Asante Samuel Jr. Underwent Neck Surgery In April, Visited Saints
Free agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. underwent neck surgery in April after missing most of the 2024 season due to injury, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. He is planning to play this season, but is waiting until an early July check-up to sign with a new team.
Samuel started just four games for the Chargers last year before landing on injured reserve in October. At the end of the season, he said he was dealing with “stinger symptoms” in both shoulders as part of a lifelong health condition. It’s unclear if his neck surgery was related to that ailment. He played in 12 games as a rookie in 2021 and appeared in all 34 of the Chargers’ regular-season games in 2022 and 2023.
If Samuel’s health checks out, he should have multiple suitors as teams put together their training camp rosters. The Saints will likely be one of them; Samuel visited New Orleans on Monday, per Fowler. (He also visited the Cardinals in March, though that was before his surgery.)
New Orleans makes sense as a destination after parting ways with their two most experienced cornerbacks in the last year. 2024 starters Kool-Aid McKinstry and Alontae Taylor are set to reprise their roles this season, but Samuel would be an upgrade over re-signed slot corner Ugo Amadi. Samuel could take over at nickel or play on the boundary with Taylor in the slot.
Samuel is also familiar with the Saints’ new coaching staff. He played under defensive coordinator Brandon Staley when he was the Chargers’ head coach from 2021 to 2023. Samuel also knows Saints head coach Kellen Moore from his season as the Chargers’ offensive coordinator in 2023.
NFL Draft Pick Signings: 5/12/25
The following 2025 draft picks signed their rookie contracts today:
Arizona Cardinals
- LB Cody Simon (fourth round, Ohio State)
Dallas Cowboys
- RB Jaydon Blue (fifth round, Texas)
New Orleans Saints
- S Jonas Sanker (third round, Virginia)
New York Jets
- WR Arian Smith (fourth round, Georgia)
Philadelphia Eagles
- OL Drew Kendall (fifth round, Boston College)
San Francisco 49ers
- QB Kurtis Rourke (seventh round, Indiana)
Tennessee Titans
- TE Gunnar Helm (fourth round, Texas)
Minor NFL Transactions: 5/12/25
Here are the latest minor moves from around the NFL:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: LB Caleb Johnson
- Released: WR Phillip Dorsett
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: K John Hoyland, FB Lucas Scott
Chicago Bears
- Signed: CB Jeremiah Walker
- Placed on Exempt/International Player list: P Tory Taylor
Cincinnati Bengals
- Signed: S Shaquan Loyal
- Waived: CB Micah Abraham
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: WR Luke Floriea, WR Kisean Johnson, WR Cade McDonald
- Waived: S Trey Dean, DE Marcus Haynes, FB Eli Wilson
- Waived/injured: WR Ja’Seem Reed
Denver Broncos
- Signed: LB Jordan Turner, WR Kyrese White, LS Zach Triner, TE Cole Fotheringham
- Waived: CB Kendall Bohler, LB K.J. Cloyd, NT Christian Dowell, TE Thomas Yassmin
- Placed on Exempt/International Player list: P Jeremy Crawshaw
Detroit Lions
- Signed; TE Luke Deal, WR Malik Taylor, DL Raequan Williams
- Waived: TE Caden Prieskorn
Green Bay Packers
- Signed: QB Taylor Elgersma
- Released: OL Marquis Hayes
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: C Mose Vavao
- Waived: DT Joe Evans
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: DE Jahfari Harvey, WR Ketron Jackson Jr., WR Key’Shawn Smith, LB Wesley Steiner
- Waived: OT Dominic Boyd, LB Amari Burney, DT Matthew Butler, WR Tyleik McAllister, LB Brandon Smith
- Released: WR Kristian Wilkerson
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: WR Dalevon Campbell, LB Kana’i Mauga
- Waived: OL Bucky Williams
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: CB Kendall Sheffield
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: LB Matt Harmon, DL Elijah Williams
New England Patriots
- Signed: DT Isaiah Iton, G Mehki Butler, DT Wilfried Pene
- Waived: OT Cole Birdow
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: S Terrell Burgess, QB Hunter Dekkers
- Waived: S Millard Bradford, RB Jordan Mims
New York Giants
- Signed: CB T.J. Moore
- Waived: DB R.J. Delancey, DB Tommy McCormick
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: RB Max Hurleman, T Gareth Warren
- Released: RB Aaron Shampklin
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: LB Stone Blanton
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: WR Montorie Foster
- Waived: WR River Cracraft
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: DL Dvon J-Thomas
- Waived; LB Deion Jennings, TE Anthony Landphere
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: TE Drake Dabney,WR TJ Sheffield
- Waived: CB Virgil Lemons, S Jerrin Thompson
Hoyland converted 79.3% of his field goal attempts for the Wyoming Cowboys across the last five years. He was ultra-consistent on extra points with 147 makes on 148 tries. Hoyland will compete with sixth-round pick Tyler Loop for the Ravens’ kicking job after the team released Justin Tucker.
