Minor NFL Transactions: 10/2/24
Today’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Practice window opened: T Christian Jones
Cleveland Browns
- Signed to active roster: LB Nathaniel Watson
Green Bay Packers
- Practice window opened: DT Jonathan Ford
Houston Texans
- Practice window opened: DT Kurt Hinish
Las Vegas Raiders
- Practice window opened: S Trey Taylor
New York Giants
- Practice window opened: LB Matthew Adams
Miami Dolphins
- Practice window opened: CB Cam Smith
New England Patriots
- Designated for return from reserve/PUP list: WR Kendrick Bourne, LB Sione Takitaki (story)
- Practice window opened: S Marte Mapu
New York Jets
- Practice window opened: DT Leki Fotu
- Released from IR: LB Brandon Smith
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed to active roster: RB Aaron Shampklin
- Practice window opened: LB Jeremiah Moon
San Francisco 49ers
- Practice window opened: DL Kalia Davis
Seattle Seahawks
- Designated for return from PUP list: DT Cameron Young
Today marks most teams’ first practice before Week 5, making it the first date players stashed on IR as teams set their initial 53-man rosters can work out again with their teams. This year’s IR tweak allowed teams to designate up to two players for return August 27, the catch being all players who receive that designation count toward their respective club’s eight-activation total. The batch included in today’s minor moves post consists entirely of players to receive that August IR-return designation.
The IR-return window is unchanged, however, with teams having 21 days from Wednesday to activate these players. Anyone from today’s group not being activated from IR by October 23 must miss the rest of the season. PFR will keep track of all players returning from IR via the Injured Reserve Return Tracker.
Jets Set 53-Man Roster
The 2023 campaign obviously didn’t go as planned for the Jets, but the organization is hoping for much more success with a healthy Aaron Rodgers under center in 2024. Of course, before they can take the field, the team had to set their 53-man roster. The Jets announced the following roster moves today:
Released:
- LB Sam Eguavoen
- TE Anthony Firkser
- OL Jake Hanson
- DL Jalyn Holmes
- K Austin Seibert
- CB Kendall Sheffield
- DL Tanzel Smart
Waived:
- CB Shemar Bartholomew
- S Al Blades Jr.
- OL Austin Deculus
- OL Obinna Eze
- OL Chris Glaser
- WR Tyler Harrell
- DL Bruce Hector
- LB Anthony Hines
- RB Deon Jackson
- S Jaylen Key
- TE Zack Kuntz
- S Jarius Monroe
- OL Brady Latham
- OL Kohl Levao
- QB Adrian Martinez
- LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball
- WR Lance McCutcheon
- QB Andrew Peasley
- TE Lincoln Sefcik
- CB Nehemiah Shelton
- LB Jackson Sirmon
- WR Brandon Smith
- DB Tre Swilling
- DL Jaylen Twyman
- OL Willie Tyler III
- RB Xazavian Valladay
- WR Isaiah Winstead
Placed on reserve/NFI list:
- DL Leki Fotu
- QB Jordan Travis
- TE Kenny Yeboah
Following today’s moves, the Jets are temporarily rostering only a pair of tight ends in Tyler Conklin and Jeremy Ruckert. Anthony Firkser isn’t an especially surprising cut, but the veteran could have provided some experience to the position grouping. After topping 30 receptions with the Titans in 2020 and 2021, Firkser was limited to nine catches in 2022 before appearing in only a pair of games with the Lions in 2023. The Jets also moved on from 2023 seventh-round pick Zack Kuntz, although there’s a chance the six-foot-eight tight end lands back on the team’s practice squad.
The Jets also moved on from a notable rookie in Jaylen Key, who had the distinction of being this year’s Mr. Irrelevant. The safety had a strong one-season stint at Alabama, where he collected 60 tackles and one interception.
Jets To Sign DT Leki Fotu
Leki Fotu is heading to New York. The Jets are expected to sign the former Cardinals defensive tackle, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports.
It’s a one-year deal worth $2.5MM, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The deal can hit $4MM via incentives and/or bonuses.
With Quinton Jefferson, Solomon Thomas, and Al Woods all hitting free agency, the Jets have been hunting for some reinforcement at defensive tackle. The team already agreed to a deal with former 49ers defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw, and now they’re adding another former NFC West option.
Fotu was a fourth-round pick by the Cardinals in 2020 and had spent his entire career in Arizona. He started only 21 of his 56 appearances with the organization but was consistently playing around 40 percent of his team’s defensive snaps. He started nine of his 11 appearances in 2023, finishing with 28 tackles and a career-high 2.5 sacks.
