Minor NFL Transactions: 6/2/26
Today’s minor moves:
Cleveland Browns
- Placed on reserve/retired list: LB Markees Watts
Houston Texans
- Signed: OT Derrick Graham
Los Angeles Rams
- Waived: DL Jalen Logan-Redding
New York Jets
- Reverted to IR: LB Kobe King
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Waived: S Makari Paige
Rams Load Up (Again), Provide Browns Seminal Myles Garrett Cash-Out Opportunity
In between the Panthers' decision to reject a Brian Burns offer and the Chiefs' call to accept a Trent McDuffie proposal, the Rams actually refrained from blockbuster buyer's trades for an extended period. The Sean McVay-Les Snead operation remained patient from 2023-25 and even made a first-round pick. That draftee is now headed to Cleveland after one of the NFL's biggest win-now transactions this century.
The McVay-era Rams have a few such moves on that short list. Their Matthew Stafford and Jalen Ramsey additions certainly meet the criteria. But it can be argued the team's Monday decision -- to trade Jared Verse and three draft choices to the Browns for Myles Garrett -- creates the strongest roster in Los Angeles' "eff them picks" era. Garrett joins McDuffie and Jaylen Watson as high-profile additions to a team that would have been a Super Bowl frontrunner without any of those moves.
On a June NFL day that reminded of the 2000s and prior eras -- when teams needed to wait until June 1 for cuts dividing cap savings over two years -- the long-rumored A.J. Brown-to-New England trade was somehow upstaged. Ditto Russell Wilson's CBS move and Odell Beckham Jr.'s Giants homecoming. The Rams have hijacked a few news cycles with trades during the Snead years, but Garrett is the most accomplished player the team has acquired during this explosive period.
As the Rams went a whole two seasons without rostering a surefire Hall of Famer on defense, their post-Aaron Donald chapter now includes one of the greatest edge rushers in NFL history. A host of storylines emerge after the Browns cashed out on the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.
Browns circle back on Garrett trade, sell high
Myles Garrett Fallout: Schwartz, Eagles, Quotes
Following this afternoon’s stunning Myles Garrett trade, we’re learning new details about what ultimately led to the Browns deal with the Rams. Unlike last year, Garrett did not request a trade, per ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi.
[RELATED: Browns Trade Myles Garrett To Rams]
However, the reporter notes that “an air of uncertainty lingered over the relationship” between the player and the Browns, and Garrett remained open to “new scenery.” The player continued to make it clear that his commitment to the organization was contingent on them being competitive.
That obviously didn’t come to fruition in 2025, as the Browns finished with only five victories. However, Garrett did have a prolific season that saw him break the NFL sack record. The pass rusher also earned his second Defensive Player of the Year award, with both of his accolades coming while playing in defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz‘s system. So, it’s not a surprise that the Browns’ decision to pass over Schwartz for their head coaching gig “didn’t help matters” when it came to Garrett sticking in Cleveland, per Oyefusi.
We heard earlier that the Rams were persistent in their pursuit of the defender, but the Browns did make their star edge rusher available to other potential suitors. However, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler notes that the list of landing spots ultimately proved to be limited since Cleveland was focused on acquiring a “young, ascending pass rusher” in exchange for Garrett. The team specifically had eyes on Jared Verse, so the Rams were seemingly in the driver seat throughout the unofficial sweepstakes.
One team that also expressed interest in acquiring Garrett was the Eagles, although NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Ryan Fowler describes their pursuit as more “exploratory.” Fowler believes Philly would have had to surrender someone like Nolan Smith or Jalyx Hunt plus a combination of picks to pull off the blockbuster trade, and the Eagles front office determined that asking price was the “tipping point.” Jalen Carter was also mentioned as a potential trade target of the Browns, but Fowler says there was “zero potential” of that swap coming to fruition.
The Browns continually stated that they wanted Garrett to play his entire career in Cleveland, and their four-year, $160MM reinforced that point. Browns GM Andrew Berry provided some insight into what changed the front office’s mind about dealing their star player.
