Minor NFL Transactions: 10/1/22
Today’s minor moves around the league, including practice squad elevations for tomorrow’s action:
Arizona Cardinals
- Promoted: S Chris Banjo, WR Andre Baccellia
Atlanta Falcons
- Promoted: RB Caleb Huntley
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed to active roster: CB Kevon Seymour
- Promoted: LB Brandon Copeland, T David Sharpe
Buffalo Bills
- Promoted: DT Prince Emili
Carolina Panthers
- Promoted: S Marquise Blair
Chicago Bears
- Promoted: K Michael Badgley, RB Darrynton Evans (story)
- Released from IR: CB Michael Joseph
Cleveland Browns
- Signed to active roster: TE Miller Forristall
- Promoted: DL Roderick Perry, DE Curtis Weaver
Dallas Cowboys
- Promoted: QB Will Grier
Denver Broncos
- Promoted: WR Kendall Hinton, G Netane Muti
Detroit Lions
- Signed to active roster: T Dan Skipper, K Dominik Eberle
- Promoted: WRs Tom Kennedy, Maurice Alexander
- Waived: TE Shane Zylstra, G Drew Forbes
Green Bay Packers
- Promoted: CB Kiondre Thomas
- Placed on NFI list: T Caleb Jones
Houston Texans
- Signed to active roster: S Grayland Arnold
- Promoted: TEs Jordan Akins, Mason Schreck
Indianapolis Colts
- Promoted: K Chase McLaughlin, DT Chris Williams
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Promoted: OL Darryl Williams, LB Ty Summers
Kansas City Chiefs
- Promoted: LB Elijah Lee, K Matthew Wright (story)
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed to active roster: G Alex Bars
- Promoted: CBs Nickell Robey-Coleman, Javelin Guidry
- Waived: T Jackson Barton
Los Angeles Chargers
- Promoted: WR Michael Bandy
New England Patriots
- Promoted: T Marcus Cannon
- Placed on IR: T Yodny Cajuste
New Orleans Saints
- Signed to active roster: QB Jake Luton
- Promoted: RB Latavius Murray, TE J.P. Holtz
- Waived: FB Adam Prentice
New York Giants
- Signed to active roster: LB Jaylon Smith
- Promoted: WR Marcus Johnson, DT Henry Mondeaux
New York Jets
- Promoted: LB Hamsah Nasirildeen, OL Grant Hermanns
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed to active roster: WR Britain Covey
- Promoted: S Andre Chachere
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Promoted: LB Ryan Anderson, CB Josh Jackson
Seattle Seahawks
- Promoted: LB Cullen Gillaspia
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Promoted: WR Cole Beasley
Tennessee Titans
- Signed to active roster: OL Jordan Roos
- Promoted: LB Joe Schobert, DB Theo Jackson
- Waived: RB Julius Chestnut
Washington Commanders
- Promoted: OL Wes Martin
- Placed on IR: OL Wes Schweitzer (story)
Saints WR Michael Thomas Out For Week 4; QB Andy Dalton To Start
OCTOBER 1: The Saints confirmed on Saturday that Winston is indeed out, meaning that Dalton will make his Saints debut Sunday morning.
SEPTEMBER 30: When they take on the Vikings in London on Sunday, the Saints will be without at least their top wide receiver, and, in all likelihood, their starting quarterback as well. Head coach Dennis Allen confirmed on Friday that Michael Thomas is out for the game due to a foot injury; Jameis Winston, meanwhile, did not practice for the third consecutive day and is listed as doubtful. 
Thomas had just returned to full health after missing most of the past two seasons with lingering ankle issues. His presence, along with that of free agent signing Jarvis Landry and first-round rookie Chris Olave, led to heightened expectations for the Saints’ offense. The former Offensive Player of the Year started all three of New Orleans’ games to start the year, recording 16 catches for 171 yards and three touchdowns.
Winston has been dealing with spinal fractures so far this season, but this would be the first game action he missed in the event he cannot suit up. That, too, would represent a notable setback given his season-ending ACL tear from last season. His absence, along with that of Thomas, greatly contributed to the Saints’ passing offense finishing as the league’s worst in 2021.
To guard against a repeat of that taking place, even if Winston were to miss time, New Orleans added Andy Dalton in free agency. Given the impression the 34-year-old made on the team during training camp, it would come as no surprise if he got the nod over a banged-up Winston on Sunday. Allen further indicated that the Saints are prepared to have Dalton make his New Orleans debut when speaking to the media.
“Our plan right now is to have Andy ready to go,” he said, via ESPN’s Katherine Terrell. “We’ll see how things go overnight, but Andy will be ready to go if that’s the direction that we go.”
