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Bengals, Cordell Volson Agree To Revised Contract

May 27th, 2025 at 10:17am CST by Nikhil Mehta

MAY 27: Volson’s base salary for the year has been reduced to $1.5MM as a result of the restructure, per Over the Cap (h/t Baby). He is now set to collect $500K in guarantees, and a total of $600K in per-game roster bonuses are present in the new deal. Volson’s 2025 cap charge is now $3.1MM.

MAY 23: The Bengals have agreed to a revised contract with offensive guard Cordell Volson, according to ESPN’s Ben Baby.

Volson started 48 games across the first three years of his career, qualifying him for the Level Two Proven Performance Escalator and boosting his 2025 salary to $3.656MM, though none is guaranteed.

That would normally be a bargain for a starting guard, but Volson was benched twice last season for Cody Ford, who re-signed in Cincinnati on a two-year, $6MM deal this offseason. The Bengals added even more guard depth by signing veteran Lucas Patrick and drafted Dylan Fairchild (third round, No. 81) and Jalen Rivers (fifth round, No. 153). Of the five, Volson had the biggest 2025 cap hit and the least guaranteed money remaining, putting him at risk of missing the 53-man roster if he didn’t emerge as a starter in training camp.

With more competition along the interior of the Bengals’ offensive line, Volson accepted the team’s offer of a reduced salary in exchange for guaranteed money, per Baby. Precise details have yet to be reported, but Volson may have the opportunity to earn additional money if he can hold down a starting guard job.

Volson has only played left guard in the NFL, so that’s likely his best path to starting. Ford started two games there in 2024, along with seven at tackle, while eight of Patrick’s 10 starts came at left guard for the Saints with the remaining two at center. Cincinnati’s rookies will offer some competition, too; both logged at least 850 snaps at left guard during their college careers. Fairchild was Georgia’s starting LG in 2023 and 2024, while Rivers started there in 2022 with another 219 snaps last season.

With a lower cap hit and added guaranteed money, Volson’s new contract should give him a better chance of hanging onto a roster spot even if he can’t carve out a starting role, though the versatility of his veteran competition may force him to develop some of his own.

Browns Sign First-Round DT Mason Graham

May 27th, 2025 at 9:38am CST by Adam La Rose

The Browns’ top pick from last month’s draft is now on the books. Defensive tackle Mason Graham agreed to terms on his rookie deal this morning.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network notes the pact is worth a total of $40.87MM over four years. That figure is guaranteed in full. Graham will be under team control through at least 2028, but the Browns will be able to extend that via the fifth-year option.

One of the defining characteristics of the 2025 draft was the strength of its defensive tackle class. In a year which saw five interior defenders selected on Day 1, though, it came as no surprise Graham was the first to hear his name called. The Michigan product was long seen as one of the top prospects – based on his floor in terms of production but also upside – at any position during the pre-draft process.

The Browns began the opening round of the draft with the No. 2 pick, leading to a widespread expectation they would select Travis Hunter. The Heisman winner did in fact come off the board at that spot, but only after Cleveland traded the pick to Jacksonville. That swap (which had been agreed to well before the start of the draft) moved the Browns down to No. 5 in the order. With Hunter, along with Cam Ward (Titans), Abdul Carter (Giants) and Will Campbell (Patriots) no longer available, the Browns made an expected move in selecting Graham.

The Michigan product played a central role in the team’s national championship in 2023, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors for the season. That feat was repeated during his junior campaign, one in which Graham also received a consensus All-American nod. The 6-4, 306-pounder totaled 6.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss during his two full seasons as a starter, and he will look to develop into an disruptive presence against the run and pass at the NFL level.

The Browns have veterans Maliek Collins, Shelby Harris and Maurice Hurst in the fold for 2025 after releasing Dalvin Tomlinson in March. Cleveland has cycled through a number of young options along the defensive interior, but Graham will be expected to make an impact during his rookie year and for several seasons beyond that as a key member of the D-line.

Raiders, P A.J. Cole Agree To Extension

May 26th, 2025 at 10:55pm CST by Adam La Rose

A.J. Cole‘s tenure with the Raiders will continue for the foreseeable future. The veteran punter agreed to an extension on Monday, Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reports.

