NFL Player News

Mullens and the Vikings aired it out all afternoon, but two fourth-quarter interceptions sealed their fate and brought their 2023 to a close. Mullens was one of four quarterbacks to draw a start for the Vikings this season, as the position was stuck in a turnstile after the injury to Kirk Cousins. Mullens’ season ends with a line of 1,306-7-8 in five games. While he won’t be earning any starting jobs this offseason, he proved to be a serviceable backup late in the season and could play his way into the Vikings’ backup role in camp if he re-signs with the team. Even if he doesn’t return to the Vikings, Mullens, 28, will have other opportunities to battle for a spot somewhere this offseason.

It’s no surprise that Smith is expected to see more work in 2026. The team traded A.J. Brown to New England in the offseason and Makai Lemon won’t replace all of his vacated production as a rookie. All reports from the offseason have suggested that the Eagles believe Smith is ready to be a true No. 1 receiver, including these quotes from Sirianni. He noted that every time Smith has seen an uptick in opportunities, he’s taken advantage of them. As the top target-earner on an offense that should rebound this year, Smith has a chance at WR1 numbers if things break his way in 2026.

Speaking on The Schrager Hour, Coen talked up Tuten’s ability to create yards after contact and his straight-line speed. Coen also noted Tuten’s prowess as a red zone runner. Tuten is the presumed starter with Travis Etienne gone, but Chris Rodriguez should still see plenty of work. Coen also coached Rodriguez at Kentucky, giving him some extra familiarity with the offense. Tuten is the higher-upside bet, and early drafters are treating him as such, selecting him as the RB25 compared to RB42 for Rodriguez. It’s likely that one of these two backs pays off their ADP, but it will be hard for both to return value in the same season.

Hill suffered a dislocated knee, torn ACL and LCL, and other ligament damage in Week 4 of the 2025 season. He posted a video of himself working out and said he didn’t have a timeline to return, but added that the timeline is “looking real good right now.” Still, the fact that he has no power in his recovering leg speaks louder than his words. Hill is currently a free agent and is likely several months away from playing if things go well. It’s also unlikely we know where he is playing until deep into the season. Fantasy managers, in turn, shouldn’t worry about him in summer drafts.

Wilson did note that a source close to Mixon told him that there is “some hope”, though it doesn’t sound awfully likely that Mixon ever steps on a football field again. Mixon was unable to play last year after injuring his foot and undergoing surgery on his own. The Texans seemed to be in the dark throughout the process and were never able to give a clear answer on when or if Mixon would return. They went on to cut him after he missed the entire 2025 season. Per Wilson, Mixon needed another surgery this offseason. Even if he does somehow return to action, there has been no indication that it will happen this year.

Vokolek announces his retirement on social media Wednesday, noting a neck injury as the cause. The Cardinals tight end was carted off in Week 6 of the 2025 season. The neck injury was serious enough for doctors to advise Vokolek to “medically retire from the NFL.” Coming out of Nebraska as an undrafted free agent in 2023, Vokolek signed with the Ravens’ practice squad. The Cardinals signed him from there and he appeared in eight games over the course of three seasons in Arizona. Primarily a special teamer and blocker, Vokolek’s career ends at 28-years-old.

Garafolo adds that Garoppolo “has not decided to retire” and will continue to play. Nothing is imminent and the “right situation” may take an injury to a starter around the league. The 34-year-old had contemplated retirement earlier in the offseason but instead is open to continuing his playing career. Garoppolo is a free agent to keep an eye on as training camp battles and injuries start to unfold.

Emmanwori recently landed on the PUP list, now revealed to be due to a recent right ankle surgery. He dealt with ankle issues all of last season but played through it in the Seahawks’ Super Bowl victory. ESPN’s Brady Henderson reports Emmanwori is expected to miss some time in training camp; the 22-year-old safety is expected to be back for Week 1.

Brissett and the Cardinals have had discussions on a new contract that will pay him like a starter. The 33-year-old was Arizona’s starting quarterback for the back half of last season and he now wants a pay bump from his $1.5 million in guarantees this season. The two sides have yet to reach a deal and Brissett still very much desires the new deal despite him reporting to training camp. It’s possible he will be a camp “hold-in” until the Cardinals get him the desired contract.

McCoy slid to the fourth round of the draft because of long-term health concerns surrounding his knee. He missed the 2025 season with a torn ACL and there were reports late in the draft cycle that he would need a second surgery, which would have sidelined him for the entirety of his rookie season. That hasn’t happened and McCoy managed to get some limited reps during OTAs and training camp. McCoy participated in walkthroughs and individual drills before sitting out team drills. All signs point toward him being available at some point during training camp and playing in some capacity this season.

Adams turned himself in to Toronto police on Sunday. Per ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss, he is still expected to report to training camp. Adams was expected to compete for a starting job at right guard this summer, but the off-field concerns could see him shuffled to the bench for the start of the season. A 2024 third-round pick, Adams made 11 starts in 2025 and five starts as a rookie.