Dalton spent one season with the Cowboys in 2020 and the Bears in 2021 as he has transitioned into a backup. He still saw a combined total of 19 appearances and 15 starts over that stretch, though, earning him a one-year deal with the Saints worth up to $6MM. It appears Sunday will be his first opportunity to demonstrate his value, albeit with a shorthanded group of pass-catchers available to him.
The Saints also ruled out guard Andrus Peat and safety Marcus Maye due to a concussion and rib injury, respectively. With that pair, along with Thomas and (probably) Winston sidelined, they will look to get to 2-2 on the year against Minnesota.
2022 NFL Cap Space, By Team
As we exit September, trade rumors will become a steady NFL topic. This year’s deadline falls on Nov. 1. That will return cap-space discussions to the forefront. Here is how every team stacks up financially going into October, via Over The Cap.
- Cleveland Browns: $35.94MM
- Philadelphia Eagles: $10.89MM
- Denver Broncos: $10.67MM
- Carolina Panthers: $10.47MM
- Las Vegas Raiders: $10.35MM
- Dallas Cowboys: $9.25MM
- Pittsburgh Steelers: $8.64MM
- Green Bay Packers: $8.57MM
- Indianapolis Colts: $7.97MM
- Atlanta Falcons: $7.92MM
- New York Jets: $6.97MM
- Chicago Bears: $6.84MM
- San Francisco 49ers: $6.75MM
- Miami Dolphins: $6.51MM
- Arizona Cardinals: $6.25MM
- Los Angeles Chargers: $5.83MM
- New York Giants: $5.49MM
- Jacksonville Jaguars: $5.41MM
- Los Angeles Rams: $5.38MM
- Baltimore Ravens: $4.51MM
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $3.87MM
- New England Patriots: $3.5MM
- Cincinnati Bengals: $3.16MM
- New Orleans Saints: $2.86MM
- Detroit Lions: $2.64MM
- Washington Commanders: $2.58MM
- Buffalo Bills: $2.44MM
- Tennessee Titans: $2.41MM
- Seattle Seahawks: $2.28MM
- Kansas City Chiefs: $2.12MM
- Houston Texans: $1.64MM
- Minnesota Vikings: $1.47MM
The Eagles’ number is certainly far closer to the Vikings’ last-place figure than what the Browns have stockpiled. Cleveland would stand to have room to augment its 2022 roster, via a patient free agent or a trade. That could depend on where Jacoby Brissett has the team stationed going into the Nov. 1 deadline. But the Browns also appear to be preparing for their Deshaun Watson future. Watson’s unprecedented contract spikes from a $9.4MM cap number (2022) to a record-shattering $54.99MM numbers from 2023-26. As that reality awaits, the Browns rolling over cap space to 2023 would be prudent.
With Sterling Shepard‘s ACL tear moving the veteran wide receiver to IR, the Giants will need to both cover that cost ($6.3MM) and add a contract to fill the roster spot. Every team will go through versions of that issue this season, as injuries pile up. The Giants are prepared to eat a significant chunk of Kenny Golladay‘s 2022 base salary ($13MM) to move him, eyeing an escape from his $4.5MM 2023 guarantee. No takers have emerged, though it will be interesting to see if a market for the former Pro Bowler forms once injuries affect more teams’ receiver situations.
Since their Jimmy Garoppolo restructure, the 49ers agreed to a two-year extension with Dre Greenlaw. The team is not expected to extend Nick Bosa until 2023, however. The Texans, Falcons, Bears and Eagles all sit north of $60MM in dead money, meaning more than a quarter of their respective cap space is tied to players no longer on the roster. Watson, Matt Ryan and Khalil Mack are responsible for massive dead-money hits on the Houston, Atlanta and Chicago payrolls. Philadelphia still has Alshon Jeffery, Malik Jackson and Brandon Brooks dead money on its cap sheet.
Alvin Kamara’s Battery Case Delayed Again
Alvin Kamara and Chris Lammons‘ alleged battery of a man in Las Vegas has put both players on the suspension radar, but any prospective ban might not happen until next season. The already-delayed case brought another postponement Thursday.
Lawyers for Kamara and Lammons were in court today, but David Charns of Las Vegas 8 News Now tweets the proceedings have been pushed to Nov. 9. Although a plea agreement may be in play, per NewOrleans.football’s Mike Triplett (on Twitter), the latest delay increases Kamara’s chances of playing out the 2022 season.
