Deven Thompkins

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/30/24

Today’s practice squad moves:

Atlanta Falcons

Carolina Panthers

Las Vegas Raiders

Rashaan Evans has landed in a familiar spot. The veteran linebacker has signed with the Falcons practice squad, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. After spending the first four seasons of his career in Tennessee, the former first-round pick spent the 2022 campaign in Atlanta. He ended up having a career year, compiling a team-leading 159 tackles to go along with two sacks and one forced fumble.

Despite the counting stats, it took Evans until last September to find another gig, this time in Philly. He lasted less than a week with the Eagles before settling in Dallas. He ended up getting into nine games with the Cowboys, but he was waived in December after getting arrested for possession of marijuana.

While it once again took him until September to find a job, he’ll step into a potential role in Atlanta, at least temporarily. The Falcons need a bit of depth following the injury to Troy Andersen. At the end of his standout performance on Sunday (16 tackles and a pick-six), the linebacker suffered a knee injury that’s been deemed day-to-day, per D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. With Nate Landman also sidelined, the Falcons may need some extra bodies when they take on the Buccaneers this Thursday.

Minor NFL Transactions: 8/17/24

Saturday’s minor moves:

Carolina Panthers

Cleveland Browns

Las Vegas Raiders

  • Claimed off waivers (from Panthers): LB Jackson Mitchell

New York Giants

Philadelphia Eagles

Minor NFL Transactions: 8/11/24

Today’s minor transactions to wrap up the weekend:

Atlanta Falcons

Baltimore Ravens

Carolina Panthers

Chicago Bears

Detroit Lions

Jacksonville Jaguars

New York Giants

  • Waived: RB Jacob Saylors

New York Jets

Trice will unfortunately see his rookie season come to an end before it began. The third-round pick out of Washington exited Atlanta’s first preseason game with a knee injury that was later confirmed to be a torn ACL. Trice had been working his way into to outside linebacker rotation with the Falcons.

With Mevis getting cut, it seems the Panthers’ kicking battle has been decided. The rookie kicker, known as the “Thicker Kicker” at Missouri, was brought in to provide incumbent kicker Eddy Pineiro with competition for the job. Mevis’ departure leaves Pineiro as the only remaining kicker on the roster, putting an end to any competition.

NFC South Notes: Panthers, Diaby, Saints

The Panthers will be shorthanded at the quarterback position for a bit. Andy Dalton sustained a quad injury, per Dave Canales, that is expected to sideline the 14th-year veteran for the next couple of weeks. As a result, Canales said (via The Athletic’s Joe Person) the Panthers are looking to add a quarterback. Carolina gave Dalton a two-year, $10MM deal with $8MM fully guaranteed to back up its to-be-determined rookie arm last year. Dalton backed up Bryce Young throughout last season and is in place to do so for a second coaching staff.

Rookie UDFA Jack Plummer is the only other passer on the Panthers’ 90-man roster. Ryan Tannehill headlines the list of available arms, one that also includes Blaine Gabbert and Trevor Siemian, but it would surprise if the recent Titans starter — who said recently he is not actively seeking a deal — accepted what looks to be a short-term opportunity. Though, it does appear the Panthers want a more experienced option running with their second team during practice and into the preseason.

Here is the latest from the NFC South:

  • Also on the injury front, the Buccaneers will be without YaYa Diaby for several weeks. A 2023 third-round pick who may well be Tampa Bay’s top edge-rushing option, Diaby sustained a high ankle sprain in practice, per the Tampa Bay Times’ Rick Stroud. Diaby was carted way from Bucs practice Thursday but looks to have avoided a major injury. The team has Week 1 as a realistic goal, according to ESPN.com’s Jenna Laine, who adds the second-year pass rusher is optimistic about not missing any regular-season time. He will not play during the Bucs’ preseason slate. Diaby, who replaced Joe Tryon-Shoyinka opposite the since-retired Shaq Barrett during the season, registered a Bucs-most 7.5 sacks in 2023.
  • The Saints‘ tackle situation has generated considerable attention this year, but they also need to make a change at guard. After James Hurst‘s retirement and Andrus Peat‘s Raiders defection, the team has a vacancy on the left side next to first-rounder Taliese Fuaga. Early during camp, the Saints have 2023 fourth-rounder Nick Saldiveri in place as their LG starter opposite Cesar Ruiz, SI.com’s Albert Breer notes. It sounds like the Saints want the Old Dominion alum to start, as WWL Radio’s Jeff Nowak indicates the team has not planned on rotating its first-team O-line reps. Saldiveri, a trade-up target last year, played in four games as a rookie. This would also mean the team’s Trevor Penning-at-RT rumors are close to producing a starting role, though preseason play will help determine New Orleans’ final five.
  • New Orleans’ recent Rashid Shaheed extension will give him a $4.2MM base salary for 2025 and a $1MM signing bonus, ESPN.com’s Katherine Terrell tweets. Heavy void years proponents, the Saints will spread the bonus from 2024-27; the ’26 and ’27 seasons are voids. This will prevent the Saints from having to use a first- or second-round tender on their UDFA find next year, though it is far from a true extension. Given an ERFA tender months before this deal, Shaheed remains on track for unrestricted free agency in 2026.
  • Circling back to the Panthers, their agreement with Kemoko Turay is for one year and $1.13MM, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson tweets. No guaranteed money is included in the deal. Carolina’s contract for return man/receiver Deven Thompkins is worth $985K, Wilson adds.
  • As the Panthers transition to GM Dan Morgan‘s leadership, a scouting change will occur. Carolina is losing Midwest area scout Joel Patten, Person indicates. Patten, whom Dave Gettleman hired to his Midwest scout post in 2016, is retiring. A former NFL O-lineman who started for the Chargers and Colts in the late 1980s, Patten has worked in scouting roles in Washington, San Francisco, Houston and St. Louis. The 49ers employed Patten, 66, as director of player personnel from 2013-15. Former Eagles staffer Brad Obee is now in place as the Panthers’ Midwest scout.

