Here are Wednesday’s minor NFL moves:
Detroit Lions
Jacksonville Jaguars
Pittsburgh Steelers
Seattle Seahawks
Today’s minor moves:
Detroit Lions
New York Giants
Seattle Seahawks
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Brightwell was waived/injured by the Giants in May but ultimately reverted to IR. The former sixth-round pick struggled to carve out a role behind Saquon Barkley in New York. Brightwell’s tenure with the Giants will officially end with the RB having collected 256 yards from scrimmage.
Thompkins suffered a hamstring injury in late May that ultimately led to him getting waived/injured. As ESPN’s Jenna Laine notes, it’s about a two-week recovery timeline for the Grade 1 strain, meaning the wideout should be on the brink of full health.
Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times passed along a troubling wrinkle to the situation last week, noting that Thompkins’ release quickly followed public accusations of spousal abuse from his estranged wife. The woman, Maria Castilhos, posted pictures of injuries that she claims were sustained in February of 2023.
“First and foremost, Deven categorically denies the allegations levied against him by his estranged wife, Maria Castilhos,” attorney Brett Gallaway said in the statement. “Unfortunately, Deven and Maria have been going through a contentious divorce proceeding and child custody battle, and it appears that she thought it would help her case to release these false and defamatory videos.
“… We expect he will be fully exonerated after a review of the facts, background, and clear ulterior motive behind the release of these videos and fabricated assault allegations.”
Thompkins served as Tampa Bay’s primary returner in 2023, finishing with 16 kickoff returns (for 327 yards) and 25 punts (for 234 yards). The former UDFA had a limited role on offense, hauling in 17 catches for 83 yards and one touchdown. As Stroud notes, coach Todd Bowles said the “door is open” to Thompkins returning to the Buccaneers once he’s healthy, although the team has already replaced him on the roster with Cody Thompson.
The only minor moves to close out the week:
Green Bay Packers
Seattle Seahawks
Some undrafted rookies may not get signed to three-year, undrafted free agent contracts but will, instead, be invited to rookie minicamps on a tryout basis. Such is the case for Hicks, Stanley, and Jones. Both the Packers and Seahawks had already announced the signings of their UDFA classes, but both will now add to that rookie group.
Rookie minicamps also serve as an audition opportunity for some veteran free agents. Smith joins the aforementioned three rookies as players who earned a deal taking advantage of a rookie minicamp tryout opportunity.