Transactions News & Rumors

Texans To Sign RB Nick Chubb

JUNE 9: Chubb passed his physical today, Russini reports. As a result, he is in position to suit up for the Texans in 2025.

JUNE 8: Shortly after reports that the Texans would be looking into the potential of signing veteran running back Nick Chubb, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that Chubb is now expected to sign with the Texans on Monday, assuming everything goes well with a workout and physical.

We’ve seen two full NFL seasons come and go since we last saw Chubb at his best. Once a perennial Pro Bowler and a constant threat to rush for 1,500 yards and double-digit touchdowns, a serious knee injury that resulted in a torn MCL and damaged ACL has plagued Chubb in the past two seasons. The 29-year-old intends to not let it keep him down, though, and he has remained an attractive free agent option as a result.

The Texans are just three seasons removed from a year in which they had the worst rushing offense in the entire league and their top rusher had 427 yards. Before Joe Mixon rushed for 1,016 yards last year, the team hadn’t seen a 1,000-yard rusher since 2019. So even after a season of relative success, in which they had a Pro Bowl running back with over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns but still finished 15th in the league in rushing, Houston sees room for improvement.

Until this potential move, the team hadn’t touched the position in free agency, mostly because they didn’t lose anyone to free agency, but they did add Woody Marks in the draft. Marks, as a fifth-year transfer at USC, had a breakout season for the Trojans, rushing for 1,133 yards and nine touchdowns while showing a decent ability to catch out of the backfield. Perhaps the Texans believed Marks could compete to be an improved RB2 after Dameon Pierce rushed for only 117 yards before the team’s season finale which featured Mixon for only a single starting drive.

Additionally, some combination of Cam Akers, Dare Ogunbowale, J.J. Taylor, and British Brooks only added a combined 305 rushing yards and one touchdown. All this while sixth-round rookie Jawhar Jordan, out of Louisville, failed to make the initial roster and spent his rookie campaign on the practice squad.

So, ultimately, the potential of adding a veteran like Chubb to this sea of bodies has very little risk of hurting the team, while providing the potential that they can add a savvy, veteran rusher almost two full years removed from the serious injuries that sidelined him. Requiring a workout and physical will provide the team with the ability to walk away while also giving them significant information with which to inform the terms of a contract offer.

Expect a low-risk deal for the team with a potential for high rewards for Chubb should he reach certain benchmarks, if the two sides to put pen to paper tomorrow. This expectation is supported by a recent post by Dianna Russini of The Athletic, who reports that “Chubb received more lucrative offers from other teams but could sign a more incentive-laden contract to join (Mixon) in Houston.”

Jaguars Extend P Logan Cooke

Logan Cooke‘s time in Duval County will continue for the foreseeable future. The veteran punter received a four-year from the Jaguars on Monday, per a team announcement.

Cooke was a seventh-round pick of Jacksonville in 2018, and he has handled punting duties immediately since his arrival in the NFL. The 29-year-old has only missed four games so far, and he has remained consistent when on the field. Cooke set new career highs in gross (49.4) and net (44.8) yards per punt in 2024.

Those totals helped earn him a Pro Bowl invite and a second-team All-Pro nod. Both accolades were the first of the Mississippi State product’s career and they have no doubt helped his case for another contract. Cooke was set to enter the final year of his latest extension, but he is now on the books through 2029.

The coming season included a scheduled base salary of $2.87MM and a cap charge of $3.92MM. This new pact is worth $16MM, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. That represents a $1MM raise in terms of annual value compared to Cooke’s latest deal in addition to long-term security.

Jacksonville has Pro Bowl long snapper Ross Matiscik on the books for another two years. Kicker Cam Littlemeanwhile, is attached to his rookie contract through 2027. Given today’s Cooke extension, the Jags’ special teams will have continuity now and in the future.

WR Chris Conley Announces Retirement

After a decade in the NFL, wide receiver Chris Conley is retiring to pursue a post-playing career as a filmmaker, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

“When I was a kid I wrote down a set of goals,” wrote Conley on Instagram (via KRPC2’s Aaron Wilson). “On that list was ‘Play 10 years in the NFL.’ Now that this goal has been accomplished it’s time to set sights on something new.”

Conley’s “something new” is film school at his alma mater, the University of Georgia, where he was a student filmmaker in addition to his pursuit of a journalism degree and his football career, per his LinkedIn profile. His YouTube page features multiple short films, including a “Star Wars” fan film entitled “Retribution.” Conley also worked as a stuntman during his time in the NFL, according to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle.

The 32-year-old played for five different teams in his career, most recently the 49ers in 2023 and 2024. Originally a 2015 third-round pick out of Georgia, Conley started 34 games for the Chiefs on his rookie contract before signing with the Jaguars in 2019. He posted career-highs of 47 catches and 775 yards during his first year in Jacksonville, but took a clear step back in 2020.

