Minor NFL Transactions: 8/21/22
We will keep track of today’s minor moves right here:
Chicago Bears
- Signed: FB Jake Bargas
- Placed on IR: WR David Moore
Green Bay Packers
- Waived: OL Ty Clary, LB Chauncey Manac
Houston Texans
- Released: LB Tae Davis
Los Angeles Rams
- Reverted to IR: WR J.J. Koski
New England Patriots
- Waived: TE Dalton Keene
New Orleans Saints
- Waived: QB K.J. Costello, RB Devine Ozigbo, K John Parker Romo
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Released: WR Vyncint Smith
- Waived: S Troy Warner
Washington Commanders
- Claimed (from Rams): Kendall Blanton
- Placed on IR: DE Bunmi Rotimi
Moore’s placement on IR indicates that his season is over, and as James Palmer of the NFL Network tweets, a leg injury is the culprit. Moore, who signed with the Bears in April, was a useful complementary receiver in Seattle from 2018-20, and he may have had a shot to carve out a rotational role with Chicago. He was arrested on drug and weapons charges in July and could face league discipline as a result.
The Patriots made Keene the second piece of their two-tight end third round in 2020, trading up (via the Jets) to No. 104 to nab the Virginia Tech product. But neither Keene nor the No. 91 overall pick from that draft (Devin Asiasi) have made big impacts as Patriots. Keene missed all of the 2021 season due to a knee injury. In six games in 2020, Keene caught three passes for 16 yards. In the offseason following the Pats’ Day 2 tight end dive, they signed Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry to big-ticket deals. That duo remains in place in front of Asiasi.
Texans Make Three Roster Moves
Linebacker Tae Davis was already named as a player who won’t see action with the Texans this season earlier today. More names are being added to that list, including a pair of noteworthy free agent additions from this offseason. 
In addition to releasing Davis, Houston is cutting fullback Andy Janovich, per a team announcement. The 29-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Texans in March. A sixth-round pick of the Broncos in 2016, Janovich earned himself a three-year extension in Denver in 2019, but was traded to the Browns during the subsequent offseason.
He saw a slightly lesser offensive workload in Cleveland than in did in Denver, but still proved effective in his role – one which fewer and fewer teams are incorporating into their offenses. The Nebraska alum was a Pro Bowl alternate, and nearly half of his $1.5MM in scheduled compensation was guaranteed, making his release somewhat surprising. On the open market again just weeks before the regular season, he will look to find a new home quickly in a system which accommodates his skillset.
The Texans didn’t release wideout Chester Rogers, but he still won’t see the field in 2022. Houston placed him on injured reserve, after signing him earlier this month. The 28-year-old began his career with the Colts, with whom he had the most productive season of his career (53 receptions, 485 yards and two touchdowns in 2018). A knee fracture cost him significant time the following year, and he didn’t see any action in 2020. With the Titans last year, though, the former UDFA totaled 938 all-purpose yards as he took on a large role as a returner.