Sheffield brings some much-needed experience to the Dolphins’ cornerback room, though he hasn’t started since 2020. He could provide crucial veteran depth in Miami, especially if Jalen Ramsey is traded.
Elgersma was the starting quarterback at Wilfried Laurier University in Ontario, Canada, for the last three years. In 2024, he won the Hec Crighton Trophy – the Canadian equivalent to the Heisman – and earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl, the first-ever for a Canadian QB. Elgersma was drafted in the second round of the 2025 CFL Draft by the Winnepeg Blue Bombers, but a successful tryout with the Packers will give him a chance at making an NFL roster.
Browns Sign 13 Undrafted Free Agents
The Browns have signed 13 undrafted free agents to bring their rookie class to 20 players. Here are Cleveland’s initial UDFA signings:
- Adin Huntington, DE/DT (Tulane)
- Jason Ivey, OT (North Carolina A&T)
- LaMareon James, CB (TCU)
- Dom Jones, CB (Colorado State)
- Gage Larvadain, WR (South Carolina)
- Ahmani Marshall, RB (Appalachian State)
- Eason Mascarenas-Arnold, LB (Southern California)
- Bret Matiscik, LS (TCU)
- Donovan McMillon, S (Pittsburgh)
- Justin Osborne, C (SMU)
- Ja’Seem Reed, WR (San Diego)
- Dartanyan Tinsley, OG (Cincinnati)
- Eli Wilson, FB (Appalachian State)
Huntington spent three years at Kent State before transferring to Louisiana-Monroe and breaking out with 16 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks across 12 games. That earned him renewed interest in the transfer portal, but he could not sustain his production at Tulane against better competition in 2024. Huntington put together an extremely impressive performance at his pro day, but his 6-foot-1, 281-pound frame doesn’t have a clear positional fit in the NFL. His athleticism gives him potential as a disruptive pass-rusher and his ability to line up at multiple spots along the D-line could help him find a role in Jim Schwartz‘s defense.
Matiscik, the younger brother of Jaguars long snapper Ross Matiscik, spent three years as TCU’s starting long-snapper and will compete for the same role in Cleveland. The Browns used two long snappers last season: veteran Charley Hughlett for the first five games and rookie Rex Sunahara for the remaining 12. Hughlett was released this offseason after 10 years in Cleveland, leaving Sunahara as the incumbent to fend off Matiscik this summer.
McMillon started his collegiate career at Florida before transferring to Pittsburgh in 2023 to take over a starting role. He recorded 220 tackles in 25 games across the last two years, but he didn’t make many splash plays with just two tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one interception, and nine passes defended. The 6-foot-2, 203-pound McMillon has the requiste size and athleticism for the NFL, but he lacks a standout strength that could help him carve out a role as a rookie. He’ll need to establish himself on special teams to make the roster as he develops as a safety.
Osborne is a strong, explosive athlete who brings positional versatility and experience to the NFL. He logged starts at all five offensive line positions at SMU, primarily at tackle before playing guard and center in 2024. Despite that pedigree, he’s still a raw player who relies on his solid instincts to win blocks.
WR Gabe Davis Visits 49ers
Less than a week after he was released by the Jaguars, veteran wide receiver Gabriel Davis visited the 49ers, according to FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz.
Davis arrived in Jacksonville last offseason on a three-year, $39MM deal, but struggled to make an impact before tearing his meniscus in November. He underwent season-ending surgery, but is expected to complete his recovery in time for the 2025 season, per Schultz.
Wide receiver isn’t a significant roster need for the 49ers, but they did trade Deebo Samuel this offseason and Brandon Aiyuk is still recovering from a significant knee injury sustained in October. He’s unlikely to be ready for the start of the season, leaving veteran Jauan Jennings and 2024 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall as San Francisco’s top wideouts heading into the summer.