Conley signed with the Texans in 2021 and posted 22 catches for 232 yards in 16 appearances (10 starts). In the three years since, he’s only made 13 catches for 191 yards across 32 games for the Texans, Titans, and 49ers. He retires with 226 receptions for 2,998 yards and 15 touchdowns across 132 games played and 65 starts. Conley’s career earnings fell just shy of $16MM across his 10 years as a pro.

“The past 10 years have been a dream,” continued Conley’s retirement announcement. “Getting the opportunity to play in the league was an honor and whether it was catching touchdowns or blocking for them I truly gave it my all.”

NFL Draft Pick Signings: 6/6/25

We saw another 2025 NFL Draft pick sign their rookie contract today:

Tennessee Titans

Dike was the first of three rookie wideouts that the Titans brought in for their No. 1 overall pick. Despite Dike having lower receiving numbers than both of the other rookie receivers, a 4.34-second 40-yard dash and a strong interview helped inform the Titans’ decision to take him as the first pick on Day 3 of the draft.

NFL Minor Transactions: 6/6/25

Here are today’s minor moves to close out the week:

Buffalo Bills

Philadelphia Eagles

Robinson was a surprising presence on the waiver wire after Jacksonville drafted him in fifth round of last year’s draft. A career backup running back at Alabama and Texas, Robinson was likely drafted for his special teams potential. He spent his last two collegiate years as the Longhorns’ primary kickoff returner but only appeared in six games and returned two kicks as a rookie in Duval.

Steelers Sign Aaron Rodgers

JUNE 6, 8:40am: Rodgers has insisted that money is not his primary motivator and suggested that he would be willing to take $10MM – his lowest salary since his rookie contract – to play in Pittsburgh. The base value of his deal with the Steelers is expected to be in that neighborhood, per Rapoport, with the potential for more money via incentives.

JUNE 5, 10:08pm: The Steelers have officially announced the one-year deal (pending physical).

JUNE 5, 2:15pm: The Aaron Rodgers saga is nearing its expected conclusion. The future Hall of Famer has informed the Steelers he will sign with them, Tom Pelissero, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network report.

To no surprise, Rapoport adds this will be a one-year deal. Rodgers will fly to Pittsburgh tomorrow, allowing him to sign ahead of next week’s minicamp. The four-time MVP will thus handle starting duties for 2025 as the Steelers look to upgrade their play under center on a short-term basis.

Uncertainty has clouded this situation throughout the offseason, but for quite some time signs have exclusively pointed to this arrangement taking place. Pittsburgh’s initial intention was to keep one of Russell Wilson or Justin Fields in place as a holdover from the team’s 2024 QB setup. Instead, Fields left for the Jets in free agency while Wilson (preferring not to wait for Rodgers to make his decision) will handle starting duties for the Giants.

Since losing both of their quarterbacks from the previous campaign, the Steelers have been connected to Rodgers. After two years with the Jets – one which ended after four snaps due to an Achilles tear and one which was marred by inconsistent play and turmoil in the organization – he was released. The manner in which Rodgers was informed of the decision by the new Jets regime was not well-received, but a first career foray into free agency brought with it conversations with a number of teams. The Giants were among them, although the team’s preference was to use the 2025 draft as a means of finding a long-term solution under center.

The Vikings represented a potential destination as well, with Rodgers informing them they were his preferred landing spot. After allowing Sam Darnold to depart in free agency, though, Minnesota is prepared to move forward with 2024 first-rounder J.J. McCarthy under center. In mid-March, the possibility was raised that Rodgers would either sign with the Vikings or retire. Neither route has been taken.

Shortly after that report emerged, a free agent visit took place in which Rodgers went to the Steelers’ facility. That did not produce an agreement, but a contract offer was made. While continuing to weigh the option of hanging up his cleats – and focusing his attention on a personal matter – the longtime Packers star mainly remained quiet with respect to public comments on his future. Clearly, Rodgers’ off-the-field situation has now reached a point where he is committed to suiting up for a 21st season in the NFL.

The Steelers have Skylar Thompson on their quarterback depth chart, and the team reunited with Mason Rudolph in free agency. The latter (who totaled 21 appearances and 13 starts across his first Pittsburgh stint) was made aware before signing of the possibility a deal such as this was a distinct possibility. The team aimed to have a firm Rodgers answer before April’s draft took place, but even without one Pittsburgh operated as though he would eventually arrive. Indeed, owner Art Rooney II expressed optimism on that front multiple times while the Steelers’ only rookie addition came in the form of sixth-rounder Will Howard.

