Commanders Rookie T Josh Conerly Jr. To Start Week 1?
With unofficial depth charts coming out in the last few days before the regular season, Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic pointed out that the Commanders have listed Oregon rookie Josh Conerly Jr. as the starting right tackle for Week 1 of the NFL season. If true, it would mean that the No. 29 overall pick of this year’s draft has officially won the position battle with incumbent starter Andrew Wylie. 
Last year, Washington counted on Wylie and third-round rookie left tackle Brandon Coleman to bookend the offensive line. On a line that gave up the eighth-most sacks in the NFL last year, neither player graded out favorably. Per Pro Football Focus (subscription required), out of 81 players graded at offensive tackle last year, Wylie ranked 57th and Coleman ranked 64th.
It now appears neither player will retain their starting duties from last year, as the team traded for former Texans Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil early on in the offseason. Coleman, though, seems likely to keep a starting gig, even if not at left tackle. The second-year lineman out of TCU is currently slotted in as the first-team left guard. The bump inside shouldn’t be too difficult for Coleman, who started eight games at the position for the Horned Frogs in 2021.
Wylie, who has spent the past two seasons as the team’s starting right tackle, seems poised to serve in a swing tackle role for Washington in 2025. This makes his early-offseason pay cut make a bit more sense. Though, while last year’s starting left guard, Nick Allegretti, is listed as the first-team right guard for Week 1, the unofficial depth chart has an “or” between his name and Wylie’s.
Wylie has a versatile history, having started seasons at both right guard and left guard in the five years he spent in Kansas City before joining the Commanders. That, combined with Allegretti’s below average performance in his first full-time role as a starter last season, gives Wylie a decent shot at following Coleman’s path to bumping inside to retain a starting job. He’ll also likely be close by in the case that the rookie Conerly struggles at all in his first year of NFL play.
Conerly, a two-year starter for the Ducks, definitely showed areas that needed refinement as the left tackle in Eugene, but his athleticism, body control, and recovery balance made him a strong, bend-but-don’t-break tackle prospect with an ability to start early, if necessary. The Commanders have expressed a vision of Conerly being a left tackle for the team in the future, but with Tunsil manning the blind side at the moment, Washington will test Conerly’s ability to switch sides until potentially moving back to his normal position when Tunsil is no longer with the team.
With that in mind, it seems that Conerly will be tested in multiple ways this weekend. As he appears set to open his rookie season as a starter, the 21-year-old will be showcasing that he can both start early in his career and play on the right side of the offensive line.
Minor NFL Transactions: 9/2/25
Here are today’s minor moves as we inch a day closer to the start of the regular season:
Carolina Panthers
- Waived (with injury settlement): G Ja’Tyre Carter
Chicago Bears
- Waived (with injury settlement): G Bill Murray, RB Ian Wheeler
Cleveland Browns
- Waived (with injury settlement): RB Pierre Strong
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: QB Jake Haener
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed from practice squad: WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling
- Released: WR Russell Gage
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Waived (with injury settlement): CB JayVian Farr, CB Roman Parodie
The 49ers are doing a bit of shuffling in their receiving corps, calling up Valdes-Scantling from the practice squad and cutting Gage. According to multiple sources, it’s believed that Gage will be immediately signed back to the team’s practice squad to remain with the team.
Haener was brought back to the active roster in New Orleans after being waived at the roster cut deadline. The Saints had three quarterbacks, with Iowa Western rookie practice squad passer Hunter Dekkers, but adding Haener gives the team a bit more experienced depth, if only barely, in what may be the league’s youngest quarterbacks room.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/2/25
Here are Tuesday’s practice squad moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: LB Jared Bartlett, DT Denzel Daxon
- Released: T Roy Mbaeteka
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: DT Simeon Barrow Jr., OLB Ronnie Perkins
- Released: T Brandon Parker
Denver Broncos
- Signed: WR Thayer Thomas
- Released: CB Quinton Newsome
New England Patriots
- Released: DT Jahvaree Ritzie
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: LB Eku Leota
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Released: WR Robert Woods
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: DT Anthony Campbell, DE Jalan Gaines, G Sataoa Laumea
- Released: CB Shemar Jean-Charles, T Amari Kight, RB Damien Martinez
Washington Commanders
- Signed: G Darrian Dalcourt
The 12-year veteran wide receiver, Woods, had been signed to the Steelers’ practice squad after failing to make the 53-man roster. Per ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, Woods requested to be released from his practice squad contract but told Pittsburgh that he would be open to returning if a spot on the active roster opened up for him. The team granted his request.
