G Joel Bitonio Retires
Joel Bitonio‘s future remained uncertain throughout the 2026 offseason. Another Browns contract remained something the team was open to, but the decorated guard has elected to hang up his cleats at the age of 34.
“Truthfully, as time passed and my career kept going, there was never a point where I could envision myself in a different uniform,” Bitonio said in a statement on Tuesday. “Wearing that orange helmet and being part of this franchise – from getting drafted to signing three contracts – I felt a loyalty to the Browns, and it gave me a sense of pride to represent a fan base who is consistently loyal to us. I started the job here, and once I got to a certain point, I knew I wanted to finish the job in Cleveland.
“Now that job is finished. After 12 seasons of wearing No. 75 in brown and orange, I have officially decided to retire.”
For multiple years, retirement has been a talking point in Bitonio’s case. The seven-time Pro Bowler managed to play out the entirety of his three-year extension signed in 2021, and he agreed to delay the void date on his expiring pact in February. Remaining on the open market well into the spring, Bitonio could have easily explored his options with respect to other teams. To no surprise, though, he has chosen to end his playing career after playing exclusively in Cleveland.
A second-round pick in 2014, Bitonio immediately took on a starting role during his rookie season. He remained a fixture at the left guard spot through this past season, performing as one of the league’s best interior blockers along the way. The Nevada product was a Pro Bowler every year from 2018-24, and he earned an All-Pro nod (second-team on three occasions, first-team twice) during the first five seasons of that stretch.
Partnering with Wyatt Teller over a seven-year period, Bitonio was a key figure on one of the league’s top interior offensive lines for much of his career. Teller departed in free agency, adding him to the long list of blockers from 2025 who are no longer in place for Cleveland. The team kept the door open to a new Bitonio deal, but his retirement will leave a challenging vacancy to fill moving forward as the Browns proceed with a completely revamped O-line.
In all, Bitonio totaled 180 combined regular and postseason appearances, starting every one of them. His NFL tenure will come to an end after he amassed just over $107MM in career earnings.
Rams LT Alaric Jackson Arrested On Domestic Battery Charge
Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson was arrested Monday night on a felony domestic battery charge, as first reported by Dennis Broad of NBC4 Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Police Department has since confirmed news of the arrest to ESPN’s Sarah Barshop. Jail records show Jackson was booked at 4:24am local time and released at 7:20am. A $50K bond was paid in this case. No dates have been set for a hearing or court date at this point, and neither Jackson nor the Rams have issued a statement.
Police were called to Jackson’s home late on Monday night. Upon arrival, they learned of an argument between Jackson and a woman; the report indicates Jackson believed the woman was filming him on her phone and attempted to take it out of her hand. The alleged victim had scratch marks on her arms, according to investigators.
In 2024, Jackson began the season by serving a two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Few details on the incident resulting in the ban were known at the time, but it has since been learned Jackson allegedly recorded a woman during sex without her consent, then refused to delete the video. A civil suit was filed this past November.
After going undrafted in 2021, Jackson signed with the Rams. He has remained in the organization ever since, racking up 51 starts and 57 appearances on the blindside. The 27-year-old is in position to remain Los Angeles’ left tackle starter in 2026 in what would be his fourth straight season atop the depth chart. Jackson is owed just under $20MM for the coming campaign, and his contract runs through 2027.
Christian Izien To Fill Kerby Joseph’s Role In Lions’ Defense
Lions safety Kerby Joseph may not be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season as he wrestles with a degenerative knee condition that sidelined him for much of last year.
Head coach Dan Campbell said last week that the team would not know more about Joseph’s prognosis until they were well into training camp. In the meantime, according to Justin Rogers of the Detroit Football Network, the Lions have tapped free agent signing Christian Izien to step into Joseph’s free safety role over the top of their defense.
Izien emerged as the Buccaneers’ primary nickel defender as an undrafted rookie in 2023 before stepping into a more varied role in 2024 with 308 snaps at free safety, 205 in the slot, and 135 in the box, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). But last year, the 26-year-old was pushed to the periphery by Tampa Bay’s offseason additions to their secondary and played just 166 defensive snaps in total. It initially seemed like he might have to fight for a rotational role to re-establish himself with a new team, but Joseph’s ongoing knee troubles have opened a door to a potential starting job.