This will be a four-year, $15.8MM deal, per Schultz. The pact includes $11MM in guarantees and makes Cole the NFL’s highest-paid punter in terms of annual compensation. The 29-year-old is now under contract with the Raiders through 2029.

This is Cole’s second extension with the organization. Midway through the 2021 campaign, he inked a four-year, $12MM deal. This latest agreement represents a slight raise in terms of AAV and moves him ahead of the Seahawks’ Michael Dickson ($3.67MM) in that respect. Cole did not receive a Pro Bowl nod in 2024, but he did for each of the three prior seasons.

That stretch also included a pair of first-team All-Pro nods, an indication of Cole’s success during his Raiders tenure. The former UDFA has posted a gross average of 50 yards per punt or more three times since 2021, and in each of the past two seasons he has set a new career high in that regard. In terms of net average, Cole steadily improved early in his career and he has remained consistent for several years.

“I love the organization, I love the fans and I love Las Vegas,” Cole said while reflecting on the deal in a conversation with Schultz. “I told my agents: I want to be here for a long time. I want to play until I’m 40. I want to play forever.”

Cole certainly has a long way to go to remain in the NFL by that age, but the first six years of his career have been highly successful. He is on track to continue operating as one of the league’s top punters for years to come, and the new Raiders regime has ensured that will still take place with him in Vegas.

Broncos Notes: Barron, Williams, Webb

May 26th, 2025 at 8:40pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Jahdae Barron‘s versatility was a major reason the Broncos selected him in the first round of April’s draft. According to head coach Sean Payton, he was “too unique to pass up” at No. 20. The Texas cornerback started at nickel in 2022 and 2023 before primarily playing on the boundary in 2024. He also logged at least 140 snaps in the box in each of the last three years, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

In Denver, Barron will likely line up in the slot as a rookie, according to Mike Klis of 9News. The Broncos are returning both of their outside CB starters in Patrick Surtain and Riley Moss, neither of whom have much experience at nickel. Ja’Quan McMillian filled that role last season, but Barron figures to be an upgrade who can match up with speedy slot receivers and bigger tight ends.

Barron’s multi-positional experience will give Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph plenty of options in the secondary, though he may have the rookie get comfortable at nickel before expanding his usage at different alignments.

Here is the latest out of Denver:

  • The Broncos lost several key members of their front office this offseason and tried to plug the gap with new co-director of player personnel Cam Williams. The former director of college scouting for the Patriots is “seen by many as a future GM,” according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, though he may have to leave Denver to land such a position. Current Broncos general manager George Paton is 55 years old, has a strong track record of success in the draft, and could continue in the job for a decade or more. A near-future appearance on the GM carousel will be something to monitor, however.
  • Despite the prevalence of the transfer portal in college football, the Broncos prioritized non-transfers in this year’s draft. Six of their seven picks played at least 41 games at one school, per ESPN’s Jeff Legwold, with three selections – Barron, Sai’vion Jones, and Jeremy Crawshaw – staying with one program for at least 50 games. Seventh-rounder Caleb Lohner played basketball at BYU and Baylor before transferring to Utah for one season of football. Payton said (via Legwold) that the transfer avoidance was “not by accident,” and demonstrated valuable intangibles like mental toughness and loyalty.
  • Jacksonville State offensive lineman Clay Webb received $225K in guaranteed money after signing with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent, according to Klis. The rookie guard received $15K as a signing bonus with another $210K in guaranteed salary, signaling that Denver sees him as a player worth developing along the interior of the offensive line.

Giants Sign No. 3 Pick Abdul Carter

May 23rd, 2025 at 6:41pm CST by Adam La Rose

MAY 23: Shortly following details of the No. 1 overall pick’s contract, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 divulged some details for the No. 3 overall pick. The signing bonus for Carter’s contract, signed yesterday, has been updated to a more exact $29.55MM. Following his rookie campaign, Carter will receive guaranteed roster bonuses for each of the three remaining guaranteed years of his contract. The roster bonuses will be worth $1.89MM in 2026, $3.83MM in 2027, and $5.78MM in 2028.

MAY 22: Abdul Carter is the latest member of the 2025 draft class to sign his rookie deal. The No. 3 pick inked his initial NFL pact on Thursday, per an announcement from the Giants.