This is related to the Pro Bowl-weekend incident that had Kamara and Lammons, currently with the Chiefs, at the scene of a fight at a Vegas casino. Lammons and Kamara, who has since been slapped with a civil lawsuit as well, were each charged with battery resulting in substantial bodily harm and conspiracy to commit battery. The Saints running back has been bracing for a six-game ban for months.
Kamara, 27, said he threw punches thinking the victim was running away and that he could not remember if he punched Darnell Greene while he was on the ground. Video surveillance showed Kamara punching Greene approximately eight times and also revealed other members of Kamara’s group stomping on the victim, who was knocked unconscious and sustained an orbital bone fracture. Lammons currently resides as a Chiefs backup cornerback.
This year’s Saints have Mark Ingram as Kamara’s top backup. With Ingram in his age-33 season, that might not be the case in 2023. Ingram’s contract expires at season’s end. Latavius Murray, 32, also rejoined the Saints on a practice squad deal, doing so ahead of a Week 2 game Kamara missed due to injury. Should a Kamara suspension surface this year, the two 30-somethings would likely be asked to carry the load. If Kamara’s ban commences next year, it should be expected the Saints will have a younger Kamara backup prepared to play a role. Third-year UDFA Tony Jones and veteran special-teamer Dwayne Washington are also on New Orleans’ roster.
Latest On Saints’ Quarterback Situation
Andy Dalton might soon make a start for a fourth team in four seasons. The Saints have now held Jameis Winston out of practice for each of the past two days.
Dennis Allen said Wednesday the team planned to have its starter available for its Thursday practice in London, and although OC Pete Carmichael added a plan is in place for Winston, the former No. 1 overall pick has admitted he is playing through pain. Winston is dealing with four back fractures, though he logged a Thursday practice leading up to New Orleans’ Week 3 game.
The Saints signed both Winston and Dalton this offseason, bringing back their 2021 starter on a two-year, $28MM deal ($15.2MM guaranteed) and adding the longtime Bengals QB1 for one year and $3MM. Dalton did not compete for the Saints’ starting job, but Albert Breer of SI.com notes the Saints were really impressed with the 12th-year veteran during their training camp. Considering the situation, it would certainly not surprise if the team went with its healthy backup against the Vikings on Sunday.
Although Winston used his new receiving corps to rally the Saints back from a Week 1 deficit in Atlanta, he threw three interceptions against the Buccaneers and had the Saints down two scores against the Panthers for most of the team’s Week 3 loss. Winston ranks 26th in QBR through three games.
Winston, 28, spent the offseason rehabbing the ACL tear that ended his 2021 campaign, but a report indicating he suffered fractures in his spine emerged ahead of the Saints’ Week 2 game. Following the team’s loss to the Panthers, Allen said a quarterback switch was not being considered. Winston starting against Minnesota was clearly the team’s plan, given that he traveled to London with the team. If Winston is not at practice Friday, however, it will probably be Dalton who receives the call.
Dalton, 34, entered last season as the Bears’ starter and made nine starts in relief of Dak Prescott in 2020. The TCU product has 148 career starts. While Dalton is far removed from his Cincinnati heyday, he profiles as one of the league’s better backup options. Dalton went 3-3 as Chicago’s starter last season, though he did finish with a career-low 33.6 QBR figure.
Minor NFL Transactions: 9/28/22
Here today’s minor moves from around the league:
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed to active roster: S Nazeeh Johnson
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed to active roster: TE Richard Rodgers, WR Jason Moore Jr.
- Placed on IR: OT Rashawn Slater (story)
Miami Dolphins
- Signed to active roster: WR River Cracraft
New Orleans Saints
- Signed to active roster: CB DaMarcus Fields
New York Giants
- Signed to active roster: CB Fabian Moreau
- Placed on IR: WR Sterling Shepard (story)
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed to active roster: CB Xavier Crawford
- Placed on IR: RB Travis Homer
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/28/22
Here are the practice squad signings and releases for today:
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: CB Daryl Worley
Buffalo Bills
- Signed: CB Xavier Rhodes (story), DT Prince Emili
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: LB Arron Mosby
Chicago Bears
- Signed: WR Reggie Roberson
Green Bay Packers
- Signed: CB Corey Ballentine
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed: DT Cortez Broughton, LB Elijah Lee, K Matthew Wright
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: WR John Hightower
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: WR Keith Kirkwood
New York Giants
- Signed: WR Makai Polk, CB Olaijah Griffin
New York Jets
- Signed: OT Mike Remmers
- Released: WR Diontae Spencer
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: OT Roderick Johnson
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: RB Cullen Gillaspia
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: WR Kaylon Geiger
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: OLB Gerri Green
Saints Place CB Alontae Taylor On IR
After suffering a knee injury in practice this Thursday, Saints second-round rookie Alontae Taylor has been placed on injured reserve, according to Katherine Terrell of ESPN. The severity of the injury has yet to be revealed, but it was apparently severe enough to warrant a four week rest.