Joseph has played a majority of his career snaps at free safety with 24.7% in the box and 14.5% in the slot (via PFF). But in 2025, Detroit’s first year under defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, he saw more time in the first two roles and a significant drop in the final in his six games before going down. Izien’s experience would seem to be a better fit for the diverse usage from Joseph’s first three seasons, but the expected return of Brian Branch and the signing of Chuck Clark give Detroit other options for slot and box duties.
Izien did primarily play free safety for two of his years at Rutgers, but his junior and senior seasons featured more involvement closer to the line of scrimmage. He is back at his former spot, now in the Lions defense, and can focus purely on that role rather than lining up all over the secondary. The team is still holding out hope that Joseph can play sooner rather than later, but until and unless that happens, Izien seems poised for a key role in Detroit’s defense.
Chiefs, OT Wanya Morris “Agreed To Explore Trades”
Wanya Morris is looking to play elsewhere in 2026, and the Chiefs are willing to oblige. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Chiefs and the offensive lineman have “agreed to explore trade options.” Morris is looking for an opportunity where he can play more, per Fowler.
The 2023 third-round pick has spent his entire career in Kansas City, where he’s started 16 of his 43 appearances. He had his most significant role in 2024, when he spent several months in the starting lineup in place of Kingsley Suamataia. The acquisition and subsequent injury of D.J. Humphries forced the Chiefs to move Joe Thuney to LT, and Morris had a minor role throughout the subsequent playoffs.
This past season, the 25-year-old only got a single start in his 12 games. He landed on injured reserve in December with a knee injury.
Prior to the 2025 season, the Chiefs added free agent Jaylon Moore and first-round pick Josh Simmons, which locked Morris into a bench gig for the foreseeable future. Jawaan Taylor was cut by the Chiefs in March, meaning Morris could have been in contention for the top backup OT gig. If the team does find a home for the lineman, then that role would likely go to the likes of Esa Pole, Ethan Driskell, Chukwuebuka Godrick, or Matt Waletzko.
Browns Complete Draft Class Signings With 1st-Round WR KC Concepcion
The Browns have now signed their full 2026 draft class to rookie deal. First-round receiver KC Concepcion has put pen to paper on his first professional contract, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Concepcion, 21, was the No. 24 pick in April’s draft. He is set to earn just over $20MM in fully guaranteed money across the next four years, including a signing bonus worth roughly $11MM, per OverTheCap.
All first-rounders have fully guaranteed contracts with values that are set by the CBA’s rookie pay scale. That leaves less to be negotiated between player and team, though payment schedules have become a common battleground. The Browns came to terms with Spencer Fano, their other first-round pick, and the rest of their draft class far quicker than with Concepcion, indicating there were a few sticking points in his deal.
Now, all 10 of the Browns’ 2026 draft picks are under contract for the next four years, including Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston, who went in the second round, 15 picks after Concepcion Boston was viewed as a potential first-round talent by some, as was Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, who Cleveland traded up to snag at No. 58 overall.
That core quartet represents a second strong draft in a row for Browns general Andrew Berry. Last year’s No. 5 pick, Mason Graham, did not flash as a rookie but still profiles as a long-term anchor for the defensive line. Second-round linebacker Carson Schwesinger was named Defensive Rookie of the Year, and fellow Day 2 picks Quinshon Judkins and Harold Fannin both carved out clear roles in the offense moving forward. If either Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders can evolve into a competent starter – or the team finally lands their long-awaited franchise QB in the 2027 draft – the Browns would seem to have all the pieces to finally move back into playoff contention in the next few years.
Patriots LB Gabe Jacas Underwent Surgery, Absent From Minicamp
Second-round edge rusher Gabe Jacas is the only Patriots draft pick who hasn’t signed their rookie pact. The Illinois product has also yet to attend practices, including today’s opening of mandatory minicamp. When asked about the status of the rookie, coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged that Jacas is recovering from a recent procedure.
