward from injured reserve. The defensive lineman doesn’t have an injury designation heading into tomorrow night’s game against the Titans.
Heyward suffered a groin injury in Week 1 that ultimately required surgery. After being given an initial recovery timeline of eight weeks, the defensive lineman was able to return to the field about seven weeks after his operation. Heyward returned to Steelers practice last week.
“I trust what they’re doing, and I know my body, and I know I’m up there in age, but I feel like I progressed pretty well,” Heyward told ESPN’s Brooke Pryor last week.
The 2011 first-round pick has spent his entire career in Pittsburgh, earning six Pro Bowl appearances and three first-team All-Pro nods in his 12-plus seasons with the organization. Prior to his injury this season, Heyward had only missed a single regular season game since the 2018 campaign.
Despite 2022 marking his age-32 season, Heyward was still plenty productive. He added another Pro Bowl to his resume after finishing with 74 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. The veteran is still attached to a four-year, $65.6MM extension he signed with the Steelers back in 2020.