NFL Draft Pick Signings: 5/8/26
Today’s rookie signings from around the NFL:
Chicago Bears
- WR Zavion Thomas (third round, LSU)
- CB Malik Muhammad (fourth round, Texas)
- LB Keyshaun Elliott (fifth round, Arizona State)
- DT Jordan van den Berg (sixth round, Georgia Tech)
Cincinnati Bengals
- C Connor Lew (fourth round, Auburn)
- WR Colbie Young (fourth round, Georgia)
- T Brian Parker II (sixth round, Duke)
- TE Jack Endries (seventh round, Texas)
- DT Landon Robinson (seventh round, Navy)
Los Angeles Chargers
- T Travis Burke (fourth round, Memphis)
- S Genesis Smith (fourth round, Arizona)
- DT Nick Barrett (fifth round, South Carolina)
- G Logan Taylor (sixth round, Boston College)
- G Alex Harkey (sixth round, Oregon)
New England Patriots
- T Dametrious Crownover (sixth round, Texas A&M)
- LB Namdi Obiazor (sixth round, TCU)
- QB Behren Morton (seventh round, Texas Tech)
- RB Jam Miller (seventh round, Alabama)
Pittsburgh Steelers
- WR Kaden Wetjen (fourth round, Iowa)
- DE Gabriel Rubio (sixth round, Notre Dame)
- S Robert Spears-Jennings (seventh round, Oklahoma)
The Bears, Bengals, Chargers, and Steelers all broke the seals on signing their rookie classes today. Chicago only has to sign its three first-, second-, and third-round picks to complete the class, Los Angeles still has its three first-, second-, and fourth-rounders remaining, and Cincinnati has only two unsigned rookies from the second and third round.
Patriots Draft QB Behren Morton At No. 234
The Patriots are one of five teams, so far, that have opted to bring in a signal-caller late on Day 3. Texas Tech’s Behren Morton has been taken by New England at No. 234. He becomes the ninth quarterback off the board and the first out of Lubbock since Patrick Mahomes was taken in 2017.
While much of the Red Raiders’ success in 2025 came from the transfer portal, Morton was a redshirt senior in his final year with the program. Where most find their way to Lubbock for college, Morton was born and raised there. A move to New England will mean quite a change in scenery.
Morton earned his first starts at Tech over a four-game stretch in his redshirt freshman year as an injury replacement. He began the 2023 season as the backup to eventual Saints starter Tyler Shough but took over the starting role in Week 5 and held on from there.
Morton showed a lot of promise in his first extended look as a starter. The team went 6-2 with him behind center, but Morton only averaged about 175.7 yards per game en route to 15 touchdowns and eight interceptions. His production took a huge jump the next season. He added over 100 yards per game to his weekly average as he threw for 3,335 yards, 27 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 12 games. While his total yardage fell short in 2025, his efficiency increased as his yards per attempt went from 7.2 in 2024 to 8.8.
While Morton displayed a versatile arm at Tech, throwing from multiple arm slots, his arms strength has been called into question. He can throw with anticipation, but his accuracy leaves room for improvement, and his mechanics could use some refinement. He proved to be a tough athlete over the years, but injuries will be something to keep an eye on moving forward. Morton missed at least two games in three of his five years in school.
Morton is set to join a quarterbacks room that has a clear starter and backup in Drake Maye and Tommy DeVito. He’ll have the opportunity throughout the offseason to convince the Patriots to hold on to three passers for the 2026 NFL season, even if that might destine him for a spot on the practice squad.
Adam La Rose contributed to this post.