“I don’t attribute it to anything other than he’s not here and he’s not under contract at this current time,” Vrabel told reporters about the player’s absence (via Nicole Yang of the Boston Globe). “I don’t want to say there’s a reason for it, other than that’s what it is right now.”
Vrabel was quick to clarify that he’s excited about what the rookie could bring to his squad. The coach added that the Patriots have been in communication with the pass-rusher and aren’t frustrated “one bit” by his absence.
“We’re excited about Gabe, the person that he is, the play style, the production in college, all that,” Vrabel said. “When that gets resolved, we’ll have him in here and we’ll coach him. I’m sure we’ll find a way for him to help our football team.”
While it’s uncertain what specifically led to the player’s surgery, Yang notes that Jacas was dealing with a hamstring injury that forced him to skip the scouting combine and Illinois Pro Day. He later held a private workout for NFL teams, where he earned his marks from scouts.
Beyond the injury, we’ve also seen a recent trend of second-round picks pushing for full guarantees on their rookie pacts. It’s uncertain if that’s currently a factor in Jacas’ no-show, and there’s a chance he may show his face once his representation agrees to terms with the franchise.
Jacas is coming off a successful four-year stint at Illinois, but he established himself as an early-round pick with his production over the past two years. The edge rusher tallied 19 sacks and 26.5 tackles for loss between the 2024 and 2025 campaigns, leading to the Patriots using the 55th-overall pick on him.
The Patriots could certainly use a player of Jacas’ caliber, especially after they let K’Lavon Chaisson walk in free agency. The team signed Dre’Mont Jones to soak up some of those leftover snaps, but Jacas would be next in line for reps, assuming he’s able to catch up for the lost time.
Minor NFL Transactions: 6/9/26
Today’s minor moves:
Indianapolis Colts
- Placed on reserve/retired list: S Reuben Lowery
Kansas City Chiefs
- Waived: S Marlen Sewell
Los Angeles Rams
- Signed: LB Tomon Fox
New York Jets
- Reverted to IR: WR Quentin Skinner
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Claimed off waivers (from Buccaneers): P Aidan Laros
- Waived: WR Brandon Johnson
Bengals Sign Cashius Howell, Complete Draft Class Signings
The Bengals have completed their draft pick signings. The team announced that they’ve inked second-round defensive end Cashius Howell to his rookie deal.
Howell put himself on the map with a strong showing at Bowling Green in 2023, and he continued that production after transferring to Texas A&M ahead of the 2024 campaign. In two seasons with the Aggies, the pass-rusher compiled 71 tackles, 15.5 sacks, and 22.5 tackles for loss. His performance in 2025 earned him a number of accolades, including an unanimous All-American nod and the SEC Defensive Player of the Year award.
After trading their first-round pick in the Dexter Lawrence deal, the Bengals made Howell their first selection when they used the 41st-overall pick on him. With Trey Hendrickson no longer on the team, Cincy will be especially dependent on their rookie in 2026. Howell will join a pass-rush corps that also features Myles Murphy, free agent acquisition Boye Mafe, and 2025 first-round pick Shemar Stewart, who disappointed as a rookie.
As mentioned, this signing means the Bengals have now agreed to deals with all seven of their draft picks. The class includes:
- Round 2, No. 41: Cashius Howell (DE, Texas A&M)
- Round 3, No. 72: Tacario Davis (CB, Washington)
- Round 4, No. 128 (from Texans via Lions and Bengals): Connor Lew (C, Auburn)
- Round 4, No. 140 (from Bengals): Colbie Young (WR, Georgia)
- Round 6, No. 189: Brian Parker II (C, Duke)
- Round 7, No. 221 (from Giants via Cowboys): Jack Endries (TE, Texas)
- Round 7, No. 226: Landon Robinson (DT, Navy)
CB Christian Gonzalez Attends Mandatory Minicamp, Wants To Stay With Patriots
Christian Gonzalez skipped Patriots OTAs as he pursues a new contract. While such a move naturally leads to questions about his future with the franchise, the star cornerback made it clear that he wants to stick in New England for the long haul. After attending today’s mandatory minicamp, Gonzalez reiterated his desire to ink an extension with the team that drafted him.