The 49ers have reason to be confident in that duo. Jennings stepped into a bigger role after Aiyuk’s injury and broke out with 975 receiving yards, more than double his production from his first three seasons. Pearsall’s rookie year was stunted by a gunshot wound during an attempted robbery, but he showed promise at the end of the season. Behind them are 2024 fourth-rounder Jacob Cowing and veteran Demarcus Robinson, the latter of whom signed in San Francisco on a two-year deal in free agency. The 49ers also used Day 3 picks Jordan Watkins (fourth round, No. 138) and Junior Bergen (seventh round, No. 252).
Still, Jennings and Robinson are the only healthy and proven receivers currently on the roster. Though Davis disappointed in his debut year in Jacksonville, he established himself as a deep threat in his previous four seasons in Buffalo. He can line up on the outside and free the 49ers’ more dynamic receivers to play out of the slot if he beats out fellow veteran receivers Isaiah Hodgins, Russell Gage, and Trent Taylor for a roster spot.
However, Davis’ significant statistical regression with the Jaguars (compared to his time with the Bills) will likely force him to take a one-year, ‘prove-it’ deal with his next team, whether that be the 49ers or another club.
Seahawks Sign First-Round OL Grey Zabel
Grey Zabel is the latest first-rounder to sign his rookie deal. The Seahawks’ top choice has inked his first NFL contract. 
This four-year pact is worth $18.47MM, ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes. That figure is guaranteed in full. Like all other Day 1 selections, Zabel could be kept under team control through through the 2029 season if Seattle picks up his fifth-year option.
Finding an effective combination along the interior of the offensive line in particular has proven to be a challenge in recent years for the Seahawks. General manager John Schneider acknowledged in the build-up to the draft Seattle would be in the market for O-line additions. As a result, it came as little surprise when Zabel came off the board at No. 18. He will look to help a Seahawks offense in need of much better pass protection and a more consistent running game in 2025.
The North Dakota State product saw time at each guard and tackle spot during his college career. He also took center reps during the Senior Bowl, and some viewed him as a candidate to begin his NFL career at that spot. For now, at least, Seattle’s plan is to use Zabel at left guard. That would put him in position to replace veteran Laken Tomlinson, who departed in free agency (after himself joining the team as a fill-in for Damien Lewis following his big-ticket Panthers contract).
This marks the first draft pick signing of the year for the Seahawks. The team still has 10 more deals to work out on that front, but the most lucrative one has now been taken care of.
Saints To Sign WR Donovan Peoples-Jones
The Saints have lined up a post-draft addition at the receiver spot. Donovan Peoples-Jones is signing with New Orleans, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports. 
Peoples-Jones took part in the Saints’ recent rookie minicamp on a tryout basis, as noted by Matthew Paras of the Times-Picayune. His performance in that setting has obviously earned him a look. The 26-year-old will now attempt to carve out a depth role in New Orleans’ WR room.
A sixth-round pick of the Browns in 2020, Peoples-Jones increased his production during each of his three full seasons in Cleveland. The deep threat was traded to his hometown Lions midway through the 2023 season after seeing his usage rate drop considerably, however. Peoples-Jones made just five catches in eight Detroit appearances upon arrival.
The Michigan product remained with the Lions through last summer, but he did not survive roster cuts. Peoples-Jones was immediately retained on a practice squad deal; that pact did not yield any regular season action, though. As a result, expectations will be limited in New Orleans as he aims to secure a roster spot this summer.
The Saints have Chris Olave on the books for the next two years given their decision to exercise his fifth-year option. The former No. 11 pick has dealt with multiple concussions early in his career, something which has led to questions about his long-term health outlook. New Orleans also has Rashid Shaheed coming off an encouraging season which was cut shot by a meniscus tear. The WR depth chart now includes Brandin Cooks as well after he returned to the team following five years away.
Of course, the Saints need to use the summer to sort out their post-Derek Carr setup at quarterback. Regardless of who is in place under center at the start of the campaign, though, Peoples-Jones may be in place on offense.
Browns, S Rayshawn Jenkins Agree To Deal
The Browns are having a busy day in terms of veteran safety additions. Rayshawn Jenkins has a deal in place with the team, as first reported by Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. 
Jenkins joins Damontae Kazee as an experienced option at the position who has agreed to a Browns pact today. Kazee had not previously been linked to Cleveland, but that was the case for Jenkins. The latter conducted a free agent visit last month, so the news of this signing comes as little surprise.