The Cardinals are able to add two players while only releasing one because Daxon is part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program, having been born in the Bahamas. Teams can have one more than the 16-player limit for their practice squad, as long as the 17th players is in the IPPP.
Per Brady Henderson of ESPN, it’s believed that the Seahawks have made this transaction as a courtesy to Campbell, Gaines, and Laumea, who’ve all spent most of the offseason in Seattle with the team. This week on the practice squad will potentially get each player a minimum check for $13K, but the Seahawks are expected to bring Martinez and Jean-Charles back to the p-squad. The same has yet to be confirmed for Kight.
Texans To Extend QB Davis Mills
Last September, the Texans signed backup quarterback Davis Mills to an extension as he entered a contract year.
Almost exactly a year later, Houston is tacking on another year to Mills’ deal, per Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Mills’ extension is worth a fully guaranteed $7MM, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, securing his services through the 2026 season as the No. 2 quarterback behind C.J. Stroud.
Mills, a 2021 third-round pick, wrested the starting job away from Tyrod Taylor as a rookie and carried it into 2022. However, it quickly became clear that he was not a long-term option under center after throwing a league-high 15 interceptions in 15 games. His struggles led the Texans to a 3-13-1 record in 2022, allowing them to draft Stroud with the No. 2 pick in the 2023 draft. Over his two years as a starter, Mills completed 62.8% of his passes for 5,955 yards for 35 touchdowns and 25 interceptions.
Since then, Mills has served as Stroud’s backup with six games played and zero starts. Virtually all of his appearances have come at the end of blowouts with one true relief showing in 2023.
Mills’ 2024 extension was worth $5MM, so his new deal includes a solid raise as well as some security for another year. However, Stroud will become eligible for an extension next offseason, so Houston may not be able to spend premium backup money on Mills for the rest of the decade. The Texans drafted former Wisconsin and Florida quarterback Graham Mertz in the sixth round of April’s draft and may look to groom him as a successor to Mills in their quarterback room.
Kendrick Bourne To Visit Commanders, 49ers
September 2: The 49ers did make a formal offer to Bourne, per NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco, but he opted to explore his options with the Commanders. Bourne is visiting Washington on Tuesday, where he may be seeking a stronger deal than what San Francisco had in mind.
August 28: Kendrick Bourne was one of PFR’s release candidates in June, and the Patriots made that move during final roster cuts after hosting the veteran wide receiver for the last four years.
A reunion with the 49ers quickly became a possibility with general manager John Lynch, who signed Bourne as an undrafted free agent in 2017, confirming the team’s interest. The 30-year-old is now set to visit San Francisco, as well as Washington to meet with the Commanders, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Bourne made the roster as an undrafted rookie before carving out a rotational role in 2018. He only averaged just 25.3 receiving yards per game across his first three seasons in San Francisco before a 49-catch, 667-yard season boosted his stock in a contract year. San Francisco opted to bet on their ascending offensive talents and let Bourne walk. He eventually signed with New England, though injuries contributed to declining production and his eventual release.
A return to San Francisco could position Bourne for early-season snaps with Brandon Aiyuk on the PUP list, Jacob Cowing on IR, and Jauan Jennings uncertain for Week 1. The 49ers believe in 2024 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall to take a second-year leap, but veteran Demarcus Robinson is the team’s only other reliable depth. Though Kyle Shanahan‘s system has evolved since Bourne’s first stint in his offense, there should still be some familiarity that would allow a quick re-acclimation.