“We have long taken the stance that our goal was for Myles Garrett to be a one-helmet player for his entire career,” Berry said (via Bleacher Report’s James Palmer). “After rewriting the record books and representing our organization with excellence, we were sincere in that desire as we entered this offseason and did not envision a world where Myles was not a Cleveland Brown.
Rams QB Matthew Stafford Addresses Ty Simpson Pick
The Rams’ decision to select quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 overall in this year’s draft rather than pursue immediate help for a team with the reigning MVP under center and an open competitive window was one of the biggest surprises of the event. Post-draft reporting indicated head coach Sean McVay and GM Les Snead were in agreement on the pick, and Matthew Stafford has done his part to avoid fanning the flames of controversy.
In a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show (video link via ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler), Stafford said he is “trying to share as much knowledge as I can” with his new protege.
“Listen, I was a big fan of Ty when he was playing at Alabama. … I sent him a text after he got drafted and said, ‘I really enjoyed watching you play, just you were in the wrong jersey,'” Stafford remarked, referring to the rivalry between his and Simpson’s alma maters. “He’s a talented kid, I’m going to do everything I can to get this team ready to play, to win, but at the same time share some of the knowledge that I’ve gained throughout my career because I wouldn’t be in the seat that I am right now … if I didn’t have people helping me out along the way too. So I’m happy to do that, but he has been a sponge, he’s looking to get better.”
When addressing the media after he inked a new deal that will tie him to the Rams through at least the 2027 season, Stafford echoed those sentiments.
“I think my job, first and foremost, is to get myself and our team ready to play as best I possibly can,” the 38-year-old said (via Grant Gordon of NFL.com). “[Simpson is] a part of that team, there’s no question about it. We’re in a unique position in the fact that we play the same position. I have a ton of experience, and he’s just now starting his journey as an NFL player. So, listen, I know he’s gonna watch, not only me, but other guys, you know?”
McVay did call Stafford before the draft to tell him the team may select Simpson, a courtesy the Falcons did not extend to Kirk Cousins before they chose Michael Penix Jr. in 2024. Stafford did not disclose the details of his conversation with his HC, but he did express gratitude for the heads up.
“I’m not gonna get into much of what our conversation was,” he said. “I appreciate him talking with me about those kind of things. We have constant dialogue and a great relationship, so I appreciate that. I understand where the team’s coming from. Listen, I’m not 25 years old, and I get that. So, we’re doing everything we can to be as good a football team as we can for now, for the future, for all of it.”
Speaking specifically about his contract extension, Stafford said he is pleased to have wrapped up the negotiations.
“Happy to have next year taken care of if I decide to play and they still want me back,” he said (via ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry). “But just excited to get that behind me because I just want to come out here and play and not think about that kind of stuff.”
Rams G Steve Avila Hoping For Extension
The Rams took care of a crucial piece of offseason business when they inked MVP-winning quarterback Matthew Stafford to a contract extension last week. With that out of the way, Rams general manager Les Snead can turn his attention to other extension candidates as the summer approaches.
The Rams have a slew of prominent players entering contract years. The list includes (but is not limited to) wide receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams; outside linebacker Byron Young; defensive lineman Kobie Turner; guards Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson; and right tackle Warren McClendon Jr. Snead will prioritize some of those players before others. Nacua, Young and Turner appear to have the highest long-term earning power of the group. The 26-year-old Avila could also be among those to cash in on a lucrative deal, and he has made it clear he wants to stick with the organization.
“I feel like everybody that’s up for extension is hoping to get one,” Avila said (via Nate Atkins of The Athletic). “That’s definitely something I wish could happen. I try my best to stay the same every single year. I know for me, I’ve always improved every single year I’ve played football. I feel like I owe it all to the team to be the best version of myself.”
The Rams spent the 36th overall pick in the 2023 draft on Avila, a former TCU standout who primarily played center in his first couple of college seasons. He shifted to left guard in 2022, a 15-start campaign in which he earned consensus All-America honors. Avila carried his effectiveness into the NFL, where he started all 17 games as a rookie left guard and was the lone member of the Rams’ offense to play every snap (1,148 in total).
