Patriots Sign First-Rounder Caleb Lomu
The Patriots have signed first-round offensive tackle Caleb Lomu to his fully guaranteed rookie contract, the team announced. As the 28th overall pick, the former Utah standout’s four-year deal is worth approximately $18.92MM.
The 2026 draft marked the second straight year that the Patriots addressed offensive tackle in Round 1. They spent the fourth pick in 2025 on Will Campbell, who was a full-time blindside starter as a rookie.
Although Campbell drew major criticism after a rough showing in the Patriots’ 29-13 Super Bowl LX loss to the Seahawks, he played well during the regular season and will remain in the same role this year. The plan is for Lomu to eventually take over on the right side. But with veteran starter Morgan Moses back for another season, Lomu will be the Patriots’ primary swing tackle in 2026.
As the reigning AFC champions, the Patriots went into the draft with the 31st pick. They moved up three spots in a trade with the AFC East rival Bills to land Lomu, a two-year starter in college. Utes teammate Spencer Fano, who went ninth overall to the Browns in this year’s draft, moved from left to right tackle to accommodate Lomu in 2024. Lomu went on to earn freshman All-America honors that year. The 6-foot-6, 313-pounder was even better in 2025, during which he played 823 snaps and did not allow a sack. Lomu picked up a first-team All-Big 12 nod for his efforts.
With Lomu now under contract, the Pats are almost done with their rookie signings. Second-round edge defender Gabe Jacas is the only member of their nine-player draft class who hasn’t put pen to paper. Here is the full group:
- Round 1, No. 28 (from Texans via Bills): Caleb Lomu (T, Utah) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 55 (from Chargers): Gabe Jacas (EDGE, Illinois)
- Round 3, No. 95: Eli Raridon (TE, Notre Dame) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 171: Karon Prunty (CB, Wake Forest) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 196 (from Colts via Vikings, Panthers and Jaguars): Dametrious Crownover (T, Texas A&M) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 212: Namdi Obiazor (LB, TCU) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 234 (from Vikings): Behren Morton (QB, Texas Tech) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 245 (from Rams via Texans and Jaguars): Jamarion Miller (RB, Alabama) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 247: Quintayvious Hutchins (EDGE, Boston College) (signed)
Chiefs To Sign First-Rounders Mansoor Delane, Peter Woods
Armed with two first-round selections, the Chiefs added a pair of defenders on the opening night of this year’s draft. Both of those players are now under contract. The team agreed to four-year rookie deals with cornerback Mansoor Delane and defensive tackle Peter Woods on Monday, per reports from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network and Adam Shefter of ESPN.
As the sixth overall pick, Delane’s fully guaranteed pact is worth $41.9MM. Woods, the 29th overall choice, will earn $18MM over the same span. He will rake in the highest upfront signing bonus percentage in the history of Chiefs first-rounders, according to Schefter.
This has been an offseason of significant change for the Chiefs’ cornerback group, which lost previous starters Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson to the Rams. With those two gone, it did not come as a surprise when the Chiefs addressed the position with their first pick. They moved up three spots in a trade with the Browns to secure Delane, who might not have been available had the Chiefs stayed at No. 9 overall. The Saints loomed as serious threats to scoop up the LSU product at No. 8.
Three weeks before the draft, the race to decide the draft’s No. 1 corner looked like a toss-up between Delane and Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy. However, once concerns over McCoy’s knee came to light, Delane won the battle with ease. The 5-foot-11, 187-pounder is entering the NFL off a productive four-year college career divided between two schools. Delane spent his first three seasons at Virginia Tech, where he intercepted a personal-best four passes in 2024 on his way to a third-team All-ACC selection. Last year, his lone season with the Tigers, he added two more INTs and a career-high 11 passes defensed en route to unanimous All-America and first-team All-SEC honors.
While Delane could step into an immediate starting role with the Chiefs, Woods will break in behind veterans Chris Jones and Khyiris Tonga in the middle of their defensive line. The Chiefs drafted Woods with the first-rounder they received from the Rams in the McDuffie trade. Although the 6-2, 298-pounder did not post huge numbers at Clemson, where he tallied 84 tackles, 14.5 TFL and five sacks in 35 games, he elected to forgo his senior year after picking up a first-team All-ACC nod last season.