After four years with the Chargers and three with the Jaguars, Jenkins spent the 2024 campaign in Seattle. The 31-year-old made 13 appearances and nine starts, handling a 65% snap share on defense. In spite of that workload, Jenkins was among the veterans cut by the Seahawks prior to the start of free agency. That move resulted in a lengthy free agent spell.
Jenkins’ deal will no doubt be a low-cost investment on the part of the Browns. Rodney McLeod gave the team a veteran presence in the secondary last year, but he remains unsigned and is a candidate to retire. Both Kazee and Jenkins will look to fill the role McLeod had in 2024.
The Browns – who still have Grant Delpit atop the depth chart along with Ronnie Hickman as a safety in line to see defensive snaps – fared better against the pass last season than they did in many other defensive categories. There is still room for improvement in that area, though, and one or both of Jenkins and Kazee could play a role in meeting that goal.
Giants To Re-Sign WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey
MAY 12: Humphrey’s free agent stay is coming to an end. Art Stapleton of NJ.com reports the Giants are re-signing him, with last week’s release having simply been a procedural move to open up a roster spot for rookie minicamp. Humphrey will spend OTAs and minicamp competing for a role in New York.
MAY 9: Lil’Jordan Humphrey held a regular role for the Broncos over the past two seasons, leading to a deal with the Giants. But the latter partnership looks set to be short-lived.
The Giants brought in the veteran wide receiver in late March, adding him on a one-year deal worth $1.25MM, but KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson reports the team has decided to move on already. This will not bring much in dead money (just $25K), and Humphrey will head back to free agency.
This move might not have escaped our minor moves section prior to Humphrey’s Denver tenure, but the big-bodied wideout showed himself to be valuable for the playoff-bound team last season. The Broncos used Humphrey on 50% of their offensive snaps last season (a career-high 546), turning to him as a veteran Courtland Sutton sidekick while developing a host of rookie-contract players. Although the Broncos had signed Josh Reynolds, Humphrey ended up playing a regular role throughout the season.
Scoring three touchdowns in 2023, Humphrey built on that auxiliary work by posting career-high marks in receptions (31) and yards (293) last season. The 6-foot-4 target’s lone score came on a catch-and-run in a Broncos shutout win over the Falcons, but the team relied on the ex-Sean Payton Saints cog as a blocker as well. Pro Football Focus graded Humphrey as a top-25 run blocker at the position in 2024. Humphrey’s past two seasons likely will land him another opportunity, though he has bounced around the league over the course of his career.
Mostly serving as a Payton charge, Humphrey also saw time for the 2022 Patriots. The Giants added him after re-signing Darius Slayton. New York also rosters former Day 2 draftees Wan’Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt at the position, while Ihmir Smith-Marsette and Bryce Ford-Wheaton join free agency addition Zach Pascal in New York’s Malik Nabers-fronted receiving corps.
Colts’ Zaire Franklin Underwent Ankle Surgery; LB Could Return For Training Camp
Zaire Franklin will again be counted on as a key member of the Colts’ defense in 2025. The veteran linebacker’s availability for training camp is now uncertain, however. 
Franklin recently underwent a clean-up procedure on his ankle, head coach Shane Steichen announced. Steichen told reporters he is hopeful Franklin will be fully recovered in time for training camp. At a minimum, the latter will be sidelined through OTAs and minicamp.
A full-time starter over the past three years, Franklin played every defensive snap for the Colts in 2022 and repeated that feat last year. The former seventh-rounder led the NFL in tackles in 2024 (173) and set a new career high in sacks (3.5), interceptions (two) and forced fumbles (five). He therefore provided a strong return on investment for Indianapolis after he inked an extension last March.
That pact carries an annual average value of $10.42MM and runs through 2027. Needless to say, Franklin’s health will be critical once again next season, the first with Lou Anarumo in place as defensive coordinator. Indianapolis ranked near the bottom of the league in several defensive categories last year, and Franklin remaining one of the most productive off-ball linebackers in the NFL will be key in the team’s efforts to rebound in 2025.
Fellow linebacker Jaylon Carlies is on the mend after he underwent offseason shoulder surgery. Carlies is expected to recover in time for training camp, and Franklin’s ability to do the same will be something to watch for over the coming weeks. In the meantime, the Colts will prepare for spring workouts with a shorthanded LB unit.