That made him a logical signing with the Texans, who will be without second-round rookie John Metchie for the entire campaign. Instead, the team will look to younger options on offense. Per Houston’s announcement, they also waived undrafted offensive lineman Myron Cunningham; the Arkansas alum, like Janovich and Rogers, now faces the task of landing on a new roster with plenty more cuts yet to be made.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/20/22
With the deadline for more roster cutdowns looming, here are today’s minor moves around the league:
Carolina Panthers
- Activated from active/PUP list: LB Shaq Thompson
Los Angeles Rams
- Waived: TE Kendall Blanton, RB Raymond Calais, S Jairon McVea and RB A.J. Rose
- Waived (injury designation): WR J.J. Koski
New England Patriots
- Waived: S Jalen Elliott and CB Devin Hafford
Seattle Seahawks
- Waived: S Bubba Bolden, TE Cade Brewer, DL Matthew Gotel and CB Elijah Jones
- Released: LB Joel Iyiegbuniwe
Thompson’s return will be a welcomed sight in Carolina. The 28-year-old had his third-straight 100-tackle season in 2021, adding a pair of sacks and interceptions. Offseason knee surgery cost him time in training camp, but the fact that he passed his conditioning test today means that he can resume practicing with plenty of time before the start of the regular season. Returning to full health in time for Week 1, while expected, would be a crucial development for the Panthers’ defense.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/19/22
Compared to earlier this week, Friday has been a quiet day on the transaction front, but a number of teams have still made moves. Here’s the full rundown:
Arizona Cardinals
- Re-Signed: OL Greg Long
- Released: TE Deon Yelder
Cincinnati Bengals
- Signed: OL Nathan Gilliam
- Waived: LB Carson Wells
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Released from IR via injury settlement: K Elliott Fry
New Orleans Saints
- Re-Signed: K John Parker Romo
- Placed on IR: OL Sage Doxtater and Forrest Lamp
New York Giants
- Signed: OL Chris Owens and Josh Rivas
- Waived: DT Christopher Hinton
- Placed on IR: WR Robert Foster
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Released from IR via injury settlement: LB Ulysees Gilbert
Lamp, a second-round pick of the Chargers in 2017, played sparingly in his first two years but was a full-time starter in 2020. With the team making upgrades up front, though, he found himself playing in New Orleans this past season. After suiting up for over 1,100 snaps the year prior, Lamp saw action on just five special teams plays with the Saints, meaning that his roster spot wasn’t assured anyway.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/18/22
Today’s minor moves around the league:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: TE Josh Hokit
- Released: LB Jessie Lemonier
Indianapolis Colts
- Placed on IR: TE Drew Ogletree (story)
Las Vegas Raiders
- Released: LB Kenny Young
New England Patriots
- Signed: TE Jalen Wydermyer
- Placed on IR: RB James White (story)
New Orleans
- Signed: OL Derek Schweiger
- Waived (injury designation): OL Sage Doxtater
New York Giants
- Released from IR via injury settlement: WR Austin Proehl
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: RB Max Borghi
- Waived (injury designation): RB Master Teague
Young signed with the Raiders in May, as part of their re-vamped linebacker corps. The 27-year-old gradually grew into a larger defensive role with the Ravens before being traded midseason to the Rams in 2019. He was dealt once again last year, from Los Angeles to Denver. Starting all 13 games he appeared in between the two teams, the UCLA product had a career-year in 2021, but hasn’t done enough during training camp to catch on in Sin City. The Raiders will move forward with the likes of Denzel Perryman, Divine Deablo and free agent signings Jayon Brown and Micah Kiser in the middle of their defense.
Raiders To Sign DE Jordan Jenkins
It appears defensive end Jordan Jenkins‘ workout today with the Raiders was successful. The former Texan and Jet agreed to sign with Las Vegas after today’s tryout, according to Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com.
Jenkins was a five-year starter for the Jets after being selected in the third-round of the 2016 NFL Draft. It took some time for Jenkins to find his footing, but he exploded onto the scene over the 2018 and 2019 seasons. After only recording 5.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and 12 quarterback hits in his first two seasons, Jenkins broke out with 15 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and 28 QB hits over the next two years. Jenkins also has a tendency for causing turnovers over his career with seven forced fumbles and five recoveries to date.
Jenkins’ stock fell a bit over his last two years in the league. Injuries hurt his final season with the Jets, and he never seemed to be able to get past Jonathan Greenard and Jacob Martin on the depth chart in Houston. Despite the dip in recent play, Jenkins should add some value to the depth of the Raiders’ pass rushing group.
While Jenkins will have similar troubles getting atop the depth chart in Las Vegas, with Maxx Crosby and free agent addition Chandler Jones firmly cemented as starters, Jenkins joins former first-round pick Clelin Ferrell as a talented backup with starting experience. The addition of Jenkins gives the Raiders a strong two-deep at defensive end that will absolutely be necessary to succeed in a division that features Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Russell Wilson as the opposing quarterbacks.