This four-year deal is worth a total of $45.26MM and (like those of all other first-rounders) is guaranteed in full. Carter will receive a $29MM signing bonus as part of the deal. Taking into account the fifth-year option, he could remain under team control through the 2029 campaign.

Throughout the pre-draft process, Carter established himself as one of the two bluechip prospects in this year’s class (with Heisman winner Travis Hunter being the other). The Titans were linked early to potentially moving out of the No. 1 slot, but once they committed to selecting quarterback Cam Ward that came off the table. Hunter wound up going second overall, albeit to the Jaguars after they pulled of a trade with the Browns to move up to that spot.

The Giants did extensive work on the quarterback position this year, but by late April a signal-caller (Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart or otherwise) was not expected to be the pick at No. 3. To no surprise, Carter heard his name called at that slot and thus joined a New York pass rush group already featuring Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Expectations will be high for those two, along with Carter, to deliver strong production in 2025.

The Penn State product transitioned to edge rusher on a full-time basis in 2024, something which proved to be a productive decision. Carter earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors upon leading the conference in sacks (12). His 23.5 tackles for loss were the most in the country, something which helped lead to a consensus All-American nod. If Carter – who is clear to take part in spring practices after dealing with a foot injury – develops as hoped, he will become a mainstay along the edge for years to come in New York.

Of course, the Carter selection wound up being followed by a move back into the Day 1 order to draft Dart as the Giants’ long-term option under center. He remains unsigned at this point, with the same being true of second-round defensive tackle Darius Alexander and fourth-round running back Cameron Skattebo. Given today’s news, though, four members of the Giants’ draft class have been signed, with the most lucrative rookie pact having been taken care of.

Titans Sign No. 1 Overall Pick Cam Ward

May 23rd, 2025 at 5:08pm CST by Sam Robinson

MAY 23: Ward’s rookie deal with the Titans includes a $32.159MM signing bonus, per KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson. Training camp roster bonuses have also become a common way to accelerate the payment schedule of rookie contracts, and Ward’s is no different. He will receive $2.054MM in 2026, $4.159MM in 2027, and $6.264MM in 2028 via training camp roster bonuses, all fully-guaranteed.

MAY 21: The rookie-scale system’s latest top contract, Cam Ward has put pen to paper with the Titans. The No. 1 overall pick is now signed through 2028, as the team announced the signing.

Ward’s rookie deal is worth $48.75MM. The pact is fully guaranteed and will include a fifth-year option for the 2029 season. Ward is currently splitting reps with the QB he is almost certain to supplant as Tennessee’s starter (Will Levis), but the Titans’ Week 1 Denver trip will presumably see the prized rookie at the controls.

Owners made it a point to curb excessive first-round salaries in the 2011 CBA. To illustrate how far ahead the quarterbacks chosen first overall under the pre-rookie-scale system were, Sam Bradford‘s rookie contract checked in at five years and $78MM in 2010. That contract was not fully guaranteed, but it still locked in Bradford to $50MM at signing. With the rookie scale in place in 2011, however, Cam Newton‘s draft slot commanded a four-year, $22MM accord. While Newton landed a lucrative Panthers extension later on, he trailed Bradford, Matthew Stafford and even JaMarcus Russell by a considerable margin out of the blocks.

Ward’s contract checks in much higher than Caleb Williams‘ Bears terms ($39.49MM), and this one will likely be the No. 1 draft slot’s last south of $50MM. Arch Manning (or the passer chosen first in the event the Texas prodigy stays in Austin) will be in line to clear that bar for the first time since Bradford. As for Ward, he will attempt to justify the significant leap he made during his final college season.

Famously going from zero-star recruit who began his college career at Division I-FCS Incarnate Word to a player who had distanced himself from the rest of the QBs in the 2025 class, Ward played two seasons at Washington State and finished his collegiate run at Miami. Completing 67.2% of his passes, Ward amassed over 4,300 passing yards and a 39:7 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Those figures earned him ACC Player of the Year honors (among others), and his arm strength and playmaking ability created distance from the likes of Jaxson Dart and Shedeur Sanders in this year’s class. The Titans met with Ward by mid-March and had settled on him early, arranging a second meeting and then rebuffing Browns and Giants attempts to trade up to No. 1.