Panthers Sign WR Deven Thompkins

Waived by the Buccaneers after allegations of domestic violence surfaced, Deven Thompkins later received word he would not be suspended under the NFL’s personal conduct policy. This will lead to another chance for the young wide receiver.

The Panthers added Thompkins on Thursday, reuniting him with 2023 Bucs OC Dave Canales. Thompkins has largely operated as a backup and return specialist. With the Panthers having made some notable receiver investments over the past two years, it would appear Thompkins will compete for such a role in Carolina as well.

The Bucs waived Thompkins, 24, with an injury designation in June, doing so days after his estranged wife alleged domestic abuse. Thompkins’ wife, Maria Castilhos, accused the wide receiver of physical abuse dating back to February 14, 2023. Thompkins filed for divorce on Feb. 27, 2024. In the wake of Castilhos’ accusations, he recently filed a lawsuit against her for defamation and tortious interference with his NFL contract. As part of that claim, Thompkins alleges that Castilhos threatened him “with fabricated allegations of domestic violence unless he met her financial demands for additional alimony” in the divorce proceeding.

An NFL meeting led to assurances the 5-foot-8, 155-pound wideout would not receive a suspension. Barely a week after that ruling, the former UDFA will receive another shot. This comes at an interesting point, as an offseason rule change is set to revive the kickoff return. Thompkins served as Tampa Bay’s primary kick returner in 2022 and ’23; he was also the Bucs’ lead punt returner last season.

Raheem Blackshear and Laviska Shenault Jr. served as Carolina’s kick returners last season. Shenault is now with the Seahawks, while Blackshear remains on the Panthers’ roster. As a receiver, Thompkins caught 17 passes for 83 yards and a touchdown last season.

WR Deven Thompkins Will Not Face NFL Discipline

Deven Thompkins‘ situation has become clearer with respect to his legal status in the league’s view and his playing future. The former Buccaneers receiver and returner is no longer the subject of an NFL investigation stemming from domestic abuse allegations.

“Following a review of the matter, the league did not discover sufficient evidence to support a finding of a violation of the personal conduct policy,” a statement from NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy reads (via Greg Auman of Fox Sports).

Thompkins was waived with an injury designation by the Buccaneers in June shortly before allegations of domestic abuse by his estranged wife, Maria Castillos. The latter made claims in social media posts about abuse dating back to February 14, 2023. Thompkins denied the allegations and responded by filing a defamation suit. As the parties continue through divorce proceedings, Auman notes Castillos has now taken down the videos which contain the allegations.

Thompkins sought out – and was granted – a meeting with a pair of personal conduct investigators as well as an NFLPA attorney earlier this month. Shortly thereafter, today’s news has emerged confirming he is in the clear with respect to facing any potential league discipline. The 24-year-old remains free to sign with an interested team at any time, and the latest update on his situation should help his chances of landing a deal.

A former UDFA, Thompkins made only 22 receptions during his Tampa Bay tenure. He contributed on kick and punt returns over the past two seasons, however, totaling 1,082 all-purpose yards. That production – coupled with the fact the hamstring injury which was noted during his Buccaneers release has had plenty of time to heal – could help him find a spot ahead of training camps opening around the league.

Deven Thompkins Secures Meeting With NFL

Former Buccaneers wide receiver/return specialist Deven Thompkins met with two NFL Personal Conduct Policy investigators and an NFLPA attorney in New York last week, as ESPN’s Jenna Laine reported. Thompkins actively sought the meeting, which took place sooner than it otherwise would have, as part of his effort to clear his name and land another NFL opportunity this season.