As ESPN’s Rich Cimini passes along, Fotu had a run-stop percentage of 6.7 percent last season, which ranked 22nd among 117 defensive tackles. That number would have ranked second on the Jets behind Quinnen Williams, the team’s lone holdover at the position.
Minor NFL Transactions: 1/6/24
The last week of pregame transactions and gameday callups for several teams this season:
Arizona Cardinals
- Activated from IR: DL Leki Fotu
- Signed to active roster: DL Ben Stille
- Elevated: WR Dan Chisena, OL Jackson Barton
Buffalo Bills
- Elevated: RB Leonard Fournette
Carolina Panthers
- Elevated: G Deonte Brown, K Matthew Wright
Cincinnati Bengals
- Elevated: CB Sidney Jones, WR Stanley Morgan
Cleveland Browns
- Elevated: S Vincent Gray, K Riley Patterson
Dallas Cowboys
- Elevated: LB Buddy Johnson, S Sheldrick Redwine
Denver Broncos
- Placed on IR: T Mike McGlinchey
- Activated from IR: T Alex Palczewski
- Signed to active roster: CB Art Green
- Elevated: S Devon Key
Detroit Lions
- Elevated: DL Tyson Alualu, FB Jason Cabinda
Houston Texans
- Elevated: WR Johnny Johnson III
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Placed on IR: WR Jamal Agnew (story)
Kansas City Chiefs
- Elevated: DT Matt Dickerson, QB Chris Oladokun
Las Vegas Raiders
- Placed on IR: TE Michael Mayer
- Signed to active roster: DT Matthew Butler
- Elevated: WR Keelan Cole, S Jaydon Grant
Los Angeles Chargers
- Placed on IR: OLB Justin Hollins
- Signed to active roster: OLB Ty Shelby
- Elevated: DT Christopher Hinton, OL Austen Pleasants
Los Angeles Rams
- Elevated: LB Olakunle Fatukasi, QB Dresser Winn
Minnesota Vikings
- Placed on IR: WR Jalen Nailor
- Signed to active roster: WR Lucky Jackson
- Elevated: CB Jaylin Williams, CB Joejuan Williams
New England Patriots
- Placed on IR: TE Hunter Henry
- Signed to active roster: TE La’Michael Pettway
- Elevated: TE Matt Sokol, OL Andrew Stueber
New Orleans Saints
- Elevated: G Tommy Kraemer, RB Jordan Mims
New York Giants
- Placed on IR: S Jason Pinnock
- Signed to active roster: QB Jacob Eason, TE Tyree Jackson
- Elevated: T Yodny Cajuste, K Mason Crosby
Philadelphia Eagles
- Elevated: S Tristin McCollum
San Francisco 49ers
- Placed on IR: TE Ross Dwelley
- Activated from IR: WR Ray-Ray McCloud
- Elevated: S Tayler Hawkins, RB Jeremy McNichols
Seattle Seahawks
- Elevated: NT Austin Faoliu, NT Matthew Gotel
Tennessee Titans
- Placed on IR: WR Colton Dowell
- Signed to active roster: S Matt Jackson
- Elevated: LB Tae Crowder, CB Kendall Sheffield
Washington Commanders
- Elevated: S Sean Chandler, CB Jace Whittaker
Several teams whose season is set to come to an end tomorrow have elected to move injured players to injured reserve in order to create roster spots for practice squad options, particularly those who have had their three gameday elevations exhausted. In the case of the Broncos, McGlinchey will see his debut campaign in the Mile High City come to a premature end. Signed to a five-year, $87.5MM deal, the 28-year-old was part of a revamped O-line which did not produce the desired rebound on offense. Manning his usual right tackle spot, McGlinchey was charged with eight sacks and 49 pressures allowed by PFF, resulting in an overall grade of 67.5.