With Delane and Woods officially joining the Chiefs, they have just two unsigned picks: fifth-round receiver Cyrus Allen and seventh-round quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. Here is their full seven-player class:
- Round 1, No. 6 (from Browns): Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU)
- Round 1, No. 29 (from Rams): Peter Woods (DT, Clemson)
- Round 2, No. 40: R Mason Thomas (DE, Oklahoma)
- Round 4, No. 109: Jadon Canady (S, Oregon)
- Round 5, No. 161 (from Steelers): Emmett Johnson (RB, Nebraska)
- Round 5, No. 176*: Cyrus Allen (WR, Cincinnati)
- Round 7, No. 249 (from Colts)*: Garrett Nussmeier (QB, LSU)
WR James Proche To Participate In Eagles’ Minicamp
James Proche is among the veteran receivers still on the open market. He will spend this week attempting to land an opportunity in Philadelphia.
Proche is set to participate in the Eagles’ minicamp on a tryout basis, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports. A strong showing over the next few days could land him a contract as a result. That would allow the seventh-year wideout to compete for a roster spot during training camp this summer.
A Ravens draftee in 2020, Proche spent his first three years in Baltimore. He primarily contributed on special teams during that span, including work as the team’s punt returner. The former sixth-rounder was also a regular in the return game during his two-year stint with the Browns. Proche spent last season in Tennessee, making nine appearances while handling a depth role on offense.
As expected, the Eagles executed a trade with the Patriots last week to send A.J. Brown to New England. That move was preceded by a number of receiver acquisitions which signaled Brown’s time with the team would be coming to an end. DeVonta Smith remains in place, but free agent signing Marquise Brown, trade acquisition Dontayvion Wicks and first-round rookie Makai Lemon (who is not set to return to practice until training camp) will represent new faces at the WR position for 2026. Proche, 29, will now aim to join that group.
The Eagles entered Monday with over $25MM in cap space. Any Proche signing would come in at or near the veteran minimum, so finances will not be an issue if his showings this week result in a deal being finalized.
Broncos’ Jonathon Cooper Pleads Not Guilty To Domestic Violence Charges
Last week, Broncos pass rusher Jonathon Cooper was arrested on two counts of domestic violence and one count of criminal mischief. His first court appearance took place today.
Copper has entered a not guilty plea on all charges, as noted by 9News’ Mike Klis. A motion hearing in this case has now been scheduled for July 6. Cooper’s attorney, Harvey Steinberg, requested a trial date as soon as possible, Klis adds. A trial hearing is set to take place on July 22 in Douglas County Court. Steinberg said (via Parker Gabriel of the Denver Post) no motion to dismiss the case is being planned.
The scheduled trial date falls just before the start of the Broncos’ training camp. By the time padded practices begin, the team will hope to have further clarity on Cooper’s situation (although any potential league discipline will not be issued until an NFL investigation takes place; that process will not begin before the legal proceedings conclude). The 28-year-old was arrested following an alleged incident involving his girlfriend, who was also taken into custody. Cooper was released on a personal recognizance bond Friday.
Since being drafted by the Broncos in 2021, Cooper has established himself as an effective contributor off the edge. The former seventh-rounder played on a rotational basis during his first two years in Denver but has served as a full-time starter ever since. Cooper has amassed 27 sacks since 2023, something which helped him secure a $60MM extension the following season.
As a result of that deal, Cooper is under contract through 2028. He declined comment upon leaving the courthouse on Monday. The Broncos issued a statement indicating they were “gathering more information” on the matter shortly after Cooper’s arrest.
Teams Remain Interested In Acquiring Raiders DE Maxx Crosby
JUNE 8: Multiple general managers who spoke with SportsBoom’s Jason La Canfora pointed to the 49ers as a team they feel is “primed” to make a notable pass rush trade late in the offseason. Whether or not efforts on that front include a Crosby pursuit remains to be seen, but San Francisco could be a team to watch regarding a high-profile acquisition along the edge.
JUNE 7: While the Cowboys and Patriots were originally floated as teams that could re-enter the Maxx Crosby sweepstakes after the Ravens nixed the deal that would have brought the star pass rusher to Baltimore, more recent reporting has indicated Crosby will remain with the Raiders in 2026. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones (mostly) shut the door on a Dallas pursuit – which makes sense, as it was Dallas’ team doctor’s evaluation of Crosby’s knee that gave the Ravens pause – and New England has now surrendered considerable draft capital to acquire wide receiver A.J. Brown.