The Commanders, meanwhile, seem like a less obvious fit. They got Terry McLaurin back on the practice field after his extension, and Noah Brown has joined him after dealing with an undisclosed injury. They also have Deebo Samuel and young depth in Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane, though Bourne would be an offensive upgrade over special teams ace Chris Moore.
Bourne has agreed to a potential contract framework with both teams, per Rapoport, suggesting that a deal could come together relatively quickly.
Steelers’ Derrick Harmon Out For Week 1; Cameron Heyward Expected To Play
As expected, the Steelers’ defensive line will be without first-round pick Derrick Harmon for their Week 1 matchup with the Jets, but head coach Mike Tomlin is hopeful that veteran Cameron Heyward will take the field.
“I’m certainly expecting Cam to play,” said Tomlin on Tuesday (via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor). “There are no reservations about his participation or his readiness. I’m sure he’s champing at the bit.”
Heyward, however, would only offer a “we’ll see” when asked about his Week 1 availability on his Not Just Football podcast, per Pryor. The 36-year-old has been dissatisfied with his contract and briefly engaged in a hold-in during training camp as he sought a pay raise.
Heyward returned to practice on August 19 without a deal, but that may not guarantee that he takes the field on Sunday. He previously hinted that he would consider sitting out regular season games as long as his contract remained unaddressed. On his podcast, Heyward said that there were no updates on that front.
The Steelers seem prepared to call his bluff. Though Heyward is still pushing for more 2025 compensation, according to Pryor, Tomlin expressed confidence that his All-Pro defensive tackle would play in Week 1.
An absence from Heyward would leave the Steelers scrambling to field a starting defensive line with Harmon also sidelined. Nose tackle Keeanu Benton would likely be joined by Isaiah Loudermilk and Yahya Black, according to the Steelers’ depth chart.
Bears To Start Braxton Jones At LT In Week 1
After an open competition during training camp, the Bears have settled on their Week 1 starting left tackle: Braxton Jones.
Head coach Ben Johnson announced the decision on Tuesday, per ESPN’s Courtney Cronin, keeping the team’s incumbent LT in place for the time being. Johnson previously said that he would name a Week 1 starter and “go from there.”
Jones, a 2022 fifth-round pick, started all 17 games as a rookie but missed 11 games due to injury over the last two years. He was medically cleared from the ankle surgery that ended his 2024 season at the beginning of camp and fought off challenges from recent Day 2 picks Kiran Amegadjie and Ozzy Trapilo, as well as second-year UDFA Theo Benedet. All four took snaps at left tackle in the preseason with Trapilo and Benedet working in at right tackle as well.
Jones always seemed like the most likely option to start in Week 1. He has consistently graded out as a good (but not elite) tackle in his first three seasons, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). He and right tackle Darnell Wright will provide some continuity in a Bears offensive line that brought in three new starters along the interior this offseason.
However, Johnson’s desire to test out his options at left tackle could be a sign that Jones does not have long-term security in Chicago. With younger options waiting in the wings and an expensive interior trio, Jones will have to stay healthy and play well to make a case for an extension with the Bears. The team may already be angling to move on to Amegadjie or Trapilo in 2026 and beyond, in which case Jones could hit free agency as a coveted young left tackle with multiple years of starting experience under his belt.
Titans, LB Kyzir White Agree To Deal
Kyzir White drew interest from a few teams on the market without striking a deal. No connections had emerged with Tennessee, but that is where the veteran linebacker is headed. 
[RELATED: Recapping Titans’ Offseason]
White and the Titans have agreed to a deal, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports. Nothing is official yet on this front, but TitansInsider’s Terry McCormick confirms White is set to join the fold. The eighth-year defender will offer plenty of experience and a starting-caliber option to his latest team. To no surprise, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler notes this will be a practice squad agreement.
White has logged 73 starts across his time with the Chargers, Eagles and Cardinals. The 29-year-old has surpassed 100 tackles in three of the past four seasons, and he set a new career high with 2.5 sacks in 2024. Expectations for similar production with Tennessee could be unrealistic based on the timing of this arrangement. Still, White could step into a prominent role right away.