[RELATED: Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez Absent From OTAs]
“Of course, I want to be here. I’ve said this multiple times,” Gonzalez told the New England beat (via NFL.com’s Nick Shook). “I’ve been drafted here. I want to be rewarded as a Patriot. I love this town. I love this city. So of course I want to be here.”
When asked about his decision to attend mandatory practices (and avoid any fines), Gonzalez explained to reporters that he’s “got obligations.” The cornerback was also pressed on any self-imposed deadline regarding negotiations, with reporters explicitly asking him about his status for training camp later this summer.
“Training camp, I’m not worried about that,” Gonzalez said. “We are in mandatory minicamp right now, so that’s what we’re focused on as we get into that.”
The 2023 first-round pick just became extension eligible this offseason, so there’s no real urgency for the two sides to agree on a long-term pact. However, if the Patriots truly intend to keep Gonzalez around for the foreseeable future, it’d probably be in their best interest to agree to an extension sooner than later. Contracts at the position continue to explode, with Trent McDuffie recently reseting the cornerback market following his trade to the Rams.
McDuffie will earn a position-leading $124MM and $50MM in guaranteed money on his deal, and there’s a chance Gonzalez at least leaps his peer’s $31MM in average annual salary. It’s worth noting that fellow 2023 first-rounder Devon Witherspoon is also seeking an extension, and the Seahawks’ star notably has the same representation as Gonzalez. Whichever team gets to the finish line first may get a slight discount when all is said and done.
Gonzalez is coming off a productive two-year stretch that’s seen him emerge as one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks. He finished last season ranked 14th on Pro Football Focus’ positional rankings, and Gonzalez also had a standout performance in the playoffs (including the Super Bowl, where he was one of the few Patriots to show up).
After years of draft futility, the Patriots will have to navigate some expensive extensions over the next few years. Drake Maye will be extension eligible next offseason, so agreeing to a Gonzalez deal ASAP will provide the front office some cost certainty moving forward.
Panthers Expect LT Ikem Ekwonu To Play In 2026
During the Panthers’ wild-card loss, Ikem Ekwonu suffered a torn patellar tendon. A lengthy recovery process is ongoing, but a return to action some time during the fall could very well be in store.
When speaking to the media on Tuesday, head coach Dave Canales said (via The Athletic’s Joe Person) Ekwonu has been making progress in his rehab following surgery. He added the team’s left tackle is expected to play at some point in 2026. The coming campaign represents Ekwonu’s fifth-year option season.
Returning to full health will thus be critical for all involved in this case. The Panthers acknowledged Ekwonu’s looming absence during the opening stages of the 2026 season (at least) would require multiple investments on the blindside. Carolina signed Rasheed Walker to a one-year pact in free agency before taking Monroe Freeling in the first round of the draft.
Walker and Freeling are in the early stages of a competition for the starting spot at left tackle. That will make for an important storyline through the summer as the Panthers aim to find short-term stability on the blindside while evaluating their options beyond 2026. Longtime right tackle Taylor Moton is entering his age-32 season, and none of his scheduled compensation for 2027 is guaranteed. A departure in his case could set Freeling up for a stint at RT beginning next year.
A move along those lines would of course be easier if Ekwonu were to find himself in Carolina’s long-term plans up front. The former No. 6 pick has handled full-time starting duties since arriving in the league, totaling 64 appearances. Durability had not been a concern prior to his major knee injury, but the exact length of his ongoing recovery period and his level of play once back on the field remains to be seen.
A mutual interest exists in an extension when it comes to Ekwonu, who will turn 26 during the season. It would come as no surprise, though, if the Panthers opted to wait until he fully healed to engage in serious contract talks. A stretch of games in 2026 would help Ekwonu’s chances of landing a long-term commitment, and it seems he will be able to manage that barring any setbacks in his recovery.