Taylor was a four-year starter for the Volunteers before entering last year’s draft, racking up 15 passes defensed and four interceptions over his career, including a 56-yard pick six last year in a win over 18th-ranked Kentucky. He was the Saints’ top defensive draft pick, brought in to provide some premium depth at the cornerback position.
After only playing on special teams in Week 1, Taylor was asked to step up in a crucial moment last week when Paulson Adebo exited the game with an ankle injury and Marshon Lattimore was ejected. Taylor responded to the pressure well to close the game, but this most recent injury will unfortunately delay the rookie’s development, immediately after receiving his first professional defensive snaps.
Adebo and Lattimore should continue to start, and the Saints have decent depth behind them still in veterans Bradley Roby and P.J. Williams. With Taylor’s absence thinning out the depth chart a bit, the Saints have called up practice squad cornerback DaMarcus Fields. Fields, an undrafted rookie, was a standout defender for Texas Tech in college and had significant playing time for the Saints in the preseason.
The rules for returning from IR only determine that a player must sit out for four games, so Taylor should be eligible to return in time for the Saints’ trip to Arizona despite that Thursday night game being less than four full weeks away.
Minor NFL Transactions: 9/24/22
Lots of moves leading into gameday. Remember that players promoted from the practice squad for games will revert back to the practice squad after:
Arizona Cardinals
- Promoted from practice squad: WR Andre Baccellia, CB Jace Whittaker
Atlanta Falcons
- Promoted from practice squad: WR Frank Darby
Baltimore Ravens
- Promoted from practice squad: LB Brandon Copeland, WR Raleigh Webb
Carolina Panthers
- Promoted from practice squad: DT Daviyon Nixon
Chicago Bears
- Promoted from practice squad: LB Joe Thomas
Cincinnati Bengals
- Promoted from practice squad: LB Keandre Jones
Denver Broncos
- Promoted from practice squad: DL Jonathan Harris, WR Kendall Hinton
Detroit Lions
- Promoted from practice squad: LB Anthony Pittman, T Dan Skipper
Houston Texans
- Promoted from practice squad: TE Jordan Akins, CB Grayland Arnold
Indianapolis Colts
- Promoted from practice squad: K Chase McLaughlin
Kansas City Chiefs
- Promoted from practice squad: CB Dicaprio Bootle, K Matt Ammendola
Los Angeles Chargers
- Promoted from practice squad: TE Richard Rodgers
Miami Dolphins
- Promoted from practice squad: WR River Cracraft, T Larnel Coleman
Minnesota Vikings
- Promoted from practice squad: S Myles Dorn, CB Duke Shelley
New England Patriots
- Promoted from practice squad: LB Harvey Langi
New Orleans Saints
- Promoted from practice squad: DB DaMarcus Fields
Philadelphia Eagles
- Promoted from practice squad: WR Britain Covey
San Francisco 49ers
- Promoted from practice squad: DT Akeem Spence
Seattle Seahawks
- Promoted from practice squad: CB Xavier Crawford, LB Christian Jones
Tennessee Titans
- Signed to active roster: OLB Wyatt Ray
- Promoted from practice squad: WR Josh Gordon, G Jordan Roos
Washington Commanders
- Promoted from practice squad: DE William Bradley-King, DE Benning Potoa’e
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/20/22
Today’s practice squad moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: G Lachavious Simmons
- Released: CB Corey Ballentine, WR Jeff Cotton, DB Steven Parker
- Released from PS IR: WR Victor Bolden Jr.
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: OT Tyrone Wheatley Jr.
- Released: OT Alex Taylor
Green Bay Packers
- Signed: LB DQ Thomas
- Released: WR Travis Fulgham
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: TE Nakia Griffin-Stewart, G Arlington Hambright
- Released: K Lucas Havrisik, TE Jared Scott
Los Angeles Rams
- Signed: DE Zach VanValkenburg
- Released: LS Matt Overton
New England Patriots
- Signed: TE Scotty Washington
- Released: TE Jalen Wydermyer
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: G Yasir Durant
- Released: G Drew Desjarlais
New York Giants
- Signed: LB Jaylon Smith (story)
- Released: OL KC McDermott
New York Jets
- Signed: WR/KR Diontae Spencer
- Released: P/K Ty Long
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: WR Jaquarii Roberson
- Released: CB Mark Gilbert
San Francisco 49ers
- Released: DB Kary Vincent