The linebacker spot has seen plenty of turnover this offseason in the case of the Titans. Kenneth Murray was traded away, while Jerome Baker, Jack Gibbens and Luke Gifford departed in free agency. Cody Barton was added on a three-year deal, and he will be counted on to operate as a starter. 2024 fourth-rounder Cedric Gray could join him as a first-team presence.
Even in that event, White will offer Tennessee with a productive option to be elevated at some point. The West Virginia product took visits with the Lions and Colts this summer, but neither resulted in an agreement. Instead, White will spend this season with the Titans in a bid to earn his next contract much sooner in the 2026 offseason.
Saints Hire Thomas Dimitroff
Thomas Dimitroff is set to return to the NFL in 2025. The former general manager has a consultant position lined up with the Saints, as first reported by Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. The news is now official, per a team announcement. 
Dimitroff’s tenure as the Falcons’ GM (which began in 2008) came to an end in 2020. Two years later, he helped found SumerSports, a football analytics company. Interest about a return to the NFL in a front office capacity proved to be mutual, as Dimitroff interviewed with the Jets in December for their general manager vacancy. He was then among the candidates for the Titans’ GM gig.
Dimitroff did not land either of those positions, but the longtime scout is now set to work in New Orleans’ front office. As Breer notes, the 59-year-old has spent considerable time with the Saints this offseason. Now that he is officially on board, Dimitroff will assist general manager Mickey Loomis in a number of capacities.
This move is essentially a duplicate of last year’s Dave Ziegler hire. The former Raiders GM spent one season working alongside Loomis in New Orleans before being hired as an assistant general manager with the Titans this winter. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network notes Dimitroff can be expected to fill the vacancy created by Ziegler’s departure.
Loomis is the longest-tenured pure GM in the NFL. His stint with the Saints is not expected to end any time soon, but he will be joined by a notable name for the 2025 campaign. It will be interesting to see if Dimitroff’s stock benefits from his work in New Orleans and if he continues to seek out a new general manager gig during next year’s hiring cycle.
CB Asante Samuel Jr. Aiming For Midseason NFL Deal
Asante Samuel Jr. remains one of the top free agent corners still available with Week 1 approaching. A deal should not be expected any time soon, however. 
Samuel underwent neck surgery in April, and his recovery process has dictated the nature of his market. The latest development on that front, courtesy of ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, is that Samuel is set to undergo a CT scan in October to ensure his spinal fusion was a success. It is after that point that the 25-year-old will look to sign with a new team.
Interest has existed in this case throughout the offseason. Samuel visited the Saints in May after being hosted by the Cardinals prior to his surgery. The Fort Lauderdale, FL. native has also been in touch with the Dolphins. Comments made about Miami’s culture under Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel by Samuel’s father led to speculation a deal would not be feasible between the parties. Instead, a Dolphins accord could still be worked out at some point.
The cornerback spot has been a major talking point this offseason for the Dolphins. Kendall Fuller‘s release was followed by the Jalen Ramsey trade and season-ending injuries suffered by Kader Kohou and Artie Burns created the need for at least one veteran addition during the summer. Mike Hilton was signed before very quickly being released, but Rasul Douglas‘ long-running connection to Miami resulted in a one-year pact being worked out last week.
The Dolphins could still have interest in further CB moves midway through the season depending on how the campaign begins. Even if that is not the case, Samuel should manage to field at least a few suitors once he is cleared. As Fowler notes, “several” teams have remained in contact through the offseason. That will no doubt continue once Samuel receives full clearance to play in 2025.
The former second-rounder served as a full-time starter while playing out his rookie contract with the Chargers. Samuel posted double-digit pass deflections in each of his first three seasons, adding a pair of interceptions every year in that span. 2024 saw the Florida State product make only four appearances, however, and injuries will be a cause for concern regarding any Samuel suitors. By the time he is available to join a team, a clearer picture will likely be in place with respect to squads in the market for in-season secondary help.