Late last month, Rodgers hinted further that he would spend the 2025 campaign in Pittsburgh. The 41-year-old has already worked out with trade acquisition D.K. Metcalf this offseason while remaining in constant contact with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin (whom ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes was a key factor in Rodgers’ decision). No firm timeline was ever established for a deal to be worked out, and missed reps at OTAs are certainly far from ideal. Realistically, though, upcoming minicamp represented a logical deadline for Rodgers to report to the team and begin acclimating to OC Arthur Smith‘s scheme.

Since Ben Roethlisberger‘s retirement following the 2021 campaign, the Steelers have been unable to find an effective replacement under center. Given Rodgers’ age, he will of course not be seen as a long-term solution at the position. Next year’s draft – which will take place in Pittsburgh, no less – looms as one to watch with respect to another notable rookie investment on the team’s part.

In the meantime, another postseason berth will be the goal for Tomlin and Co. The Steelers have never posted a sub-.500 record during his tenure, but playoff success has proven hard to come by dating back to the waning stages of Roethlisberger’s decorated career. If healthy, Rodgers could give the team’s offense its highest floor in years. Considering his age, declining mobility and production since the start of the 2022 season, however, it very much remains to be seen how effective his debut Steelers season will be.

One of the impacts of today’s news is the fact Pittsburgh will no longer be in the market for Kirk Cousins. The Falcons have consistently stated their preference to keep him as a backup, but the four-time Pro Bowler has aimed for a change of scenery all offseason. The Steelers were keeping tabs on a potential trade while awaiting word from Rodgers, their preferred target for a short-term addition. Now, Cousins can essentially be locked into remaining with Atlanta unless a starting quarterback is injured this summer.

Rodgers’ legacy will be dictated in large part by the success of his Packers stint. To say the least, though, things did not go according to plan during his Jets tenure. How this third chapter of his career plays out will be one of the league’s more interesting storylines.

Ravens Extend WR Rashod Bateman

The Ravens have worked out another extension on the offensive side of the ball. Wideout Rashod Bateman has a new deal in place, per a team announcement.

Providing details on the extension, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports this is a three-year, $36.75MM pact. $20MM in guarantees are present in the contract. Bateman is now on the books through the 2029 campaign. When speaking to the media on Thursday, Bateman noted extension talks took place since the end of the season (h/t Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic). This news marks the first time in franchise history a drafted receiver has signed multiple extensions with the Ravens.

One year ago, team and player worked out a short-term extension. That two-year deal came about during unusual circumstances, as Bateman briefly found himself on the reserve/did not report list at the start of training camp. By rule, that made him ineligible to have his fifth-year option picked up and hastened the need for a second contract to be worked out. Doing so provided the former first-rounder with a raise, something which paved the way for today’s new agreement.

Injuries proved to be a hindrance during the beginning of Bateman’s career. The Minnesota product had not lived up to expectations through his first three years in Baltimore, but he parlayed an uptick in usage into increased production in 2024. Logging a 69% snap share – in line with his workload from his rookie season but a notable spike compared to the two following years – Bateman comfortably set a new career high in yards (756) and touchdowns (nine). His 16.8 yards per catch average ranked third in the NFL. Those figures, along with a full slate of games, have driven the Ravens to make an even longer commitment in this case.

Bateman, 25, did not anticipate his 2024 extension. Similarly, today’s agreement was not preceded by reports of extension talks taking place. The only news surrounding him this offseason was the revelation that Dallas pursued Bateman in a trade. The Cowboys’ WR efforts ultimately resulted their George Pickens acquisition, leaving Baltimore’s No. 2 at the position in place. Bateman’s future for the remainder of his prime is now assured, and he will stay in place while operating in a tandem with fellow former first-rounder Zay Flowers.

The top of the receiver market now sits at over $40MM per year. Bateman has not come close to matching the production of Ja’Marr Chase or the seven other wideouts attached to an AAV of at least $30MM, but this can be seen as a team-friendly deal given the recent surges in value seen at the position. At $12.25MM per year, this pact essentially doubles Bateman’s yearly earnings compared to last year’s extension, but considering his age a commitment of this kind will keep him under team control at a rate well below the cost of other ascending wideouts (especially given the expectation that the salary cap will continue rising in the coming years).

In 2024 – the second season with Todd Monken in place as Baltimore’s offensive coordinator – the team ranked seventh in the NFL in passing yards. The Ravens’ only key change at the WR spot this offseason was signing DeAndre Hopkins to replace Nelson Agholor, so expectations will be high for a repeat of that success with many familiar faces in place. Baltimore has already extended running back Derrick Henrypreventing him from entering the 2025 campaign as a pending free agent.

That move has now been followed up by a new Bateman pact. Remaining extension priorities include a second contract for center Tyler Linderbaum and a cap-related deal for quarterback Lamar Jackson no later than next offseason. Regardless of what happens on those fronts, the Ravens will have stability atop the receiver depth chart with Bateman and Flowers for years to come.