Thompkins, 24, was waived from injured reserve with an injury settlement last month, which made him a free agent. Given his production as a return man in 2023, he ordinarily would have stood a good chance at hooking on with a new club. After all, the injury that ostensibly precipitated his release was a Grade 1 hamstring strain that should be fully healed by now.

The problem for Thompkins is that his estranged wife, Maria Castilhos, has accused him of physical abuse dating back to February 14, 2023. Thompkins filed for divorce on February 27, and in the wake of Castilhos’ accusations, he recently filed a lawsuit against her for defamation and tortious interference with his NFL contract. As part of that claim, Thompkins alleges that Castilhos threatened him “with fabricated allegations of domestic violence unless he met her financial demands for additional alimony” in the divorce proceeding.

As of the time of this writing, Thompkins has not been suspended, and given that his steadfast denials have now evolved into a separate suit, the league may wait until more information comes to light before taking any action. In the meantime, he is free to sign with any club, though the nature of Castilhos’ allegations will doubtlessly make teams reluctant to acquire him.

A former undrafted free agent, Thompkins spent the past two seasons operating as Tampa Bay’s kick and punt returner. He totaled 1,082 return yards during that span, adding 115 yards and one touchdown on offense. Bucs head coach Todd Bowles previously left the door open to a new contract for Thompkins, but it is unclear if the club would truly consider that.

Latest On WR Deven Thompkins

Deven Thompkins was waived with an injury designation last month, and a subsequent move from the Buccaneers (waiving him via an injury settlement) has made him a free agent. The wideout/returner’s time in Tampa Bay came to an end amidst domestic abuse allegations, and further developments on that front have taken place.

Thompkins’ estranged wife, Maria Castilhos, alleged in a pair of TikTok videos that he caused injuries to her face and arm. She has also made claims of physical abuse dating back to February 14, 2023. The Buccaneers’ decision to cut ties with Thompkins came less than one week before the allegations went public.

In response, the 24-year-old has now taken legal action. Thompkins filed a complaint in Lee County alleging Castilhos’ statements in the videos were malicious and defamatory, as detailed by Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. The complaint seeks a jury trial and damages in excess of $50K.

“We believe the detailed and concerning allegations in this complaint speak for themselves and speak volumes,” a statement from Thompkins’ attorney Brett Gallaway reads. “While we respect and support all survivors of domestic violence to speak out, the facts in this matter represent a disturbing blackmail scheme wherein Ms. Castilhos threatened Deven with fabricated allegations of domestic violence unless he met her financial demands for additional alimony in a pending and contentious divorce proceeding.”

Thompkins filed for divorce on February 27 of this year, per court records, and that process is ongoing. This filing alleges that Castilhos’ injuries were “inauthentic and had been altered using photo editing software” as part of the wider denial of domestic abuse.

A former undrafted free agent, Thompkins spent the past two seasons operating as Tampa Bay’s kick and punt returner. He totaled 1,082 return yards during that span, adding 115 yards and one touchdown on offense. The Utah State product was reported to have a Grade 1 strain hamstring strain at the time of his release, and he should be fully healed by this point. He is free to sign with an NFL team at any time.

Minor NFL Transactions: 6/10/24

Today’s minor moves:

Detroit Lions

  • Waived: LB Steele Chambers

New York Giants

Seattle Seahawks

  • Waived/injured: NT Buddha Jones

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.

Buccaneers Waive/Injured WR Deven Thompkins

The Buccaneers will have a new primary returner in 2024. The team has waived Deven Thompkins with an injury designation, according to ESPN’s Jenna Laine.

Thompkins joined Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent out of Utah State in 2022. After playing sparingly on offense as a rookie, the wideout got into close to one fourth of his team’s offensive snaps in 2023. He ultimately finished the campaign with 17 catches for 83 yards and one touchdown.

The 24-year-old really showed out on special teams this past season. He finished the year with 16 kick returns for 327 yards (20.4 yards per return) and 25 punt returns for 234 yards (9.4 yards per return). He was especially active in the postseason, returning another three punts and one kickoff in two games.

As Greg Auman of FOX Sports points out, the NFL’s new kickoff rules should result in more returns and more contact. This means the league may be shifting away from the “smaller, shifty receivers” as their primary kick and punt returners. Thompkins is listed at 5-foot-8 and 155 pounds; Auman suggests Tampa Bay’s new options could be fourth-round RB Bucky Irving (5-foot-9, 192 pounds) and third-round WR Jalen McMillan (6-foot-1, 197 pounds).

On offense, Thompkins’ exit shouldn’t shake up the depth chart. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin will continue to soak up the majority of the targets, with McMillan and Trey Palmer sliding in behind that duo. The Buccaneers are also rostering a long list of former UDFAs (including Rakim Jarrett) and current UDFAs (including Tanner Knue, Latreal Jones, and Kameron Johnson).