While the Giants will have an interesting decision to make with respect to Xavier McKinney‘s future, they will have Pinnock on the books for at least one more season. The latter’s rookie contract is set to expire following the 2024 campaign, one in which he will no doubt remain a vital member of New York’s secondary. Pinnock has recorded 85 tackles, two interceptions (including a 102-yard pick-six), six pass deflections and a pair of forced fumbles while logging over 1,000 defensive snaps this season. A return to health and a continuation of his 2023 level of play will be sorely needed next fall.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/27/23
Wednesday’s minor NFL transactions:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed to the active roster: DT Phil Hoskins
- Designated to return from IR: DT Leki Fotu
Carolina Panthers
- Placed on IR: OLB Amare Barno
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed off Bengals’ practice squad: TE Zach Gentry
- Placed on IR: TE Jesper Horsted
- Waived: T Justin Herron
Minnesota Vikings
- Placed on IR: TE T.J. Hockenson (story)
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: T Matt Pryor
- Designated to return from IR: WR Danny Gray
- Waived: RB Jeremy McNichols
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Designated to return from IR: DL Mike Greene
Washington Commanders
- Designated to return from IR: LB De’Jon Harris
Minor NFL Transactions: 11/21/23
Today’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Placed on IR: DL Leki Fotu, LB Kyzir White (story)
- Signed: S Qwuantrezz Knight
- Promoted: DL Ben Stille
Baltimore Ravens
- Designated for return from IR: CB Damarion Williams
Cleveland Browns
- Placed on IR: S Rodney McLeod (story)
Indianapolis Colts
- Promoted: S Ronnie Harrison
Los Angeles Chargers
- Placed on IR: LB Tanner Muse
- Promoted: LB Blake Lynch
Miami Dolphins
- Placed on IR: RB Salvon Ahmed
- Promoted: WR Robbie Chosen
Minnesota Vikings
- Promoted: DT Sheldon Day
- Waived: Trishton Jackson
New York Giants
- Signed off Vikings’ practice squad: LB Benton Whitley
San Francisco 49ers
- Placed on IR: S Talanoa Hufanga (story)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: LB J.J. Russell
Harrison was among the Colts’ final roster cuts in August, but he was immediately retained via the practice squad. Despite that move, the 26-year-old has yet to make an appearance in Indianapolis as a gameday elevation. He will now have the chance to make his Colts debut, having taken the 53-man roster spot of Shaquille Leonard after the latter’s surprise cut.
Muse will be required to miss at least the next four weeks as a result of the IR move. The former Seahawk has played exclusively on special teams to date during his first season with the Chargers, logging a 73% snap share in that capacity. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports Muse could still play later this season, something which will give Los Angeles a boost in the third phase if they are still in playoff contention down the stretch.
Ahmed’s foot injury, coupled with a new round of uncertainty regarding the healthy of rookie sensation De’Von Achane, could leave Miami shorthanded in the backfield. While it remains to be seen if the latter will miss time after coming back from an IR stint, the former will not be available moving forward. Ahmed is out for the season, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports. The 24-year-old scored two total touchdowns on 38 touches this year, his fourth with the Dolphins. He is set to hit free agency this offseason, but the injury will no doubt hurt his market.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/12/21
Here are Thursday’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list: RB James Conner, TE Darrell Daniels, DL Leki Fotu, DB Charles Washington; the four were deemed high-risk close contacts
Detroit Lions
- Reverted to IR: RB Michael Warren
Green Bay Packers
- Signed: CB Dominique Martin
- Waived/injured: LB Randy Ramsey
Indianapolis Colts
- Released from IR via injury settlement: WR Gary Jennings
New Orleans Saints
- Claimed (from Giants): DL R.J. McIntosh
- Reverted to IR: WR Jalen McCleskey
New York Jets
- Released from IR via injury settlement: DB Brendon White
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: DL Eddie Vanderdoes
Seattle Seahawks
- Re-signed: WR Darece Roberson
- Waived: CB Bryan Mills
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: LB Reggie Floyd
- Waived: WR Kalija Lipscomb
- Waived/injured: OL Adam Coon
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/5/20
Here are Saturday’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Activated from IR: DL Leki Fotu
- Promoted: TE Seth Devalve, RB D.J. Foster
Cincinnati Bengals
- Promoted: WR Stanley Morgan
- Placed on IR: CB Tony Brown
Cleveland Browns