It’s a win-win scenario for both parties. Jenkins will have the opportunity to play for a team that made the playoffs last year after six years with the Jets and Texans. And, if they receive a version of Jenkins that resembles his 2018-19 form, the Raiders will receive a strong defender to solidify the depth of a talented position group.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/17/22
After yesterday’s deadline dump, there are plenty of new names available to be plucked out of free agency. Here’s today’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Waived: LB Jesse Lemonier
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: WR KeeSean Johnson
- Waived: WR Tyshaun James
- Waived (injury settlement): DL Bryce Rodgers
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: LB Josh Watson
- Waived: TE Ryan Izzo
Chicago Bears
- Placed on IR: CB Michael Joseph, CB Jayson Stanley, DB Javin White
Cincinnati Bengals
- Signed: CB Javaris Davis
- Waived: CB Bookie Radley-Hiles
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: OT Wyatt Miller
- Placed on IR: OT Elijah Nkansah
- Waived: WR Travell Harris
Dallas Cowboys
- Placed on IR: DB Kyron Brown, TE Ian Bunting, WR Ty Fryfogle
Detroit Lions
- Placed on IR: S Brady Breeze
Green Bay Packers
- Signed: S DeVante Cross
- Placed on IR: TE Dominique Dafney
- Waived (injury designation): WR Malik Taylor
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: DE Wyatt Ray
- Released: DT Malcom Brown
Las Vegas Raiders
- Activated from active/PUP list: DT Johnathan Hankins, DT Bilal Nichols, CB Trayvon Mullen, WR Dillon Stoner
Los Angeles Rams
- Placed on IR: WR Warren Jackson
Miami Dolphins
- Placed on IR: DB Tino Ellis
Minnesota Vikings
- Placed on IR: WR Thomas Hennigan, DT Tyarise Stevenson
New Orleans Saints
- Claimed off waivers (Jets): OL Derrick Kelly
- Placed on IR: DT Jaleel Johnson
New York Giants
- Placed on IR: WR Austin Proehl
Philadelphia Eagles
- Placed on IR: WR Lance Lenoir
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Waived (injury settlement): DE T.D. Moultry, DB Jared Mayden, CB Jimmy Moreland
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Placed on IR: OT Jonathan Hubbard
Tennessee Titans
- Waived: TE Briley Moore
Packers Claim WR Travis Fulgham
The Packers’ wide receiver situation generated considerable interest during the offseason. The team made another addition to the group Wednesday, claiming Travis Fulgham off waivers, Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets. In cutting their roster down to 85 players, the Broncos waived Fulgham on Tuesday.
With the Broncos since last year, Fulgham spent time learning Nathaniel Hackett‘s Packers-style offense this offseason. He was unable to make a sufficient impression in Denver, however, having not recorded a catch in a game with the team. Although Fulgham played in just one Broncos regular-season contest, he is better known for his Eagles fill-in work.
The 2020 Eagles ran into rampant injury trouble at the receiver position, thrusting Fulgham into regular duty early that season. The Old Dominion alum caught 38 passes for 539 yards and four touchdowns in part-time work that year. This included a stretch with a 152-yard game against the Steelers and three more contests with 70-plus yards. Fulgham posted a game-winning touchdown against the 49ers the week prior to his Pittsburgh outburst.
Eagles regulars returning relegated Fulgham to a lesser role later that year, however, but that remains an interesting receiver run. The Packers, of course, traded away Davante Adams and lost Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free agency, injecting considerable uncertainty into their receiving corps. Still, Fulgham would appear to profile as a depth piece at best in Green Bay. The Packers drafted three wideouts, a group headed by Christian Watson and swiftly progressing fourth-rounder Romeo Doubs, and still have Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, Amari Rodgers and UFA add Sammy Watkins in the mix.
Chargers, Derwin James Agree To Safety-Record Contract
After a lengthy hold-in effort, Derwin James is now the highest-paid safety in NFL history. The Chargers and James agreed on a four-year extension Wednesday morning, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports (on Twitter).
James and the Bolts agreed to terms on a deal worth $19.1MM per year, per Rapoport. The $76.5MM pact comes with a safety-record $42MM guaranteed and $29MM in Year 1. James, who is now the only safety attached to more than $40MM guaranteed, is also now tied to a higher average salary than all but five cornerbacks.