NFL Minor Transactions: 6/5/25

Today’s minor moves:

Denver Broncos

Detroit Lions

Jacksonville Jaguars

Pittsburgh Steelers

With the Steelers adding S Quindell Johnson yesterday, the team ended up moving on from one of their other defensive backs. The choice was Bledsoe, a former sixth-round pick by the Patriots. The Missouri product got into four games during his two seasons in New England. Following a brief stint in the UFL, Bledsoe caught on with the Steelers’ offseason roster back in January.

Steelers TE Donald Parham Out For Season After Torn Achilles

JUNE 5: Parham has officially been placed on injured reserve. As a result, his season is over. Parham will hit free agency next spring with his value having taken a notable hit.

JUNE 3: Steelers tight end Donald Parham will likely miss the entire 2025 season after suffering a torn Achilles in OTAs, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The former Charger signed with the Steelers in February on a one-year deal for the veteran minimum. He was expected to slot in as tight end depth behind starter Pat Freiermuth, but will now spend the season on the sidelines, leaving Pittsburgh thin at the position.

The Steelers only have two other tight ends with any NFL experience: 2023 third-rounder Darnell Washington and 2022 sixth-rounder Connor Heyward. Both have primarily served as blockers in the NFL – Heyward as a hybrid TE/FB and Washington as a jumbo-sized inline blocker – though the latter showed up at OTAs 10 pounds lighter, according to Mark Kaboly of the Pat McAfee Show. Pittsburgh’s undrafted rookie tight ends, DJ Thomas-Jones and J.J. Galbreath, will now have the opportunity to make a strong impression this summer and push for a roster spot.

Parham’s injury could also intensify the Steelers’ renewed pursuit of Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith. Pittsburgh was already looking to add an offensive playmaker before the season and now has an even stronger need at tight end.

In the event that Smith stays in Miami, the Steelers may have to pivot to a veteran free agent. MyCole Pruitt logged 271 snaps in Arthur Smith‘s offense last year, and 19-year veteran Marcedes Lewis recently revealed that he wants to sign with a new team for the 2025 season.

Parham, meanwhile, won’t see the field for a second consecutive season. After four years as a rotational option with the Chargers, he was released last August during final roster cuts. He landed on the Broncos’ practice squad, but was not elevated a single time during the regular season.

Chargers Extend OLB Bud Dupree

The Chargers signed outside linebacker Bud Dupree to a two-year, $6MM contract last year, and after some decent production coming off the bench, the veteran pass rusher will avoid playing 2025 on a contract year. The team made the announcement today that they have extended Dupree’s contract by one year. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network adds that the additional year will be worth the same amount as his initial contract with the team, earning him an additional $6MM.

Dupree started his career a decade ago as Pittsburgh’s first-round pick in 2015 out of Kentucky. With an aging James Harrison playing his final years in Pittsburgh, Dupree was intended to be the future of the Steelers’ pass rushing attack. Unfortunately, Dupree struggled to deliver in his first few years, so the team spent another Day 1 pick on the pass rush two years later, bringing in T.J. Watt.

The team gambled on exercising Dupree’s fifth-year option, and he delivered a breakout 11.5-sack season playing across from a budding Watt. The career-year earned him one more season under the franchise tag, and Dupree was on an even better pace with eight sacks in 11 games before tearing his ACL, effectively ending his time with the Steelers.

Dupree’s strong seasons still earned him big bucks in free agency, helping him land in Tennessee on a five-year, $82.5MM contract. Unfortunately, injuries persisted upon his return to the field, and for the second and third years in a row, Dupree only played in 11 games in each of his first two seasons with the Titans. Even more concerning, the promise Dupree had previously shown across from Watt before his ACL tear had disappeared, and in 22 games with his new team, Dupree had only logged seven sacks.

The Titans cut bait with Dupree only two years into his five-year deal, but Dupree rebounded on a one-year, $3MM deal in Atlanta. After spending a resurgent year with the Falcons, in which he started 16 games and recorded 6.5 sacks, Dupree found himself debating returns to Pittsburgh or Atlanta in free agency. Ultimately, a surprise Chargers visit came up and he ended up in Los Angeles.

Dupree spent last year solely coming off the bench. It was the first season of his career in which he did not start a single contest. It was also the first time since 2019 that he appeared in every game of a season, though. While not making any starts, Dupree still saw the field plenty, logging more defensive snaps than an ailing Joey Bosa, while Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu anchored the outside linebacker spots. He also outpaced Bosa in sacks, finishing tied for second on the team with Mack with six; Tuipulotu led the team with 8.5.

Now, with Bosa having departed in free agency, Dupree’s extended time solidifies some depth in the team’s pass rush for another season. The only other addition the Chargers made to the group this offseason was South Carolina rookie Kyle Kennard, whom they drafted in the fourth round. With Mack and Tuipulotu leading the pass rush, Dupree will serve as an example for Kennard of how to make the most of your contributions off the bench.