However, Vincent Bonsignore of the New York Post says other clubs continue to have genuine interest in a Crosby trade. In an opinion piece suggesting the 49ers should swing a deal for Crosby to counter the NFC West rival Rams’ seismic acquisition of Myles Garrett, Bonsignore says the Raiders would still move the Eastern Michigan product for the right price.
If San Francisco were to take Bonsignore’s advice and make a Crosby-sized splash, multiple league sources say it would cost a 2027 first-rounder, a 2028 second-rounder, and defensive end Mykel Williams. That is not quite the package the Browns landed for Garrett, but it’s close, and it confirms the Raiders do not currently plan to discount their asking price despite the failed trade with the Ravens.
The fact that teams remain interested in adding Crosby is understandable given his track record of on-field excellence. But since one club has already canceled a trade for him due to health concerns, a summertime blockbuster featuring a Garrett-like haul would be a bit more surprising.
Just yesterday, we heard the soon-to-be 29-year-old is nearing a return to practice following offseason surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. So although Baltimore was worried about Crosby’s long-term prognosis rather than his short-term availability, perhaps full medical clearance and training camp participation will convince other teams to engage the Raiders in trade discussions.
On the other hand, a late March report noted any Crosby swap in 2026 would be more likely to take place closer to the trade deadline, and speculatively, that could still be the case. At that time, Crosby will have had the opportunity to exhibit his knee’s health in regular season competition, and the Raiders should have a better idea of their timeline for a return to playoff contention.
Crosby earned his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl nod in 2025. During that five-year stretch, he has amassed 52.5 sacks and has twice led the league in tackles for loss. Pro Football Focus routinely assigns him run defense scores that are at least as strong as his pass rushing grades.
Falcons Discussing Extension With RB Bijan Robinson
The post-draft period of the offseason was understandably viewed by Atlanta as the time to work out extensions with Drake London and Bijan Robinson. One of those has already been taken care of, and the other could be in place relatively soon.
The Falcons have engaged in talks on an extension with Robinson, ESPN’s Dan Graziano reports. London found himself first on the list with respect to a big-ticket second contract being worked out. Instead of seeing out his fifth-year option season in 2026, London will begin playing on a four-year extension worth up to $150MM this fall.
To no surprise, Atlanta picked up Robinson’s option for 2027 earlier this offseason. There is less urgency from the team’s perspective to finalize an extension as a result, although it would come as no surprise if both sides moved quickly. Robinson has emerged as one of the league’s top running backs during his first three years in the NFL. The former No. 8 pick’s 1,003 touches so far in his career illustrate his importance to the Falcons’ offense, and a heavy workload can be expected moving forward.
A report from April pointed to Robinson moving into at least the top three with respect to annual compensation among running backs. De’Von Achane landed in the No. 3 spot with his recent Dolphins extension by securing $16MM in average annual value. Saquon Barkley (Eagles) leads the way at $20.6MM per year, with Christian McCaffrey (49ers)close behind at $19MM. A second Robinson contract could surpass those figures, although the same may also be true of Lions star Jahmyr Gibbs. Some view the other RB taken in the first round of the 2023 draft as a candidate to land a more lucrative deal than Robinson.
The waiting game (if one truly ensues this summer) between Gibbs and Robinson will be worth watching closely, but in any case both backs figure to secure substantial raises in the near future. Atlanta’s offense will continue to include London as a focal point for years to come, but tight end Kyle Pitts – who received the franchise tag this spring – faces an uncertain future beyond 2026. At the quarterback spot, Michael Penix Jr. (who remains attached to his rookie contract) and free agent addition Tua Tagovailoa (who signed for the veteran minimum) represent a low-cost tandem.
Those factors, along with Robinson’s age (24) and production (5,648 scrimmage yards, 34 total touchdowns) should result in a big-money agreement being reached. It will be interesting to see if negotiations progress over the near future and a deal can be struck in time for training camp or at least Week 1 of the 2026 season.
Browns HC Todd Monken Not Interested In QB Brendan Sorsby; Latest On Team’s QB Competition
Browns head coach Todd Monken is not tipping his hand when it comes to his team’s starting quarterback competition. While the media currently views Deshaun Watson as the favorite to open the season under center, second-year passer Shedeur Sanders remains in the mix and has impressed Monken with his progress in the mental side of the game.
Following the Browns’ eighth OTA session on Wednesday, Monken said (via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com), “[e]very day I kind of lean one way or the other with quarterbacks. But we’ve still got to get to that point. Who’s going to start for us? But I’m fired up by the quarterbacks. I just tell you, we’ve got two starting-level quarterbacks. We really do.”