To this point, Avila’s first season has been the only full one of his career. After missing seven games with a sprained MCL in his second year, he suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 1 last season. The injury sidelined him for two games, though it may as well have been four. Avila was active in Weeks 4 and 5, but the Rams deployed Justin Dedich as their starter in those games. They permanently turned back to Avila the next week. He took just one penalty and yielded only one sack over 13 starts, according to Pro Football Focus, which rated his performance 10th among 79 qualified guards.
Back in February, head coach Sean McVay specifically named Avila as one of the “guys we have strong interest in continuing our journey with” (via Stu Jackson of the team’s website). That suggests an extension could come together with Avila, who is a legitimate starter with age on his side. The team also has a decision to make on Dotson as he enters the last season of a three-year, $48MM pact, but he will turn 31 in September 2027.
If the Rams are only going to pay one member of their guard tandem, Avila’s relative youth could tip the scale in his favor. The average annual value of Avila’s second contract should at least end up in the neighborhood of Dotson’s current deal. Dotson is one of four guards raking in between $14MM and $17MM per season on a multiyear arrangement. There are a dozen other guards making between $17.5MM and $24.5MM per annum. With the cap continuing to rise, perhaps Avila’s camp will push to join that group.
Rams Sign Second-Round TE Max Klare
The Rams have kept progress on the signing of their rookie draft class slow and steady so far. Today, per Howard Balzer of CardsWire, they signed just the third of five rookie draft picks in their class, inking Ohio State tight end Max Klare. Klare was one of many tight ends who benefitted from a huge elevation in draft stock due to a wild Day 2 run of tight ends; Klare was the fourth of eight to be selected in Rounds 2 and 3.
Klare started his collegiate experience committing to Purdue as a three-star recruit. After redshirting his true freshman year, Klare started making an impact as a redshirt freshman. His first year of extensive play time was abbreviated to only five games due to an ankle injury, but in those games, Klare recorded four starts and 22 receptions for 196 yards. In 2024, he started all 12 games for the Boilermakers, leading the team in catches (51), receiving yards (685), and receiving touchdowns (4).
Following the breakout campaign in West Lafayette, Klare opted to enter the transfer portal and committed to the Buckeyes. In Columbus, Klare became one half of Ohio State’s main tight end duo with Will Kacmarek, a blocking tight end who went nearly a round after Klare to the Dolphins. Though most of the Buckeyes’ passing attack was dominated by No. 4 overall pick Carnell Tate and underclassman Jeremiah Smith, Klare finished third on the team in receptions (43) and receiving yards (448) while reeling in two touchdowns.
With seven drops and three fumbles in his final two seasons of collegiate play, ball security will be a big focus for Klare early, and he isn’t known for breaking a lot of tackles. Past that, though, there’s a lot of promise in Klare’s game. He’s got speed and athleticism, and he should be a quick study when it comes to blocking at the NFL level.
The Rams have a diverse group of returning tight ends on the roster in Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee, Terrance Ferguson, and Davis Allen. Parkinson and Allen are entering contract years, so space could be clearing up soon, but Klare stands a chance at making an impact in the receiving game considering Higbee, Ferguson, and Allen all finished with 281 receiving yards or fewer last year. He’ll compete with Parkinson, who led the room in 2025 with 43 catches for 408 yards and eight touchdowns, and could be the future if Parkinson isn’t given a new contract.
Here’s how the rest of the Rams’ 2026 NFL Draft class is looking to date:
- Round 1, No. 13 (from Falcons): Ty Simpson (QB, Alabama)
- Round 2, No. 61: Max Klare (TE, Ohio State) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 93: Keagen Trost (T, Missouri) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 197 (from Falcons via Eagles): CJ Daniels (WR, Miami) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 232 (from Ravens): Tim Keenan III (DT, Alabama)
Rams’ Puka Nacua Resumes On-Field Work
The Rams were among the teams whose OTAs began this week. Puka Nacua has been present for offseason work since April, so to no surprise he has also been a participant in early on-field practices.
Nacua spoke to reporters on Thursday, marking his first public comments since being sued by a woman over allegations of making an “unprovoked antisemitic statement” and later biting her on the shoulder during a Dec. 31, 2025 incident. Nacua checked himself into a rehab center in March. He addressed the lawsuit simply by referring to it as an “ongoing legal battle” but also spoke about his recent time away from the team.
