NFL Player News

The 6-foot, 215-pound Dowdle is a great fit for the Panthers’ backfield, capable of handling north-south rushing work, and even contributing in the passing game, while Chuba Hubbard takes a breather. The Panthers needed a reliable backup with 2024 second-round pick Jonathon Brooks (knee) on the mend, and Dowdle fits the bill. Dowdle’s deal includes a $2.75 million base salary. Dowdle in 2024 ranked 13th among running backs in yards after contact per rush and had one of the lowest rushing stuff rates in the NFL. He should hold considerable contingency value should Hubbard miss time.

Shortly after Nwosu agreed to restructure his contract, Schneider revealed that the 28-year-old pass rusher underwent surgery for an undisclosed issue. Perhaps the Seahawks’ willingness to keep Nwosu on the roster is a net positive regarding his expected recovery. Nwosu missed the first four 2024 games due to an August MCL sprain. He returned for Week 5 but was forced from play after suffering a thigh injury. He was then sidelined again until Week 14. Hopefully, Nwosu will be health in time for Week 1.

Sheppard operated as the Buffaloes’ No. 3 wide receiver last season, catching 47-of-65 targets for 616 yards and six touchdowns. He forced 13 missed tackles while averaging 5.0 yards after the catch. Per Wilson, Sheppard registered a 38.5-inch vertical jump at the Big 12 pro day.

The 6-foot, 225-pound Boone made a name for himself at Toledo in 2023, rushing 193 times for 1,384 yards and 15 touchdowns and catching 15-of-18 targets for 216 yards and one touchdown. He forced 52 missed tackles total that year. He then spent the 2024 season at UCF, rushing 34 times for 208 yards and two touchdowns and catching 1-of-2 targets for nine yards. Boone could sneak his way onto a roster via a Day 3 pick or as an undrafted free agent. Both the Buccaneers and Lions would be solid landing spots, given their potent, high-volume rushing attacks.

Conklin has been a model of consistency over the last four years, most recently catching 51-of-67 targets for 449 yards and four touchdowns in 2024. The Chargers have allowed last year’s starter, Hayden Hurst, to test free agency this offseason. Should they sign Conklin, he would ostensibly assume a fantasy-relevant starting role.

Revel is coming off of an ACL tear suffered just three weeks into the 2024 college season. He was a well-regarded Group of Five prospect before that though, having broken out as both a coverage defender and run defender in 2023. In 15 games over the last two seasons, Revel forced 14 incompletions, recorded three interceptions, tallied 66 tackles, five of which were for a loss or no gain, and even lined up as a box defender on 139 snaps.

Carter is a good fit for the Titans. At 29 years old, he is no longer an every-down player, but with Dre’Mont Jones and Arden Key leading the way, Carter should be able to contribute effectively. He totaled seven quarterback pressures and 25 tackles last season.

Fotu is just a rotational defensive lineman who is best suited to playing on early downs. He has 57 tackles, 23 quarterback pressures and four sacks in his five-year NFL career. Fotu spent the 2024 season with the Jets after wearing a Cardinals uniform through the four prior seasons.

According to Schultz, the visit between Diggs and the Patriots “was more of a ‘get to know you’ and ‘where you’re at medically’ type of meeting.” Diggs is still recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in Week 8 last season but had a line of 47-496-3 before his injury. He’ll turn 32 midway through next season, but assuming he’s healthy, Diggs would make for an immediate upgrade to a Patriots offense that’s short on talent at receiver.

Baker was dealt to the Titans last season in a trade with the Seahawks and wound up appearing in five games for them. He appeared in a combined 10 games last season while making eight starts and has started 90 of the 104 games he’s appeared in during his career. Baker totaled 61 tackles, two sacks, and two TFLs last season and can provide valuable snaps for whatever defense he lands on.

The former Titans blocker settled in as a right guard last year after bouncing between the left tackle, left guard and right tackle positions in his tumultuous prior three seasons. Radunz has failed to demonstrate season-to-season consistency in any singular aspect of his game but notably earned a 63.9 PFF pass-blocking grade in 2024. His 4.5 percent quarterback pressure rate allowed is the second-best of his career. Beat reporter Nick Underhill suggests Radunz could be a replacement option for LG Lucas Patrick, who is currently “exploring his options” on the open market.