NFL Player News

Jones appeared in four games as an undrafted free agent last season, starting one. With Dwayne Allen (foot) and Coby Fleener (knee) both ready for Week 1, Jones will be limited to special teams if he’s active for Week 1.

The former No. 14 overall pick played at every offensive line position other than center while on his rookie contract, though most of his reps have come at the two guard spots. He most recently started all 15 games of his 2024 campaign at right guard. Vera-Tucker was supposed to play out his fifth-year option with the Jets in 2025, but a torn tricep in practice just before Week 1 ended his season before it began. AVT has a lengthy injury history. He has only played more than seven games in two-of-five years. On the other hand, he has generally played well when healthy, and the Pats needed to keep adding talent to their offensive line.

Thornton caught 19 passes for a career-high 438 yards and three touchdowns as the Chiefs’ deep ball receiver in 2025. The Chiefs’ receiving cupboard is bare but Thornton at least had a connection with Patrick Mahomes on deep targets. He returns to Kansas City on a two-year deal and will be in the mix for WR4 on the Chiefs’ depth chart in 2026. For fantasy purposes, Thornton will be a boom-or-bust dart throw again, but the Chiefs’ wide receiver moves later in the offseason will shape his value.

Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the deal features $15 million guaranteed. Gilman landed in Baltimore last year in the grade that sent Odafe Oweh to the Chargers. He immediately took to the defense, starting all 12 games that he was on the Ravens. Gilman finished the year with nine pass breakups and one interception, which he took to the house. Gilman will take on a starting role in Kansas City out of the gates.

Welch appeared in eight games in 2025 and played primarily on special teams. He could be a depth option for the Packers at linebacker, but special teams is where he makes his money. Welch will be fighting for a roster spot during training camp.

Williams missed all of 2024 with ACL/MCL tears, but rebounded with a full 17-game season in 2025. He finished with 25 solo tackles and one sack while starting five games. Williams has not lived up to his second-round pedigree but will be a rotational pass rusher for the Cowboys on a low-cost, low-risk contract.

The Raiders continue the free agency splurge, adding a kicker to the influx of new names in Las Vegas. Matt Gay kicked for both the Commanders and 49ers last season, making 17-of-23 field goals and all 26 extra points. The 31-year-old will replace Daniel Carlson as the Raiders’ starting kicker heading into the offseason.

The Panthers are giving Lloyd $25 million guaranteed in the deal. Lloyd has been starting in the middle of the Jaguars’ defense since getting drafted in the first round four years ago. He tallied five interceptions, including a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown, en route to a Pro Bowl selection and second-team All Pro honors last season. PFF graded the 27-year-old with an 89.1 overall grade for 2025, good for No. 3 among linebackers. The Panthers add an all-round starter for $15 million per year in Lloyd.

Hurst played seven professional seasons for the Ravens, Falcons, Bengals, Panthers, and Chargers, amassing 203 receptions for 1,975 yards and 15 touchdowns. A career year in 2020 while a member of the Falcons saw the tight end tally 56 catches for 571 yards and six scores, marks he would be unable to replicate in the next four years primarily due to mounting injuries. Hurst came into the league as a seasoned 25-year-old rookie, ultimately going out on his own terms ahead of his age-32 season.

The Saints restructured Kamara’s contract last week, making it easier for them to move on from him this offseason if they choose to do so. They then signed Travis Etienne to a four-year, $52 million contract on the opening day of the legal tampering period. The Saints couldn’t make it more obvious that they are moving on from Kamara if they tried. The bigger question is whether he will retire or continue to play football on a new team. Schefter added that teams are tracking the situation, meaning there will likely be some GMs interested in signing or trading for Kamara if he doesn’t hang up the cleats. Kamara is best suited for primarily pass-catching duties at this point in his career, but plenty of teams could find a role for him in 2026.

Strange is a former first-round pick of the Patriots, but fell out of New England after three seasons. He joined the Dolphins for 2025 and started 14 games on the interior offensive line, allowing two sacks and committing one penalty. The 27-year-old now reunites with former Dolphins head coach and Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel on a two-year pact. The Chargers offensive line needs more help but Strange will provide depth with a shot at starting at guard in 2026.