This windfall follows the likes of D.K. Metcalf, Deebo Samuel and Diontae Johnson of staging hold-in measures and being rewarded. But the Bolts and their top safety have been negotiating for months. This also represents a considerable reward for a player who battled extensive injury troubles over the course of his rookie contract.
From 2019-20, James played in just five games. An August 2019 stress fracture in James’ right foot shelved him for much of that season, and a meniscus injury during training camp in 2020 ended up sidelining the former first-round pick for all of that season. During his two healthy years, however, the Florida State product has been one of the NFL’s best defensive backs. The Chargers rewarded him as such and will count on the 26-year-old talent for the next several seasons.
After sliding to No. 17 overall in the 2018 draft, James became the first pure safety to earn first-team All-Pro recognition as a rookie since the AFL-NFL merger. He delivered a versatile debut season for the Chargers, who waited patiently for his return. Last season, James finally re-emerged on the career path he began to traverse as a rookie. Pro Football Focus rated him as a top-10 safety in 2021. James made a career-high 118 tackles (seven for loss), forced three fumbles, collected two sacks and intercepted two passes last season.
The Chargers now have two DBs making high-end money, giving James a monster extension after signing J.C. Jackson to a top-10 cornerback contract. The two will be tasked with spearheading a defensive turnaround. Despite James’ contributions, Brandon Staley‘s first Chargers defense ranked 26th in defensive DVOA. This offseason, the Bolts reloaded and will surround James with more talent. Jackson, Khalil Mack, Sebastian Joseph-Day and Kyle Van Noy are now in the fold for what is expected to be an AFC contender.
Wednesday’s transaction illustrates a changing safety market as well. After Justin Simmons broke through the $14MM-per-year ceiling in 2021, when the Broncos rewarded their twice-franchise-tagged player, Jamal Adams came in with a market-resetting deal at $17.5MM per year. At the time of Adams’ agreement, the Seahawks had created a $2MM-plus AAV gap between Adams and the field. The Steelers, via their $18.2MM-AAV deal with Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Chargers have now topped that this summer. The league’s first $20MM-per-year safety accord may not be far off.
GM Tom Telesco has rewarded both his 2017 and ’18 first-round picks this offseason, with Mike Williams‘ three-year, $60MM deal preceding James’ re-up. This comes after 2016 first-rounder Joey Bosa signed a long-term second contract. The Chargers, for this year at least, have the benefit of building around 2020 first-rounder Justin Herbert‘s rookie contract. The Chargers are acting accordingly. In Bosa, Mack, Jackson and James, the Bolts have four defenders making at least $15MM per year.
Titans Claim DB Lonnie Johnson Jr.
The Titans claimed a player off waivers and acquired a player via trade today. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero (on Twitter), the Titans have claimed defensive back Lonnie Johnson Jr. off waivers from the Chiefs. Meanwhile, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports (on Twitter) that the Titans have acquired safety Tyree Gillespie from the Raiders.
The Chiefs traded a 2024 conditional seventh-round pick to acquire Johnson back in May, but they ended up dumping the defensive back yesterday (while also, presumably, retaining their draft pick). The former second-round pick had spent the first three seasons of his career in Houston, but he found himself in and out of the starting lineup. He started only 19 of his 44 games during his time with the Texans, collecting 172 tackles.
This past season, Johnson started seven of his 14 games while collecting 55 tackles and three interceptions. While he played mostly cornerback to begin his career, Pro Football Focus graded him as a safety in 2021…and they graded him as the worst player at the position. However, he did show some promise in his rush defense score.
Meanwhile, Gillespie was acquired from Las Vegas for a late-round conditional draft pick, according to Wilson (on Twitter). The safety was selected in the fourth round of last year’s draft but barely saw the field as a rookie. He ended up getting into 11 games, collecting eight tackles while primarily appearing on special teams.
The Titans weren’t finished making moves today. As they trimmed their roster down to the 85-man limit, the Titans waived receiver Josh Malone, running back Jordan Wilkins, defensive back Deante Burton, defensive lineman Haskell Garrett, offensive lineman Carson Green, and defensive back Elijah Benton.