“I’ve been really grateful for the support from the organization, especially my teammates,” the 25-year-old said (via ESPN’s Sarah Barshop). “Some of the things I feel like I’ve learned is it’s OK to ask for support and then to recognize the platform that I have and being a professional football player and trying to use that for the betterment of myself and for those around me. There’s been a lot of good things in the midst of some of these things that have been challenging for me, but it’s been a great improvement in my life.”
Nacua is entering the fourth and final year of his rookie contract. The former fifth-round pick has emerged as one of the game’s top receivers during his time with the Rams, racking up nearly 4,200 yards and 19 touchdowns to date. Nacua’s 129 receptions and 107.2 yards per game from 2025 led the NFL, and he will be expected to remain a focal point on offense for Los Angeles during the coming campaign. Off-field concerns have played a role in preventing a big-ticket extension from being agreed to so far, however.
On that note, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirms (video link) this situation is being viewed as a reset of sorts for Nacua. A strong showing on the field, along with the absence of any further legal matters or other off-field issues, would create the circumstances for a blockbuster second contract. Davante Adams is a pending 2027 free agent, and electing not to retain him – or trade for another veteran wideout – would point further to a lucrative commitment in Nacua’s case. The top of the receiver market now stands at $42.15MM per year thanks to Jaxon Smith-Njigba‘s extension.
A deal carrying a similar value is not forthcoming for Nacua as things stand. He said an extension is not a concern at this time, but it will be interesting to see if talks on a new deal pick up at some point in the future.
Vikings Complete Second Interviews With Five GM Candidates
MAY 28: Minnesota has completed its second round of GM interviews, The Athletic’s Alec Lewis tweets. Those wrapped Thursday afternoon. A decision should be expected by early June at the latest, Lewis adds.
MAY 20: The Vikings are making progress in their search for a general manager. The team has requested in-person, second-round interviews with interim GM Rob Brzezinski and four assistant GMs from other teams, Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reports. The list includes Reed Burckhardt (Broncos), Terrance Gray (Bills), John McKay (Rams) and Nolan Teasley (Seahawks).
The Vikings have been without a full-time GM since they fired Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in late January, which occurred three weeks after the end of a disappointing 9-8 season. Brzezinski, who has been with the Vikings in various roles dating back to 1999, has since guided them through the heart of the offseason. As the Vikings’ executive vice president of football operations since 2014, Brzezinski is a serious candidate for a full-time promotion. Perhaps Brzezinski’s familiarity with Vikings ownership and head coach Kevin O’Connell will tip the scale in his favor.
With help from search firm TurnKeyZRG, the Vikings began looking for Adofo-Mensah’s replacement after last month’s draft. In addition to the names mentioned above, they requested initial interviews with Lions assistant GM Ray Agnew, Dolphins AGM Kyle Smith, Titans AGM Dave Ziegler, 49ers AGM R.J. Gillen and Chargers AGM Chad Alexander. After Alexander withdrew from the race on his own last week, it appears the Vikings have now crossed off Agnew, Smith, Ziegler and Gillen as possibilities.
As for the contenders still competing with Brzezinski, a couple have notable Vikings connections. Before becoming the Broncos’ director of player personnel in 2022, Burckhardt worked in various scouting and personnel roles with the Vikings for 13 years. Gray, who has been with the Bills since 2017, was a college scout for the Vikings from 2006-16.
While McKay and Teasley do not carry past Vikings experience, both are important members of two of the NFL’s best front offices. McKay, now in his 10th year with the Rams, has worked with the Super Bowl-winning tandem of GM Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay. He is also familiar with O’Connell, who was the Rams’ offensive coordinator from 2020-21. Teasley has served under Seahawks GM John Schneider, a two-time Super Bowl champion, since 2013.
Details On Matthew Stafford’s Extension
The Rams and quarterback Matthew Stafford came to terms last week on a one-year, $55MM contract extension – a deal that could keep him under wraps through at least 2027. Further details on the pact have emerged, most of which are courtesy of Albert Breer of SI.com.