- Promoted: WR Ja’Marcus Bradley
Denver Broncos
- Activated from IR: FB/TE Andrew Beck
- Promoted: TE Troy Fumagalli, S Alijah Holder, LB Josh Watson
Detroit Lions
- Activated from IR: CB Darryl Roberts
- Promoted: S Bobby Price
- Waived: TE Isaac Nauta
Green Bay Packers
- Promoted: G Ben Braden, TE Dominique Dafney
Houston Texans
- Placed on IR: RB Cullen Gillaspia
Indianapolis Colts
- Promoted: P Ryan Allen, C Joey Hunt
- Placed on IR: TE Noah Togiai
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Activated from IR: S Josh Jones, LB Shaquille Quarterman
- Promoted: TE Ben Ellefson, DT DaVon Hamilton, CB Nate Meadors, DL Caraun Reid
- Waived: RB Craig Reynolds
Los Angeles Chargers
- Activated from IR: LB Asmar Bilal
- Promoted: LB Cole Christiansen, NT Breiden Fehoko
Los Angeles Rams
- Activated from IR: LB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo
- Promoted: DB J.R. Reed
Miami Dolphins
- Promoted: S Nate Holley
Minnesota Vikings
- Promoted: DE Eddie Yarbrough, TE Brandon Dillon
New England Patriots
- Activated from IR: TE Dalton Keene
- Promoted: TE/DL Rashod Berry, WR Donte Moncrief, DL Akeem Spence
- Waived: WR Isaiah Ford
New York Giants
- Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list: RB Devonta Freeman; Freeman remains on IR
- Promoted: DL Niko Lalos, QB Clayton Thorson
New York Jets
- Promoted: DB Elijah Campbell, LB Noah Dawkins
- Released from IR: WR Chris Hogan
Philadelphia Eagles
- Promoted: DT Raequan Williams
Seattle Seahawks
- Promoted: T Chad Wheeler
- Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list: DT Bryan Mone
Tennessee Titans
- Promoted: T Marshall Newhouse, LB Tuzar Skipper
Minor NFL Transactions: 11/14/20
Here are Saturday’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Activated from IR: G J.R. Sweezy
- Promoted: DL Trevon Coley, RB D.J. Foster, CB Jace Whittaker
- Placed on IR: DL Leki Fotu
Atlanta Falcons
- Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list: DE Dante Fowler
Baltimore Ravens
- Promoted: S Geno Stone
Carolina Panthers
- Activated from IR: S Juston Burris
- Promoted: RB Rodney Smith
Denver Broncos
- Promoted: T Quinn Bailey, TE Troy Fumagalli, LB Josh Watson
Detroit Lions
- Promoted: DT Frank Herron, T Dan Skipper
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Activated from IR: S Andrew Wingard
- Promoted: S Doug Middleton, LB Joe Giles-Harris, WR Terry Godwin, OL K.C. McDermott
- Waived: DL Caraun Reid
- Placed on IR: S Josh Jones
Los Angeles Chargers
- Promoted: CB Quenton Meeks
Los Angeles Rams
- Activated from IR: S Jordan Fuller, OL Joseph Noteboom
Minnesota Vikings
- Activated from reserve/COVID-19 list: LS Austin Cutting
New England Patriots
- Activated from IR: OL Jermaine Eluemunor
- Promoted: LB Terez Hall, LB Cassh Maluia
- Waived: DL Nick Thurman
- Placed on IR: LB Shilique Calhoun
Philadelphia Eagles
- Promoted: CB Michael Jacquet, DT T.Y. McGill, TE Caleb Wilson
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Promoted: S Antoine Brooks
- Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list: OL Kevin Dotson
San Francisco 49ers
- Promoted: TE Daniel Helm, S Jared Mayden
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list: WR Cyril Grayson, WR Jaydon Mickens
Washington Football Team
- Promoted: LB Jordan Kunaszyk
Cardinals Round Out Draft Class Deals
In addition to signing first-round pick Isaiah Simmons, the Cardinals finished out their draft class’ rookie-contract agreements Wednesday.
Arizona agreed to terms with third-round tackle Josh Jones, fourth-round defensive linemen Leki Fotu and Rashard Lawrence, sixth-round linebacker Evan Weaver and seventh-round running back Eno Benjamin. These are all four-year deals.
Jones profiles as the most interesting of these selections, having a path to being Arizona’s starting right tackle in the near future. The Houston blocker was considered a potential first-round talent or a player who would go off the board in Round 2.
Kliff Kingsbury admitted he was stunned to see Jones on the board in Round 3. The Cardinals re-signed Marcus Gilbert, but the longtime Steelers right tackle missed all of last season and much of the 2018 campaign due to injuries. Jones was a four-year starter at left tackle for the Cougars, but the Cards just re-signed longtime left tackle D.J. Humphries.
Benjamin, who played at Arizona State, joins a backfield that lost David Johnson this offseason. The Cards kept Kenyan Drake via the transition tag. Backup Chase Edmonds is signed through 2021, however. Both Fotu and Lawrence figure to compete for rotational spots on a Cards D-line that recently added 2019 Bills sack leader Jordan Phillips.
Here is the Cards’ 2020 draft class:
1-8: Isaiah Simmons, LB (Clemson)
3-72: Josh Jones, T (Houston)
4-114: Leki Fotu, DT (Utah)
4-131: Rashard Lawrence, DT (LSU)
6-202: Evan Weaver, LB (Cal)
7-222: Eno Benjamin, RB (Arizona State)