Monken’s public remarks notwithstanding, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler continues to believe Watson has the inside track on the QB1 gig (video link). In addition to the advantage Watson has in terms of experience, Watson himself believes Monken’s offense – which includes some Air Raid concepts and offers the freedom to improvise out of the pocket – is a strong fit for his skill set. That said, Fowler says Sanders has flashed this spring and that Watson has not won the job just yet.
Regardless of the outcome of the Watson v. Sanders contest, Cleveland may still be in search of a high-end quarterback next year (which is presumably one of the reasons why the team recently cashed in their top asset in Myles Garrett for a bounty of draft capital). On paper, therefore, the Browns profile as a team that could take a flier on Brendan Sorsby, whose gambling infractions have led the NCAA to revoke his collegiate eligibility and who could be forced into the NFL’s supplemental draft as a result.
Monken, however, seems to want no part of Sorsby, although he made it clear his opinion in that regard is his own and not that of general manager Andrew Berry or other members of team brass.
“That’s not even come across my desk,” Monken said (video link via Daryl Ruiter of 92.3 The Fan). “I like the quarterbacks that we have. I think that’s a slippery slope, when you go down that [road]. Irrespective of talent, in terms of the situation [Sorsby’s] put himself in, we all know what that is. He put himself in that situation. And we’ve seen in other sports with players that have been banned for life from playing in professional sports.”
“Again, that’s a question for [Berry] and for management,” Monken added. “But from my end of it, kind of a tough angle to go down that road and think that’s going to be your franchise quarterback, if he’s ever eligible to even play in the NFL.”
Berry himself was non-committal. When asked about the prospect of adding Sorsby, the GM simply said, “we’ll do work on all the prospects and then make the appropriate decision” (via Zac Jackson of The Athletic).
Sorsby impressed in his second year as Cincinnati’s starter in 2025 and landed a $6MM NIL deal to join Texas Tech in 2026. A successful year in Lubbock could have earned him a first-round grade in the 2027 draft, but at the moment, it appears the supplemental draft is his only viable path to the pros.
Sorsby will have to apply for the supplemental draft by June 22. The NFL will review his situation – extensive sports betting during his college career and subsequent treatment for a gambling addiction – and decide if he can enter.
Charges Against Falcons WR Zachariah Branch Dropped; Latest On James Pearce Jr.’s Pretrial Program
The State of Georgia has dropped the misdemeanor charges that were pending against Falcons rookie wide receiver Zachariah Branch, per Seth Emerson of The Athletic (subscription required). Branch had been facing the charge of misdemeanor obstruction of a law enforcement officer and had received a citation for obstructing private sidewalks
The details of the incident suggested it would have little to no impact on Branch’s professional prospects. The Falcons selected the USC and Georgia product in the third round of the draft less than a week after his arrest, and as Emerson notes, The Athletic draftnik Dane Brugler considered Branch a third-round talent anyway (subscription required).
“After reviewing all evidence, including videos, and discussing the case with us, the State agreed to dismiss all charges against Mr. Branch,” Kim Stephens, Branch’s lawyer, said. “Zachariah cooperated fully with law enforcement and did not commit a crime on the night of his arrest and never should have been arrested. We are glad this matter is over and that Mr. Branch’s excellent reputation and good name restored.”
While the NFL can of course impose punishment even in the absence of criminal charges, that would seem unlikely in this case. Instead, Branch can probably focus exclusively on carving out a spot in a receiving corps that would seem to offer plenty of opportunities behind the newly-extended Drake London.
Branch’s height (5-9) makes him an obvious candidate for slot work. While he offers plenty of speed and led the SEC with 81 receptions in 2025, Brugler observes that Branch’s average depth of target over the course of his college career was just 5.2 yards. In Brugler’s view, the Las Vegas native did not exhibit a refined route tree, and if he does not improve in that regard, he could be limited to a gadget/return specialist role. Still, the top two receivers behind London on the depth chart are offseason signees Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus, so Branch should have a real chance to make a name for himself this summer.
There is additional legal-related news concerning the Falcons. Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports that edge rusher James Pearce Jr.‘s pretrial intervention program, which was originally six months in length, has been extended to one year. However, the program’s conditions remain the same.
As Kendall relayed back in April, Pearce will be required to stay away from the alleged victim in the matter, Rickea Jackson, take part in therapy sessions, and avoid further legal trouble (subscription required). Pearce will also be required to submit to random drug testing and write a letter of apology to law enforcement (we had passed on some, but not all, of those details already).