[RELATED: Fallout From Stafford’s Latest Extension]
The Rams previously restructured Stafford’s contract in May 2025. The reigning NFL MVP would have made $40MM in 2026 if not for his new extension, but Stafford is now guaranteed $45MM – a relatively small raise over the $44MM he pulled in last season. The 38-year-old will collect $40MM in base pay and a guaranteed $5MM roster bonus that will kick in early in 2027.
There is another $5MM on the table for Stafford in playoff incentives for the upcoming season. Specifically, Stafford would get $2.5MM with an NFC title game win and $2.5MM more with a Super Bowl LXI victory, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Along with winning those games, Stafford would have to play at least 70% of snaps to rake in the incentives.
As mentioned, the Rams will have the option of retaining Stafford for two more seasons. However, none of his $45MM million base pay for 2027 is guaranteed yet. Both that and a $5MM roster bonus for 2028 will trigger if Stafford is still on the Rams’ roster on the third day of the league year next March, Pelissero reports. If the Rams keep Stafford around in ’27, the same playoff incentives would also be available that season.
Stafford’s agreement also includes a whopping $100MM base salary for 2029, per Pelissero. That money is due to vest on the 10th day of the league year in 2028, but there is no chance it will happen. As Pelissero notes, tacking on a “dummy” year will give the Rams extra time to work something out with Stafford ahead of what would be his age-40 season in ’28. A lot can happen over the next couple of years, potentially including Stafford’s retirement, but it would come as a surprise if Ty Simpson is not the Rams’ starting signal-caller by then.
Looking for an heir apparent to Stafford at last month’s draft, the Super Bowl hopeful Rams turned heads when they resisted a win-now move at No. 13 overall and selected Simpson. After making just 15 starts in four seasons at Alabama, Simpson will begin his pro career sitting behind Stafford for at least one year. Whether that turns into two years will depend on how the Rams handle Stafford’s contract in March, though he may call it a career after the season. Stafford briefly mulled retirement last winter before announcing during his MVP speech that he would return for the 18th season of a potential Hall of Fame career.
Eagles Eyeing 2027 First-Rounder For WR A.J. Brown; Rams No Longer Suitors
A.J. Brown will remain a member of the Eagles through at least June 1. A trade after that upcoming date is still expected, although an agreement between Philadelphia and Brown’s long-presumed next team does not appear to be in place.
[RELATED: Chiefs Have Not Pursued Brown]
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network confirms (video link) the Patriots are still considered the likeliest team to swing a trade in this case. Negotiations have taken place throughout the offseason on a swap which would see Brown reunite with head coach Mike Vrabel. To no surprise, though, the matter of the price in a trade is still unresolved.
The Patriots have not previously been willing to part with a first-round pick to acquire Brown. Rapoport notes Philadelphia continues to seek a Day 1 selection in the 2027 draft, one projected to be much stronger than the class from last month’s event. New England’s preference, meanwhile, remains a lower price to finalize the trade. It will be interesting to see the Patriots’ efforts to avoid outbidding themselves ultimately result in an agreement relatively soon.
The Rams have loomed as a strong Brown suitor at times this spring. Rapoport adds Los Angeles was the three-time Pro Bowler’s preferred destination, but he will not be heading there. Despite the fact previous talks between the Eagles and Rams went further than they did with the Patriots, Rapoport confirms Los Angeles is no longer in the running for Brown. Once the Rams elected to retain Davante Adams, the expectation emerged that he would spend a second season with the team as a complement to Puka Nacua.
Both Nacua and Adams are pending 2027 free agents as things stand. That led many to connect Los Angeles to wideout Makai Lemon ahead of the first round of the draft, but the Rams drafted quarterback Ty Simpson 13th overall instead. The Rams’ decision on that front helped allow the Eagles to trade up to No. 20 and draft Lemon, their latest move to bring in a new receiver and help soften the impact of the long-anticipated Brown departure.
The Patriots currently have roughly $35.5MM in cap space. Absorbing the remainder of Brown’s contract – which runs through 2029 – should be feasible as a result. The possibility of trade talks picking up between Philadelphia and New England will make for an intriguing storyline with the window of opportunity for a swap opening soon.