Ward, 23 on Sunday, will continue a recent trend of QBs garnering considerable experience in college before being chosen No. 1. Williams turned 23 last season, while Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix and Michael Penix Jr. played age-24 seasons as rookies. The extensive seasoning benefited the Commanders and Broncos, who saw their respective draft choices finish first and third in the Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. Ward started four college seasons during his three-school journey, and the Titans will attempt to recover after some early-round QB misfires.

Levis’ rough sophomore season led the Titans to the No. 1 overall draft slot, and the team needed its Ryan Tannehill reclamation project after 2015 No. 2 overall pick Marcus Mariota did not become a long-term franchise QB. Tennessee’s 2011 first-rounder, Jake Locker, was the team’s primary starter for just two seasons — before retiring after Year 4 — and 2006 No. 3 overall choice Vince Young‘s early-career promise fizzled. (2022 third-rounder Malik Willis is playing out his rookie deal in Green Bay, after being traded last summer.)

The Titans have not featured a true long-term QB option since Steve McNair‘s 11-season run. They will hope Ward can play well enough to secure a second contract. While the Titans did pay Tannehill after his 2019 turnaround, they have not extended a passer they have drafted since McNair.

Commanders Sign Round 1 T Josh Conerly

May 23rd, 2025 at 5:00pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Commanders have agreed to terms with No. 29 pick Josh Conerly Jr. on a four-year, $15.68MM rookie deal, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

As is customary for first-round picks, Conerly’s first NFL contract will be fully-guaranteed with a fifth-year option for the 2029 season. It also includes a $8.044MM signing bonus, according to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson.

It’s unclear what Conerly’s role will be in Washington this season. He almost exclusively played left tackle at Oregon, but the Commanders are set on the blind side after trading for Laremy Tunsil this offseason. A switch to right tackle would require Conerly to beat out incumbent starter Andrew Wylie, who started 29 games over the last two years but accepted a pay cut this offseason entering the last year of his contract. Further complicating the picture is 2024 third-rounder Brandon Coleman, who started 12 games at LT as a rookie and could also look to compete at RT after the Tunsil trade, though he also lacks experience on the right side and is more likely to factor in at guard, according to ESPN’s John Keim.

The Commanders are returning two of last year’s interior O-line starters in left guard Nick Allegretti and center Tyler Biadasz, but Samuel Cosmi‘s ACL tear will sideline him for most, if not all of the 2025 season. That opens up the starting RG job, but Conerly’s lack of experience at guard (or even on the right side of the line) is a clear obstacle to winning the gig.

Barring a positional switch as a rookie, Conerly will likely serve as a backup in 2025 as the Commanders figure out their long-term plan at tackle. Washington will likely move on from Wylie in 2026, at which point Conerly may be ready to start at RT. He could also be a long-term replacement for Tunsil, who only has two years remaining on his contract. A move to guard feels less likely, but could offer Conerly a starting job right away with the proper coaching and development.

NFL Minor Transactions: 5/22/25

May 22nd, 2025 at 8:14pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor moves:

Arizona Cardinals

Miami Dolphins

In addition to placing Sean Murphy-Bunting on the reserve/non-football injury list today, the Cardinals moved on from Ben Stille. Despite only spending three seasons in the NFL, Stille has true journeyman status, with the defensive lineman spending time with the Dolphins, Browns, Cardinals (twice), and Buccaneers. The 27-year-old got into six total games last season, compiling four tackles and one sack.

William Bradley-King joined the Dolphins practice squad last August and spent the entire year there. He was retained via a reserve/futures contract back in January. A former seventh-round pick, Bradley-King has collected seven tackles and 0.5 sacks in four career games. He’ll be replaced on the roster by QB Brett Gabbert, the younger brother of Blaine Gabbert. Brett was invited to rookie minicamp last month after going undrafted in this year’s draft. The QB got into 53 games during his time at Miami (OH), tossing 80 touchdowns vs. 30 interceptions.

49ers, Fred Warner Agree To Extension

May 22nd, 2025 at 7:45pm CST by Adam La Rose

THURSDAY, 7:45pm: The 49ers have officially announced the extension.

“Fred’s leadership is exemplary and his approach to his craft is contagious,” said GM John Lynch. “Fred sets the tone for our entire team with the consistency, speed and physicality with which he plays. Off the field, his passion, energy, and professionalism are second to none and truly embody what it means to be a Niner. We are extremely proud to get this extension done and lock Fred in for the future.”