It is unclear whether the extended timeline will impact when the NFL will make a decision on imposing any of its own sanctions. If Pearce successfully completes the program, the three felony charges he faced (including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon) will be dismissed.
DT Zach Sieler Wants To Retire With Dolphins
After signing an extension that made him the highest-paid player on Miami’s defense just a year ago, defensive tackle Zach Sieler likely isn’t planning to retire anytime soon. Whenever he does, though, he’ll want to do so as a Dolphin. Per ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques, Sieler told the media recently that “he’d like to spend the rest of his career in Miami and will do whatever it takes to make that happen.”
Once an unranked high school recruit who walked on at Ferris State University, Sieler has come a long way since former Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome made him the last draft pick of Newsome’s tenure as GM. Baltimore waived Sieler in only his second season with the team, but the Dolphins got to make one the more impactful waiver claims in the franchise’s history, as a result.
With a need for someone at his position, Miami put Sieler to work, quickly having him make his first NFL start within three weeks of moving to Miami, for which he rewarded them with his first career sack. That was only a small sample of the disruptiveness Sieler would offer. In his first full year with the Dolphins, Zieler showed just what the Ravens had let go as he pestered opposing backfields with three sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and 11 quarterback hits.
Sieler saw a bit of a dip in production in the next two years before delivering two straight 10.0-sack seasons in which he also notched 24 tackles for loss and 41 quarterback hits. Over the course of his seven years in Miami, Sieler’s 35.5 sacks, 59 tackles for loss, and 78 quarterback hits have made him a vital part of the Dolphins’ defense and pass rush.
After trading away pass rusher Jaelan Phillips in the regular season, Miami saw the mass exodus of talent continue this offseason as it said goodbye to offensive stars like wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The team seemed mostly intent on retaining young talent, extending running back De’Von Achane and signing linebacker Jordyn Brooks, but despite reported trade interest, the Dolphins didn’t move Sieler.
At this point, it appears the team will not be moving Sieler, and that seems to be just fine with him. As he’s told the media, he wants to spend the rest of his career in South Florida, so as Miami navigates what appears to be a bit of a rebuild, Sieler’s veteran presence will continue to anchor the Dolphins defense for the foreseeable future.
NFL Front Office Updates: Raiders, Bills, Bears, Rams
As the offseason continues, the Raiders are one of several teams making updates to their front office. Per an announcement released by Las Vegas earlier this week, Ben Chester was promoted from assistant director to director, pro scouting, Kunal Singh was promoted from senior manager to director, football strategy, Patrick Parrilli was elevated from player personnel assistant to pro/college scout, and Jonah Lubin was promoted from football data science assistant to football data scientist.
Chester has been with the Raiders for 12 years, joining the team in 2014 as a pro scout after working in operations at UW-Oshkosh and coaching at UW-Stevens Point. He spent 10 seasons as a pro scout before being named to his most recent role. Singh found his way to the NFL after first working with the Milwaukee Brewers. He started in the league working two seasons as a football data scientist with the Broncos and was hired to his senior manager of football strategy role last year.
Parrilli joined the team two years ago in a move that took him from the coaching world to personnel. After starting off with an undergraduate role at Ave Maria University, Parrilli spent four years at Eastern Kentucky working different roles like running backs coach and quarterbacks coach before landing at Wake Forest. He found his way to Vegas after four years as an offensive analyst for the Demon Deacons. Lubin joined the team last year after a business internship with the Texans. He was a semi-finalist in last year’s Big Data Bowl.
Here are a few other front office updates from around the NFL:
- The Bills joined in on the promotions, elevating football research assistant Cole Jacobson to football analyst, according to ESPN’s Seth Walder. Jacobson arrived in Buffalo last offseason after years of freelance, seasonal, and part-time work with NFL Media, MLB Media, FOX Sports, Stats Perform, and Championship Analytics. He and his team were finalist in last year’s Big Data Bowl.
- Formerly a football analyst for the Bears, Fabian Martinez has been promoted to football data scientist, per Neil Stratton of SucceedinFootball.com. Martinez joined the team last year directly after earning his degree in Information and Data Science at Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
- Finally, in Los Angeles, the Rams no longer employ scouting analyst Grant Hizer, according to Walder. Hizer arrived in LA last year after a season working as a research analyst at NFL Next Gen Stats.