MONDAY, 4:00pm: Talks with Fred Warner have indeed resulted in an extension agreement. The 49ers have come to terms with the All-Pro linebacker on another lucrative deal.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports team and player have agreed to a three-year extension. The pact is worth $63MM in total and includes $56MM in guarantees. For the second time in his career, Warner holds the title of the NFL’s highest-paid middle linebacker.

The top of the LB market stood at $20MM annually entering Monday, with Warner ranking second behind only Roquan Smith in terms of AAV. This latest San Francisco commitment will move Warner up to $21MM per season, which represents a slight raise on that front while no doubt lowering his scheduled cap hits for the next two years. The four-time Pro Bowler is now under contract through 2029.

Joel Corry of CBS Sports notes Warner will still earn $18.25MM in 2025, but this pact includes $5MM in additional compensation through 2026 compared to the previous one. $39.5MM of full guarantees are in place. Between now and the end of the 2028 season, $42MM in new money will be paid out.

In recent years, San Francisco has seen negotiations for its top players drag deep into the summer. That has not proven to be the case in 2025, however. Tight end George Kittle landed a new pact recently, and that was followed in short order by Brock Purdy becoming the league’s latest big-money quarterback. Warner loomed as the next logical target for such a commitment on the part of the 49ers, although as of April it seemed as though there was still plenty of work to be done on the negotiating front.

More recently, though, it became clear progress was being made. The latest update on the matter noted an agreement was close, so today’s news comes as no surprise. Warner will remain a focal point of San Francisco’s LB unit in particular and the team’s defense in general for years to come, something of increased importance given the departures seen on that side of the ball this spring. Dre Greenlaw was among the starters who left in free agency, with the pending Purdy extension playing a role in the 49ers’ spending plans. Obviously a new Warner pact was also in the team’s budget.

The former third-rounder has handled full-time starting duties during each of his seven years in the league; he has missed only one game during that span. Warner’s consistency as a run defender (at least 118 tackles each season) and play against the pass (seven interceptions, 28 pass deflections) has helped his case for being the league’s best linebacker, and his financial situation once again reflects that. The 28-year-old will remain in the Bay Area through the remainder of his prime.

Improved play on both sides of the ball will be required if the 49ers are to return to the postseason in 2025. Better health on offense will be a key factor, but the while the team’s defense integrates a number of new starters Warner will continue in his pivotal role with his long-term future secured.

Giants Restructure Brian Burns’ Contract

May 22nd, 2025 at 3:22pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Giants entered Thursday at the bottom of the NFL in terms of cap space. On the day Abdul Carter signed his rookie deal, fellow edge rusher Brian Burns had his pact restructured to create financial breathing room.

$16MM of Burns’ base salary has been converted into a signing bonus, ESPN’s Field Yates reports. The move has freed up $12MM in cap space for 2025 after the two-time Pro Bowler was scheduled to carry a cap charge of $29.75MM. Burns remains under contract through 2028.

Over the course of his tenure with the Panthers, the former first-rounder established himself as a consistent producer along the edge. Carolina repeatedly turned aside trade interest, but an inability between team and player to agree to terms on an extension led to last year’s swap which sent him to New York. Upon arrival, Burns inked a five-year, $141MM deal.

Expectations were obviously high given the nature of that investment, and the Florida State product managed 8.5 sacks (second on the team to defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence) during his debut Giants season. Burns is joined by Kayvon Thibodeaux as a returnee along the edge, and those two will be joined by Carter for at least the next two years. Thibodeaux’s 2026 option was picked up this spring, putting to rest questions about his immediate future in New York.

The Oregon product has flashed potential at times, but consistency has also proven to be an issue. Thibodeaux does not expect to discuss an extension this summer, so plenty will depend on his ability to produce in 2025 in determining his outlook with the team. With Carter in place as a potential successor in that case, Burns will be tasked with remaining a consist contributor in the sack department.

Three members of the Giants’ rookie class are yet to be signed. Finalizing those pacts will use up a portion of the team’s newly-created funds, but the team could also look into some low-cost moves with Burns’ cap figure having been reduced.

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